OC Parks September 2016 Calendar of Events

Here are some highlights from the OC Parks September Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events this month, make sure to check out some of these great events!

OC Parks September 2016 calendar of events

September 1 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View

8 – 10 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, moderately paced, 6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: For ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).

September 1 – 2016 Summer Concert Series – JR JR with Big Monsta

6 – 8 p.m.

The County of Orange and OC Parks welcome back the annual outdoor summer concert series. Food trucks will be serving on-site at each location. Friends and families are invited to come out, bring a blanket and a beach chair and enjoy JR JR with Big Monsta under the stars at OC Parks this summer season.

Location: Salt Creek Beach. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA 92629

Website: www.ocparks.com/saltcreek

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Guests may bring their own food, and alcohol consumption by those 21 and over is permitted for the concerts.

September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Wild Tales

10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Join Newport Bay Conservancy Volunteers for a fun filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, storytime, hands-on activities and outdoor nature walks.

   

September 3 – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians can enjoy self-guided access to designated trails in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/wildernessaccessday Directions will be provided after registration.

September 3 – First Saturday of the Month Morning Hike To The Redwood Grove

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Join OC Parks' trained staff on the first Saturday of the month for an easy 1.1-mile early morning interpretive hike to the park's Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about our native plants along the trail. The hike begins at 8:30 a.m. from the park's Nature Center.

Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road

Brea, CA 92823

Website: www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3160

Special Instructions: Meet at Nature Center located at east end of park. To register, call (714) 973-3160 or email carboncanyon@ocparks.com. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes. Rain will cancel hike.

September 3, 10, 17, 24 – Walk with a Naturalist   

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join O’Neill Regional Park naturalists and learn about the animals and nature of Trabuco Canyon. This will be a light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads.

Location:  O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of O’Neill Regional Park. Event is conditional on weather.

September 3 – Monthly Habitat Restoration  

9 –11:30 a.m.

Join OC Parks staff, the Institute for Conservation, Research and Education (ICRE) and other volunteers the first Saturday of every month to help enhance Talbert Regional Park’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include: non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering and trash removal.

Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Website: www.ocparks.com/talbert

Cost: Free     

Parking: Parking for the event will be at Fairview Park in the city of Costa Mesa, a short 10-minute walk to Talbert.

Contact: (949) 923-2293

Special Instructions: No experience is necessary. Water and tools are provided. Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain or heat advisories cancels event. Please wear long pants, close toed shoes and a hat. Please bring sunscreen, work gloves, reusable water bottle and snack.

September 3 -- Explore the Bay Family Hike

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

An easy hike for families of all ages to learn more about Upper Newport Bay and enjoy its trails. Hike will be on paved and dirt trails. Bring sun protection and water. Meet on the patio of the Muth Interpretive Center. Event is free, registration is not required.

Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Website: www.ocparks.com/newport

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2290

September 3 – Open House  

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Ramon Peralta Adobe will be open to the public from 11am to 12pm. Join docents as they interpret the history of this early structure and canyon history.

Location: Ramon Peralta Adobe. 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road

Anaheim, CA 92807

Website: www.ocparks.com/ramon

Cost: Free    

Parking: You may park in the shopping center's parking lot.

Contact: (714) 973-3190

Special Instructions: The Peralta Adobe is surrounded on three sides by the Tarbell offices at the corner of Fairmont Blvd. and Santa Ana Canyon Road.

September 3 – Family Hike  

3 – 5 p.m.

Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5-mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free     

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/familyhike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).

September 4, 11, 18, 25 – Guided Nature Hike

8 – 9:15 a.m.

Join the Park Ranger for a 1-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. 

Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle (day use free)

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Specil Instructions: Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages. Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area. Contact park office for hike updates.

September 8 – Fitness Hike at Dilley   

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (900-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free    

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)

September 8 – Black Star Canyon Habitat Enhancement

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Plant small and easy-to-handle coastal prickly pear cactus pads, which provide important shelter and food for local wildlife. All tools and training will be provided.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/habitatenhancement. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 10 – Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop

7 – 8:30 a.m.

Enjoy views of Weir Canyon Nature Preserve during a slower intro-to-cardio fitness hike traveling 5 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet.

Location: Weir Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/cardiofitness. Driving directions will be provided after registration. 

September 10 – Animal Tracking in Fremont Canyon

8 – 11 a.m.

Search for evidence that animals leave behind in nature while gaining basic tracking techniques in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. This program is focused for older children and adults.

Location: Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 8 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/animaltracking. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 10 – Nursery Plant Propagation and Care Day  

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join us 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/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free passes will be provided at the nursery

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/plantpropagation. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring layered clothing and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and bring water. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers.

September 10 – Family Fossil Day

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Come explore Clark Park’s rich fossil history and experience hands-on fossil fun for all ages! We will also hike to the marine fossil site (for those six years and older).

