*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.
Celebrate 50 years of recreation at Santiago Oaks Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the Windes family that called the park home, the flood of 1969 and the grassroots effort to preserve Barham Ranch as parkland. Stops will include the Historic and Villa Park dams, historic orange grove, nature center and more.
The walk will begin in front of the nature center near the park entrance and travel approximately 2 miles with little elevation gain.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
Inclement weather may cancel the program.
For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.
*This program takes place at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA92869*
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 Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the nature center.
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.
Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Peters Canyon Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds!
This walk begins outside the park office, near the parking lot.
Join us at Irvine Regional Park to lend a hand restoring the Habitat Adventure Trail by removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species.
The Habitat Adventure Trail is located next to parking lot G. General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended. Tools and gloves will be available on-site.
The program and parking are free for volunteers. Please notify the park attendant you are volunteering when you arrive.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead at lot G.
* This program has been canceled due to park closure. *
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for making observations, creating lasting memories and developing deeper connections with the world around us. This session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses.
The program will begin outside the nature center. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair, sun protection, water and snacks are recommended. Be prepared to move along a short distance on the trail and sit to document the beauty around you.
The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.
*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 staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.
Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Wear comfortable attire and bring a blanket, seating pad or small chair.
(Orange County, Calif.) – The holiday season is here and so is OC Parks’ lineup of free, festive fun throughout Orange County.
Wander through beautifully decorated historic buildings aglow with holiday lights and seasonal décor at the 39th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 5-7 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. Enjoy live musical performances, festive crafts for kids and a visit from Santa Claus. Refreshments will be available for cash purchase. The event is free to attend with free parking.
The celebration continues the following weekend with the return of Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park, Dec. 12-14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Stroll through twinkling light displays and snap pictures at a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note this event does not include live entertainment.
Join the holiday fun at Christmas at the OC Zoo Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy holiday crafts for kids and see zoo animals receive treat-filled “gifts” and goodies hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day! Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free).
Don’t forget to stop by the Old Orange County Courthouse and enjoy holiday decorations all month long. The exterior lights light up at sunset each night, offering a charming, historic backdrop for festive photos. The display will go on through the end of the year.
Candlelight Walk Date: December 5-7 Time: 5 - 9 p.m. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website: ocparks.com/heritagehill Cost: Free Parking: Free
Art at the Oaks: Citrus Ornaments Date: December 6 Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Seasons Series: Fall into Winter Date: December 12 Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Holiday Lights Date: December 12-14 Time: 5 – 9 p.m. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website: ocparks.com/heritagehill Cost: Free Parking: Free
Holiday Ornament Painting Date: December 13 Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Christmas at the OC Zoo Date: December 13 Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free) Parking: $5 per vehicle
Winter Birdwatching Date: December 17 Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Location: Irvine Regional Park Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Critter Investigation: Merry Mule Deer Date: December 17 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Little Explorers: Snow! Date: December 18 Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Location: William R. Mason Regional Park Address: 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: lagunacanyon.org/events
Winter Solstice in Weir Canyon Date: December 20 Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park Address: 2145 Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
###
OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com
