Photos of Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove say more about this park than I could ever relay in words. It's funky, fun, and HUGE!

The number one comment I hear from visitors is that Atlantis Play Center feels safe because the kids are contained and outsiders can't come in without paying admission.

In fact, the City website states "Adults are not allowed without kids, and kids are not allowed without adults."

Shuree recommended this park to me back in 2009. I'll put Shuree's insider info in italics: This is one of the best parks ever because of its size, ample shade, and famous sea dragon slide. It's been there since I was a kid and it only costs $2 to get in. Adults must be accompanied by children, and children must be accompanied by an adult - so you don't get any creepy people lingering around.

Directions to Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove: The Atlantis Play Center is in Garden Grove Park. It's an expansive public park with playspace of its own. Follow Atlantis Way past the public park until it dead ends in the parking lot. The back wall of Atlantis Play Center is actually the sound wall for the 22 Garden Grove Freeway - so the 22 provides the most direct access. Exit the 22 at either Brookhurst or Magnolia and take Westminster Avenue to the park. From the 405, I would take Brookhurst, turn left onto Westminster Avenue, and right onto Atlantis. [Address: 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove] MAP to Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove

Recommended by: Tiny Oranges in November 2008
Recommended by: Shuree in August 2009

Highlights:

• I love how kids can roam and explore this park. There's something whimsical and unexpected around every corner. The old shade trees make it just a lovely spot to hang out.
• Ocean theme engages kids immediately. Fun rhyming signs accompany each animal.
• Live animals roaming around grounds (we saw a rooster and cats).
• Funky play equipment - something for every age.
• Solitude, privacy, safety are all pluses.
• Great for birthday parties and small playgroups - shell pavilion with King Triton is a reservable space for an undersea-themed birthday party
• Clam shell drinking fountains built into rock.
• Splash Pad is included in the entry fee. Set to open on June 2nd for Summer 2026.
• They even have a snack bar in the summer that serves inexpensive food items.
• It's run by the city of Garden Grove. It's clean, nice, and full of nice families with young kids.
• Baby swings and bench swings

Be Aware:

• Equipment is dated and paint is chipping in some spots - what it lacks in bright/shiny it makes up for in charm.
• CASH ONLY - Entrance fee of $2 (sign on window notes that they don't take bills larger than a $10) - kids 2 and under are free.
• Also a sign reading "no waxed paper" - guess it makes the slides go faster?

• Closed on Mondays and limited hours of operation compared to a traditional park. Once I went there and it was closed. Also, make sure you check the website on the day you go because they sometimes close for private events. They are always posted on the website.
• Sometimes there are large groups of day camp elementary aged kids during the summer.
• Sometimes kids come down the slide too fast and bump into the child in front of them. I usually stand near the bottom when it's my kids' turn to come down.
• For the splash pad, the website says: "**Please call the park ahead of your visit to confirm the splash pad is operating. (714) 892-6015"

Checklist:

• Dedicated free parking lot
• Sand and recycled rubber play surface
• Restrooms near the entrance (decorated with Mermen and Mermaids murals)
• Very large trees provide shade and there is shade cover over picnic areas
• You could easily lose sight of your child here because of its great size - so it's definitely more active supervision. At least it's fenced!
• Very large picnic area
• Splash Pad in the summer. Will open June 2nd for Summer 2026.
• Atlantis Play Center Hours:
  • Regular Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 2pm. Saturday: 10am - 4pm. Sunday: 12pm - 4pm.
  • Summer Hours (Beginning June 2nd, 2026): Tues-Saturday: 10am-4pm. Sunday: 12pm-4pm.
    • Hours of operation are fluid.
    • Please check the official hours.
    • These are the hours listed on the official website.
• Closed on 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and for exclusive events
• Birthday party packages and exclusive rental available
• Check the official Atlantis Play Center website for hours and closures. That page also has a link to their informative Facebook page.
• Visit this KCET article to learn more about the Benjamin Dominguez's creations and legacy.
• Read this OC Weekly article about Reliving the Joy of Atlantis Park with more photos of the location including the splash pad.

Parks nearby Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove:

• Garden Grove Park
• Stanton Central Park

Originally published in November 2008.

The post Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove with the Green Sea Dragon Slide appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

It's not hard to find Orange County things to do in spring outdoors. It's usually beautiful playground weather and this season is full of events.

Thanks to Jill at SandyToesandPopsicles.com for adding in her traditions and adventures to fill out the post with a few events to try which we paired with some of my favorite posts that I tend to share in the spring.

10 Outdoor Things to Do in Spring

It's spring in SoCal. Yes, there might be a preview of summer tourists with the Spring Break crowds but it's still a great time to get outdoors and find places to go and things to do before it gets too hot.

1

Find the Wildflowers

They tend to show up early March and stick around for a little while. We quite a lot of rain early this year and then a crazy heatwave that decimated some of the early green. Now in April it seems to be fading although you can still find small patches.

Go to Blog Post

2

Hike to the Lake

This is a nice hike for families who are just starting out in nature. The trail is rather wide and you don't have to compete with mountain bikes here.

March brings green hills and the amount of rain we get dictates how long they stay. As soon as you see them, start enjoying because you never quite know when it will end! Here is my post about other Places to Go with Green Hills!

Go to Lake Hike Post

3

Spring Photos with the Bunnies

This has become a tradition for some families. Visit the grounds for the photos and maybe extend your visit to the Newport Beach Public Library?

Go to Blog Post

4

Hit the Beach Before the Crowds Come

Spring is the perfect time for beach playgrounds. We can have warmer days in March than we do in June. You know, there's that whole "June gloom" fog and marine layer clouds at the start of summer? So hit the playgrounds in spring.

Go to Blog Post

5

Discover Bluebird Park

Bluebirds are the ultimate sign of spring and this lovely playground is nestled in a special spot near the coast. You'll love the whimsical play equipment and the fact the whole playground is fenced. Can you find the turtle sculpture?

Go to Park Post

6

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza Guide (2026)

Photo Credit: www.sandytoesandpopsicles.com

My longtime blogger friend, Jill, over at Sandy Toes & Popsicles blog usually publishes a whole family guide to this event.

Go to Blog Post

7

Stroll to See the Brea Redwoods

This is another light family hike on a wide dirt trail to see a stand of redwoods at one of our county's best regional parks (Carbon Canyon Regional Park). The hills are green. The wildflowers are out. And sometimes that means the rattlesnakes are out, too. Just check with the rangers at the entrance for an update. Hopefully, it stays cool enough to be on the trail enjoying nature. If you can't get enough of these impressive trees, read my blog post about the 7 Places to See Redwoods in Orange County.

Go to Blog Post

8

Visit the Flower Fields and Agua Hedionda Discovery Center in Carlsbad

The Flower Fields open about the time spring begins. You can make it a play trip by pairing it with a trip to this nearby nature center. Already in early April 2026, the flowers are at peak bloom.

Go to Blog Post

9

See Blossoms and Blooms at Kid Friendly Gardens

Some of our local gardens and farms only require a donation or small fee, but many are free to the public. Get a feeling of spring and take a color walk!

Go to Blog Post

10

Strawberry Fields and Festivals: Sweet Red Goodness For The Picking

We are lucky to live in Southern California where we can find these farms all around.