Location: Clark Regional Park. 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621

Website: www.ocparks.com/clark

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3170

September 11 – The Mysterious World of O’Neill Regional Park   

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered “Where are all the wild animals in the park?” Visit a Show and Share Exhibit located next to the O’Neill Park Nature Center and discover mysterious clues animals leave behind. Enjoy nature crafts and games, like making a wild animal track mold!

Location:  O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free    

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2260

September 13 – Adopt a Grassland – West Loma Stewardship

8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Remove invasive weeds and plant native seedlings in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/adoptagrassland.

September 13 – California Native Plants and Uses

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Learn about the many fascinating uses of California native plants during the pre-mission period, on this 2-mile hike (490-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. This hike will focus on plants used historically for tools, food and building materials.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free   

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/nativeplants. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)

September 14 – Yoga Hike

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: For ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/yogahike. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).

September 15 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road 
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free   

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).

September 15 – Equestrian Ride: Discover the Natural Wonders of Weir Canyon

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Explore historic Weir Canyon Nature Preserve from the back of your horse. All riders must have trail riding experience and bring their own fit and able horse.

Location: Weir Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: For ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/equestrianride. Driving directions will be provided after registration. 

September 15 – Shhh… Hike, Look and Listen

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

End your day with a quiet walk through the calming canyons of Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. Bring a flashlight and be prepared for the canyon's cooler evening temperatures during this slow-paced walk.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/shhhhike. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 16 – Tot Walk

9 – 11 a.m.

Join Ranger Zak along with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and bring your young ones (infant to age three) to explore Aliso's wild backyard. We will see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun!

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Special Instructions: Ages: infant to age 3. Please sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/totwalk. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).

September 16 – Full Moon Hike

6 – 8:30 p.m.

Hike with park staff and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers as the sun sets and the moon rises over Laurel and Willow Canyons. This is a leisurely hike. Observe the changes as day turns to night and learn about night wildlife. Hear the last bird songs and use the bat detector to listen for their ultrasonic communication. The terrain on this 3.5 mile hike (600-ft. elevation gain) can be steep, rocky and uneven.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road 
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free     

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Participants should bring water, a snack, a flashlight, a sweater or jacket, and wear long pants and proper closed-toed hiking shoes. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fullmoonhike. Meet at Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection).

September 17– The Birds of Limestone Canyon

8 – 11 a.m.

Learn about bird species and how to identify them during this birding walk in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/birds. Driving directions will be provided after registering.

September 17 – The Story of Irvine Ranch

8 – 11 a.m.

Join a moderately challenging 5-mile hike in Weir Canyon Nature Preserve while learning about the history of Irvine Ranch.

Location: Weir Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: For ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/storyofirvineranch. Driving directions will be provided after registration. 

September 17 – Geology Hike at Willow

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Step back 25 million years in Orange County's history to a time when the seas receded and the San Andreas Fault was just starting to form. With a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist, discover the geologic processes going on today and how they affect the natural landscape. This moderate 3-mile hike is over uneven, steep and sometimes rocky terrain with a 300-ft elevation gain.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road 
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free     

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: For ages 10 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/geologyhike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)

September 17 – Morning on the Mesa Loop Family Hike

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Start your morning off by warming up along the Mesa Loop trail during a family-friendly, leisurely paced hike in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: For ages 8 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/morningmesa. Driving directions will be provided after registration. 

September 17 – Coastal Cleanup Day 2016

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Every year people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event. California Coastal Cleanup Day has removed over 750,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. Join us in cleaning up the Bay!

Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Website: www.ocparks.com/newport

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2269    

Special Instructions: For more information please visit www.newportbay.org/cleanupday.

September 17 – Coastal Cleanup Day 2016

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Every year people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event. California Coastal Cleanup Day has removed over 750,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. Join us in cleaning up Capistrano Beach!

Location: Capistrano Beach Park. 35005 Beach Road

Capo Beach, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/capistrano

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280    

Special Instructions: Please meet near the basketball courts.

September 17 – Coastal Cleanup Day 2016

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Every year people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event. California Coastal Cleanup Day has removed over 750,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. Join us in cleaning up Salt Creek Beach!

Location: Salt Creek Beach Park. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.

Dana Point, CA 92629

Website: www.ocparks.com/saltcreekbeach

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280

Special Instructions: Please meet near the picnic shelters at Bluff Park.

September 17 – Coastal Cleanup Day 2016

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Every year people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event. California Coastal Cleanup Day has removed over 750,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from beaches, lakes, and waterways. Join us in cleaning up Dana Point Harbor!

