Summeris coming fast. And though we're all excited, there's a good chance the traditionals ummertime blues will set in at some point during the seasonal hiatus from education. So when you're sick of your summer AP reading or hanging out at themall, check out these ideas for making some great summer memories.
PLAY IN THE MUD
What: Get dirty, go down a mud slide and play Tug-o-war in a giant mud pit atthe Adventure Playground in Irvine.
Location and hours: 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine. Full summer hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. The water slide is open twice a day,10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. for about a half an hour each session.
Cost: $5 per person. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more:949-724-6818.
Moreinfo: www.ci.irvine.ca.us/depts/cs/commparks/specialfac/ap/reservations.asp
Tip: In order to play you must wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals or water shoes won't work. We recommend a pair of cheap canvas shoes or some old Chucks you don't mind destroying. Also, be sure to wear old clothes and bring freshclothes to change into when you're done playing.
If you are under18-years-old you'll need a waiver signed by your parents. Download and fill outthe Universal Emergency Info Card from the park's Web site ahead of time. Click here to get to it.
KAYAK THE BACK BAY
What: Jump in a kayak and join a trained naturalist every Saturday and Sunday morning for a 2-hour tour of the Back Bay in Newport Beach. It's a great way to see beyond the sand and waves and experience the home of nearly 200 species of birds, including several endangered species and numerous mammals, fish and native plant
Where: Its close proximity to the 73 Freeway makes Upper Newport Bay easily accessible. Kayak tours leave from the Newport Dunes Resort located on Back Bay Drive at PCH (1131 Back Bay Drive, NewportBeach; newportdunes.com), and the Newport Aquatic Center at NorthStar Beach on the other side of the Back Bay (1 White Cliffs Dr., Newport Beach;newportaquaticcenter.com).
Cost: The fee is$15.00 and $10 for Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends and California Wildlife Campaign members. Reservations are required. Call 949- 923-2269.
More info: newportbay.org
Tip: Bringsun protection. Be prepared to get wet.
Added Bonus: Aside from the chance that the tour may earn you some extra credit for your bioclass, proceeds help support the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.
BE A TOURIST FOR THE DAY
What: Grab your camera and your tackiest T-shirt and pretend to be a tourist for the day.
Since 1935, Starline Tours has provided sightseeing tours in Hollywood and LosAngeles. The Movie Stars Homes Tour ($32) and the Grand Tour of Los Angeles ($53) are their best-selling, but werecommend the Hop-Off Double Decker FunTour ($30), which allows you to hop on and off at 19 stops including Grauman's Chinese Theatre, The Grove/Farmers Market, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Route 66, Rodeo Drive, Paramount Studios, Universal City and more.
Where: Starline Tours picks up and drops off guests from most hotels in the Los Angeles area. We recommend that locals meet the tour at the Grauman's Chinese Theaterwhich is right next to the Hollywood and Highland shopping center at 6925 Hollywood Blvd.
More info: starlinetours.com.
Tip: Call th eoffice to see if any deals are available. Mention that you're a local and can be added to a tour last minute, orkeep you eye out for coupons at local hotels.
Bonus: If gas prices stay high, you can take the Metro Link up to Union Station where you can catch the Redline to Hollywood and Highland, just be sure to make sure you are back in time to catch the last train back to Orange County. The time of the last train varies from day-to-day so check ahead of time.
HOST A MOVIE NIGHT
What: Rent or buy you favorite campy film, invite some friends, make some popcorn and enjoy. For some extra fun add a theme to the night or get some refreshments and have a costume contest to go with the movie.
Try this: Have a Christmas in July Movie Night, and rent your favorite holiday film. Play holiday music, have your guests don their tackiest sweaters, serve gingerbread men, and even have a White Elephant gift exchange.
Where:Yourhouse
Tip: Be sureto get your parents' permission first. Also, if you are having hard time finding an older flick try DVD Planet Super Store at 16672 Beach Blvd., in Huntington Beach.
Added Bonus: You parents may be happy you and your friends are doing something wholesome that they can supervise.
DO SOME GOOD
What: Volunteerwith an organization you feel strongly about and offer to help at events oreven with clerical work. Find opportunities in our Volunteer database.
Tip: Since some schools offer service awards or require service for class credit, be sureto get some documentation to prove that you volunteered. Also it's a greatplace to meet people you can potentially use as references on job and collegeapplications.
