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 all 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. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration is recommended. 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.

Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Orange County may not experience the same seasons as the rest of the country, but signs are there if you know where to look!

Join an OC Parks resource specialist for a walk through Irvine Regional Park to look for the subtle signs that herald an Orange County spring.

This program will begin at parking lot G near the Habitat Adventure Trail.

This is a slow-paced, 2-mile walk along Horseshoe Loop Trail with some elevation gain. Water, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian at all times during the program.

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

We love the nightlife! Join us at Irvine Regional Park as we search for nighttime critters that call the park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

This program will begin in front of the nature center near parking lot T. Layers, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a guardian during the program.

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

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Space Ranger Program and Starr Party! The Space Ranger Program begins one hour before sundown and features interactive activities and a short talk, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. 

Once the sun sets, join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9 p.m. Visitors may attend one or both activities. No equipment is needed, just your curiosity!

This is a family-friendly program recommended for children ages 5 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. 

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is required for those without a camping reservation. Learn more and register here.

Rain or inclement weather may impact this program. Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm we’re clear for takeoff!

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Space Ranger Program and Starr Party! The Space Ranger Program begins one hour before sundown and features interactive activities and a short talk, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. 

Once the sun sets, join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9 p.m. Visitors may attend one or both activities. No equipment is needed, just your curiosity!

This is a family-friendly program recommended for children ages 5 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. 

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is required for those without a camping reservation. Learn more and register here.

Rain or inclement weather may impact this program. Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm we’re clear for takeoff!

*This program takes place at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869*

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 Santiago Oaks 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 $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program takes place at Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675*

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 Caspers Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program will begin at the Old Corral Day Use Area near the entrance to Bell View Trail.

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 on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration is required.  Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Explore the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park with OC Parks! Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. for a variety of kid friendly hikes and talks.

This program will begin outside the nature center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program has been canceled due to wet and muddy conditions.*

Lend a helping hand to improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to caring for restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. Be prepared for weeding, watering, or planting as needed.

Strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended.

Program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in. The program will begin in the parking lot and proceed to the restoration site. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance with tools.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at (714) 973-6625 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

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 Carbon Canyon Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

We will meet at the far end of 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. 

This program is free, and parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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