Five Summer Getaways Every Kid Should Experience (in the OC)

Ahhh summer. Long days with no school, playing outside, staying up late, camp fires and sleeping in. Going to the movies and going to the beach. June 21, 2011 marks the first official day of summer… What are some of your best summer memories?

Here is a short list of some of the best things that every Orange County kid should experience…add your own in the comments!

Disneyland Weekend, Anaheim

It’s the ultimate vacation destination, and we are lucky enough to live very close to the Happiest Place on Earth, aka Disneyland. Summer time IS prime time, so you need to be able to cope with the crowds, and have several plans in place for taking quiet breaks and recharging your (and your kids) batteries! If you plan to stay overnight, here is a link for “featured hotels near Disneyland Resort” from Booking.com. And here is the link for the Disneyland Hotel. From June 3 to September 5, 2011, check out the “Disney Soundsational Summer”! The Disneyland Resort has new attractions, dining and a “re-imagined” hotel pool with 2 water slides. Take advantage of later hours, be amazed by summertime-only fireworks shows and dance along to new entertainment.

Fire Pit/Beach Camping, Various Beaches

There are only a few places in Orange County where you can still have an old-fashioned, campfire. Nothing says “summer” more than playing all day in the water, winding down, bundling up to watch the sunset, and of course weenies and s’mores! That campfire smell and the black feet are sure signs of a perfect summer day! Here is a list of locations along with some helpful tips on what to bring! Fire rings at Newport and Doheny are usually staked out by about 6 a.m. On any given Saturday, most are claimed by 11 a.m.

Tent or RV camping at Doheny State Beach is a one-of-a-kind experience! From the beach front campsites to the train rattling through, to the midnight trips to the bathroom…it’s definitely something the kids need to experience at least once in their lives! Reserving campsites is the hard part. Reservations can be made at the Reserve America website, SIX months in advance. But, they do have cancellations, so you may get lucky!

Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach

This yearly craft and art fair is so much fun for the whole family! This year, it runs June 24 through August 28, 2011. Enjoy live entertainment at three outdoor stages on the festival grounds. Musical acts of all genres, roving entertainment including circus acts, and much more are on schedule to perform during the festival. Click here for a calendar of special events! While you are in Laguna Beach, check out Main Beach, which is probably the most popular beach in Laguna Beach! It’s located directly in the middle of Laguna Beach where Broadway and Ocean Avenues intersect with Pacific Coast Highway. Here is information about the free, open air trolleys that run along PCH, Broadway and Laguna Canyon Road.

Angels Home Game, Anaheim

Take me out to the ballgame! Head out to a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game this summer and make memories for you and your kids! Angel Stadium has fireworks and summer concerts, along with awesome giveaways if you go on a promotional giveaway night. Click here for a list of Promotions and Special Events. There is lots to do in the immediate area including The Block at Orange, Century Theaters, The Honda Center and The Santa Ana Zoo, just to name a few!

Orange County Fair, Costa Mesa

The OC Fair runs this year from July 15 to August 14, open Wednesday through Sunday. This is definitely a MUST do for the summer. From the live entertainment and sports arena, to the summer concert series at Pacific Amphitheater, to the midway games and carnival and greasy fair food, there is something for everyone! Your kids will be sure to remember the Fair and beg to come back next year! Check out the OC Fair website for deals and discounted admission days!

Make it a GREAT SUMMER! Get outside and enjoy the SUN!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.