Go to Tanaka Farms Website

Bonus Spring Outdoor Ideas

• Find a new playground on my park map
• See if you can find some activities that fit you on my Spring Break Activities Away from the Crowds post

The post 10 Orange County Things to Do in Spring appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach near Top of the World overlooks the 133/Laguna Canyon Road.

I'm a pushover for parks with views and, so far, this one tops them all. It wasn't a crystal clear day when we first visited - but you can bet we have been back many times.

We heard about this park from my nephew's T-ball coach who rides his bike to the top of Park Avenue. It would certainly be a challenging climb.

Directions to Alta Laguna Park: From Pacific Coast Highway, turn onto Laguna Avenue which changes into Park Avenue after a block. Follow this steep road past the high school and all the way to the T-intersection at the top of the hill. Turn left to get to the park and you'll see the parking lot on the right. (Park Address: 3300 Alta Laguna Drive, Laguna Beach) MAP to Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach

Use these maps for navigation!

• Get to Alta Laguna Park on Apple Maps
• Get to Alta Laguna Park on Google Maps

Highlights:

• Views of the Great Park and Irvine, Soka University and Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach and the ocean
• Fine, white sand with lots of climbing apparatus - boulders and bridges provide lots of extra fun
• Appropriate play areas for all ages in a natural setting
• Quiet with hiking trails nearby
• Natural Exploration: Take some of the trails off the park and let the kids explore. We hiked up to the Carolyn Wood Knoll and enjoyed the 360 degree view. We could have hiked all the way down the hill to Aliso Viejo.

Be Aware:

• We didn't encounter this on our visit, but my sis and her kids experienced a huge number of gnats on a hotter, humid day. Who knows where they came from?
• This is right on the edge of a wilderness area so I would not be surprised to come upon a rattlesnake on the trail or the occasional coyote.
• Please respect the neighbors and the parking signage. It can get busy up here at sunset time.
• No baby swings.

Checklist:

• Parking in a dedicated lot
• Sand and recycled rubber play surface
• Restrooms very close to playground
• Drinking fountains
• Not a lot of shade, but close to the ocean for sea breezes
• Easy to view kids and there are covered picnic tables right on the playground
• 4 tennis courts
• 6 pickleball courts
• Half basketball court
• Baseball field
• Official Alta Laguna Park site with City of Laguna Beach
• Nearest public library: Orange County Public Library branch in Laguna Beach

Nearby Parks:

• Bluebird Canyon Park
• Moulton Meadows Park
• Laguna Main Beach Playground

The post Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

We pass Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach all the time while driving on Coast Highway between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

Do you know where the Jack in the Box is at the corner of Coast Highway and where you turn onto the Newport Peninsula at Balboa Blvd?

Well, diagonally across that huge intersection is a hill covered with drought tolerant plants. It almost looks like a vacant lot from the street. The only clue that a park sits above this spot is this sign -- and some stairs off Superior and a walking ramp off Coast Highway.

But even in my wildest dreams, I didn't imagine the park treasure that sits on the bluff overlooking the ocean. The sheer scale of it is awesome.

At the high point on the east side of the park, a beautiful butterfly garden complete with pavers in the shape of a monarch.

Then gaze across an expanse of lawn and see the playground and picnic area sitting at the west end of the park.

Directions to Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach: The park is at the corner of Coast Highway and Superior/Balboa Blvd (Superior turns into Balboa Blvd as it crosses Coast Highway).  You'll want to approach the park from Coast Highway, because the parking is actually off the northbound (heading AWAY from the beach) side of Superior. You will need to park in the pay lot and walk across the pedestrian bridge to the park. (Park Address: 4850 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach - which won't get you to the parking lot so look at the map ahead of time!) MAP TO SUNSET RIDGE PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

• I like that it's almost a "secret park" -- it's not visible from the street and I haven't heard many people talk about it
• There's a path that winds all the way around the park and up through a beautiful butterfly garden
• Did I mention views of the ocean? Well, there's views of the ocean and a nice ocean breeze!
• I'm a sucker for the realistic-looking climb-on lizard and frog - not to mention the tree tunnels (how fun are these for kids?)

• The playground is very near the picnic and restroom area
• Wooden log slides and pretty fast green tunnel slide (although it's not too steep)
• Rocks, ladders, and logs for climbing and a bridge on the main part of the playground

• Nice shade covers over the picnic area and to a lesser extent of coverage over the playground
• Follow the footprints around the playground for pretend
• 2 bench swings and 1 baby swing
• The reason why you plant native plants is so that native wildlife has a habitat. I saw this in action near the butterfly garden. I saw all sorts of small birds and other wildlife at this end of the park.

Be Aware:

• Because it's near the beach, it can be cooler than inland locations so make sure you bring a jacket if you think you'll get cold
• There were dogs at the park when I visited first thing in the morning and there was more than one spot on the sidewalk where owners did not pick up the dog waste -- but that will depend on the day.
• Even though you can't see the street here, you can HEAR it. It is a busy intersection below you and there is a constant but low hum from all the traffic.
• It's a bit of a hike to get from the parking lot to the playground - and a pain if you forget something in the car. You need to pay to park in the Superior lot and then walk over the bridge.

Luckily, with the new pedestrian bridge that opened in Fall 2024, you DON'T need to go across a very busy street anymore! We used to have to WATCH those drivers turning right. And you also don't have to walk uphill or upstairs into the park. Even though the ramp made it possible for strollers.

Checklist:

• Recycled rubber and sand play surface
• Parking lot is up Superior a half a block from Coast Highway - it is a pay lot (but machines haven't been installed quite yet)
• Restrooms appear to be locked (and probably are at night) but you don't need a code to get in - they are open 6am-10pm during the day
• Drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations at restroom building, in butterfly garden, and the parking lot
• Soccer field
• Baseball diamond
• 2 charcoal grills
• Picnic area sits just above the playground
• Easy access to beach bike trails
• Convenient restaurants at the corner of Balboa Blvd and Coast Highway near Jack in the Box -- Al Cappuccino Coffee House, a donut shop that serves MUCH more (think breakfast sandwiches and avocado omelettes), and Chronic Tacos breakfasts.
• Official City of Newport Beach web page for Sunset Ridge Park
• Nearest public libraries: Newport Beach Public Library branches

Parks nearby Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach:

• West Newport Park in Newport Beach
• 38th Street Park
• Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park Playground
• Marina Park

Originally published in June 2018.

The post Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Sometimes families face challenges planning their spring break family activities. If you have school-age kids, they're home. If you don't then you're fighting crowds to do the things you normally do without competing with the droves of school kids.

Here are 9 ideas for spring break activities away from the crowds. Check out my little inspirational video to get you going!

I have a particularly vivid memory of driving the kids to Legoland during spring break -- only to wait an HOUR to get into the park with cars lined up from the freeway. Then we waited an hour and a half to get on one ride! Who waits an hour and a half for a 30 second Legoland ride?  It was all too much and even the kids decided they wanted to head home.

So what CAN you do? Away from the crowds?

9 Spring Break Family Activities Away from the Crowds

#1 Explore on a mission.

You can do activities similar to Junior Rangers at places like Muth Interpretive Center (closed Mondays) and the scavenger hunt at Mary's Trail at Nix Nature Center.

The Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve is a state park with a Junior Ranger program.

We also have a Jr. Ranger program right here in Orange County through OC Parks.

