mcfam's Passport
 | Been to 474 Attractions |
 | 388 Reviews |
 | 230 First to Review |
 | 1293 Photos |
 | 206 Helpful Votes |
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Send a ComplimentAbout Me & My Family
My husband and I have 4 kids... 3 boys and then our girl. We homeschool them all and travel when possible. We just started letterboxing and are finding ourselves a little obsessed with it.
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, structured, relaxed, simple, independent, spontaneous, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Zion and Bryce National Parks
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Camping in Kings Canyon or Yosemite
A Place We'd Love To Visit
The Redwoods in Northern California
Favorite Vacation Memory
Walking the meadows of Yosemite with my family. The quiet, the sparkling water, the rustling grasses, and a dip in the river made for an amazing day.
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Anytime throw up is involved. Especially when one kid triggers another. And when we are in the car. And when they choose to use the box that is holding all their library books and toys.
Websites I Like:
Christmas and Holiday fun for families in Orange County, CA
November and December, 2011, are chock full of parades, shows, special events, and beautiful decorations to celebrate holiday season and Christmas in Orange County, California. If you are looking for some holiday fun with your family, check out these great events.
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, California
Comment:
The HOLIDAY ICE RINK is open daily for family skating fun under the large ferris wheel and sparkling lights. http://www.skatespectrum.com/
reviewed on: June 02 2010
"Fountains for water play"
Many young kids are brought by their moms and dads to get wet in the fountains. We have joined in on the fun many times.The turtle fountain is outside the food court which is located near the movie theater. This has 3 spouting turtles, an inch of a water pool and spouting water blasts near by.
The bubble fountain is outside of Target near H&M. This has spouting water blasts that come up at irregular intervals and make many kids laugh with glee.
401 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California
Comment:
The CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY will take place Nov 18 - 19 at 6pm with Mickey and friends in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale's Courtyard. (949) 721-2000. Visit SANTA Nov 18 - Dec 24 for photos and visits during special holiday hours. (949) 721-2000. Enjoy the MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY on Dec 20, 4pm, to celebrate Hanukkah with singing and festive traditions at 4pm. For more information, please call the Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at (949) 721-9800.
reviewed on: June 08 2010
"Christmas time"
Christmas is my favorite time to visit this mall with my kids. The largest (or near largest) tree is in the center court and is eye popping. A train ride is great fun, and you can always visit Santa. We like window shopping, riding the train, looking at Santa's house and then stopping at Restoration Hardware for our annual picture frame ornament for our tree. A stop at the cookie shop rounds out our visit, and our tummies.
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, California
Comment:
A winter wonderland awaits with exhibitions of original art and a favorite stop for shopping. Complimentary and low-cost art projects for kids and adults, art demonstrations, holiday entertainment and visits with Santa available. Open four weekends November 19-December 11 from 10 am - 6 pm. See website for details and tickets.
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, California
Comment:
Visit during Nov 25-Jan 1 for THE SCIENCE OF GINGERBREAD. Enjoy gingerbread houses on display, kitchen science activities, and decorating demos. (714) 542-2823
reviewed on: June 12 2010
"The giant cube"
My kids and I have passed this cube on the freeway many times but haven't stopped until today. We all had a blast. My 1 year old and my 9 year old both equally enjoyed the hands on exhibits, demonstrations, videos and slides. We adults liked the many places to sit down and rest our aching feet while the kids kept discovering more things. My 3 year old appreciated the little details, such as the stepping stools up to the exhibit tables and to the sink in the bathroom. He played with the tinker toys, marble track, and the submarine slide.On the other hand, I was disappointed with a couple of things. First of all, it is incredibly loud in the building. So loud I could hardly hear some of the video presentations in the "Gross Ology". Second, the dinosaur explore area is really only fun if you spend an extra $5 per person to play the scavenger hunt game. I don't really like extra expenses when I've already paid an entrance fee. Last of all, the exhibits in the "Gross Ology" didn't really teach much even though they were really cool looking. My kids didn't pay any attention to the fact that they were walking through a nose or crawling through a colon. So even though it was really creative, I think the point of the learning was lost on them.
Over all, it is an excellent place to discover and explore. And we really appreciated the free admission for my teacher husband!
