1. Irvine Museum
City: Irvine, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (949) 476-2565
Address: 18881 Von Karman Ave., Ground Floor
Description: Founded in 1992 by Joan Irvine Smith and her mother, Athalie R. Clarke, this is the only California museum solely dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionism, a style of art also known as plein air that defined the California art scene from 1890 to 1930. Many plein air works captured California landscapes before the state was subjected to its population growth and mass urbanization. The museum installs new exhibitions every four months and houses a bookstore that carries catalogues, books, and note cards featuring paintings that depict this style of art. Docent-led tours can also be arranged in advance.
2. Wild Rivers Waterpark
City: Irvine, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (949) 788-0808
Address: 8770 Irvine Center Dr.
Description: Just like Soak City, Wild Rivers offers the entire family seasonal fun from May through September. There are some 40 water rides, including slides, inner tube rides, a pair of wave pools, activity pools, and places to lounge. Teens can head to the faster, more thrilling attractions, such as Sweitzer Falls, which simulates a barrel ride down Niagara Falls, while small children and their parents will find rides like Water Walk to be more of a safe haven but still packed with plenty of amusement. The park features a plethora of places to grab a bite to eat and, while you can’t bring food into the park, there is an area outside for picnicking. Lockers are also available.
3. Blue Gum Park
City: Irvine, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 14 Aberdeen
Description: The name might refer to a certain type of tree, but kids will likely think it has to do with something to chew. Either way, this park, utilized by moms that live in the area, is cooled by mature trees that make for a great picnic canopy. The kid-friendly clubhouse is ideal for make believe, while the hanging pedestals, monkey bars, and climbing walls create an active and energetic environment. Infants and toddlers are not forgotten either as there is a pair of baby swings for little ones to rock back and forth while their older siblings run wild. A note of caution: There are no restrooms.
4. Boomers
City: Irvine, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (949) 559-8341
Address: 3405 Michelson Dr.
Description: This arcade in Irvine, with a second location up the freeway in Westminster, offers an arcade plus mini-golf with two courses, batting cages, bumper boats, laser tag, and much more. They also have rides for smaller kids and soft play areas, plus a rock wall, gravity games, and a McDonald’s on the premises. If you visit their Web site, you will usually find a coupon for some added savings. Boomers tends to get crowded on weekends, especially as the day inches toward the evening. Most of the games inside the arcade spit out tickets that are redeemable for prizes. If you want to mix things up a bit, there is a bowling alley next door.
5. Young Chefs Academy
City: Irvine, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (949) 679-8390
Address: 15435 Jeffrey Rd.
Description: What child doesn’t like to tinker in the kitchen with mom? Young Chefs offers an innovative culinary experience for inspiring chefs of all ages. Each class, taught by qualified chefs, teachers, and nutritional experts, provides interactive learning, giving kids a life-long appreciation for the culinary arts. From KinderCooks (preschoolers) to Teen Survival classes, Young Chefs Academy has a lot to offer including camps, field trips, and birthday parties for Martha Stewart wannabes.