You know I’ve been tracking our annual rhythms of play each year for many years now. We didn’t used to have a name for it, but “locals summer” has always been a thing. More so when school used to start after Labor Day for us California kids and the rest of the country went back the classroom mid-August (so snow days could eventually get absorbed into their schedule).
Still, over the next few weeks, you’ll notice less and less out-of-state tourists and also less older kids at popular family spots during morning hours as they go back to school. This was Laguna Beach Main Beach last Sunday morning seemingly less full than earlier this summer.
The cool thing about right now is that summer trolleys are still running and splash pads are still open — at least through Labor Day. Some will run weekends in September, but we are winding down on the daily schedules.
In play,
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
Is there really such a place? I don’t know, but I do know that it’s taken me years of visits to find no one playing at this playground — and it only lasted about 10 minutes before someone showed up! I try to head out early in the morning or off-times when I gather up my playground photos, so I can protect your privacy. This park has been an enigma. No matter when I go, there is ALWAYS someone there.
That can be a good thing! Families frequent this park + it’s an entry to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail (new pedestrian bridge over freeway) + restrooms. It’s not really overly crowded, just rarely deserted. During the summer days, there are even camps for kids here.
Read my new guide to this park!
New pedestrian & bike trail bridge connects you with restaurants like BAFANG DUMPLING and other yummy spots at Walnut & Jeffrey across I-5.
It’s super affordable. My daughter likes to get the 6 Signature Potstickers ($6.50) and a side of Rice ($2.00), but they have many other reasonably priced things on the menu. Have to shout out to Betty at @laparksandplay on Instagram for sending us to a location out in Chino Hills after a play trip one day that got us hooked on this restaurant.
You can also combine this outing with a trip to the Manassero Farms right across the pedestrian bridge at 5840 Walnut or their flagship location up near Irvine Valley College at 33 Irvine Valley.
Last week, I encouraged you to try a new public library and this week, I’m sharing the Seal Beach - Mary Wilson - Public Library. What’s different about this library?
It sits on what used to be an electric street car track.
Walking distance to downtown restaurants, pier, and beach
Library of Things + Friends of the Library Bookstore
Address: 707 Electric Avenue, Seal Beach (See it on the Playground Map)
Eat: Either cinnamon rolls at Sweet Jill's Bakery or a breakfast burrito at Nick's (I have tried at least 3 other restaurants in the area: Ballast Point, The Beach House, and Blackboard Bistro. But I keep coming back to Sweet Jill’s and Nick’s as my top choices. (I probably go to double the restaurants I share here, because I have high standards for you about kid-friendliness, service, menu selections, and value! Not everything makes the cut! I’m always looking for YOUR recommendations of places you love.)
Play: Eisenhower Park and the walk the Seal Beach Pier
Now open for bike rides and walking across the entire 5 freeway. 1200 foot bridge connecting regional trail system. Read about it here.
CA State Parks just launched a calendar where you can find all their events statewide in one place. See the event calendar.
Just thought you might want to know about the groundbreaking with the opening planned for summer 2027. Get more info here.
Marketplace OC announced on Instagram that the new Date Palm Plaza is now open. You can see it at the last Summer Fun Fest at the Marketplace in Irvine. See the video about it here. RSVP for the Grand Opening.
Click the photos to go to the guides!
The 10 weeks of Summer Play Trips newsletters might be over, but Week 10 is available to look back on + it has links to Weeks 1 through 9.
I appreciate your contributions as a paid monthly or annual subscriber. Without those dollars, this wouldn’t be possible! Genuinely grateful for you supporting this woman-owned, local small business + this publication.
What’s behind the paywall today?
Analog in OC - playing around without a car
With the hot weather, we take a break on tiny hikes for August/September!
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