#2 Do one fun thing a day.

Tackle some of the One Fun Thing suggestions from Alii.  There are five ideas. Pick one for each day M-F.

#3 Try a new library and get a library card.

Visit a new branch of the Orange County Public Library. I have a whole blog post about all 50+ Public Libraries in Orange County. I'm always on the hunt for different collections and each library has different displays and reading rooms.

Or take a trip to one of these amazing libraries: the Huntington Beach Central Library and its children's wing. Or the City of Orange Public Library. Or the beautiful new Yorba Linda Public Library.

Or walk through the Newport Beach Civic Center paths that bring you to the central branch of the Newport Beach Public Library. You get the idea - try someplace new.

And don't forget to check out the Friends of the Library book stores!

#4 Stay at home one day.

With all the normal rushing around, staying at home can actually be a treat. Let them stay in pajamas. Read some of those library books together.

Explore your own yard or patio, no matter how small. 

Pull out the magnifying glass or binoculars to see things near and far.

Have a picnic outside your house.

Do NOT go anywhere in your car.

If your energy is low, you might find some amusement getting tips about  "Games to Play with Your Child in Which You Barely Have to Move or Talk" from The Ugly Volvo (which I don't recommend on a regular basis - but cracks me up since we've ALL had these days!).

#5 Try a new nature activity.

Check out this incredible list of Outdoor Learning and Nature Activities for Kids by Nell at Rhythms of Play.

#6 Plant something.

A bulb? Some flowers? Seeds. I'm thinking of an herb garden. Take a trip to your local nursery and make a day of it.

I guess my parents did a lot of planting, because I remember spending a lot of time hanging around our local nursery looking at all the trees, flowers, water fountains, and wind chimes.

Start with tomatoes and sunflowers -- and ask at your local plant nursery for advice.

#7 Spend time with family.

Back in 2010, I had the pleasure of spending part of Spring Break with my 99 year old grandma and watch her play with her great grandkids. What an amazing experience -- especially since she passed away before the following spring at 100 years old. We spent a number of spring breaks since then with my husband's grandfather who just passed away at 95. The connections and fun we had just sitting and having conversations in the garden were priceless.

If you have an opportunity to get together at a family gathering - how about asking each family member, young and old, about their favorite play memories? I've heard the best family stories this way - stories I've never heard before in the family lore. (Watch for the glint in their eyes as they tell you about all the trouble they got into!)

#8 Make a nature connection.

I bet you haven't been to all 17+ nature centers in and around Orange County. Try one, then talk to a volunteer or ranger to see if they can recommend a nearby family-friendly nature walk.

#9 Try a new playground.

Look at my playground map and find someplace you've never been. Each marker links back to a blog post about the park for more info. I even have a list of all the new playgrounds in Orange County in the past 3 years!

This one is Marina Park in Newport Beach. My video also shows Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea and Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo.

Bonus

Ken Finch of Green Hearts Institute for Nature in Childhood has a 20 page booklet called A Parent's Guide to Nature Play with information not only for why you should be playing in nature, but with ideas for what to do when you get there. Or if you really want a ton of suggestions, try Richard Louv's book Vitamin N which has 500 activity ideas.

So now you know there are alternatives to crowded theme parks and bustling beaches. Whatever you do, hope you have fun and enjoy playing together!

Originally posted in April 2010. Updated every year.

The post 9 Ideas for Spring Break Family Activities Away From The Crowds appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Orange County Splash Parks and Water Play (including Free Fountains, Splash Pads, Waterslides, and Hotels with Water Features)

Always check official sources for the upcoming Summer 2026 to see if the splash park you want to visit is open. Reservations may be required!

One of Fun Orange County Parks' regular readers asked about local "spray parks" for water play - and even gave some suggestions herself. 

I keep hearing that Southern California, especially OC, lacks splash pads. My only explanation is our proximity to the beach and the good weather which allows us to make our own splash parks at home with sprinklers.

Spring 2026 Open Orange County Splash Pads

Finding Orange County splash pads open during a heatwave in MARCH is not that easy, since they are mostly a Memorial Day through Labor Day thing. Here's a short list for spring that might help! There are only a couple that are open year-round.

• Irvine Spectrum splash pad by the carousel (FREE)
• Heritage Park in Irvine (FREE) - ever since we posted this on 3/13/26 it has been on again and off again.
• Irvine Adventure Playground (FREE) has a little water play area with water coming out of a rock fountain, but not anything like a splash pad.
• The District at Tustin Legacy (FREE) - just posted on 4/8/26 that their splash pad is in operation again! Hurray. It's been years.

For April Spring Break

• San Clemente Aquatics Water Play Structure (day passes available for residents of San Clemente $4/$8 or non-residents $9/$13)
  • Saturdays and during Spring Break
  • Each child in the water needs to be within arms reach of an adult.
  • All participants must be a minimum of 36" tall to ride water slides.
• Laguna Niguel Sprayground at Crown Valley Park (FREE - only open for a limited time in spring during Spring Break from April 4th to April 12th, 2026)
• Yorba Linda Adventure Playground (FREE, but reservations may be required)
  • Reservations required on weekends
  • Waterslide and splashpad closed on WINTER schedule (Jan 2nd-Apr 5th)
  • Closes early April 3rd
  • Completely closed April 4th & 5th
  • SPRING schedule when the splashpad opens starts April 6th with Spring Break (waterslide open) listed as April 6th-10th. Otherwise, the waterslide is closed weekdays on the Spring schedule.
• Of course, this is more costly (but if you have a membership?) Legoland California Water Park in Carlsbad and will be open every day from March 21st through April 19th for Spring Break crowds. And then weekends in May leading up to June. (San Diego area)

The water feature at the turtle fountains sometimes works (rarely, but it happens!) at Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills.

Summer 2026 - Opening dates coming soon

This is an ongoing list that I have been keeping updated since 2008! Some have been updated for 2026. Some are still listed with 2025 info as I await the new schedules.

Whenever in doubt, contact the location directly to confirm hours and function. Splash pads have a reputation to not always work! Always have a Plan B! You can promise play time, but not working water features. It's a great opportunity to teach flexibility and patience. You can always bring a spray bottle to a regular park and use it to keep the kids cool. Instant water play!

Here are links to a few splash pad options if you are looking to get wet this summer:

FREE SPLASH FOUNTAINS

Look for these splash pads and spray parks to open for summer around Memorial Day. I will make note if they are open more year-round.

Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County

To start let's look at this list of FREE splash fountains.

Heritage Park in Irvine with Water Play Fountains

One of my personal favorites for how simple it is. Open more year-round than other splash pads.

Go to Park Post

Crown Valley Park Splash Pad

It's a park and and splash pad or "sprayground" across from the YMCA in Laguna Niguel.

Open Spring Break from April 4th to April 12th, 2026.

For Summer: Open on May 23rd, 2026. Will be open daily 10am-4pm. Through Labor Day, on Monday, September 7th.

Go to Park Post

Splashy Play at Irvine Spectrum

This one is more year-round and conveniently located near the carousel and Target.

Go to Blog Post

Veterans Sports Park at Tustin Legacy

This one usually runs 11am-5pm daily during the summer months starting Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Push the blue button to get it running. Tustin Parks and Recreation sometimes expands the splash pad hours through mid-September.

