*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

Join us at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a family-friendly Halloween party! We will read spooky stories, make creepy crafts, conduct wacky science experiments, meet bizarre animals and play hair-raising games.

Participants are encouraged to attend in costume.

The event will also feature booths and exhibits from nature-minded community partners including the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, the Environmental Nature Center and Critter Squad: Wildlife Defenders.

The event and parking are free. Rain or inclement weather will cancel the event.

For more information call (949) 923-2290 or email unbic@ocparks.com.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

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

Adverse weather will cancel the program. 

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

*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