Mission San Juan Capistrano: Exploring California State History

In California, Fourth Grade Social Studies centralizes around “California State History”. We have things from how the state began to the first inhabitants, the gold rush and to one of my favorites the Missions!

Last year when Skye was in 4th grade she said she wanted to wait till Kennedy was in 4th and she was in 5th to visit the Missions. I’m telling you that oldest child is always so wise. (Maybe I’m bias because I’m the oldest!) But we talked about them and visited the Mission Models at Knotts Berry Farm! Well the time has come Kennedy embarked on her 4th grade History journey and we really struggled where to go first. There are 21 Mission in California some are close to us and others are a drive to a few days drive. Jeff and I decided the best one to visit would be the “Jewel of the California Missions” which is Mission San Juan Capistrano!

Mission San Juan is located in San Juan Capistrano which is an absolutely beautiful city located in South Orange County and named for Saint John of Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano was founded by the Spanish in 1776, when Father Junípero Serra established Mission San Juan Capistrano.

I won’t go into all the details about the Mission and City but I do recommend you go! We used our Charter to pay for our tickets. They will pay for every student and only one adult per 2 students. I have my issues with that because I can’t leave 2 children unattended while I step away but alas I’m here. Tickets vary from $9-18 for General Admission and are emailed to you immediately. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-5pm. Do check the site for more information and be sure to get your tickets before hand so you can walk in with ease.

Parking is on the street located all around the mission but easy to access and a short walk to the Mission.

Our visit overall was absolutely perfect. Our girls are at an age where they want to learn, appreciate the history, love the native plants all around. They really took the tour seriously and we couldn’t leave until they checked off each location. We stumbled upon a penny press that was completely manual. Watching my girls crank it and get tired and look at us like is this broken?? We are like keep going!!! When the little penny fell thru they both were beaming with pride.

Walking the grounds, learning about the bells, the church that fell, watching my girls explain it back or show remorse for the lives lost. It truly was an immersive educational field trip I will never forget. The girls would turn and ask for a photo or say did you get that on video? I love this age of wonder and exploration. I always say learning never stops and at 37 I learned a lot being there. Not just about the history but watching my girls include us in their education and choosing this path of homeschooling is truly rewarding!

If you have any questions, comments or just want to say hello! Feel free to comment below, email or drop a DM on instagram.

Check out our REEL of the Mission!