What was once "Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro" is now home to the first major metropolitan park of the 21st Century, The Great Park.

The Vision for the Great Park include:  Sports Fields, Hiking Trails, Veterans Memorial, Botanical Gardens, Culture Terrace and a Wildlife Corridor. 

But you don't have to wait for the Great Park to be fully completed to enjoy it!

Here are some of the current features of the Great Park (outside of events that you can find a list of on their website here)

- Great Park Balloon: The big orange balloon, that can be seen right off I-5 is absolutely free to ride and a blast for your little ones (unless, of course, you or someone you are with is afraid of heights). 

- Great Park Carousel: It's a regular carousel, but it is FREE, so... well, who can complain about that?

- Palm Courts Art Plaza: Enjoy art on exhibit that reflect the history and/or the culture of the Great Park. (again, FREE!)

- Kids Rock Playground: A unique and fun playground that teaches kids about water conservation and ecology through the design of the playground. Water misters run regularly through the warm months and with lots of shade, it is a perfect spot to bring a picnic and hang out.

- Farm + Food Lab: This was my son's (5 yrs old) favorite part of our adventure. With a "pizza garden" and a "touch garden", it's a fun and kid-friendly way to learn about gardening and plants. 

- Museum of Heritage and Aviation (MoHa): Temporary exhibits and installations are another way that the Great Park is making an effort to connect to the history of the land. 

- Weekly Farmer's Market

The Great Park has so far to go, but it is already a fun way to spend a regular day....and it's FREE!

Have any tips about visiting the Great Park? Please comment here to share!

The Nitty Gritty Details:

Parking: FREE (there may be a parking fee if you are attending a special event)