*This program takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Bring your little ones and join OC Parks to learn more about tarantulas! This fun and engaging program includes story time, an age-appropriate hike and themed craft.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2 to 5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will move the program indoors. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our monthly program where art meets ecology! Come explore the natural world through the lens of creativity by creating your own mosaic trinket tray.

This program features a brief walk focused on the patterns found in nature. Whether that's an intricate spider web or the ripples on the water, we'll observe the designs that only nature can create. We’ll then make our own mosaic designs using the bay as our inspiration!

All program materials will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. This program is designed for ages 14 and older.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will move the program fully indoors.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to raise their heart rate and pedal around the bay while learning about local ecology and history.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10-mile section of the Back Bay Loop Trail over the course of 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. We will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make interpretive stops along the way.

This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free. 

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a parent/guardian present at all times. 

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, it's also your cell phone!

Join us for a beginner’s program and learn how to take great photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings and editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged. Most importantly, don't forget your phone!

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The night is full of creepy creatures and scary sounds…unless you know what’s out there! 

Visit Santiago Oaks Regional Park after dark to discover the critters that call the canyon home. The night will include fun activities like nature stations, creative crafts, scavenger hunt for prizes and guided night hikes throughout the evening!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and guests are encouraged to arrive prior to 8 p.m. for enough time to enjoy all the event's offerings and activities. 

Costumes are welcome but participants must be able to safely hike on dirt trails in the dark. Strollers are not recommended and we kindly ask that pets stay home.

The event and parking are free. 

Advance registration is required for each attendee. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the event.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or Shelly.Marshall@ocparks.com

Join OC Parks for a kid-friendly hike and explore the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park!

This program will begin at parking lot C and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Happy Halloween! Let's celebrate by exploring the spooky critters that live at Upper Newport Bay. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume for this week’s program!

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join us for a kid-friendly hike and explore the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park with OC Parks! 

This program will begin outside the nature center and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Explore the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park with OC Parks! Join us on the first Wednesday of each month for a variety of kid-friendly hikes and talks.

This program will begin outside the nature center and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.