Irvine Regional Park | SoCalFunFamily

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We were hosted by Irvine Park Rentals but all opinions and statements are ours.

We were lucky enough to have a Saturday completely open. With 4 young kids who play sports, and a husband that is a Realtor, that never happens?!
So, since the stars were aligned, we decided to hit up a Southern California
hot-spot we have heard nothing but great things about, but have never been to. Irvine Regional Park was everything we had hoped for and more.

I am not quite sure what I had envisioned when hearing about Irvine Regional Park, but it wasn’t what we experienced. I guess I just imagined a really cool “park” with some neat features along with a few neighborhood hobos. But this place is a regional park for a reason! And no hobos!

The 491-acre park is simply stunning with its large sycamore trees
surrounding it, the lakes and trails running through it and all the fun
amenities and activities available within. It was originally, back in the mid 1800’s, known as “the picnic park” because, obviously, it is a perfect place
for the ultimate afternoon picnic. And while a family could spend a fabulous day lounging on the green grass near the lake, or having a BBQ at one of the available pits while the kids play on one of the many playgrounds, there is so much more to be done there.

We started our day, well… we started the day gawking at the pure immensity of the park and commenting on how grand it all was, and what a surprising place to have in the middle of Irvine. Then, after our gawk sesh, we followed peacocks for a while as we headed to the bathrooms.

After having our business taken care of, we headed over to Irvine Park Rentals to get our family of 6 a surrey bike to take in the beauty of the trails around the center of the park. We loved the bikes and every one of us laughed as we rode around the lakes and enjoyed the scenery and wildlife. We saw so many peacocks, which became the kid’s favorite thing to spy. But we also saw woodpeckers, blue and red birds (I have no idea what kind of birds they actually were, but I am sure I could have asked one of the many bird watching groups there for the actual names). We peddled by baby ducks and squirrels galore. And even rode some smalls hills that gave us quite the thrill and thigh burn. And don’t worry, the bikes come with helmets so everyone is safe and protected. My babies up front probably loved this more than the rest of us suckers doing all the work in the back.

After our bike excursion we picnicked on the grass and grabbed ourselves ice cream from the snack bar; which I have to add was very reasonably priced. I always look at that because I hate spending money on food when my kids tend to be picky and wasteful; tell me we aren’t the only ones who spend a fortune on food, only for their kids to pick at a couple of items and then claim they aren’t really hungry. Only to come back whining and begging for food again 15 minutes later! Ice cream, however, is always thoroughly consumed and a favorite of everyone. Mom and Dad included.

Thanks to our brief picnic and needed thigh rest among the sycamores we were ready for more fun! And we had our choice of activities to choose from. My kids were begging to do the paddle boats so we headed over to the lake to find them. (So much for that thigh rest!)

Again, I was happily surprised when all 6 of us could participate in this
activity. Sometimes having a baby makes it difficult. But, having 3 to each
boat (with life jackets provided) made for an easy and ‘relaxing’ ride (again
for the younger ones who can’t reach the peddles). And while I will say that
paddling those bad boys around was a really great leg workout, it was also a
little easier than the old school style paddle boats. Which I was relieved
about because I am not in marathon shape over here.

By this point, we were getting a little tired. I mean, I don’t think we were
out of line being a little worn out by this point, right? But, my 3-year-old
son, the train enthusiast, really REALLY wanted to ride the little
train that goes around there. So, we walked over to see what it was all about. And after seeing the darling 1/3 scale train, we all knew we just had
to ride it. And I am so glad we did. It was just as cute to ride as it looked.
It took us all around the heart of the park, gave us some very interesting
facts and history, and was fun to boot.

I highly recommend taking a day to visit the park and all it has to offer. I
also heard that they do some really great things around the holidays. I know we are already planning on checking it out again soon! And when we go back, we intend on visiting the OC Zoo located right there in the heart of it all.

Things to consider when you go:

*They have quite a few hikes varying in difficulty. Including a children’s
hike and botanical gardens.

*Bring your own bike or rent one there to ride around the many trails.
Rentals include single surrey, deuce coupe, tandem bike, quad bike, chopper,
cruisers, and kids.

*Equestrian trails/guided trails available

*horseshoe pits

*picnic areas, and BBQ grills (1st come 1st serve)

*dogs permitted

*Fishing with a CA fishing permit

*Food concessions available

*Paddleboats

*Zoo

*4 playgrounds and 2 swing sets

*Party rental areas available; catering for large groups, bounce houses for
rent

*Softball fields

*Train ride