Go to Park Post

Stanton Central Park and Splash Pad

This awesome splash pad opened in June 2016 with a water play area and railroad themed playground. Should be open Noon-5pm starting Memorial Day weekend for Summer 2025. Closing after Labor Day. Call ahead to make sure it's running before you go. Here is the official website.

Go to Park Post

Brio Park and Splash Pad in La Habra

Brio Park splash pad in La Habra is right across the street from the Children's Museum at La Habra. It's nice and shaded with some whimsical and colorful features. Opening Memorial Day weekend. The hours are 11am-6pm, seven days per week. (You can even rent them from 10am-11am and 6pm-7pm for $75 per time slot.)

Go to Park Post

Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park

Not an official splash pad, but there is water play from a little fountain at Irvine Adventure Playground.

Go to Blog Post

Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

This park has a very small splash park that's on during the summer. It's right off the parking lot in a small walled off area. Open for summer starting Memorial Day from 11am-5pm. Tustin splash pads open through Labor Day.

Go to Park Post

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park & Splash Pad

Rancho Santa Margarita Splash Pad at Central Park opened to the public in 2022. I have a post on the playground that is attached to it at RSM Central Park. It opened for Summer 2025 starting early May! It is sometimes down for maintenance, but there is a great playground there and library across the street so there is always something else to do.

Go to Park Post

Splash Pad outside Cerritos Library

I always include Cerritos Library in my lists because even though it is in LA County, it is really close for North OC families to visit. There is a small water play fountain that I love outside the library where the kids can get splashy with dolphins.

Go to Library Website

More FREE splash pads not featured on this blog:

• The Splash Pad in Westminster's Sigler Park is open WEEKENDS (May 23rd-June 7th) and DAILY (June 13th - Sept 7th) for Summer 2026 between the hours of 12pm-5pm in the past, they've closed from 2-2:30pm for maintenance. The splash pad is at the corner of a large rectangular park area right off the main boulevard. Sometimes, they expand to be open extended dates in September.
• Fullerton actually has an info page about their spray pools.
  • Lemon Park Spray Pool at Maple Neighborhood Center in Fullerton used to be a sparse playground with old equipment, although the water play area hasn't changed much the surrounding playground has newer equipment. It's near the Fullerton AMC and Costco. Open during summer.
  • Adlena Park
  • Valencia Park
  • Downtown Plaza - this one is open daily in summer from 10 a.m. to sunset.
• Go Park Play reported that the water feature at Alton Park in Lake Forest/Foothill Ranch runs on Saturday mornings only. See her post about it.
• Frontier Park in Tustin spray ground "features a state of the art recirculation system and special water conserving spray nozzles that ensures no wasteful water consumption." Usually opens Memorial Day and remains open 7 days/week through Labor Day from 11am-5pm.
• For Anaheim, there's Ponderosa Park (OC Register story from June 2018) AND Mira Loma Park & Splash Pad. Open for the season starting on Memorial Day weekend.

Other splash pads:

• Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove - Splash pad usually open during summer except for the weeks when they are running summer camp inside the park. Will update when I get opening info for Summer 2026. Costs $2 to get in. There is a notation on the website that says: "*Please note, the splash pad may be closed intermittently for unforeseen maintenance work. If you would like to confirm operation before you arrive, please call us at (714) 892-6015 once the park is open to check the status of the splash pad for that day."
• Yorba Linda Adventure Playground opened in April 2023 and it has a splash pad, plus waterslide. I have not promoted this a lot because the hours are pretty complicated and unpredictable when it comes to figuring out the splash pad vs. the waterslide + weekdays vs. weekends + reservations needed vs. no reservations needed and whether you are a resident (can reserve a week ahead) or non-resident (can only reserve 2 days ahead).
  • It's really important to check the official Yorba Linda Adventure Playground website for exact hours and procedures for reservations for residents and non-residents and always check before you go!.
  • A spring weekday when no reservations are needed is probably your best bet for playing at the splash pad (but the waterslide will be closed).
  • Pay special attention to days where there may be Modified Hours of Operation or Closures for the site. Right now, these are the closures listed:
    • Friday, April 3rd: Closes early at 3pm
    • Saturday, April 4th & Sunday, April 5th: CLOSED
  • Reservations are required during summer for VERY limited hours on weekdays when summer camp is in session (historically, there used to be NO summer access for the times when summer camp was in session so this is actually an improvement to access).
  • For mid-June through mid-August -- Adventure Playground Summer Camp will utilize the entire site Monday to Friday until 5 p.m. which means no public access during those hours.
• Harry M. Dotson Park in Stanton - I haven't been promoting this option since there was a tragic shooting midday on a Saturday in Spring 2023 right outside the park that resulted in the death of a father of five. But in case you are familiar and local, this could be an option if you are comfortable going? It is scheduled to be open 12pm-5pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Whittier in LA County is closer to some of the north OC cities than south OC, so check out the info on Whittier's splash pads and fountains.

*Boomer's Buccaneer Cove, at the end of that video, is no longer in operation.

Always check the city or original source to make sure the parks are open. Sometimes they turn off the water without notice.

PAY FOR WATER PLAY

I've never been, but the City of La Mirada Buccaneer Bay (Splash!) will be open for Summer 2026 beginning Memorial Day weekend on May 16th (for season passholders) and May 23rd for the rest of the public. Open through Labor Day and then Saturdays in September. It gets the best reader comments:

"We visited Splash in La Mirada on Saturday and “OH MY GOODNESS” it was sooo much fun!"  (-Lisa)

"We visited La Mirada (all the way from Lake Forest) today – there’s nowhere we won’t drive! It was definitely worth it. The ‘common pool’ area in the middle is free, parking is free, my 2 year old son was free. That’s a bargain in exchange for the cost of gas. I like that locker rental only cost 50 cents and that you can swim for free or enter Buccaneer Bay for a fee. I thought that cost of the Bay was reasonable for all they had to offer. Can’t wait to go again sometime." (-Heather)

Season passes are $65-$70 and day tickets are $22/$27/$32.

Newport Dunes Inflatable Water Playground & Water Sport Rentals - Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (May 22nd, 2026 through August 31st). For Summer 2026 - a reservation system is in place and your admission is valid for "One Hour Only, No Full Day access!" Price is $19-$25 per person per hour. Walk-ins are still allowed, but they warn that time slots will sell out. This is also recommended for kids over 5 years old.

The Adventure Lagoon Anaheim Water Park just came on the scene in Summer 2021. It was open for last summer season May 23rd, 2025 through September 28th, 2025.

Other Southern California Water Theme Parks:

• Wild Rivers Waterpark inside Irvine Great Park opened for the first time in Summer 2022 and season passes for Summer 2026 are selling now. Generally open mid-May -end of September. Great toddler/kids areas are Cook's Cove, Kontiki Cove, and Castaway River. I wrote a HUGE Family Guide on everything you need to know to go play there. (NEEDS UPDATING for 2026!)
• Knott's Berry Farm Soak City, Buena Park - Opening for the season from May 16th through September 7th, 2026.
• Sea World's Sesame Place in Chula Vista (San Diego area) - formerly Sea World's Aquatica. Open daily from March 27th through April 5th, 2026 for Spring Break and then weekends in April & May before opening for the summer on Memorial Day Weekend.
• Legoland California Water Park is in Carlsbad and they also have a splash pad area in the Lego Movie World section of the park. The regular water park will be open during March and April for Spring Break crowds. And then weekends in May leading up to June. (San Diego area)
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers Basecamp - also a splash pad by the gondolas. Looks so fun! First opened Spring 2022.
• The Wave Water Park, Vista - opens Memorial Day weekend and they have a printable calendar for the 2026 season. (San Diego area)
• Hurricane Harbor, Valencia (LA area) - open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Raging Waters, San Dimas (LA area) - opens for weekends starting May 9th, 2026.

