Parenting OC Magazine

Sports and group activities can make it easier for kids to get to know a new mentor. Instead of sitting down for a formal conversation, they can talk while bowling, learning to golf or trying a new activity together. Sports Buddies, a free program from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire, pairs kids ages 9 to 13, known as “Littles,” with adult mentors, or “Bigs.” Matches attend staff-led activities every other Saturday.

E-bikes are becoming ubiquitous and teenagers are gravitating toward them for transportation, including to and from school and beyond. They might be a great option for your family, but like any form of transportation, safety must come first. The best ways to practice e-bike safety and prevent injuries is through education and communication. If viewed through the same lens as teaching your teens to drive a car safely, the conversation is clearer. Here are some best practices to get you started.

October means that it is time for Tiller Days again in Tustin. Festivities start in Columbus Park on Friday afternoon October 2 and continue through Sunday night October 4. Carnival rides, a card show, contests and live music are among the attractions. Annual highlights are Saturday morning’s pancake breakfast (in the Tustin Library Courtyard) followed by the lively parade at 10 am through Old Town Tustin. Hours are 4 pm-11 pm (Friday), 11 am-11 pm (Saturday) and 12 pm-8 pm (Sunday). tustinca.org

Families can travel to Halloween Town on the morning of October 17 at the Fullerton Train Museum. It will have seven rail cars all decorated for the holiday — and all the decorations are geared for youngsters under 6 years old. Plus, one of the cars will be home to a “talking pumpkin.” Kids are also bound to enjoy the many treat stations they will encounter. While admission is free, donations are welcome to help support restoration projects at the museum. fullertontrainmuseum.org

This month’s Free Family Sunday, which is set for October 4 (10 am) holds a tribute to Latin heritage. Families can watch a folklórico performance as well as enjoy a hands-on cultural craft project and fresh churros. RSVP online. At an October 17 Kids Workshop (10:30 am), youngsters can get creative by designing and creating their own “monster pot” to take home and give a plant a new home. Buy tickets online. casaromantica.org

Set a course for the Spooky Seas, which floods the Ocean Institute with fall fun on October 24, from 5:30 pm-9 pm. Expect an evening of eerie amusements, from a Mad Scientist Lab to a Bioluminescence Laser Tag. There will also be haunted ship tours and (for an additional fee) Harbor Hayrides. Make sure to come in costume and participate in a colorful costume contest. There will be photo booths, aquarium access and food and beverages for purchase. oceaninstitute.org

Photos Courtesy Goodwill of OC Step straight out of the swamp and into Far Far Away with an epic Shrek crew! With so many iconic characters to choose from, a Shrek theme is a perfect option for a family of any size. Easily thrift the core pieces — a neon green top and brown pants for Shrek, a dark green velvet dress for Fiona, a gray dress for Donkey, an orange shirt with brown shorts for Puss in Boots and a bold, red dress for Fairy Godmother.

Art Therapy OC Art Therapy OC has been voted for over five years as Orange County’s best camp for creative kids, where children can use art as a tool for healthy expressions in their everyday life. Run by board-certified art therapist Diana Shabtai (or Miss Dee), these art classes are designed to help kids relieve stress while exploring the world of art and learning how to express themselves creatively.

SPONSORED There is something distinctive about walking into a Montessori classroom for the first time. At LePort Montessori, families often encounter an environment with a natural sense of calm and order, yet one that is filled with opportunities for children to explore. Child-sized furniture, accessible shelves and beautifully presented materials create a space that feels welcoming from a child’s perspective, inviting them to move through the classroom and discover what is waiting for them.

Soft, cozy and filled with the flavors of fall, these mini apple cider donuts are the perfect way to welcome September. Little bakers will love mixing the batter, filling the donut pan and rolling the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar. They’re just the right size for breakfast, after-school snacks or weekend baking with the family.