Home to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, Orange County, California features 40 miles of coastline and has a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids stay fit with walking activities. Possibilities include exploring the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano and feeding the animals at Zoomars Petting Zoo. Active kids make a splash at Wild Rivers Water Park and beach-goers can build sandcastles, splash in the waves or surf. Parents can discover fitness-related things to do with the kids in Orange County, California year-round.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding provides kids the opportunity to explore the outdoors. It improves balance and muscle strength while boosting self-confidence. Families can go horseback riding at Bridges Equestrian to learn English or Western style and dressage, which is competitive horse training methods. Bridges Equestrian offers private and group sessions. Country Trails and Riding School in Costa Mesa offers Western and English riding lessons for beginner to intermediate levels. Kids can explore local groves on guided one to two-hour trail rides.
Skate Parks
Parents can bring older kids to an Orange County skate park. Skateboarding improves balance and coordination while building confidence and self-esteem. Youngsters can unleash energy at the indoor Vans Skate Park which offers 30,000 square feet of skating on wood and concrete. Register for skate clinics geared for beginner to advanced street skateboarders. Attend "Go Skateboarding Days" where kids skate all day for free. The outdoor Etnies Skate Park offers over 40,000 square feet of skating space. Skate the Skull Bowl and test the Flow Course with a 10 foot vertical wall and a central pyramid. Etnies offers classes for beginners to intermediate with private lessons available.
Biking
Orange County has a range of scenic biking trails for kids. The Huntington Beach bike trail begins at Sunset Beach. This trail brings riders past the scenic Huntington Beach Pier where kids can stop to watch the surfers. Travel further along Pacific Coast Highway and explore Bolsa Chica Wildlife Preserve. Kids can travel along the tree-lined Santa Ana River bike trail. Start near Centennial Park and then proceed to the Newport Beach Pier and the Pacific Ocean.
Fencing
Fencing helps kids develop coordination and stamina while improving flexibility and muscle tone. Gryphon Fencing offers introductory classes for the development of discipline and coordination as well as etiquette and the rules of sports fencing. The center offers programs for home-schoolers and provides half-day fencing camps. The largest fencing center in Orange County, South Coat Fencing provides introductory sessions which move towards fencing techniques, such as foil, epee and sabre. More determined fencers can enroll in competitive training with camps and private lessons available.
Beaches
Situated at the foot of the San Joaquin Hills, visitors will find Corona Del Mar State beach; part of the City of Newport Beach. Popular with surfers, this beach provides lifeguards, rest room and picnic tables. Little Corona del Mar beach extends to the south with a more favorable setting for kids and easy water access. Reach Little Corona from Ocean Boulevard near Poppy Avenue with free parking at the top of the hill. Kids will find protected tide pools in which to observe local sea life. Little Corona has limited beach facilities.
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