Carbon Canyon Regional Park Playground

If you haven’t been to Carbon Canyon yet, you’re missing one of the better-kept secrets in the Brea area. The playground works well for the 2-12 crowd, but honestly the whole park is the real draw — redwood trees, a lake, and trails that you don’t expect to find tucked away in Orange County like this. Pack a cooler because the BBQ and picnic areas are solid, and the shade trees actually do their job on hot days. Plan to stay longer than you think, because most families end up doing a trail loop after the kids finish on the equipment.