How big does the world look to a tiny bug? How wide is a turkey vulture’s wing? Join OC Parks naturalists as we explore the amazing sizes in nature! We’ll read a story, take a short hike and finish with a fun craft.
This program is designed for ages 3-6. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Advance registration required. Please register all participants,including children.
The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.
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.
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.
Spot local native and seasonal resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists on this slow and easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain with up to 50 feet in elevation gain. We will go to Barbara’s Lake and back through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary!
This program is for ages 12 and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars.
*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*
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, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 750 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.
(Huntington Beach, Calif.) – First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen of the Orange County Board of Supervisors along with OC Parks staff officially opened the newly installed, ADA accessible playground at Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach on Feb. 12.
“We are thrilled to offer this revitalized playground to our community,” said Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen. “Our investment in this accessible play area ensures children of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play together in a dynamic, barrier-free environment.”
The new playground features new surfacing and two separate play areas, one intended for ages 2 to 5 and one for ages 5 to 12. Notable upgrades include smooth, wide pathways for wheelchair access, sensory play panels with tactile, auditory and visual stimulation and a “Rock with Me" glider, with six seats for riders and room for a person with a mobility device to fit comfortably inside.
Due to its innovative design, the playground has been recognized as a model project of excellence and designated as a National Demonstration Site by PlayCore, a playground equipment manufacturer dedicated to building healthy communities through play, recreation and outdoor spaces.
Visitors can enjoy and use the playground daily from 7 a.m. to sunset at Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park located at 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
*This program begins at the Hollyleaf cul-de-sac near Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (where West Ridge Trail meets Hollyleaf, near 65 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656).*
Get up close with the trails you use and see them in a whole new way as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
Stewardship activities include clearing drains to remove water, pruning vegetation, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread and restoring impacted areas. No experience necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools.
*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*
Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain.
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.
Enter a world of creativity and make nature-themed crafts and artwork with your little ones. We’ll exclusively use Earth-friendly materials that have either been found in nature, reused from ordinary daily products, or have been responsibly sourced. "Sphere" not, an enjoyable new project will be planned for each program!
Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring snacks and water. This program begins at the Aliso and Wood Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
Participants 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
*This program begins at Aliso Viejo Community Park, 150 Cedarbrook, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*
Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.
Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection and/or planting of native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water.
Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring!
This program begins at the Aliso and Wood Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly.
The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
