Join us for a youth-friendly hike beginning at the Nix Nature Center into the pristine habitat of Shady Canyon. We’ll hike 5 miles on single-track trails and old ranch roads. 

This hike is a great opportunity for Girls Scouts and ScoutsBSA as it fulfills the following: 

• Girl Scouts USA journeys: Trail Adventure, Eco Trekker
• ScoutsBSA requirements: 2nd class 3a–c, 4; 1st class 4b, 5a; Nature Merit Badge 4–6

Wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection and bring plenty of water. 

This program is for ages 10 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery.

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. This program is for ages 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and participants will receive a parking voucher. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join us for a hike through Laguna Canyon as we uncover the fascinating geological history of the area. Along the way, we’ll explore the origins and characteristics of stones that make up the canyon and learn how natural forces shaped this beautiful landscape. After the hike, we’ll use wire-wrapping techniques to craft your very own custom stone jewelry, turning a piece of nature’s history into a wearable work of art! 

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

*This program begins at the Bommer Ridge Trail west entrance, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657*

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

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the program. 

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Dive into the fascinating anatomy of squid and learn about their unique adaptations during this hands-on dissection program! This program is great for curious minds and offers an up-close look at one of the ocean’s most intriguing invertebrates. 

Allergy Information: Please be aware this program involves dissecting squid, which are part of the mollusk family. Participants with allergies to squid, shellfish, or mollusks should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before participating. If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out for more information. 

This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks naturalists for story time and short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore the wonderful world of cacti and discover what makes them so unique!  

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 7.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,050 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

The program will begin at the Nix Nature Center parking lot. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel this program.  

Unplug and relax outdoors on a nature meditation walk through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 

Allow your natural sense of wonder to engage in playful activities, deepening connections with the outside world and ourselves during this guided program. 

The program will begin on the patio at the Nix Nature Center and include a brief walk and tea ceremony of reciprocity. Please note this activity involves making and drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants and participants are asked to notify park staff upon arrival of any food allergies or sensitivities. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is designed for ages 10 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and binoculars will be available.

Participants should be prepared to walk on paved and dirt trails for up to 2 miles. Closed-toe shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.

The program will begin in parking lot H.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Averil Lough at averil.lough@ocparks.com or call (657) 735-3596.

*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon 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. Come help restore the wild lands we all enjoy! 

No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. 

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

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.