Entertain the Little Ones With These 7 Activities
Taking care of kids is a full-time job. Unlike us adults, they don’t always love a quiet day at home spent reading or catching up on a favorite TV show. And if you hear the words, “Mommy, I’m bored,” every five seconds, it’s time to think outside the box! Lucky for locals, Newport Beach offers a variety of unique activities that are sure to keep the boredom at bay. Here are seven easy ways to entertain the kids this month while the weather’s still nice!
Tide pools in Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove
Did you know you practically have an aquarium in your own backyard? Kids love a good adventure, and lucky for you, Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove are home to some gorgeous tide pools filled with marine life! From hermit crabs and sea urchins to sea anemones and starfish, your kids are sure to love exploring these living habitats. Head to the tide pools at Little Corona Beach or make your way down to Crystal Cove State Park—a stretch of coastline with rugged bluffs, breathtaking coves, and plenty of pools to explore. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and check the tide schedule before you go!
When it comes to a day trip, Newport Beach’s Balboa Island does not disappoint. This charming island is surrounded by the sparkling waters of Newport Harbor and boasts an array of kid-friendly activities. From the quaint shops and restaurants on Marine Avenue to the (waveless) sandy shore, you and your kiddos will love spending time soaking up the sun on Balboa Island. Be sure to take a walk to the island’s retro candy shop for a bag of goodies, or snag a signature Bal Bar or frozen banana from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop!
If your kiddos are full of energy (and you are not), meet your new best friend: Newport Dunes Water Park. This floating playground on the Back Bay features towering waterslides and inflatable obstacle courses that’ll keep your little ones entertained all day long. So while you enjoy some R&R on the sand, they can get their ya-ya’s out and enjoy an action-packed day of climbing, slipping, sliding, and swimming!
Keep the kids active with a three-day surf camp in Newport Beach! Not only will it keep them active, but they’ll learn about the history of surfing, how to be safe in the water and how to catch waves on their own. Newport Surf Camp, at the 28th Street lifeguard tower, offers a fun, safe and professional atmosphere for your children to learn how to surf. Soft surfboards, wetsuits, and leashes will be provided. To sign up, click here!
S’mores on the Beach
Looking for an easy evening activity? It’s time to break out the marshmallows, chocolate, and gram crackers! That’s right—it’s s’mores night! And lucky for you, Newport’s beaches are home to numerous fire pits, so all you’ll need is firewood and lighter fluid to get the party started. But be sure to come early and reserve your pit, as bonfires are a popular evening activity, especially during the summer months.
Before you plan a beach day with the kids, you’ll want to make sure they’re properly equipped for some fun in the sun. Stop by Ray’s Rentals in Balboa Village to rent a few boogie boards! Rentals start at $8 per hour and can be rented for up to a week. Ray’s also has an assortment of beach essentials such as chairs, umbrellas, bikes, and more!
Little Lido: Kids Club Back to School Fun
Before your kiddos go back to school, head to Lido Marina Village for a day of crafts, storytime, and interactive entertainment! In the courtyard near Lido Village Books, Lido Marina Village is hosting Little Lido: Kids Club Back to School Fun—a free event for children! And after the event, your kids can check out a toy boat from Minnow and enjoy some boat racing in the pond. To RSVP for this back-to-school event, click here!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