SMALLER SCALE WATER PLAY FOR LOCALS

• Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center and Pool with Splash Pad
• San Clemente Aquatics and Vista Hermosa Sports Park (pictured with green slide above)
• Go to different cities for recreational swim (see pool list below!)
• Join the YMCA to take part in swim lessons or rec swim
• Montanoso Recreation Center in Mission Viejo (splash pad) and Sierra Recreation Center (waterslide) have day use fees or recreation memberships for residents and non-residents.

More Info on Community Pools and Public Swim Programs

There are a number of cities with aquatics programs and some have community pools and public swim or "rec swim" programs - either year-round or summer only. You will need to consult these city websites for official information.

• Aliso Viejo Aquatics info
• Anaheim pools info
• Brea Plunge pool info
• Buena Park aquatics & pool info
• Costa Mesa pool info
• Garden Grove pool info
• Huntington Beach pool info
• Irvine aquatics & pool info
• La Habra pool info
• La Palma pool info
• Laguna Beach pool info
• Laguna Niguel aquatics
• Los Alamitos aquatics info
• Mission Viejo - Recreation Center Memberships (Montanoso/Sierra) or pay day use fees for pool
• City of Newport Beach aquatics
• Placentia rec swim at Whitten Community Center & Gomez Community Center (info on pg 14 of the Palm Quarterly)
• San Clemente Aquatics Center and Ole Hanson Beach Club info
• Santa Ana aquatics info
• Seal Beach aquatics info

Again, you may have to pay a non-resident fee vs. the resident fee if you don't have to live in the city where you'd like to participate in the activities.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOTELS WITH WATER PLAY

It's useful to remember that this list is ONLY waterslides or water parks AT hotels — meaning (in most cases) you must be a registered guest and staying at the hotel to enjoy the amenities.

ResortPass is one way to gain access to some hotels by paying for the day without having to pay for an overnight stay. See if the hotel you have in mind is listed!

• Slyder's Water Playground at Hyatt Huntington Beach (OC)
• Waterfront Beach Resort Hilton in Huntington Beach (OC)
• Splash Landing Pools and Family Sandy Beach at La Costa Resort (North San Diego County)
• Waterslides at Hyatt Mission Bay Spa & Marina (San Diego)
• Family Pool at the Grand Pacific Palisades in Carlsbad (North San Diego County)
• Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk (San Diego - Escondido)
• Splashtopia at Rancho Las Palmas Resort (Palm Springs)
• Children’s Pool at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa (Palm Springs Area)
• Chuckwalla Slide and Family Pool at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge I – The Villages (Palm Springs Area)
• Mirage Pool at The Westin Desert Willow Villas (Palm Springs Area)
• Monorail Pool at the Disneyland Hotel (OC)
• Redwood Pool at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort (OC)
• Rooftop pool at Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel (OC)
• Surfside Waterpark at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance (OC)
• Castaway Cove at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Hotel Anaheim (OC)
• Waterpark at Cambria Hotel & Suites in Anaheim (OC)
• Kids Splash & Play at Renaissance Club Sport Hotel in Aliso Viejo (OC)
• Children's Splash Zone at Laguna Cliffs Marriott (OC)
• Pool with kids activity area at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (OC)
• Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove indoor water park (OC)
• Resort Pool and Splash Zone at Terranea Resort (LA area)

What did I miss? Please help me keep this list up-to-date. I've been maintaining it every summer SINCE 2008!

BEACHES:

Don't forget the BEACH! Kids can splash in the surf without going all the way in the water. Hold their hands and cool your toes, too. I have a ton of suggestions with details under my Beach category. And I wrote about the Best Toddler Beaches with no waves.

Originally published in Summer 2008.

The post Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park & Splash Pad just became a more summer-friendly location because of the splash pad. However, if you are just going to the park it can get rather hot. 

I speak from experience - I think it was 95 degrees on the day I took photos and met my blogging friend, Kara-Noel. 

I always get turned around when I head to Rancho Santa Margarita, but go enough and you'll start to learn your way to the town's center.

Directions to Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita: I usually take Alicia to Santa Margarita Parkway. You will turn right onto El Paseo. You can either park in the shopping area between Kohl's and the library. Or you can turn left on La Miranda and pull into the Bell Tower parking lot. I parked on the street closer to the playground. (Address: 30842 La Miranda, Rancho Santa Margarita)  Playground MAP TO RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA CENTRAL PARK

Use these maps for navigation!

• Get to RSM Central Park on Apple Maps
• Get to RSM Central Park on Google Maps

Recommended by: #1 Robin and #2 Jenny:  The first mom to recommend this park to me had a PLAN.

Robin told me to go to the park early, before it gets hot. When the kids are good and worn out you can check out books across the street at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library and head to a nearby restaurant for a treat. 

Jenny pointed me in this direction so I could add it to my list of train parks. Thanks for the great tips!

Highlights:

Big kid structure looks like it has lily pads growing above it. Lends itself to "bug" play. There is a cool crawling tunnel and a variety of slides.

The huge bank of swings (4 bench and 2 baby) sits near the big kid structure.

Train is a definite highlight with multiple boxcars.

Lots of options for younger kids with the train and structure for 2 -5 year olds.

Fun blue-netted spider web climber! I even like climbing these.

As always, my kids liked to play OFF the playground the best. There's a great hill for "adventuring" and the amphitheater is perfect for impromptu shows.

Nice shade from tall sycamore trees - unfortunately it's off the playground.

Picnic tables are mostly shaded. Lots of benches surrounding the park.

Visit the library (part of OCPL system) and even the Friends of the Library bookstore -- just across the street.

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park Splash Pad - New as of April 2022

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park is the latest park to get a splash pad which is open from 10am to 6pm daily during summer months.

Check the Official Rancho Santa Margarita splash pad web page for up-to-date information. I don't know if this is true for RSM, but I can tell you that splash pads are not reliably ON during posted hours. They are sometimes closed for maintenance or other reasons.

This splash pad is described by the city as a:

"Zero-depth water park features custom sprayers, bubblers, dumping buckets, and misters. In addition to ample seating and shade canopies, amenities include a tempered shower and onsite restrooms. 

A custom mountain facade screens the building and provides aesthetic continuity while reflecting the beauty of Saddleback mountain, the majestic backdrop of our beautiful City."

Be Aware:

• All Rancho Santa Margarita parks are run by SAMLARC which, according to the city website, means: "While most of the parks are open to the general public, SAMLARC and the other HOAs (where applicable) may have specific restrictions on use or require keyed access of some amenities."
• Slides and sand are HOT on hot days.
• Lots of play choices, but I know if my kids were toddlers they'd be drawn to the tallest points with the steepest drops.
• I call this a "run around" park. There's central seating area where you could probably see the kids everywhere - but it was full and I wanted to stick to the shade. If you like to have visual contact with your kids then it'd be a little tough here.
• This park is a central community park and there are often scheduled community events here (concerts, festivals, etc.) - so just be aware there might be crowds when you are not expecting them.

