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ExtraordinaryMommy, Taralyn shares her San Diego Favorites:
My Kids Clubhouse - Probably my MOST favorite place I've discovered. It's in Poway. Moms can just sit and hang out on comfy couches and chairs and read magazines, chat or talk on cell phones. Kids are totally enclosed and can play on indoor structures, etc.
Bates Nut Farm
This is a fabulous place to go during the Fall to get pumpkins, hayrides, etc. It's like a pumpkin patch on steroids:)
Sea World - Always a hit.
San Diego Zoo
Kids love the Zoo. They always have dicount passes that come in the mail.
Kidsville - Another great place where kids can run wild while moms just hang out.
Better for three years old and above.
Musical Childen in Mira Mesa - 9920 Mira Mesa Blvd. San Diego, 92131 (858) 653-0320
Ms. Carol is a great teacher. She keeps the kids' attention for the whole class!
Seagrove Park in Del Mar - One of my favorite places. Huge playgroup right on the water. Can't beat it. AND...a real train passes about every 20 minutes so the kids love it.
The Little Gym - This one is in Poway. It is obviously something that many have heard of. Kids really enjoy it.
Stroller Strides - A fabulous, organized exercise program to get back in shape after the baby. You bring the baby in the jogger and follow the instructor.
The San Diego Children's Museum
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Orange County
ExtraordinaryMommys Ann and Allison combined their lists to share the highlights of the OC:
Restaurants:
Bruegger's Bagels -
2743 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, California 949-723-4907
El Ranchito - 2744 E. Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar,
949.644.TACO or
2800 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, Ca
949.675.6855
Crystal Cove Shake Shack -
7408 Coast Highway Newport Coast; (949) 464-0100. The shack has sandwiches, shakes and malts. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Shack's view is as spectacular as the shakes. The parking lot is small, so you can only stay for 30 minutes, but it is worth it and the kids will love it.
Beachcomber Cafe -
No. 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA. Call: (949) 376-6900. Open from 7am to 10pm. Breakfast is very popular. This is right by the Shake Shack!
You can park at the lot across Pacific Coast Highway at Los Trancos, one street south of Newport Coast Drive. Parking is $10 but the resaurant will validate if you spend over $10 on food. You can also catch a shuttle from the parking lot to the restaurant. They run every few minutes and costs $1 each way per person. Or, the free option: you can walk down through a tunnel that goes underneath the highway and comes out right behind the restaurant.
Ruby's Diner - there are dozens, including in Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Balboa. very kid-friendly
Rainforest Cafe - South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol Street, #1073, Costa Mesa 92626 (714) 424-9200
Wilma's Patio - A quote from their website describes them well: "A Family Restaurant with a strong family atmosphere." Breakfast is a big favorite! Located on Balboa Island.
Fun and Recreation:
Scooters Jungle - Unbeatable indoor party fun ( 25 Journey, Aliso Viejo, 92656 949-349-9090
JW Tumbles - a kid's gym focusing on fun and development (1901 Corporate Ladera Ranch CA 92694 )
Jumpin Jammin - a huge, interactive play area for kids of all ages. It is open all the time! 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Irvine Regional Park - park with picnic areas, pony rides, a small zoo and train rides. 1 Irvine Park Rd. Orange, CA 92862
Zoomars Petting Zoo and Bird Park 31791 Los Rios St San Juan Capistrano, 92675
Tanaka Farms - Educational entertainment including farm tours, strawberry and watermelon picking. At the right time of year, they also have a pumpkin patch and Christmas trees. 4380 University Irvine, CA 92612
Adventure City - A 'little' theme park with rides, shows and attractions. They fall into an 'affordable' category, charging only $13.95 for children or adults. 1238 South Beach Anaheim, CA (great for toddlers)
Adventure Playground - An enclosed area dedicating to encouraging kids to run, jump, play and explore. This is a true 'living playgrond'. 1 Beech Tree University Comm. Park, Irvine, CA
Beach -There are so many, but a favorite is Little Corona in Newport Beach. It is located at Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue.
Balboa Island - so much to do, we couldn't begin to list it all. (watersports, restaurants, skating, etc.)
Miss. Terri's Class on Balboa Island Miss. Terri's is a Mommy and Me Class through the City of Newport Beach located on Balboa Island. Call the city of Newport Beach to inquire: 949-644-3309
My Gym - programs to help kids from 6 weeks to 13 develop on all levels. They combine music, dance, games and gymnastics. There are 3 locations in the OC area: Irvine - 3061 Edinger Avenue, Tustin, 92780 (949) 552-5446 and Newport Beach - 2040 Quail Street, Newport Beach, 92660, (949) 261-5252 and Laguna - 28985 Golden Lantern, #103B, Laguna Niguel, 92611, (949) 363-0373
Team OC - gymnastics, dance, tumbling and singing for kids of all ages. Located at 385 Clinton St, Costa Mesa
Shopping:
Irvine Spectrum 71 Fortune Irvine, CA 92618
Fashion Island 905 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA 92660
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Los Angeles
ExtraordinaryMommy Eileen loves to play with son, Connor. Check out 'don't -miss-its' in LA.
Kid Concepts - This is a fun indoor playground. Parents can sit at tables and 
watch their kids play. They, also have a great restaurant. You can have birthday parties or just a fun playdate.
Good Stuff Restaurants - Very kid friendly. Several throughout the South Bay.
Seaside Lagoon - This lagoon is in Redondo Beach. It is an enclosed area. The kids have a great time and you don't have to worry about any waves crashing down on the little ones. Ruby's Diner has a take-out window at the lagoon, so you don't even have to bring food.
Adventure Plex - I have actually never been here, but have heard a lot of fun things about it. Check out the website.
Stroller Strides - Workouts for moms with kids in stollers.
Veterans Park - Veterans park is a great park for Mom's with children of multiple aged children. The play equipment is great for the big and little kids. The kids can bring scooters and bikes. The have a Farmer's Market on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every week. During the summer time they have Concerts in the Park. The whole family can enjoy a picnic dinner and listen to different bands every Wednesday evening around 5:30 p.m.
Kids Club - Kids Club meets the first and third Thursday morning of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Del Amo Fashion Center's International Food Court. They have puppet shows, singers, dancers, storytellers. And, after the show you can go shopping and to lunch. The kids love it.
Disneyland - Always a fan favorite.
Knott's Berry Farm - Another fan favorite.
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If you have a restaurant, park, play place or boutique that you love in California, please share it with us~ contactus@extraordinarymommy.com~ We would love to share your special finds with other ExtraordinaryMommys.