16881 Bastanchury Rd.
Yorba Linda, California
Comment:
Come on Nov 26, 9:30am-3pm for theSCANDINAVIAN JULEMARKED CHRISTMAS MART. Handmade and imported items for sale along with Danish specialties such as aebleskiver and glogg. $2 donation entrance. (714) 993-6362
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, California
Comment:
Take a train ride with your kids to Santa's Village to visit Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, cooke decorating, games, bounce houses, food and drink. Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-23. Check website for times and tickets. http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/content/irvine-park-railroad-christmas-train
reviewed on: June 09 2010
"Great ride"
Kids of all ages and parents alike will enjoy riding this miniature railroad. No fear, parents, of having to endure cramped quarters or a repetitive ride in an endless circle. This train has roomy benches led by a quaint red engine and a conductor decked out in his pinstripe overalls. The ride takes you through the lush grounds, large oaks and sycamores and around the lagoon while the conductor shares history on this 100 plus year old park. All aboard for a fantastic ride!
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, California
Comment:
CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION will take place Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m with a Christmas tree lighting, live nativity, local music, Santa and kids' crafts. http://www.missionsjc.com/activities/christmas.php
25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, California
Comment:
The Annual VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS will take place on Dec 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with children's crafts, handicraft vendors, festive holiday entertainment, historical exhibits, tours through decorated historic buildings staffed by our docents, refreshements and visits with Santa. $4 for adults and $3 for children.
The CANDLELIGHT TOUR will take place on Dec 10 and 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The park is transformed as it is aglow with holiday lighting. Stroll through restored historical buildings adorned in period décor and staffed by our docents, Victorian carolers, live entertainment in each building, storytellers, visits with Santa, and refreshments. $4 for adults and $3 for children.
reviewed on: June 15 2010
"History in OC"
The old schoolhouse and the hand water pump outside were the highlight of our half day trip to this slice of history in Orange County. My little boys peered over the wall into the school house and saw desks and an old stove and a blackboard. It was a little frustrating to not get to see inside any closer, so that's why they enjoyed pumping water by hand.The boys crawled through some old tepees, looked through the bars of the post office box, and ran around while I gaped at the beautiful old kitchen in the Bennet Ranch House. An old church, the serrano Adobe and beautiful grounds are also here to see and enjoy.
1802 and 2002 North Main Street
Santa Ana, California
Comment:
Enjoy the IRISH HOLIDAY FESTIVAL on Dec 11 from 12 PM - 4 PM. Live music, storytelling, dance, art, Irish Christmas cakes, and more will be held in the outdoor Key Courtyard.
1313 Harbor Boulevard
Anaheim, California
Comment:
The Happiest Place on Earth is decked out for the holidays with an amazing Christmas Tree on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle covered in snow, and attractions such as It's a Small World and the Haunted Mansion have holiday themes. Enjoy a special adventure at Santa's Reindeer Roundup in Frontierland. Holidays-themed Phineas and Ferb show is a great new attraction and visitors will be in awe during the new segment of “World of Color" in Disney's California Adventure.
reviewed on: June 16 2010
"Stop to smell the roses"
As a pass holder I had the privilege of going to this magical park often with my preschoolers. One of our favorite things to do would be to walk slowly around Main Street Plaza, smell the flowers and wait for the morning band to come marching down the street. It was magical to see them come marching down, smiles playing at the sides of their mouths as they watched my little boy's eyes light up. Then we would see Mickey Mouse come out and greet all the little kids and we would just watch him and smile. My boys are too old now to take it slow on Main Street, but I'm thankful I took it slow when they were young and just wanted to hold their bag of goldfish and watch the carousel spin around and around.
Corona del Mar
Corona del Mar, California
Comment:
On Dec 4 from 11:00AM - 4:00PM enjoy live entertainment, food, prizes, bounce houses, visits from Santa, and more.
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California
Comment:
Enjoy the NUTCRACKER FOR KIDS on Saturday, Dec 10 at 10:00am at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The delightful Christmas ballet will be performed in a 45 minute version created for kids. $19-$36. See website for information and tickets: http://www.scfta.org/home/Events/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1188
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, California
Comment:
The THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES ... AND THEIR FAMILIES will be presenting "Junie B. in Jingle Bells from November 12-20, 2011 and "A Christmas Carol" from November 26 - December 24. No children (including babies) under 4 admitted to "Junie B. in Jingle Bells". No children under 6 will be admitted to "A Christmas Carol" and parents must be aware that the ghosts may scare some children.
