Activities for young kids near Mission Viejo (San Diego, Long Beach: city hall, houses)

[CA-PA-TX?]

We just moved to Mission Viejo and have 4 and a 2 year old girls. Any favorite places other parents of young kids have?

[cabolissa]

Outside activities: YMCA in MV, Beach & Dana Point Ocean Institute Ocean Institute,
the Parks (Mission Viejo Parks), MV Lake, hiking/camping in O'Neill Park...

or any of the events on the calendar with the city (like library storytime): City of Mission Viejo
Other ideas for indoor places are:
Saddleback Lanes bowling alley Saddleback Lanes on Marguerite, Chuck E Cheese in Foothill Ranch, Jump n Jammin in the Kaleidescope mall Jump 'n Jammin - Children's Entertainment Centers

And I almost forgot - Definitely check out California Elite Sports Center in RSM for classes in dance, gymnastics, swimming, cheer and more! http://www.calelite.com/
http://www.calelite.com/

[CA-PA-TX?]

Thanks so much that is great info!

[mrwumpus]

We just joined the MV YMCA for $70/month and their child care is excellent with fun activities. Our 5-yo loves doing the Zumba class for children.

The Mission Viejo Mall ('The Shops') has a nice small but active play area for kids. It's quite a nice mall and fun for children.

Old San Juan Capistrano, which is north of the excellent Dana Point Harbor, is great fun for strolling about with children. Main attraction for children there is terrific little petting zoo complete with pony rides and an impressive range of animals. Be sure to pick up some chicken fried tacos at Pedro's. We've been going there since our 5-yo was born.

Another favorite is the Irvine Spectrum.

[cabolissa]

Originally Posted by mrwumpus

We just joined the MV YMCA for $70/month and their child care is excellent with fun activities. Our 5-yo loves doing the Zumba class for children.

The Mission Viejo Mall ('The Shops') has a nice small but active play area for kids. It's quite a nice mall and fun for children.

Old San Juan Capistrano, which is north of the excellent Dana Point Harbor, is great fun for strolling about with children. Main attraction for children there is terrific little petting zoo complete with pony rides and an impressive range of animals. Be sure to pick up some chicken fried tacos at Pedro's. We've been going there since our 5-yo was born.

Another favorite is the Irvine Spectrum.

Other than the Y, these sound more like "Mommies with kids" activities (Shopping).

[bhcompy]

also up the 5 a little bit in Santa Ana/Orange/Anaheim is the Discovery Center (hands on kids museum with exhibits that rotate frequently), Bower's Kid Museum, and Disneyland. Always fun for kids.

Newport Dunes has a nice kids beach as well.

[OC Investor2]

Originally Posted by CA-PA-TX?

We just moved to Mission Viejo and have 4 and a 2 year old girls. Any favorite places other parents of young kids have?

I have 4 & 2 yr old boys. Maybe we should get them together for a double date!

Couple ideas for you:

Main beach in Laguna Beach has a nice playground.

Big park in Irvine called Bill Barber Park next to the city hall. (Corner of Harvard & Barranca) Has an awesome play area.

There is a little zoo in Santa Ana at the I-5 & 4th st. Good for the little ones.

Discovery Science center is OK for a 4 yo, but a bit much for a 2 yo

Lego Land in Carlsbad is awesome for toddlers. Much better then mouse-shwitz in Anaheim IMO & cheaper to.

San Diego has Sea World & the San Diego Zoo among other things

There is a little theme park in Anaheim called Adventure City. It's a little run down, but man, my boys LOVE that place. Kind of like a carnival that does'nt move.

There is a little pettng zoo in San Juan Cap. called Zoomars that is good for toddlers as well.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is a good size for toddlers. You can see everything there in a 3-4 hour window.

For rainy days, the Shops at MV & South Coast Plaza both have kid friendly areas. Ther's also a place in Irvine called Pump it up that has a bunch of inflatable bounce houses, slides, etc. indoors that you can go to. You'll need to call& check with them on what the hours are & make sure they are not booked doing a B-day party before you go.

Lastly, if you are looking for a good beach (for next spring/ summer) Try Big Corona beach in Corona del Mar in Newport beach. It is protected by a rocky outcropping on one side and a jetty leading into NB harbor on the other, so the waves are smaller & the water calmer for the little ones.

Like I said, all stuff for boys, but I'm sure your girls will enjoy them to. There is a good book about things to do w/ kids in OC, can't find it right now, but it has a yellow cover. All my wife's mom friends use it. Check on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble for it. Very handy reference.

Good Luck!

[CA-PA-TX?]

Thanks a lot! Those all sound like a good fit. I appreciate it!

[knitculture]

[http://www.knitculture.com]

[AzianCalFullertonStudent]

I don't know....

Go hiking around the hills?