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 Wild Tales 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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

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

Join us at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a fun family Halloween party featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts, weird science experiments, bizarre animals and hair-raising games.

All children who attend in costume will receive ghoulish door prizes. The event will also feature booths and exhibits from nature-minded community partners.

The event and parking are free. Rain or inclement weather will cancel the event.

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 Wild Tales program is offered select Fridays 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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

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

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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 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.

Get ready for a FUN all ages Nature Scavenger Hunt, put on by Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists. Prizes awarded to every participant who completes the scavenger hunt.

The day will consist of locating a series of interpretive tables and posts that have been “hidden” along the trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There will be lots to see, touch, and do, and you and your family and friends are sure to learn more about the Upper Newport Bay.

The program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are encouraged to come and participate! The FUN begins and ends at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Kick off is 9:30am, and the event concludes at 12:30pm. You may arrive at any point during this time window. The scavenger hunt itself takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.

The program and parking are free. Please register at unbscavengerhunt.eventbrite.com.

OC Parks invites you to come and learn more about one of our common waterfowl birds: the coordinated Canada goose. We’ll learn why these birds fly in a “v” shape and go on a hike to spot them out in the wild.

This fun and engaging program includes a story time, an age-appropriate hike, and a themed craft.

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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it indoors.

Advance registration is recommended.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 16 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

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 Wild Tales program is offered select Fridays 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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

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

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. Rain will cancel the event.

Space is limited, so please register to reserve your space (especially for groups.) Walk-ins are welcome but will be accepted based on availability.

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to get their heart rate up and pedal around the Bay, all while learning about local ecology and history.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10 mile section of the Back Bay Loop trail over the course of 2 and a half hours. We will remain on the paved portion of the trail and will have interpretative stops along the way.

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. E-bikes are welcome. Please note that the pace and talking points are geared towards individuals aged 14 and up. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Change: 155 feet

Advance registration required. The parking and program are free. Rain or adverse weather will cancel the event.

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 Wild Tales program is offered select Fridays 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. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Advance registration is recommended. Program and parking are free.

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