*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 barn owls. 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.

*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 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.

*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 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.

*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 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.

*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 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.

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 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.

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

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. 

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 8.25-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Please note there is some rock scrambling involved in this hike. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early as the program beings promptly at 8:30 a.m.

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. Limited street parking is available nearby. 

Please review safety precautions and protocols when registering. 

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

Join OC Park and Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers for a bilingual nature hike through the scenic trails of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. This guided, 3-mile hike on Aliso Creek Trail East with 150 feet of elevation gain invites participants to explore the natural world in English and Spanish, fostering connection, curiosity and community. Together we will walk, marvel at and discover the fascinating plants that call these canyons home. Let’s walk, wonder and learn together.

Acompaña a los voluntarios de OC Parks y Laguna Canyon Foundation en una caminata guiada por los pintorescos senderos del Parque Natural Aliso y Wood Canyons. Esta actividad bilingüe por el sendero Aliso Creek Trail East es de aproximadamente 3 millas y 150 pies de altitud, y tiene como propósito explorar el entorno natural en inglés y español, fomentando la conexión, la curiosidad y el sentido de comunidad. Durante el recorrido, caminaremos, nos asombraremos y descubriremos las fascinantes plantas que habitan estos cañones. Así que caminemos, admiremos y aprendamos juntos.

Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring water. This program is intended for ages 8 and older. Hiking experience is recommended. All-terrain strollers are okay for infants and toddlers. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the visitor center.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

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

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about local fossils! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a paleontology themed craft. 

The program will meet in front of the Interpretive Center.

Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome. Minors age 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Learn more and register here. 

This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.