Family fun under the sun of California
There is much more than Disneyland to amuse young ones
From the comfort of my chaise, I watch my feisty five-year old sprint back and forth across the waterpark. After three-days of hoofing it around Disneyland and California Adventure Park, it seems impossible that she could have any energy left.
My husband’s snoring in the late afternoon sun. I can barely move. Yet somehow our daughter is completely unfazed by the 12,000-plus steps we clocked earlier today. Perhaps it was the ginormous, sugar-dusted churro she gobbled down in Critter County. Or maybe it’s just because she’s five. Either way, the sprays and waterslides at the Courtyard Anaheim are helping exhaust her excess energy.
Like most families with young children, we came to Anaheim for Mickey Mouse. However, after a week in Orange County we’ve found a ton of family-friendly fun outside the parks as well.
Our trip began in laid-back Laguna Beach, where we combed the shoreline daily in search of what my daughter refers to as treasure — think broken seashells and random objects that beachgoers lose or leave behind.
The Inn at Laguna Beach, where we stayed, allowed us to maximize the sand and surf by providing complimentary beach chairs, towels and umbrellas. Other free perks we liked (all right, loved) were the hotel’s morning Starbucks coffee station; the daily oceanview wine tasting, and the nightly milk and cookies served in the lobby.
Our two favourite eateries were practically attached to the hotel. The first, Las Brisas, is arguably Laguna’s most famous brunch locale. The food and service are excellent, and the ocean views unmatched. We devoured the restaurant’s signature seafood tower, piled high with oysters, lobster, king crab and shrimp and then polished off an over-the-top dessert platter — garnering a thumbs-up from our little one.
The other gem we stumbled upon was the tiki-chic Royal Hawaiian. With its lush Polynesian decor, live music and extensive keiki (kids) menu, this place is a total win with families. Head there for the daily Happy Hour to save on tropical drinks and snacks.