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point, California
Comment:
HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR will take place on Dec 3 from 4-8 pm and will feature visits with Santa, balloon art, holiday craft tables, live music, puppet shows, carolers and more. The BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS will feature fantastically decorated boats as they travel Dana Point Harbor on Dec 9-10, 16-17. View free from many points on the harbor, or make a reservation at many of the restaurants. See website for many other holiday mini-events in the Dana Point Harbor http://www.danapointharbor.com/
Newport Beach Harbor
Newport Beach, California
Comment:
During the evenings of Dec 14-18, find a spot around the large harbor of Newport Beach to view the annual parade of excellently decorated and lighted boats. See website for parade route and approximate times for different areas of the harbor. Parade starts at 6:30 at Bay Island and ends at 9pm at Bay Island. http://www.christmasboatparade.com/
16889 Algonquin St
Huntington Beach, California
Comment:
From Dec 15-23, take a tour boat ride in Huntington Harbor to see decorated homes, boats, and decks with thousands of lights. See website for dates and ticket information. http://www.cruiseoflights.org/
Huntington Harbor
Huntington Beach, California
Comment:
On December 10 and 11 enjoy viewing a holiday lighted boat parade through the waters of Huntington Harbor. The best viewing spots are on walkways and bridges along the harbor channels.
1131 BACK BAY DRIVE
Newport Beach, California
Comment:
Visit Santa at the X-mas tree lot from Nov. 25-Dec 24
will visit every day from 4 – 8 p.m. and pose for photos. Visitors will enjoy the LIGHTING OF THE BAY on Friday, December 2 when Santa Claus will
officially kick off the holiday season by flipping a giant switch to illuminate more than 50 electric Christmas trees situated throughout the bay. This is a free event for the public starting at 6 pm and includes live music and crafts for the whole family. A CRAFT FAIR will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ride a SHUTTLE TO THE NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE for $5 per person. Shuttle will run every 15 minutes starting at 5:30pm. Reservations are required.
29 Hubble
Irvine, California
Comment:
Special event days for the holidays will take place at Pretend City during the month of December. THE NUTCRACKER BALLET CLASS: Fridays from December 2nd-23. CHOC TOY DRIVE Pick up by Orange Coast Harley Owners Group: Friday, December 9. LAS POSADAS CELEBRATION: Friday, December 16. HANUKKAH OLIVE PRESS WORKSHOP: Wednesday, December 21. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Friday, December 23. KWANZA BEGINS: Monday, December 26. Call 949.428.3900 for more details.
22701 Pelican Hill Road S
Newport Coast, California
Comment:
CHILDREN'S GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING: Sat., Nov. 26. Guests can work alongside Pelican Hill’s pastry chef to create a gingerbread house masterpiece to take home. The session includes lunch and adult/parental supervision is required for children 10 and under. $65 per child; not including tax and gratuity. NUTCRACKER TEA HOLIDAY PARTY: Sat., Dec. 17, Noon-3:30 p.m. A family activity that includes an elegant holiday tea complete with tea sandwiches, pastries and scones, and a delightful Nutcracker ballet performance in the Resort’s ballroom. Adult/parental supervision is required. $65 for adults, $35 for children; not including tax and gratuity.
Center Street Promenade
Anaheim, California
Comment:
Dec 3 is the annual tree lighting and festival from 10am-7pm. Free snow play, kids crafts, Free pictures with Santa, free train rides and more.
5th and PCH
Huntington Beach, California
Comment:
Ice skate just steps from Huntington Beach. From Dec. 22 - Jan 5, every day. Open 4pm-10pm weekdays and 12pm-10pm weekends. Adults: $7, Children (12 and under) $5. Eat at Johnny Rockets first and get a discount.
30801 Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, California
Comment:
The Holiday Tree Lighting and Community Open House will take place on November 28 at 5pm. Enjoy carolers, children's activities, live music and more. Call (949) 715-6608 to RSVP.
1 Ritz Carlton Dr
Dana Point, California
Comment:
Join or watch the SURFING SANTA COMPETITION on Saturday, November 19, 2011; Starting at 8 a.m. Find more information at www.surfingsantacontest.org. Resort guests and the community are invited to the HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING on Sunday, November 20, 4 p.m. Santa will be there! Fourth Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction
Saturday, November 19 through December 31, 2011. Help children with autism by bidding in the FOURTH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SURFBOARD AUCTION to benefit Surfers Healing from Nov. 19-Dec. 31. www.biddingforgood.com/surfershealing. Enjoy the free event of the HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD DISPLAY Nov 19 - Dec 31.
