Activities and Programs

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, that camera is also their cellphone!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the camera you carry with you every day, join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings, editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is preferred.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Come chat with a Civil War living historian at the cannon in Irvine Regional Park! The volunteer will share the history of the 1853 Howitzer cannon and how it came to be at its current location. Hear recounts of other historical elements found in and around Irvine Regional Park’s long history as well as the Civil War.

The volunteer may take periodic breaks. Check with the Nature Center on future Civil War reenactor visits! Inclement weather may cancel the program.

You can find the Civil War living historian located at the cannon and Spanish-American War Veterans monument at the lake, near the snack stand and boat house, between Parking Lots U and T.

No registration is required for this program.

Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” this walk invites you to take a break and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Throughout the program you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax, designed for ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin at parking lot Q. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration is required.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com

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

This program will begin outside the nature center and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

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

Advance registration is required.

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

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, it’s also your cell phone!

Join us for a beginner’s program to taking better photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings and editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the Irvine Regional Park Nature Center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged. Most importantly, don’t forget your phone!

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

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 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 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 $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

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

Explore the natural wonders of Irvine Regional Park with OC Parks!

This program will begin outside the nature center and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

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

Advance registration is required.

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 for a variety of kid-friendly hikes and talks.

This program will begin at parking lot C and includes a short hike. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 6, but all are welcome to attend. Water, comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Strollers are permitted on this walk.

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

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

Advance registration is required.

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

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer as you stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for our flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds.  Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting our feathered friends!

This walk begins at the Nature Center.

Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

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