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Golden Hour Photo Tour

Experience the magic of golden hour at Riley Wilderness Park!  Join experienced OC Parks staff as we help you scope out some of the best scenic locations in the park to photograph. Whether you're a seasoned pro who's looking for a unique group photography experience or a beginner with your smartphone, this program offers helpful tips for finding and taking the perfect photo.

The program will begin in the picnic area near the rustic wagon. Be prepared to hike and explore the landscape.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended, and don't forget your camera! 

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred. Learn more and register here. 

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Trail running through rolling green hills

Restoration Day

Lend a helping hand to improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to caring for restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. Be prepared for weeding, watering, or planting as needed.

Strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended.

Program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in. The program will begin in the parking lot and will proceed to the restoration site. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance with tools.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Keep it Wild - Native Plant Nursery

Spring Bird Walk

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds!  

This walk begins outside the Nature Center, near parking lot T.   

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

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

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

fauna bird acorn woodpecker

Winter Bird Walk

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Santiago Oaks Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds!  

This walk begins outside the park office.   

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

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

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Turkey vulture flying

Winter Bird Walk

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Peters Canyon Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds!  

This walk begins outside the park office.   

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

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

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

roadrunner with lizard

CANCELED: Nature Narratives

*This program has been canceled due to high winds and park closure*

Join OC Parks staff for story time while enjoying the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park!

Nature Narratives is offered the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story with themed displays followed by an age-appropriate hike.

This program will begin at the Children’s Garden Trail located near parking lot G. Program content is tailored for ages 2-6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Irvine Regional Park

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday Season at OC Parks

Holidays at OC Parks

(Orange County, Calif.) – Have a holly jolly good time with OC Parks this December by taking part in a variety of free, festive holiday happenings throughout Orange County. 

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays at the 38th annual Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park. Stoll through the merry grounds and enjoy historical buildings ornamented with holiday lights and décor December 6-8 from 5 to 9 p.m. Join in the joy of the evening with live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase. The event is free to attend with free parking.

The merriment continues the following weekend with the return of OC Parks' Holiday Lights Dec. 13-15 from 5 to 9 p.m. Delight in twinkling light displays and snap pictures in front of a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than six feet. Please note additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.

Join the holiday fun Saturday, Dec. 14 for Christmas at the OC Zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy holiday crafts for kids and see zoo animals receive treat-filled “gifts” and treats hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day! Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free). 

Visitors can also enjoy holiday decorations all month long at the Old Orange County Courthouse. The outside of the building will light up at sunset each night through the new year, providing a wonderful and festive historic backdrop for a holiday photo.

Adaptation Spotlight: Staying Warm
Date: December 4
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website:  ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events

Candlelight Walk 
Date: December 6-8 
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Website: ocparks.com/heritagehill
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Art at the Oaks: Citrus Ornaments
Date: December 7
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park 
Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities

Little Explorers: Snow! 
Date: December 12
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area
Address: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events

Christmas at the OC Zoo 
Date: December 14
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free)
Parking: $5 per vehicle

Holiday Ornament Painting
Date: December 14
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

Holiday Lights
Date: December 13-15 
Time: 5 - 9 p.m. 
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park
Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Website: ocparks.com/heritagehill
Cost: Free
Parking: Free

Winter Bird Watching
Date: December 18
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

Critter Investigation: Merry Mule Deer
Date: December 18
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

Winter Solstice Hike to Mini Moab: Fremont Canyon
Date: December 20
Time: 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Irvine Ranch Open Space
Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Road, Silverado, CA 92676
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

Nature Creativity: Wood Cookie Ornament 
Date: December 20
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Staging Area
Address: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: ocparks.com/events
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events

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OC Parks

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Animal Art For Ages 7-10

Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! 

Program is for ages 7-10 years old ONLY. 

Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program.

Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846. 

Parking fee is $5 per vehicle on weekends. 

OC Zoo program

Animal Art For Ages 5-6

Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! 

Program is for ages 5-6 years old ONLY. 

Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program.

Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846. 

Parking fee is $5 per vehicle on weekends. 

OC Zoo program

Scales, Feathers & Fur Preschool Program

Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! 

Program is for ages 3-4 years old ONLY. 

Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program.

Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846. 

Parking fee is $3 per vehicle on weekdays. 

OC Zoo Preschool Program
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