Location:  Dana Point Harbor. 34551 Puerto Place Dana Point, CA 92629 

Website: www.ocparks.com/danapointharbor

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280

Special Instructions: Please meet near Harbor Drive and Island Way at the harbor. 

September 17 – Community Digitizing Day and Presentation

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join us for a day of events celebrating Orange County’s leisure culture – bring your memories and memorabilia and make your story a part of OC history! We welcome and encourage you to bring any and all items related to the history of current OC Parks, as well as other items relating more generally to leisure in Orange County. OC Parks staff and volunteers will digitize your items and save them for you onto a complimentary flash drive.

Location: Old Orange County Courthouse. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd.

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Website: www.ocparks.com/oldcourthouse

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: Justin Sikora at 714-973-6607

Special Instructions: For more information visit www.ocparks.com/digitizingday.

September 18 – Nursery Plant Propagation and Care Day  

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join us 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/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free passes will be provided at the nursery

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/plantpropagation. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring layered clothing and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and bring water. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers.

September 18 – Evening Beginner Mountain Bike Ride: Limestone Canyon to The Sinks

4 – 6:30 p.m.

Adults can enjoy a slow-paced guided mountain bike ride for beginners through the sycamores and oaks of Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Riders will stop along the way to talk about the native habitat and visit The Sinks.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free 

Special Instructions: Ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/bikeride. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 19 – Tecate Cypress Stewardship

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Water and weed around young Tecate cypress trees planted near the Fremont Staging Area to help this rare species thrive in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve.

Location: Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 10 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/tecate. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 21 – Wild North America – Preschool Program   

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Come find out what kinds of animals we find on our own continent! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close! Location: OC Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road  Orange, CA 92869

Website: www.ocparks.com/zoo

Cost: $5 per child (includes one adult)

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846

Special Instructions: Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Registration is required! Call (714) 973-6846 to register.

September 22 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this moderate, fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road 
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Hike is not for beginners. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/ridgepark. Meet at Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)

September 23 – Hike to East Sinks Viewing Deck

7 – 11 a.m.

Come along an early morning hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve to the East Sinks Viewing Deck.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free 

Special Instructions: Ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/viewingdeck. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 23 – Animal Art I – Preschool Program

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Join us for an hour of creativity and fun with an animal theme! Come ready to get a little messy! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close!

Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869

Website: www.ocparks.com/zoo

Cost: $5 per child (includes one adult)

Parking: $3 per vehicle 

Contact: Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846  

Special Instructions: Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Registration is required, call (714) 973-6846 to register.

September 24 – Kids in Carriers Walk: Baker Meadow

10 – 11 a.m.

Enjoy a morning stroll through Baker Meadow in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park with your little ones. This easy-to-travel 2-mile trail is suitable for off-road strollers, carrying packs and tiny feet.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Registration required, sign-up online: letsgooutside.org/kidsincarriers. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 24 – Family Hike: Round Canyon

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Hike along a fairly flat trail while watching for red-tailed hawks and mule deer in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free    

Parking: Free 

Special Instructions: Ages 6 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/familyhike. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 25 – Bird Walk

8 – 10:30 a.m.

Spot year-round and summer resident birds, with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate 2-mile, level hike over uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway

Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2200

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult.) Please sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/birdwalk. Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars! Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).

September 25 – Yeeha! Agua Chinon Equestrian Ride

9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Experience Agua Chinon Canyon from the back of your horse during an equestrian ride in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Equestrians must have their own fit and able horse.

Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Special Instructions:  Ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/yeeha. Driving directions will be provided after registration.

September 25– Family Science Sunday

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Free activities in the Muth Interpretive Center classroom once a month, each one with a different educational theme to explore.

Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Website: www.ocparks.com/newport

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2290

Special Instructions: Recommended for ages 2 to 10. All activities are self guided. May include crafts, hand-on exhibits, hikes or more!

September 25 – Then and Now: An Interactive Discovery of Animals Living in OC's Past and Present

1 – 3 p.m.

Come out to Clark Regional Park on the last Sunday of every month to learn about the animals that ruled the land 10,000 years ago and the animals living in Orange County today. Visit the Show and Share activity table for hands-on exhibits and discover the similarities and differences between past and present animals.

Location: Clark Regional Park. 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621

Website: www.ocparks.com/clark

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3170

Special Instructions: This is a free, family-friendly event. Meet at the interpretive center, rain or shine. Pack a lunch and stay for the day at the park following the program.

September 28 – Feathery Friends – Preschool Program

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Come learn about birds that can fly and even those that can’t fly! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close! 

Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869

Website: www.ocparks.com/zoo

Cost: $5 per child (includes one adult)

Parking: $3 per vehicle 

Contact: Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846  

Special Instructions: Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program. Registration is required, call (714) 973-6846 to register.

September 29 – Fitness Hike at Willow

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (571-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free    

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshikeatwillow. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection).