The activities below are offered by a variety of organizations and their dedicated volunteers. All programs are FREE unless noted below. Programs led by IRC-Certified Volunteers require pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. on the day prior to the event. No walk-up registrations will be permitted for these events. For policies of other organizations, please use the sign-up information provided. For mobility device policies click here.
Note: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for these events. For programs requiring online registration, each adult and child must be registered. |
Need help? For the fastest answers, look for organization-specific contact information in each event listing (click More Information for full listing). If no contact information is listed, email info@irconservancy.org for assistance.
Click here to learn more about IRC-Certified Volunteers. • Click here to learn more about the Difficulty Ratings.
Search & Filter Activities
Friday, March 29, 2024
Toddler Treks
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 the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-10:45am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a 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 the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Friday, April 5, 2024
Toddler Treks
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 the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a 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 the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Critter Investigation: Clever Cottontails
OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about one of our most common mammals: the clever cottontail rabbit. Join us for a fun program to learn more about these amazing creatures and how their populations thrive in our parks!
This program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.
Activities will begin at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool and kindergarten level (ages 2-6), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
OC Parks Volunteer Information Night
Please join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our annual OC Parks Volunteer Information Night! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the various volunteer opportunities available in many of the OC Parks facilities. Travel around to park booths to meet park staff, ask questions, and learn what a “day in the life” of a typical volunteer would be like. Please feel free to bring along family and friends and enjoy a self-guided hike through the beautiful trails of Upper Newport Bay before or after your visit to the event!
This event is for everyone — whether you are interested in joining the OC Parks Volunteer Program or are an existing volunteer and would like to expand your volunteer role in OC Parks and get connected with a park facility to complete facility certification training. Visit as many or as few park booths as you are interested in — there’s truly something for everyone!
This is an open house style event so drop by anytime between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided, and parking is free. Please feel free to reach out to OC Parks Volunteer Services at volunteer@ocparks.com with any questions, and we look forward to meeting you then!
Representatives from the following park facilities and organizations will be in attendance:
- Orange County Fire Watch
- OC Zoo
- Cooper Center (Archaeo/Paleo Lab)
- Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
- Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
- Caspers Wilderness Park
- Riley Wilderness Park
- Santiago Oaks Regional Park
- Irvine Regional Park
- Peters Canyon Regional Park
- Clark Regional Park
- Carbon Canyon Regional Park
- Heritage Hill Historical Park
- Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House & Gardens
- Old Orange County Courthouse
- Newport Bay Conservancy
- Laguna Canyon Foundation
- Caspers Park Foundation
Friday, April 12, 2024
Toddler Treks
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 the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a 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 the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Second Sunday Restoration
Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, refillable water bottle, etc. Water and tools are provided.
Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
The program and parking are free. We will begin in the main parking lot at the corner of Irvine Ave. and University Dr.
Space is limited, so please register to reserve your space (especially for groups.) Walk-ins are welcome but will be accepted based on availability.
Adverse weather will cancel the event.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Toddler Treks
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 the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a 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 the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Earth Day at the Bay
OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy invite you to attend our annual celebration: Earth Day at the Bay.
This free, family-friendly event features environmental-themed exhibits from community partners and local artists. Booths will feature activities which include arts and crafts, science discovery and educational information. There will be live music throughout the day as well as a scavenger hunt complete with prizes. Be sure to enter the opportunity drawing as well!
Food trucks will be on site with tasty treats available for purchase.
For more information call (949) 923-2290 or email unbic@ocparks.com.
Friday, April 26, 2024
Nature Journaling: Wildflowers
Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including basic art principles and journal anatomy. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature.
Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens, or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
This program is geared for ages 12 and up. No experience necessary! We will begin outside of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration required.
Rain or adverse weather will cancel the program.
Toddler Treks
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 the Newport Back Bay.
Our Toddler Treks program is offered every Friday from 10:00-11:00am and includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a 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 the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.
Adverse weather conditions may move the program indoors or cancel it.