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 and walk to the Nature Area together. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
Drop by the nature area at Mile Square Regional Park 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!
We will be stationed 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.
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 the entrance to the nature area near parking lot H.
The clocks fall back early Nov. 3, marking the end of daylight saving time and the beginning of OC Parks’ fall-winter operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 6 p.m. for the fall and winter, and wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.
Fall-winter hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Clark Regional Park
Craig Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mason Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Tri-City Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
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
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Wieder Regional Park
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Salt Creek Beach and Strands Beach open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight. Capistrano Beach and Bayside Beach (in Newport Harbor next to the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol facility) open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.
OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time and spring-summer hours return March 9, 2025, through Nov. 2, 2025.
(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Celebrate the spooky season with OC Parks at the fourth annual Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park Oct. 11-13 and 18-20.
Explore the decorated historical grounds during special park hours and enjoy family-friendly festivities including fall and Halloween-themed photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt for ghoulish goodies and a bewitching straw maze. The event is free to attend with free parking.
"We're looking forward to another fantastic year of Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. "Join us for two fun-filled weekends complete with picture-perfect photo backdrops and seasonal activities for the whole family in a charming historic setting."
Costumes are highly encouraged and pets are welcome on leashes no longer than six feet. Grab your cameras and celebrate the fall season with OC Parks at Heritage Hill Historical Park this October.
Fall-O-Ween Dates: October 11-13 & 18-20 Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website:www.ocparks.com/heritagehillhistoricalpark Cost: Free Parking: Free Public Contact: (949) 923-2230
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
(Orange County, Calif.) – OC Parks is offering a variety of free, fall and spooky-themed events and programs for all ages throughout Orange County this autumn.
Explore decorated historical grounds during special park hours at the fourth annual Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park Oct. 11-13 and 18-20. Put on your costumes and snap photos at various fall and Halloween-themed photo opportunities, complete a scavenger hunt for ghoulish goodies and explore a bewitching straw maze.
Visit Santiago Oaks Regional Park after dark Friday, Oct. 18 and discover critters that call the canyon home at Boo at the Oaks. The evening will be filled with fun nature stations, creative crafts, scavenger hunts for prizes and night hikes for all ages. Costumes are welcome but must be safe for hiking on dirt trails in the dark. Advance registration required.
Join the OC Zoo at Halloween Zoo-Tacular Saturday, Oct. 26. Watch zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins and participate in family-friendly festivities such as a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating and spooky crafts for kids. The first 100 children ages 12 and under in costume will receive a fun gift upon entry.
Returning this year, the popular Boo at the Bay takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Saturday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a family Halloween party featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts, weird science experiments, bizarre animals and hair-raising games. The event will also feature booths and exhibits from Orange County Bird of Prey Center, Environmental Nature Center and the OC Parks Archaeology and Paleontology departments. All children who attend in costume will receive ghostly door prizes.
Halloween Animal Art Preschool Program Date: October 3, 11, 16 & 29 Time: 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: Call (714) 973-6846 to register.
Bats: Heroes of the Night Date: October 5 Time: 5:45 - 7:45 p.m. Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve - Irvine Ranch Open Space Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Cool Birds of Fall at Agua Chinon - Bird Walk Date: October 7 Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve - Irvine Ranch Open Space Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Little Explorers: Spooky Animals Date: October 10 Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Location: Nix Nature Center - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:lagunacanyon.org/events
Fall-O-Ween Date: October 11-13 & 18-20 Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website: ocparks.com/heritagehill Cost: Free Parking: Free
Prehistoric OC Date: October 12 Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Clark Regional Park Address: 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free
Autumn Bird Watching Date: October 16 Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Critter Investigation: Terrific Tarantulas Date: October 16 Time: 10 - 11 a.m. Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center - Upper Newport Bay Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Hunter's Moon Cardio Hike at Saddleback Wilderness Date: October 17 Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Location: Saddleback Wilderness - Irvine Ranch Open Space Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Boo at the Oaks Date: October 18 Time: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park Address: 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Cool Birds of Fall at Fremont Canyon - Bird Walk Date: October 21 Time: 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Location: Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve - Irvine Ranch Open Space Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
Halloween Zoo-Tacular at the OC Zoo Date: October 26 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 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
Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party Date: October 26 Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free
Adaptation Spotlight: Owl Pellets Date: October 30 Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m. Location: Willow Staging Area - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Address: 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:lagunacanyon.org/events
Spooky Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Red Rock Wilderness Date: October 31 Time: 9 - 11:30 a.m. Location: Red Rock Wilderness - Irvine Ranch Open Space Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
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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
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. This month, we will be experiencing the Bay during the evening, under the light of the full moon.
Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 16 and older.
Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The program and parking are free. Adverse weather will cancel the program.
Curious to learn about the plants among us, who’s sus and who’s not? Join us for a "spooky" hike at Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, to look at local flora, talk about native and non-native species and learn how different plants impact our ecosystem. Learning to identify plants is a great way to cultivate knowledge about local flora and fauna!
This activity is geared towards participants who are curious about our local plants and ecosystem. Please bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our walk. Hats and sunscreen are highly recommended as there is no shade along this route.
Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level 2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
For California Native Oak Day, spend the morning learning about our local native oak, the coast live oak as we take a slow-paced interpretive hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. As we travel through the majestic oak woodland, we will admire and appreciate the crunch of duff, the shade of a sprawling canopy and the natural beauty of our native coast live oak.
Total round-trip distance is five miles with an elevation gain of 500 feet at an average moving rate of 2-2.5 mph. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least one liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Underprepared participants may be denied access to the event.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ pagefor answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Spend the morning watering and mulching coast live oak seedlings within a beautiful oak woodland and then hike to Dripping Springs, a natural water source dripping out of an earthquake fault and down a gorgeous fern-covered rock face. Your work on the trail will benefit the rare plants and animals that this unique feature supports!
No previous experience is needed. Thank you for your continued support.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:
Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
