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Backyard Bugs

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined!

Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring snacks and water.

Participants 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Flame Skimmer, Dragonfly

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Yorba Regional Park

*This program takes places at Yorba Regional Park, 7600 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim, CA 92807*

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 Yorba Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. The program will begin at parking lot J.

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.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Participants of the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Craig Regional Park

*This program takes places at Craig Regional Park, 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92835*

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 Craig Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. The program will meet at parking lot A.

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.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

ONRE_Jr Ranger

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Old Orange County Courthouse

*This program takes place at the Old Orange County Courthouse, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701*

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 the Old Orange County Courthouse, 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 is free and metered parking is available in the lot on the north side of the building.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact Interpretive Programs Curator Nathan Taxel at nathan.taxel@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Participants of the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

*This program takes place at Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, 29042 Modjeska Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676*

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 Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, 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 Gray Crouch at gray.crouch@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Participants of the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Early Morning Hike: Weir Canyon

Join us on this early morning hike enjoying beautiful Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Starting in Irvine Regional Park, we pass through Lower and Upper Weir Canyon to a scenic overlook. We then head down Upper Blind Canyon as we wind our way back to our starting point.  This hike is around 9.5 miles with one significant climb and descent.

Please note that the route for this hike may be shortened or altered due to trail conditions or adverse weather.

Please come prepared with a daypack, around 70 oz. (2 quarts) of water, trail snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes, sunscreen, first aid, and any other supplies needed to keep you safe on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water and be comfortable hiking at an average moving pace of 3 mph. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this program.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

  • Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
  • Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
  • Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
  • All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
  • You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Niguel Regional Park

*This program takes place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677*

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 Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 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 is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer at richard.schaffer@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Black crowned night heron

Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient life in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a craft. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome.

The program will meet in front of the Interpretive Center.

Minors 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.

Paleo Dig

Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park

Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants and join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park by managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. Experience the satisfaction of weeding invasive plants and observing our local biodiversity as it grows!

We will meet in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to pull weeds, rake, spread seeds, pot or water plants. Long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and water are recommended.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here. 

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com or call (714) 973-6671.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.

Milkweed beetles

Family Hike - Dilley

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike with your family at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is moderate but includes uneven terrain and approximately 45 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Participants 18 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

Family Hike
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