When it’s mommy time, whether it’s a hard workout, wine or words with multiple syllables, only certain places will cut it. Shrieking playgrounds, kids movies and dinners out with a thousand “I want”s just don’t fit the bill. Orange County understands, and its most mom-friendly businesses go the extra mile with everything from valet stroller parking to ritzy restaurants too close to that kids camp for parents to pass up.
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UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk
321 W. Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 399-0300 (movie line)
(714) 399-0305 (guest services)
www.ultrastarmovies.com
Price: from $6. Click here for details.
Sometimes Moms feel like they’ll never get to see a real movie, in a real movie theater, again. UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk has introduced a great concept for moms – Parent Movie Morning Special – every Wednesday at 10 a.m. It offers valet stroller parking, reduced volume, dimmed lights and changing facilities in the auditorium. It’s a great opportunity for new moms to get out and see the movie they want to see – not an animated children’s film. Crying, feeding and diaper changing are expected.
Photo Credit: ThinkStock
Stroller Strides at CDM Beach
Ocean Boulevard at Poppy Street
Newport Beach, CA 92625
(949) 290-5316
classes.strollerstrides.net
Price: $70 per month/first class is free
Many busy moms find it hard to get back in shape while tending to their new baby’s needs. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for moms to do with babies ages 6 weeks and older. These one-hour classes will challenge moms to get back into shape through power walking, strength-training intervals and body toning exercises using strollers, exercise tubing and the environment. This unique program also provides moms with the opportunity to meet other moms, engage in a free playgroup with their babies and form lasting friendships. Click here for full schedule and costs.
Related: Best Outdoor Birthday Parties For Kids in Orange County
Photo Credit: beachpitbbq.com
The Beach Pit BBQ
1676 Tustin Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 614-0980
www.beachpitbbq.com/
Price: varies
There’s nothing like good Southern California smoke-style barbecue, especially on a hot summer day. Sometimes it’s hard for moms to dig into their meals while they’re busy with the kiddos. The Beach Pit BBQ in Costa Mesa has the solution with outdoor picnic tables, a fire pit and, of course, a play area. Kids stay safely away from the adult hubbub while moms chow down and socialize without worry. The play area includes a playhouse and toys as well as kid-sized picnic tables.
Photo Credit: Bowers.org
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
www.bowers.org
Price: from $75 per day/click here for more information
The kids may be out of school for the summer, but that doesn’t mean mom can’t enjoy a day out with friends. This summer, the Bowers Kidseum is offering a variety of camps for kids ages 6 to 13, with extended care available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. After dropping off the kids at camp, head over to the Tangata Restaurant to enjoy a leisurely meal. Tangata is open solely for lunch Tuesdays through Sundays (reservations recommended).
Photo Credit: ThinkStock
OC Mommies
orangecountymommies@gmail.com
www.ocmommies.com/
Price: free
From helping moms find kids-eat-free restaurants to hosting classes on prenatal fitness, OC Mommies can’t be beat for putting like-minded mommas together. The group hosts potlucks, fitness walks, Gymboree playdates, moms’ nights out and special events regularly. Its website provides social networking for moms, giveaways, contests, discounts and even an online forum for moms to exchange baby supplies. It’s the in-person interaction with other moms, held throughout the week based on a calendar available to members only, which provides those hard-working ladies with helpful advice, an ear and a shoulder, no matter the issue.
Related: Best Unique Summer Daycamps
Born and raised in San Diego, Chrystal Johnson currently resides in Big Bear with her husband and two children where they enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, snowboarding and everything the mountain has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
