Hello,
My family and I will be moving to Irvine, CA in a few weeks from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. I am really not too familiar with the area and am looking for any recommendations for preschools, activities for a 2 and 4 yr. old, dance classes for the kids, and great places for date nights for me and the hubby. Any insights and help would be very much appreciated! Thanks!
J.
Thanks all for your helpful responses! Super appreciated :)
Four year old and two year old are great ages for Pretend City :)
I grew up in Irvine and moved back 18 months ago. I have a 3 year old and a 3 month old. Here are some good recommendations:
PRESCHOOLS
My son goes to Irvine Community Nursery School (ICNS). It is a co-op and I am really happy with it. Parents are required to work sometimes in the classroom. There are currently openings for four year olds if you want to check it out. http://www.icns.us/
I have several friends who send their kids to Good Shepherd and they are all very happy. St. Paul's is also popular. Both have waiting lists, so you might not be able to get your older child in. Sign up for the mommy & me class with your 2 year old if possible and that would give you a better chance of getting in. ICNS also has a mommy & me program for the 2 year old. I liked Turtle Rock Preschool when I toured that as well.
For dance classes, Pacific Dance at the corner of Irvine Blvd and Yale is a pretty popular school. I went to Irvine Dance Academy (http://www.irvinedance.com/classes.htm) when I was younger and really liked it.
Lots of my son's friends take swimming lessons at Waterworks Aquatics and gymnastics at Wildfire Gymnastics. My Gym, Little Gym, and Gymboree all have Tustin branches that aren't too far away at all.
Pretend City is an awesome children's museum that both kids would love.
Irvine Park is also really fun with a train ride, pony rides, a zoo, and great holiday activities for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. It's also a nice place for a picnic, and they have boat and bike rentals.
In general, Irvine has tons of nice parks and walking trails. The local MOMS Clubs are all good, too (www.momsclub.org).
Hope to meet you someday!
K.
http://oc.citymommy.com - looking to meet local moms and get great info about OC? CityMommy has it all!
Most every State/City, has a website.
Here is Irvine's:
http://www.cityofirvine.org/
The Irvine spectrum for date night and/or for the kids. Depending where in Irvine, you might not be too far from the Newport beach public library. We get tons of irvine residents who go there for storytime, kids crafts and weekend events. Its right near fashion island which is another cool place. Irvine regional park is not too far, it has a zoo in it with a train and pony rides I believe. Santa Ana zoo is close by and good for little kids. Taco Bell discovery science center is in Santa Ana also.
Cant help with the preschoolers but here are my list of Must trys for date nights...PS I dont live near and am willing to make the 30mile drive ANYTIME!
Opah's-fuscion restaurant on Jamboree & Irvine Blvd.
Next door is Wasa Sushi (best I've ever had!)
Javier's at the Irvine Spectrum:
My Favorite Mexican/outdoor seating is romantic and comfy, great margaritas (I always request Patron) Carnitas are the best, second to my grandfathers!
