Zoomars, A Great OC Petting Zoo

image via flickr

I have nightmares about going to L.A. Zoo when I was young and walking up a huge hill in the summer heat. I don't love zoos, so I try to find substitutes for outings with the kids, like pet stores and petting zoos. Zoomars in San Juan Capistrano is a great example of a zoo substitute. You have a select group of animals in a small location, so the trip is not overwhelming for the parent or child. The petting zoo is well kept and located in downtown San Juan Capistrano. My boys love going to Zoomars because they can feed animal and ride a train all in the same day. They also offer enrichment camps during the summer.

Catering to over 150,000 visitors a year, ZOOMARS is home to hundreds of friendly animals to feed, pet, love and learn from. There are goats, emus, llamas, donkeys, alpacas, sheep, geese, ducks, guinea pigs and a bunny patch. All of the animals residents receive regular vet checks and are treated with respect, compassion and love. Close attention is given to cleanliness with both a handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout the grounds. After petting the animals, youngsters can saddle up for a pony ride or hop aboard the miniature train. At the front of the property is the century-old Olivares House, listed on the National Registry. Behind it sits an 1890’s bathhouse and picnic area available for birthday parties or family gatherings. ZOOMARS is located in the Los Rios Historic District of San Juan Capistrano, California’s oldest residential neighborhood.

Another great thing about a trip to Zoomars is that you can head over to Ruby's for a chocolate chip shake when you are done.

Zoomars Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949-831-6550

Swallows Day Parade

image via flckr

We try to go to the Swallows Day Parade every year because it is so family friendly. The parade is the largest non-motorized parade in the country and over 500 horses participate. It celebrates the legend of the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano. The parade will take place in downtown San Juan and start at 11 this Saturday, March 21st.

xoxo, C

The Ramos House Cafe

Recently while wandering through historic San Juan Capistrano we came across The Ramos House Cafe. I love the idea behind the restaurant "Like the old days, its owner lives and works at the house. The wines are kept in the cellar, the herbs are grown in the garden and the ice cream is turned out back. The menu changes daily and everything is made from scratch." Just thinking about the menu is making my mouth water, I can't wait to visit again... although, their hours are a little bit different, so be sure to plan accordingly. (They are open Tuesday - Sunday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Breakfast & Lunch are served all day Tuesday - Friday, Saturday & Sunday the Cafe serves Brunch all day.)

The Ramos House Cafe
31752 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949)443-1342

xoxo, K
image via the ramos house cafe.

Summer Fun at the Mission San Juan Capistrano

The Mission San Juan Capistrano has plenty of events to keep your family busy all summer.

FREE STORY DAYS

With Price of Admission all Summer
Thursdays at 10:30 AM to 11:30 am

June 19: The Mission ’s Legendary Man: Father O’Sullivan
June 26: Birds of the Endless Summer: Capistrano’s Cliff Swallows
July 3: Famous Stories of San Juan Capistrano
July 10: The Mission ’s Legendary Man: Father O’Sullivan
July 17: Birds of the Endless Summer: Capistrano’s Cliff Swallows
July 24: Famous Stories of San Juan Capistrano
July 31: The Mission ’s Legendary Man: Father O’Sullivan
August 7: Birds of the Endless Summer: Capistrano’s Cliff Swallows
August 14: Famous Stories of San Juan Capistrano
August 28: The Mission ’s Legendary Man: Father O’Sullivan.


FREE CRAFT DAYS

With Price of Admission all Summer
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon

June 17: Make a Mini Adobe House
June 24: Make a Rope/Lasso
July 1: Make an Old Fashion Toy
July 8: Make a Mini Adobe House
July 15: Make a Rope/Lasso
July 22: Make an Old Fashion Toy
July 29: Make a Mini Adobe House
August 5: Make a Rope/Lasso
August 12: Make an Old Fashion Toy
August 26: Make a Mini Adobe House

Adults must be present during the craft and storytelling sessions

image via flickr
xoxo, C