Irvine Regional Park
The economy sucks and I want to save money on stuff to do with my family. If this sounds like something that you say to yourself again, and again…and again…then check out the Irvine Regional Park! Okay, there is an entrance of fee of $5 (2024), but for all the fun stuff you can do at this park, I think it is money well spent.
Peacocks roam free at the zoo and park grounds. They may ambush you from the trees.
Visit the Orange County Zoo: For the entrance fee of $2 (kids 2 and under free), you can go to a pretty decent zoo which lets you get up and close with bears, mountain lions, jaguars, an eagle and the occasional free roaming peacock. They just did a big renovation for the large cats which is just unbelievable for a zoo that only costs 2 dollars to enter. They also hold events here throughout the year like Star Wars Night, in which dozens of costumed nerds parade around and say hi to your children.
So cute and ready for the paddleboats
Rent a paddleboat or surrey bike: I know, more money spent…but when your kid is smiling and laughing as you drip sweat from propelling 2 and a half people with your legs in the blistering heat…it will be worth it. Come before 12PM for half price deals, and for a much cooler ride. The paddleboats are pretty cool to try once, however, the lake is pretty small and I personally get anxiety from amateur fisherman casting their lines near your boat.
Go hiking or biking: There are a lot of easy trails for both hiking and biking. Just beware the loose bobcat or snake.
Ride the Railroad: There is a pretty awesome miniature railroad that you can get tickets for which takes you on a ride around the park.
Go fishing: Try catching some tiny fish in the tiny lake. I haven’t done this because I like being entertained, but some of yall dads like that sort of thing so have at it.
Goobye little Sebastian, You’re Ten Thousand Candles in the Wind
Take a pony ride: On the weekends, they usually open pony rides right by the railroad area. Again…more money spent, but it’s worth it to have your kid ride on a little Sebastian clone. Just don’t sing Ten Thousand Candles in the Wind as the ponies seem to get irritated by it.
Great, pay for a park to go on a slide that you can go on at a free park
Play at the playgrounds: There’s a few playgrounds around, some nicer than others. The smaller playground by the lake is pretty small, but its in a good location near the lake and the zoo.
Have a picnic: There is a LOT of green area to share in this giant park, so get here early and cook some meat and corn or a tiny little portable BBQ.
Attend a special event: Keep an eye out for special events and activities hosted in the park throughout the year, such as the Halloween Pumpkin Patch and the Christmas village. There are little games and activities for the kiddies and its a great place to take some family pictures. The Christmas train ride that drops you off to meet Santa during the holidays is one of the most popular (quickly selling) events in OC. Be sure to book it way ahead of time, last year the tickets were online only on a specific day in NOVEMBER.
Star Wars Night at the OC Zoo is surprisingly pretty fun and well attended
It’s funny how you don’t realize these things exist until you have children. Hands down, this is an excellent way to spend a day with your family in Orange County.
Extra Tip: Theres a pretty decent Americanized Chinese restaurant called Chen’s Panda which is very close to the park. Be very sure to call your order in ahead as they are extremely slow. The food is worth it though, if you like that sort of food!