Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close!
Program is for ages 3-4 years old ONLY.
Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program.
Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846.
Parking fee is $3 per vehicle on weekdays.
Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and volunteers around the world for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, September 21! Lend a helping hand and make a positive impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches.
Every September, families, friends, co-workers, schools and scouts from across Orange County come together to volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay. This year’s goal is to remove more than 10,000 pounds of trash, as waste items can harm wildlife, pollute waterways and impact public health.
Volunteers will meet at various cleanup sites around the 11-mile loop of the Bay. Exact meeting locations will be announced prior to September 21.
Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes, closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best) and bring a refillable water bottle, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to all volunteers.
The event and parking are free. Learn more and register here.
Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to get their heart rate up and pedal around the Bay, all 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. The bike ride will remain on the paved portion of the trail and will have interpretive stops along the way.
This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must wear helmets and have a guardian present at all times.
Program and parking are free. Adverse weather may 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.
OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about a rarely spotted critter that flies around at night: big-hearted bats! We’ll learn about the behaviors and habits of bats and how they have the largest heart to body ratio out of all mammals!
This program includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft.
Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.
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.
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 basic art principles and journal anatomy. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature.
Bring a nature journal 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.
This program is geared for ages 12 and older. No experience necessary!
The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may 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.
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 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. 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 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. 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 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 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. 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.
We love the nightlife! Explore the landscape of Santiago Oaks Regional Park as we set out to search for the nighttime critters that call this park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!
The program will begin at the Santiago Oaks nature center. Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear, and bringing water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.
For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
*This program begins at Aliso Viejo Community Park, 150 Cedarbrook, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*
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.
Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removal of non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection and/or planting of 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. Come out and join the team to help restore the wild lands we all enjoy!
Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.
Rain or muddy trail conditions may cancel this program.
For questions call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.
