Back in June we took the Little Punks to check out the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.  Since it’s only 10 minutes from our house, it has always seemed like a perfect staycation spot, but of course since it’s 10 minutes out our door, I’ve never stopped to check it out.

Mistake.

Should have tried it ages ago. Don’t wait as long as I did.

The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has a fantastic kids pool area, “Slyders”, with great water slides to entertain the whole family. During the summer you need to be a guest at the hotel to use it, but other times during the year you can get a day pass for the kids pool area. And I loved the fact the lifeguards said you need to be on the waterslides with your kids and not just send them off to play…..in other words, put down your iPhone and have some fun!

So we did.

Honestly, Addie and Hayden could have done this all.day.long.  In fact they kinda did. So much fun! They were all over those slides.  Of course Piper wanted in on the action too…

But she wasn’t so sure as she and Hubs headed down the smallest slide…

And hitting the pool came as bit of a shock (for  both I think)…

Waaaaaiit…..WHAT did I just do????

OK, never mind, THAT was fun!

And then we couldn’t keep her off either.  So it was definitely fun for the whole family.

After more slides than I can recall, we stopped for a really nice lunch.  I opted for the Asian Chicken Salad. Simple & refreshing. The kids kept sneaking chicken from my plate….little stinkers!

Hubs enjoyed the Pulled Pork “Slyders”…..delicious! Both were very tasty and served pool side.

The hotel had arranged for a fun area attraction to visit the kids pool that day. Meet The Kite Man. I have never seen someone so talented with a kite!  After showing all the kids how kites work, he went about helping the older kids make kites of their own to take down to the beach.

(Can you tell Hayden is a little tired from all the slides???  Piper was asleep on my back and Addie was passed out in the stroller!  But Hay couldn’t turn away for a second!)

Then it was off to the beach (conveniently right across the street from the Hyatt, so it’s beyond easy to enjoy both the hotel pool and the beach as a hotel guest).

After flying their own kites around, it was time for The Kite Man to show his true skills.  His giant kite was flown back and forth a bazillion times over the kids in the sand and would stop directly over a nose or a toe or whatever he chose.  It was amazing and loads of giggles were had by all as the kite came to a screeching halt over and over again!  I was so impressed!!!

(Mind you this is also where my phone went missing….apparently it thought hanging out at the beach would be more fun than hanging out with me…fab)

But here is the seriously good news for you (or at least those of you that live in Orange County). On the third Friday of each summer month, the Hyatt and K-EARTH 101 put on a free concert at the Hyatt’s main pool, “Sunset Splash”.

The band is sooooo much fun!  Reservations are not required, however there is limited space.  So you want to get there early.  I would vote to head to the beach early on Friday with your family (park with the hotel valet, then walk across the bridge).  You can check back in at the pool closer to the show to be sure you are on their access list . (Head straight to the hotel main pool).  That way you’re both there early enough to get in, but also get to really enjoy your day there.

There was great food and drinks available….but I also saw some people bringing in pizzas, not sure how that worked, but you could also call and ask the concierge for the specific details.

The band started at 8:00 (I think), with the pool opening at 7:00 for the show.  We grabbed a couple of lounge chairs, changed into warmer clothes in the restrooms, and after a quick yummy bite, were ready to dance!!

Piper was a permanent fixture on my back…

Hayden and I were swinging and twirling all over the place…I think we kinda created a scene :-)

All in all lots of family fun was had.  I wish they held the concert more as we couldn’t make it in July and are now out of town for August….and it’s sadly the last one for the summer.  But NEXT YEAR, I’m putting it on my calendar for each month for sure!

If you are looking for the best way to spend your Friday night this week, THIS is your thing.  Give the Hyatt Huntington Beach a call for specific details or check out the Sunset Splash site.  And if you go please, please, please, get a good dance in for us!!