*This program takes place at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world 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 Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

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 is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will 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.

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

Come enjoy a 2.5-mile hike over easy but uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. There will be interpretive stops along the way to learn about the bay, as well as the plants and animals that call it home.

Please bring water, snacks, and sun protection as needed. This program is designed for ages 8 and older, but all are welcome to attend. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The program and parking are free. 

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

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

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Come enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile hike over easy but uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. We will have interpretive stops along the way to learn about the Bay, as well as the plants and animals that call it home.

Please bring water, snacks and sun protection as needed. This program is geared towards those 8 and up. Individuals 16 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

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

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

The clocks spring forward early March 9, marking the beginning of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 9 p.m. for the spring and summer. Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.

Spring-summer hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Craig Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mason Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Wilderness parks and the following regional parks open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:

• Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
• Caspers Wilderness Park
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
• O’Neill Regional Park
• Peters Canyon Regional Park  
• Riley Wilderness Park
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park
• Talbert Regional Park
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
• Wieder Regional Park

Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary but are generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight.

OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends November 2, 2025. 

Irvine Regional Park is expecting an increase in visitation throughout March and April, especially on weekends. The park entrance may be impacted and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity. 

Overflow parking will be available at Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA on the following dates: 

• Sunday, March 23 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 19 (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• Sunday, April 20 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Santiago Canyon College is approximately a half-mile walk to the park. Overnight parking is not permitted. 

Parking is $10 per vehicle each weekend and $15 per vehicle on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20.*

Special events permits and shelter reservations will not be issued during this time. 

Please note: OC Parks annual passes are not valid for parking at Santiago Canyon College.

*This program takes place at Craig Regional Park, 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92835*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world 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 Craig Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

We will meet at Shelter 1.

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 is free and parking is $5 on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration is required.  Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com. 

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay, and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed, and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. 

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and 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 explore the outdoor world 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 the 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.

OC Parks and Newport Bay Conservancy invite you to attend our annual Earth Day at the Bay celebration.

This free, family-friendly event features environmental-themed exhibits from community partners and local artists. Enjoy arts and crafts, science discovery and educational information. There will be live music throughout the day as well as a scavenger hunt complete with prizes and an opportunity drawing.

Food trucks will be on-site with tasty treats available for purchase. 

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

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including fundamental art principles and maintaining your nature journal. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the outdoor wonders around you.

Bring a journal or sketch pad and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you - no experience necessary!

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

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