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 painting your own ceramic coaster.

The program will feature a brief nature walk focused on native and invasive plants. We’ll then paint our own ceramic coasters out on the Interpretive Center patio.

All program materials will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. The program is designed for ages 14 and older.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register for Artistic Ecology: Ceramic Coaster Painting.

Inclement weather will move the program fully indoors.

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

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 for Keep it Wild - Aliso and Wood Canyons.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

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 about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday 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 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

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 about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday 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 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

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 about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday 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 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

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 about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday 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 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

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

*This program begins at the intersection of Balboa Avenue and Del Mar Avenue near Moulton Meadows Park, 1085 Balboa Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join fellow outdoor lovers across the country on National Trails Day to take care of our local trails. 

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, trail work might be for you. Get up close and personal with the trails you use and see them in a new way. Activities include clearing drains, pruning vegetation, moving dirt and restoring impacted areas. No experience is necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Be prepared to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for National Trails Day - Meadows and Sheep Run.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

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

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 for Discovery Hike - Wood Canyon.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

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

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Starr Party! For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California’s first “Star Park” designation in 2013.

Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 10 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. 

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

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register for Starr Party.

Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm we’re clear for takeoff!

Rain or inclement weather may cancel this program. 

*This program takes places at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 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 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 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register for Jr. Ranger Adventure: Santiago Oaks.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.