5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

KindNest Foundation Club at El Toro High School

https://kindnestfoundation.org/

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

Lake Forest Girl Scouts find new home for holiday Gift Wrapping

Pushed out of the location they've used for 15 years, they have relocated to Grocery Outlet thanks to generous business owner

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

Because of Girl Scouts

Published by Girl Scouts of Orange County on behalf of Gold Award Girl Scout and recent alum Madeline Salvatierra

Local Baseball team needs your help!

Local Travel ball team wins gold in USSSA Fall Classic (Silver Bracket).

I Spy An Egret In Lake Forest: Photo Of The Week

This week's Patch photo of the week is a beautiful Egret sighting in Lake Forest. Be sure to contribute your favorite photo of your town.

Yes! There Is A Free Lunch At These OC Libraries; Kids Up To 18

Orange County Public Libraries invites kids near Lake Forest to a free lunch, starting June 18.

Activities for Kids in Lake Forest

There are dozens of things to do and places to go.

This Is What A Good Babysitter Costs In Los Angeles

Get the breakdown on what childcare will cost you, plus an exclusive discount for Patch readers who are ready to book a sitter.

Wild Rivers Plans For Water Park Redo In Orange County

It's been a wild ride for Wild Rivers, as they have worked diligently to find their new home in Southern California. Now the group has news.

Working on your college applications? Free workshop in Foothill Ranch this Saturday!

This is a workshop just for seniors who are writing their college admission essays.

OC Grip Hosts Taekwondo Summer Camp in Santa Ana ​

OC Grip will host a free Taekwondo summer camp during the month of July to prevent students from joining gangs.

Great New Play Center Opens in Lake Forest

Luv 2 Play is great addition to the City.

Summer Camps For Girl Scouts: Lake Forest

It's almost time to plan your Orange County kid's summer experiences. For Girl Scouts, camp ideas abound. Here are some near you.

Best Place To Eat In Fantasyland: Disneyland Resort's New Red Rose Tavern

There is a new place to dine at Disneyland, with the Red Rose Tavern, located in Fantasyland. Vegetarians to Carnivores can enjoy fare here.

Child Safety Academy is a Big Hit

30 kids learn how to be more safe

FREE Stuff for Halloween in Lake Forest: Scary Pancakes at IHOP [VIDEO]

Plan on taking the kiddos for scary pancakes at IHOP in Lake Forest. Only limited by imagination. Which scary face will you make?

Dentist Scare in Orange County: Lake Forest Families, Stay Advised

A dentist scare in Anaheim, where up to 500 patients could have been exposed to bacterial infections from routine procedure.

Lake Forest Photo of the Week Winner: Filling Daddy's Boots

What is more special than a little boy trying on his daddy's boots? Lake Forest Patch Photo of the Week shows the love of a boy for his dad

What Are America's Top Baby Names?

These are the official, registered names from the Social Security Administration. Did your baby's name make the list?

5 Tips To Fight 'Super Lice' As Lake Forest Kids Go Back To School

Some preventative and treatment steps to take.

Summer Art Contest For Ages 4-18 Underway

Submissions must be postmarked by September 8.

Watch: Baby Otters Debut at the L.A. Zoo

A new litter of endangered giant river otters was born this spring. The two boys and one girl are still waiting for names.

Anti-Vaxxers Gather Signatures to Overturn Vaccine Mandate

Opponents of a new law that bars parents from opting their children out of mandatory vaccines are gathering signatures for a referendum.

Boy Scouts Takes Major Step Toward Ending Ban on Gay Scout Leaders

A Boy Scout Executive Committee voted to allow gay scout leaders. If ratified, troops would be able to determine their own policies.

Watch Animal Kingdom Upended: Cat Named Hero Dog of the Year

A 7-year-old tabby usurped all K9s to become the National Hero Dog by saving a 5-year-old boy as he was being attacked by a dog.

Saturday Smiles: Overheated Pooch Rescued; Doggie Surf School; Thousands of Crabs Swarm Beach; Heroes Save Lives

Need a break from bad news? Here are a few of our favorite uplifting headlines and photos from Southern California.

Spooky! Disneyland Surveillance Video Shows "Ghost" Walking Through Closed Park

It’s seen near—you guessed it—the Haunted Mansion!

Top 4 Destinations in California for Spring Break

Spring Break is just weeks away..book now to lock-in deals.

Orange County Beaches Make 2015 List of America's Favorites

Trip Advisor users pick their Top 25. Did your favorite make the list?

Grant to Stock South County Food Bank for 2015

A $10,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation will help South County Outreach feed local families in need.

Fellow Passengers Save Man Whose Heart Stopped on Flight From John Wayne Airport

A 70-year-old Florida man was lucky to be aboard a flight with paramedics on their way to a convention.

Psst, Lake Forest! Here's How to Get Free Frosty Treats for the Year

By donating to a worthy cause, you can score a sweet deal.

Watch How OC Homeless Man Spends $100

Did you think he'd blow it all on booze? The man who commissioned this video did.

Dispatcher Helps Daughter Save Choking Mom

A 9-1-1 dispatcher helped save a Laguna Niguel woman's life by walking her daughter through the Heimlich maneuver.

Donor Drops $20 Million in the Collection Plate

The anonymous donation is the largest in the history of the Orange Diocese.

Donor Drops $20 Million in the Collection Plate

The anonymous donation is the largest in the history of the Orange Diocese.

Community Members and Soroptimist International Make More Than 40 Fleece Blankets for Donation

The blankets will be donated to emergency responders, hospitals and children, amongst more.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Foothill Ranch Boy Is Really Good at Pokémon, Really, Really Good

Tyler Corliss is representing at the Pokémon Nationals this weekend after winning the Nevada State Pokémon Junior Championship.