During the Summer months, I always try to strike a balance between allowing my kids the opportunity to sleep in or read a book on our couch and setting out to explore all that our city has to offer. Blessed to live in a city that has so much to offer, I often find myself perusing our local library, community center, and magazine for interesting, unique experiences to share with my kids. One of our favorite but not nearly visited enough destinations is the Orange County Great Park.
The former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro is shaping up to be the Central Park of the West Coast. Spanning nearly 1300 acres, the park currently houses Orange County’s iconic Great Park balloon, a vintage carousel, an outdoor conservation-inspired play area and the Palm Courts Art Complex where visitors can view art. And while it’s becoming increasingly well-known that The Great Park hosts a Certified Farmer’s Market once a week, the venue also offers everything from Culinary Workshops to movies on the lawn.
With so much to do in Orange County, be sure to check out all of the Free Summer Events at the Orange County Great Park:
Certified Farmer’s Market: Every Sunday, this market features fresh, locally-grown produce, handcrafted artisan products, live music & entertainment, and a variety of gourmet food trucks. Admission and parking is free and market runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
Fresh Plates: Culinary Workshops: Do you have a passion for healthy eating? Are you looking for quick, meal-time inspiration? Check out these free, engaging workshops taught by local chefs and food experts. Each demonstration highlights a specific international cuisine, designed to show you how to prepare healthy, delightful meals from garden to table in less than 30 minutes. From a quick peruse of their upcoming calendar, you’ll see that upcoming workshops will focus on Argentine, Peruvian, and Brazilian cuisines.
Clinic in the Park: Perhaps one of the most invaluable resources offered by the Orange County Great Park are their monthly clinics. which provide residents with access to medical and dental resources, developmental health screenings for children, community resource referrals, and health consultations with doctors and nurses. Admission is free and the clinic runs on the second Sunday of each month from 10 am to 2pm.
Story Time in the Garden: A love for food and reading converge in this enchanting story time where children participate in food-related stories, songs, games, and activities.
Children’s Garden Workshops: If you’re looking for summer learning opportunities, this monthly workshop is an exciting way to emphasize the connection nature and other disciplines. Workshops are offered on the second Sunday of the month at 30 minute intervals from 11 am to 1 pm.
Movie on the Lawn: My kids are very excited about this week’s cinematic event under the stars, The LEGO Movie. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and snacks for the outdoor movie experience. Admission is free and The LEGO Movie starts at 7:30 pm this Friday, July 12, 2014.
With all of the free summer events at the Orange County Great Park, there is no reason why you can’t make this the best summer ever.
For additional events, visit OCGP.org.
Images: Orange County Great Park
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