Bring your little ones (ages 2 to 5) to learn more about mountain lions. 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.

Adverse weather will move the program indoors. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ups are welcome. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks before the program.

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 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.

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 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.

What do you a call a seagull that flies over the bay? A bagel!

Celebrate Father’s Day with a moderate 2.5-mile hike on uneven terrain with approximately 50 feet of elevation gain. There will be interpretive stops along the way with fun dad jokes and educational information about the bay. 

Please bring water, snacks and sun protection. 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. Adverse weather may cancel the program.

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.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but 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.

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 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 parent/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.

*Please note advance registration is now 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.

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

Advance registration. 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 now 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.

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 now 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.

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.