There are so many things to do and see in and around Costa Mesa that this is a tough list for me to compose.
I think it depends on what your interests are and the age of the person.
For this list, I will post my list of the top five things to do with young children if you live in Costa Mesa.
I have a 4 1/2 year old and a 6 month old and am often looking for small, enjoyable family outings in the local area and have included my favorites below.
5. Goat Hill Junction Free Miniature Train Rides - Located in Fairview Park, these miniature trains run every third full weekend of the month from 10am to 3:30. The club members operate more than 40 steam powered miniature trains and take people on approximately 15 minute rides. Although rides are free, they do accept donations. There is a gift shop and a snack bar, and they have birthday parties available as well. To ride, a child must be able to sit on his own.
4. Carousel ride at South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island - There is a ton of shopping available in and around Costa Mesa with the two largest and best known being South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island. Although most young children do not enjoy shopping, I have found I can increase enthusiasm by including a carousel ride at either mall.
3. Go to the Park - There are 29 parks, plus additional recreational areas, in Costa Mesa alone. There are playground with all of the typical equipment. There is the Volcom Skatepark. There is Fairview Park where you can fly remote control airplanes, walk your dog or jump hills on your bike.
2. Go to the beach - We live minutes from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take advantage of it. Play in the waves, build a sand castle, dig for sand crabs or simply take a walk along the shore.
1. The Fun Zone - Located on the Balboa Peninsula, the Fun Zone includes many kid friendly attractions including a ferris wheel, the Newport Nautical Museum, and arcades. You can take the Balboa Ferry over to Balboa Island and incorporate time on the water into your outing. If you're inclined, you can even get a Balboa Bar - an ice cream bar, dipped in chocolate and rolled in your choice of chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles or nuts.
See Costa Mesa or Newport Beach for more information about either city.
For more information about relocating to Costa Mesa, California and what a great place it is to live, please see Costa Mesa Real Estate.
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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.
Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.
If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes. Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.
Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.
Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.
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Fantastic - funny how you can live so close to a certain area for many years and not realize certain things exist. For me that's the Fun Zone...
What a great idea, I think there should be a list like this for all areas
have A Great Day
Carey - You should try it some time. There are lots of fun things to do there.
Doris - I liked the idea to when I heard about it. It gives a great glimpse of different areas.
Christine, I really like your various posts and the header at the top of your page. These tips seem like they would be very helpful. The history behind your area is interesting also. Your little boy is soooo cute. I just subcribed to your blog, so I'll see you some other time.
Christine, great post. My family spent 3 weeks in that area a couple of summers ago. We still all remember it as the best summer we've ever had. I hope you and your kids enjoy all the fun things to do around there. We would never leave the beach if we were there.
Sondra - Thank you so much. I like my header because it reminds of everything I enjoy about where I live and work. I am glad you're enjoying the history as well; I am enjoying have the chance to share it. Thanks for subscribing.
Elena - I'm glad you enjoyed your summer here so much. Sometimes I think those of us who have always lived here take it for granted, and it's good to be reminded of what a great place it is. My husband and I took our anniversary this year to simply take an all day bike ride, walk the beach, the piers and simply enjoy the place we call home.
Christine: From one CA gal to another CA gal...awesome place to live! I did NOT know about Goat Hill Junction, though. LOL.
Kat - I absolutely agree. So much to enjoy - my husband and son are headed your way tomorrow to enjoy a little camping. Nice thing about being a native is you know about things like Goat Hill Junction.
Looks like there is tons to do in Costa Mesa! Having the beach nearby would be soooo nice!
PS your family picture on your homepage is precious!
Pam - There is tons to do here, not just in Costa Mesa, but throughout Orange County. The beach is a definite plus. Thanks for the compliment on the family pic. I love it, obviously,
My wife is from Pensacola. We think that is one of the best beaches, but it is hard to compete with the famous beaches of California. One of our parks in Chattanooga has a carousell. It is supposed to be 100 years old. It was refurbished and moved to Chattanooga. On weekends it stays busy.
I know that you enjoy having the beach so close.
Richard
Richard - I love having a beach so close. In fact, one of our schools has a playground that is out on the sand. My 4 year old loves to stop by when we skate the boardwalk and swing and play.
I like Pensacola beaches for their warm water. That is the one thing that really stood out to me. The Pacific her can be a little nippy even in summer. I would love to see a carousel on the beach. I did not see that when I was there.
That's what I love about CA..lots to do out of doors and rarely a rainy day! Great job!
Ruthmarie - You and me both.
I remember those days ....where ventures and adventures were geared around what might best please astonish and make the kids enjoy!
If I'm ever blessed with grandchildren and make it to Costa Mesa...I will know where to go now!
Liz - They really are geared to the kids. Fortunately I enjoy most of them too and love watching them have fun.
Sally - I'm guessing you're a bit of a ways from grandkids based on your picture, but I hope you're blessed with them one day and can bring them for a visit.
Christine - The miniature train rides sound really neat. Not something that you can so everywhere. And I would love a day at the beach!
Christine.haven't had to worry about taking the kids....in a while...but this is great information to have !
Pam - The miniature train is a lot of fun. I think many of the adults enjoy it as much as the kids, and are beach isn't bad either : )
Joan - If not the kids, then maybe one day the grandkids.
I like how you targeted kid friendly activities as a way of narrowing down your options. Good luck in the contest.
Georgina - Thanks. We're just lucky to have so many choices around here.