Happy Friday friends! We made it… and what a week it was. Looking forward to the long weekend, and doing all the things that weekends entail. One of the questions I am frequently asked my favorite places in the Orange County area for families…. so today I thought I’d share a few of our favorites, just in case you live in the area and are looking for a fun weekend adventure with the family… or have an upcoming trip planned to the area…. annnnd, if this content doesn’t pertain to you at all, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite summer dresses (wore it all last summer, and it comes with me on all our tropical vacations….)….. hopefully a little something for everyone…..

1. Disneyland: I know, I know, so obvious… but it’s an Orange County must see. They now let you bring in your own food, which I’m a fan of for various reasons…. but I think it helps cut down on expenses. Some of our favorite areas when we’re with Harper are Fantasy Land (she loves Small World, The Merry Go Round, Casey’s Train), taking the main train around the park (she loves trains), The Jungle Cruise, Disney Junior Dance Party (in CA Adventure), Ferris Wheel (CA Adventure), and of course meeting all the characters……

2. Balboa Island: The littlest beach island over by Newport Beach…. we love grabbing a Balboa Bar (chocolate covered banana with toppings) and then taking the ferry across the way to the Fun Zone to ride the ferris wheel. Part of the adventure is just riding the ferry across….

3. Santa Ana Zoo: Ok, so don’t expect anything amazing here…. a decent monkey exhibit… and then I’d say the Bald Eagle + Camels are the biggest attraction…. but if your little one is around Harper’s age, it’s just enough. Not too overwhelming…. and they also have a cute petting zoo area, merry go round, train that runs around the park, and a ferris wheel.  If you’re looking to make a day trip I highly recommend the San Diego Zoo or the LA Zoo…. much more to see.

4. Fashion Island: I take Harper here for a quick + fun morning. So if you’re looking to do a little shopping and keep the little one entertained, it’s a great spot. They have a little koi pond that all the kiddos like… and tons of fountains that they can throw pennies into. Whenever we are there we head to Pressed Juicery for a sweet treat with their freeze….. we’re also huge fans of the carousel at South Coast Plaza…. and the Ferris Wheel/train at Irvine Spectrum. All spots have great shopping and restaurants.

5. We Play Loud: This is an indoor play/imagination center that Harper loves. It’s definitely a crowded spot on the weekends, but during the week is more manageable. Make sure to bring socks.

6. Laguna Canyon Wilderness Hikes: If you’re an active family like us, this is a beautiful area, with various trails based on experience level. While we have Harper on our backs in a carrier right now, someday we hope she will be just as eager to hike one of the smaller trails right along with us!

7. Aquarium Of The Pacific: Technically it’s in Long Beach, but it’s a beautiful Aquarium with great exhibits. They have a cute sea otter exhibit + beautiful jelly fish exhibit.
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(Outfit Details || My Dress (same print, different style) | Jacket |  Slides | Sunglasses | Harper’s Romper | Harper’s Sandals)