attractions in Orange county (Long Beach, Santa Ana: elementary school, live, price)

[konp]

Hi everyone, do any of you know any attractions in Orange county for preschoolers? my nephew is three-year-old, and I want to take him somewhere educational. any recommendation is welcome.

[bhcompy]

Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana off the 5fwy near the 22fwy. Good for kids as its hands on and very educational.

Adventure City in Anaheim is a popular spot for younger kids, I dunno about educational though.

Nearby is the Long Beach Aquarium. They have some kid themed live "shows" for learning and lots of hands off stuff in some tidal pool simulations and such.

[kturbe]

There are so many, Bowers Muesum, Santa Ana Zoo, Irvine Park/Zoo, Tide Pools down at the beach, Discovery Science Center. One of the things I do with my nieces and nephews is take them to story time at the library, they love it and it is free.....

Also check out OCParks.org as they have many events designed for kids.

[BRinSM]

disneyland?

[Charles]

Here's a tip (coming from a dad with four kids 8y, 6y, 4y, and four months): You don't need to spend tons of money or wait in huge lines to keep a three year old entertained. Simple and cheap: Beach, Park, Puppet shows, even bowling (they have these ramps little kids can roll balls down with bumpers raised above gutters) as my four year old below demonstrates. Libraries often have storytimes and puppets. Petting zoo? Aquarium in Long Beach?

[GirlsRUs]

Originally Posted by konp

Hi everyone, do any of you know any attractions in Orange county for preschoolers? my nephew is three-year-old, and I want to take him somewhere educational. any recommendation is welcome.

There is a beautiful botanical garden in Claremont, off Foothill Ave. A bit of a drive from South Orange County, but worth it. My kids love cruising around that place.

I concur with Charles. Think outside the box. Kids don't require lavish things, just great, adventurous, expeditions. What they love is our undivided attention, and spontaneity. I see so many Mommas at the park on thier cell phones, or picking up thier kid from elementary school, with the same cell glued to their ear. It makes me sad.

Kudos to you for being involved in your nephew's life. He is a lucky little guy!

SUCCESS IS FAMILY

[GirlsRUs]

Originally Posted by Charles

Here's a tip (coming from a dad with four kids 8y, 6y, 4y, and four months): You don't need to spend tons of money or wait in huge lines to keep a three year old entertained. Simple and cheap: Beach, Park, Puppet shows, even bowling (they have these ramps little kids can roll balls down with bumpers raised above gutters) as my four year old below demonstrates. Libraries often have storytimes and puppets. Petting zoo? Aquarium in Long Beach?

What a beautiful, little girl you have, Charles!

Hey listen, My family was looking at moving to Texas, but have since been considering Colorado. I see you are from there. How do you like it? Tell me about it......

GirlsRUs

[OCCASparky]

Heck even the Children's Museum in LaHabra is good for younger kids and a lot of fun.

If you HAVE to spend money on young-uns, maybe a trip to Carlsbad and Legoland isn't so bad either.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by GirlsRUs

What a beautiful, little girl you have, Charles!

Hey listen, My family was looking at moving to Texas, but have since been considering Colorado. I see you are from there. How do you like it? Tell me about it......

GirlsRUs

It worked out great for us. I can't write enough good things about Colorado. Basically almost all of the good of California without all of the bad. Very sunny, lots of good high paying jobs per capita, no traffic, housing is in the $125/sqft price range, excellent schools.

Read these two posts:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/color...briargate.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/color...o-springs.html

[Coldjensens]

there is a mud park somewhere in Central OC. I do nto remember where, but it is perfect for 3 y.o.s