Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature. 

Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older. 

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a blanket, seating pad or small chair if you wish. The program and parking are free. 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 (949) 923-2277.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. 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.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. 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.

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn all about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered on select Fridays 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 2-5, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

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

Advance registration is recommended. 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 OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors ages 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisories may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers in enhancing the nature area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include invasive plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and water. Closed-toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt are recommended. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

This activity occurs each week with limited space available. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please park in parking lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.

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

Minors ages 16 and younger must have a guardian present at all times.

Rain or heat advisories may cancel the program.

* This program has been canceled due to staffing shortages *

OC Parks invites you to story time at Mile Square Regional Park! Join us as we read several nature-themed stories and enjoy the outdoors.

Please bring picnic blankets, pillows, chairs and anything you need to be comfortable. We will meet at Freedom Hall adjacent to parking lot G.

Registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here. 

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

For questions call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

* This program has been canceled due to a staff shortage *

Discover the joys of nature journaling with a short and slow guided hike at Mile Square Regional Park - no experience necessary! 

Nature journaling can be practiced in almost any space and combines observations with insights, questions and connections with the environment around us. It allows us to pay attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and meditate on their forms and place within the natural world.

This program will begin with an introduction to the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your nature journal, followed by a warmup activity, then a walk in the park to find a comfortable journaling space. Bring a sketch pad or journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks.

We will meet at Freedom Hall, adjacent to parking lot G and walk to the Nature Area. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

This program has been canceled.

Drop by Mile Square Regional Park's nature area for chess, checkers, art and fun! 

A limited amount of chess and checkers sets will be available for free play as well as an array of art supplies including colored pencils, coloring pages, paper and watercolors. Feel free to bring your own materials. 

The program will take place on the south side of the nature area at the picnic tables. If entering from the overflow lot, we will be to the left of the entrance. Vehicles can also park in lot H.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Deepen your connection with nature on this gentle and meditative walk through Mile Square Regional Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku," or "forest bathing," you will discover the healing power of nature for yourself. 

This slow-paced walk will begin with a guided meditation to help you tune in with your senses, followed by a series of invitations focusing on sense-based explorations. Throughout the program, will be encouraged to deepen your connection with nature, a proven process to help reduce stress and leave you feeling recharged.

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please note this program involves drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water. 

We will meet at Freedom Hall, adjacent to parking lot G. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is recommended for ages 16 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.