Checklist:

• Park on the street or in dedicated parking lot
• Mostly recycled rubber (It gets HOT in the summer!) with some sand
• Bring sand toys and even spray water bottles to cool off.
• Restrooms (key code needed) and drinking fountains near the playground. If no one pities you and to let you into the park restroom, the library is very nearby.
• "SAMLARC" stands for Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Registration Corporation. They are responsible for parks, events, and landscaping in RSM.
• SAMLARC Park Info with another page featuring RSM hiking trails
• Official City of Rancho Santa Margarita park information

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Irvine Regional Park is located in Orange, but you'll pass through Tustin, Irvine, and Orange as you climb Jamboree to reach this massive regional park. I even filed it under all three cities since it's close to them all and worth a little extra drive.

You can get in with your OC Parks annual pass or pay $3 at the gate on weekdays ($5 on weekends or more on holidays). You'll find the scoop on the FOUR playgrounds in this blog post - plus all the other fun things for families to do at Irvine Regional Park.

Directions to Irvine Regional Park in Orange County, CA: Follow Jamboree Road east to where it dead ends. You'll need to go through an entrance kiosk and pay to park. (Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange) PLAYGROUND MAP to Irvine Regional Park in Orange

Use these maps for navigation!

• Get to Irvine Regional Park on Apple Maps
• Get to Irvine Regional Park on Google Maps

Playgrounds at Irvine Regional Park

FOUR playgrounds within one park!

You will probably need to look at the Park Map as you go through the playground descriptions below, but I have tried to make it easy and matched it up with the map from August 2024.

This park would be my pick for a fall/winter/spring birthday party - it has bathrooms and reservable picnic areas with grills. (The private Irvine Park Railroad also offers birthday party packages).

Playground Near the Entrance - Park in Lot B

My favorite play area is visible as you are coming in the entrance (park in Lot B). Love the large boulders accenting play area.

4 big kid and 2 baby swings.

Zip track and lots of slides.

The newest addition is a HUGE Group Picnic Area called Falcon Flats.

Playground Nearest Outdoor Education Center - Park in Lot C

Learn to ride bikes near play area by Sycamore Hill. Start on the grassy hill and continue in the parking lot.

This play area has swings, too.

Zip tracks and monkey bars.

On Tuesdays, the Farmer's Market is right next to this playground from 9am-1pm.

Small Playground Near Zoo and Lake - Park in Lot U

Smallest play area near Squirrel Square Group Picnic Area and parking Lot U.

This one is closest to the zoo and lake.

But no swings here - just fun little ride-on spring animals.

Playground at the Far End of the Park - Park in Lot M or Lot R

The last play area is tucked in a wooded area between parking lot M and R.

You'll have to walk in from either lot. On the map, this shows as two playgrounds, but I count it as one because you can park once and access both.

2 baby swings and 4 big kid swings.

This is also the location of the fitness equipment for working out outdoors.

Lake at Irvine Regional Park

The lakes and waterfalls provide unique opportunities for family photos.

There is also Wheel Fun Rentals where you can rent paddle boats to go out on the lake.

And the lake is stocked with fish for those who like to do that!

Going to the OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park

This is such a favorite destination! It's cheap - only $2 for everyone, except ages 2 and under are free. The animals are mostly rescues and mostly wildlife that you can see in nature in Orange County. There's also a petting zoo area.

In 2022, the OC Zoo was updated with a new Large Mammal Exhibit for cougars and a jaguar.

Visit Irvine Park Railroad at Irvine Regional Park

Irvine Park Railroad is a nice outing any time of year for the sweet little train ride. But they really amp things up for holidays! There are annual events like the Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Train. You can visit for free and walk the grounds, but they charge for the activity booths and train rides.

The Christmas Train features a train ride to the North Pole to visit Santa. It's fun to be at the park on a chilly December night and drink hot chocolate in the dark.

Surrey Cart and Paddle Boat Rides at Irvine Regional Park

There's a snack bar near the zoo and Wheel Fun Rentals rents out surrey carts and paddleboats from this location.

Nature Center at Irvine Regional Park

If you're lucky, you'll get there on a weekend or when there are volunteers to staff the nature center. There are lots of hands-on activities for kids and educational displays about our local natural history. The last time we visited, the center was open from 11:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday -- and sometimes during those hours on weekdays if they have a volunteer.

This nature center is also on my list of 17+ Family-Friendly Nature Centers in Orange County!

Exercise Course at Irvine Regional Park

There is a full bank of exercise equipment near the last playgrounds in between Lot M and Lot R.

Be Aware:

• Parking can be hard to come by when there are special events with LONG lines of cars extended far out of the park onto Jamboree!  So bring your patience and try to get there early. During October, they have a $10 parking option 1 mile away at Santiago Canyon College where you actually need to walk into the park from there -- no shuttles.
• Get a map at the entrance to locate the play areas and reference the numbered parking lots.

Checklist:

• Multiple lots ($3-$5 per entry into park, except more on holidays)
• Bark play surface at most playgrounds, although some have switched to recycled rubber
• Drinking fountains at each play area
• Bathrooms at each playground and near picnic areas
• Plenty of shade with large trees surrounding the playgrounds
• Easy to supervise kids at each playground with tons of room to roam
• King of all picnic parks! Grills and picnic tables everywhere for large or small groups.
• Trash cans nearer to parking lots than play areas.
• Great for wildlife viewing - look for peacocks roaming the park.
• OC Zoo charges $2/person (kids 2 and under are free) - Restrooms inside the zoo and inside the zoo parking lots. Try the Scavenger Hunt brochure available at the ticket booth for school-age readers - finish it and get a prize.
• Park opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. (Fall and Winter Hours) or closes at 9 p.m. (Spring and Summer Hours).
• Official OCParks.com page for Irvine Park
• Find other nearby parks in my Central OC Parks and Playgrounds index

Privately-owned enterprises charging their own fees - but located inside the park:

• Irvine Park Railroad ($8 activity tickets - more for special events)
• Pony rides - only Tues through Sun ($8 per child, cash only) - closed Mondays
• Horse trail rides (Country Trails & Riding School - $85-$185)

Originally published November 2008.

The post Irvine Regional Park=4 Playgrounds + 1 Zoo + 1 Railroad + 1 Lake + Lots of Ponies appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Are you looking for kid-friendly farm and garden outings around Southern California?

I remember being allowed to wander through botanic gardens on my own. I guess my mom was probably watching, but my eyes were facing forward and I was an explorer in a new world! 

What was around the next bend? What exotic plants made up this new landscape? 

There are places in Orange County that I bring my kids for those same experiences of wonder.

Keep reading to find my lists of Kid-Friendly Farms and Gardens in San Diego and LA counties at the end of this post!

Orange County Kid-Friendly Farms & Gardens

Fullerton Arboretum has community gardens to see, along with fruit-bearing trees and hidden paths.

Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar is very small, but their Discovery Garden is a highlight for kids to smell and touch plants. This one is better for school age kids rather than toddlers. If you have older kids who love taking photos -- it's paradise! 2026 PLEASE NOTE: Garden is undergoing a major renovation/improvement. You might not have full access to all the areas during a visit at this time, but you can always call ahead to see where they are at on the day you are planning to visit.

Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab is open Tues-Sun from 10am to 3pm - and still has free admission. (The Great Park carousel charges admission fees.) Pair with playing at the Bosque Playground or Great Park Playground and ride on the carousel.

Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa has lots of animals, but how about the farm?  It's set up in a whimsical way where kids can learn their vegetables and see what they look like on the plant.

The Niguel Botanical Preserve is another favorite at Crown Valley Community Park behind the YMCA on Crown Valley Parkway.

Tanaka Farm in Irvine is known for its U-Pick Tours for spring strawberries, summer watermelon, and veggie cookout -- plus their annual Pumpkin Patch. Each visit is a farm experience with a fee for entrance and then whatever you end up paying for any produce you buy. The organized tours can cost up around $27-$29, and the limited produce picked on the tour is included. They also have a second location near South Coast Plaza called Hana Field.

Manassero Farms near Irvine Valley College in Irvine is also doing U-Pick for $16/person and that includes 1 lb. of strawberries. Look for spring dates!

And you can also visit South Coast Farms for U-Pick in the spring out near Caspers Wilderness Park beyond San Juan Capistrano.

Like the idea of strawberries? I have a post about strawberry fields and festivals, too.

Walking the grounds at Santa Ana Zoo is similar to walking the grounds of botanical gardens. It's a beautiful oasis in the middle of an urban area. It's just magical.

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is just across the Orange County line near Long Beach. It's part farm and part garden and so much fun to explore.

I've personally been to all these gardens, so if you have any questions then I'm happy to answer! I've also been further afield to these farms and gardens in LA and San Diego counties. Bookmark this page because I'll be adding to it!

Los Angeles Area Kid-Friendly Farms & Gardens

• Descanso Gardens in La Cañada-Flintridge (requiring spring 2026 reservations for non-members visiting to see the tulips and cherry blossoms)
• The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino
• California Botanic Gardens in Claremont
• South Coast Botanical Gardens in Palos Verdes Peninsula
• The Arboretum - Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
• Montane Botanic Garden and Children's Discovery Center in Oak Glen (Yucaipa)
• The Getty Center (West LA)
• Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store

San Diego Kid-Friendly Farms & Gardens

• San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas
• Alta Vista Botanical Gardens in Vista
• San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (zoos, but also botanic gardens!)
• Kit Carson Park in Escondido (home to Iris Sankey Arboretum and Queen Califia's Circle)
• Balboa Park Trails & Gardens

Finally, there are a couple of gardens that I've been to that aren't AS kid-friendly as the ones I've listed above -- but that's strictly my personal opinion. But that doesn't mean they aren't worth visiting with teens or on a date night.

Not-So-Kid-Friendly

• California Scenario Noguchi Sculpture Garden in Costa Mesa
• The Getty Villa in Malibu

What to Do When You Get to the Gardens

• Lay out any rules before you even go in.  We use "eyes only" to prevent any picking from the gardens.
• Let your child take the lead. Where do they want to go?  What do they want to see?  Let them go at their own pace and show you around.
• Don't forget to look up into the trees.  Look at things from close-up and from far away.
• Make sure you have plenty of time to explore so you don't feel rushed.
• Make your garden trip a color walk and have your child point out all the colors they see. We even did this at the Getty Center gardens up in LA. You can photograph them and make a special book of your day.

Originally published in April 2013.

The post 7+ Kid-Friendly Farm and Garden Outings appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

In Orange County, wildflowers tend to bloom starting in March.

In general, expect to see wildflower blooms from March-May. Not all spots are kid-friendly because some require long car rides, super steep or remote trails, or desert locations.

The 2026 wildflower bloom has already been happening since February in little patches because of the rain we got this year. Always respect the trails and make sure they are dry before heading out.

The media likes to blow wildflower bloom potential up into "SUPERBLOOM" status. Really? I get excited when I see ONE wildflower. It doesn't take much to get me excited about it. That's why wildflower sightings are "good" for me no matter what's happening weather-wise! I appreciate any flower I get to see.

Most of my photos in this post are impressive springs of years past when I was actively out exploring the wildflowers. But I've found little patches every year no matter what the rain situation happens to be.

Where to Find Wildflowers

You can find wildflowers all around in a good bloom year. In mid-February 2017, we drove to San Diego and the poppies were already covering the hills around Camp Pendleton with swathes of their signature golden color. It looked like someone came along and painted the green hills with artful blankets of orange paint.

I was lucky enough to attend a media tour of wildflowers that same year and while I only spotted a few purple lupines on the trail -- I saw whole hillsides filled with these flowers on the way to the tour just driving along Jamboree Road. Hint: Look for purple lupines off Jamboree on the way to Irvine Regional Park. Those lupines are a good indicator to me about when things are starting to bloom and what the season might look like!

This is what a bunch of California Poppies looks like from a distance.

This year, in 2026, I'm already seeing the yellow bush sunflowers in bloom.

Your best bet before heading out is to consult these websites for up-to-date info. However, you could travel out to the desert to still see them -- it's just not as kid-friendly with a long car drive and not a lot of services available (restaurants, restrooms, etc.) in the desert.

Here are the best sources for finding up-to-date information about wildflowers:

• Thomas Payne Foundation Wildflower Hotline (popular phone hotline with PDF past report archive of each report that has photos and links). Starts March 6th, 2026!
• Anza-Borrego Desert Blooms (map up for 2026)
• DesertUSA Wildflower Reports (online photos of local spots with wildflowers by date showing wildflowers up already!)
• California Department of Parks and Recreation has a dedicated 2026 Spring Flower Bloom page with news that they are: "This spring season, California State Parks expects a moderate-to-strong wildflower bloom across desert state parks, thanks to widespread rainfall during the fall and winter seasons. Depending on the park and timing, visitors may see sand verbena, desert poppies, primroses, desert sunflowers and apricot mallow, among other flowers."
• In 2017, Josh from CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com posted about Where to See Wildflowers in Chino Hills State Park which is listed on many of the wildflower hotline sites. Their Instagram account will have wildflower updates for 2026 - so follow along on the ChinoHillsStatePark Instagram.
• Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve (website lists their site-specific wildflower hotline) and it even has a "PoppyCam" Live Feed. The Preserve didn't even officially open until March 1st.
• Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet (website has map of wildflower trail plus a great pdf for identifying wildflowers) will hopefully open for walking the trails once the flowers get in bloom. There is no info on their website about whether the wildflower trail is open or not. It can be crowded here and entrance fees are charged.
• Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore has been a popular spot in the past. As of a 2023 press briefing -- Walker Canyon was CLOSED and I imagine they will do the same every year going forward.
  • Access to Lake Elsinore / Walker Canyon wildflower bloom is usually limited due to impacts on the community (traffic and those people going off trail and not obeying rules).  If you saw photos of friends in the poppies from 2017, it was probably near Lake Elsinore off the I-15 at Lake but that offramp was CLOSED in 2019 on weekends or when there was congestion.
  • This is info was directly from the 2023 press release:
    • "Walker canyon trail CLOSED to all visitors."
    • "Parking in and around Walker Canyon are CLOSED."
    • "Walker Canyon Road access at Lake Street is CLOSED."
    • "CHP requests that motorists keep the freeway shoulders open. The freeway shoulders are for emergency situations only."
    • "RSO will be citing and towing vehicles parked illegally."

Felicia at EverydayAdventureFam.com wrote some amazingly detailed posts with beautiful photos of what a superbloom of wildflowers CAN look like from 2019. You can read up on her trips and tips for bringing the kids to see the wildflowers at Spring Blooms in Southern California (March 2019) and Carrizo Plains and Antelope Valley (April 2019). In 2024, they went to Diamond Valley Lake and it looked beautiful.

Where are the Best Places to See Wildflowers with kids?

Keep these tips in mind whenever you get outdoors.

First of all, respect the trail rules and obey the signs when trails are closed after it rains. 

There was a great 2019 article from The Press-Enterprise on "Wildflower Etiquette: Stay on the trails, don't stop traffic." It said: "No matter how tempting it is to venture into the fields for a selfie, officials plead for people to stay on marked paths to avoid causing damage. Take pictures of the wildflowers. Just don’t take pictures in the wildflowers!"

Then just think of the greenest, widest open spaces in Orange County . . .

• our regional & wilderness parks,
• our state parks,
• Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks,
• the canyons like Santiago, Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco, etc.
• and the Santa Ana Mountains.

These trails may not be blanketed with wildflowers, because most California wildflowers that I know are small and delicate. So take your time and keep your eyes out for some of the wildflowers I have listed in my guide below.

Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park near Laguna Beach and Aliso Viejo 

(Pictured: Coast Live Oak)

• Trail map
• Aliso and Wood Canyons Wildflower Hike (the trail from Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo). My husband and I accidentally stumbled upon a whole bunch when we took an impromptu wildflower hike in Aliso and Woods Canyons in March of 2016.

Caspers Wilderness Park near San Juan Capistrano

(Pictured: Coast Sunflower/California Encelia)

• Trail map
• Try the short interpretive trail outside the nature center

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at Nix Nature Center

(Pictured: Buckwheat close-up)

• Trail Map
• Try Mary's Trail right outside the Nix Nature Center

Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange

(Pictured: Lupine)

• Read about the park in my blog post about Santiago Oaks Regional Park
• This one has small parking lot that has been closing EARLY on the weekends due to crowds.

Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach

(Pictured: Flannel Bush)

ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon

(Pictured: Yucca)

• Visit the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary up in Modjeska Canyon! The Environmental Nature Center took it over from Cal State Fullerton. Visit the Nature Center, then try the Chaparral Trail to see wildflowers and check the Oakwood Trail and Sensory Trail for blossoms. Warning: Parking can be VERY difficult up here in the canyon.

Barbara's Lake in Laguna Canyon

• We hiked the Lake Trail to Barbara's Lake in 2022 which was a particularly dry year, but we still saw plenty of tiny wildflowers.

Other Local Spots

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a great spot during big bloom years! Visit the park from seven days a week from 7 a.m. to sunset for wonderful wildflower views. Minors must be accompanied by an adult - and I usually don't recommend this spot for families because of the mountain lion risk here. So just be aware that it is a risk.

Bommer Canyon is open for self-guided access on designated trails every day. And also have guided hikes. Sticky Monkeyflower and Popcorn Flower have been known to sprout here.

Buck Gully Reserve in Newport Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk. Keep an eye out for coast sunflower in bloom along the trails, and travel at your own pace and watch for mountain bikes!

Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Wilderness Access Day usually happens early in April (April 4th, 2026). The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks grants public access (for self-guided hikes) to this wilderness area for free, but requires pre-registration which opens on March 21, 2025. This is a great activity for families with teens as the terrain is a little more challenging for young children.

Guided Wildflower Hikes in Orange County

You know we've had wildfires that impacted large wilderness areas -- many of which I toured in 2017 (like Santiago Regional Park and Irvine Regional Park). That's why it's especially important to stay on trails as these areas recover from the fires and the heavy rains.

You can search Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks activity guide using the keyword "wildflower" - but many of the events you'll find might already be full.

Admire the landmarks’ wildflower season through Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s virtual social media tour, which usually taking place sometime in March. Join the virtual wildflower fun by “liking” the Landmarks’ Facebook page (Facebook.com/irnlandmarks) and following on Instagram (@IRNLandmarks).

When out on the land and participating in activities, bring a camera and share wildflower photos on social media with #WhereTheWildflowersAre or whatever hashtag they are using for 2026.

California Wildflowers in Orange County

This is my personal California wildflower guide from trips out into the wilds of OC.

Schoolbells

Also called Blue Dicks with California Sagebrush in the background

Fiddlenecks

Bloom in tell-tale curliques. I saw fiddlenecks in Feb 2020 outside the San Pasqual Battlefield State Park museum near the entrance to the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido. In 2022, there were huge fields of them near Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach and also along trails in Laguna Canyon.

Arroyo Lupine

They also grow in larger bunches than shown here in my photo.

Catalina Mariposa Lily 

Stands out white amongst yellow Fiddlenecks and purple Schoolbells (a rare sight and the first time I've seen one)

Johnny Jump-Ups

Related to violets.

California Poppies

Fuschia-Flowered Gooseberry

White Lupine and friend

Indian Paintbrush

Monkeyflower

California Everlasting

Smells like maple syrup!

Deerweed

These delicate blossoms are the color of sunset.

Yucca 

An example of the stalk from far away and close-up.

Bladder Pod

This Is NOT a Wildflower

This plant has to be filed under "Most Mistaken for a Native Wildflower." It's not! It's a non-native invasive species of Mustard which chokes out and steals habitat from the native plants in my guide above. Why does that matter? Because local wildlife needs access to native plants to survive and thrive. If you ever want to volunteer to be a steward for our lands and lend a hand pulling invasive weeds, then Irvine Ranch Conservancy has volunteer opportunities where you can participate in a "mustard pull."

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Rattlesnakes. My first time on the trail with rattlesnakes was wildflower watching at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. We took the small interpretive loop trail by the nature center and I was dodging baby Mojave green rattlesnakes the whole way. Our ranger and guide on the 2017 media tour illustrated how the rattlesnakes hang out in the vegetation along the edge of the trail. So it's VERY important to stay on a marked trail. Never put your feet down or sit somewhere you can't see the ground. Be very aware on the trail.

Don't pick the wildflowers or go off trail. First of all, it's usually illegal in protected areas and picking the flowers means the next family who comes along sees less of them. Even one person walking on the flowers can greatly impact the blooms. Take plenty of photos, if you want, just leave the real thing in place for the next visitors to enjoy.

Watch out for poison oak. I've noticed that at the same time spring flowers are blooming, the poison oak is starting to leaf. But not all of it! Some of those bare sticks are also poison oak and they still pack a punch if you rub up against them. So, again, stay on the trail and try not to touch the plants. I have a post about how to spot poison oak, if you need it.

Traffic jams and parking in a safe spot. Every year, I hear tales of crazy traffic jams out in the middle of the desert that feel like rush hour L.A. traffic. If you decide to head out there, pack your patience and always keep your safety in mind.

Don't go out on the trails during or after it rains. Many trails close for rain. Please respect the closures to prevent damage to the trails.

Remember! There are wildflowers all around us in Orange County. No need to travel miles away unless you are up for an adventure. Just become wildflower sleuths and be alert to blooms along the trail.

Disclosure: My friends at OCParks.com invited me for a media tour in 2017 and provided me with some research information. I've independently updated this post every year since.

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