Orange County has some really beautiful parks and the Parks and Rec crew have some events to get your outdoors this September.
Highlights include:
- The Angels at the OC Zoo on September 7th
- The Return of JPL’s Mars & Stars Educational Series Sept 17th and Sept 28th at Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
September 1 – 1st Sunday Restoration Program at Talbert Nature Preserve 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Get some R&R at Talbert Regional Park in Costa Mesa as they kick off the first community based Talbert Restoration & Revitalization Project. Learn about the native plants and wildlife of our Coastal zone. Each volunteer will receive a coupon for a free barbecue corn at the Lion’s Club annual Fish Fry carnival event! Contact (714) 376-7414 for more information. Location: Talbert Nature Preserve. 1298 Victoria Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Website: www.ocparks.com/talbert/ Cost: Free Parking: Free
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Redwood Grove Hike 9:30 – 11 a.m. Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1 mile 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 way. The hike begins each Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. from the park’s Nature Center. Don’t forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too! Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-3160 Special Instructions: All ages. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of the park. Reservations preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or email [email protected].
September 1 – Nature Center Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nature Center open the 1st Sunday of each month. Join a Park Ranger for a tour of the nature center and learn about local history, flora and fauna. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://ocparks.com/santiagooaks/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6620 Special Instructions: All ages.
September 3 – Beginning Fitness Hike 8 – 9:30 a.m. Now is a great time to start a new fitness routine with this easy 2-mile hike over moderate and uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake and back (100-ft. elevation gain). A Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist will point out local flora and fauna along the way. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring water. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
September 3, 14, 17, 28 – Modjeska House Tour 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Docent-led tour of the historic house and grounds. Mailing Address Online: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/modjeskahouse/ Contact: (949) 923–2230 Special Instructions: Advance reservations required. Call (949) 923-2230. Directions provided with reservations.
September 5, 12, 26– Tideland Tykes 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join our preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years recommended. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register.
September 6 – Explore the Plants on the Trail to Barbara’s Lake 8 – 10:30 a.m. Join us on a wonderful morning walk to Orange County’s only natural lake while learning about our native California plant life. This 2-mile leisurely hike will be led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Online reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. 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). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
September 6 – Animal Art I – Toddler Program 10 – 11 a.m. Join us for an hour of fun and creativity with an animal theme! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. Come ready to get a little messy! Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/ Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6846 Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
September 6, 13, 20, 27 – Wild Tales 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Visit with Preserve staff for story-telling fun! After a story, learn more about the natural history of the Bay through crafts, hands-on activities and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: $5 per student Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Ages 2 to 8 years. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register.
September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Redwood Grove Hike 8:30 – 10 a.m. Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1 mile 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 way. The hike begins each Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. from the park’s Nature Center. Don’t forget to visit our Nature Center when you are there, too! Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/carboncanyon/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-3160 Special Instructions: All ages. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes. Meet at Nature Center located at east end of the park. Reservations preferred, please call (714) 973-3160 or email [email protected].
September 7 – A Walk in the Park 8:30– 10 a.m. Bring the family to view the landmark Aliso Creek restoration project and search for OC’s native wildlife on the Aliso Creek Trail East. This is a 2.5-mile level terrain, leisurely hike (50-ft. elevation gain) through riparian and grassland habitats. Led by OC Parks Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Ages 7 and up. Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Pkwy, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Nature Walk 9 – 10:30 a.m. Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of the park. Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 Website: www.ocparks.com/oneillpark/ 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.
September 7 – Walk in Our Wild Side Nature Walk 10 – 11 a.m. Join a Park Naturalist on an easy walk approximately 1 mile long in our Natural Area. See birds, hawks, insects, butterflies, and native plants. Recommended: Hat, binoculars, drinking water, and comfortable shoes. Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/milesquare/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6600 Special Instructions: Meet at the entrance of the Natural Area located next to parking Lot F. Rain will cancel walk.
September 7 – Hank Conger Visits the OC Zoo 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. OC Parks and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have teamed up to provide kids and families with a free day at the OC Zoo including a visit by Angels catcher Hank Conger!Come meet some zoo animals, learn first-hand about Conger’s career and take photos with him. The first 125 people to arrive will be able to see Conger participate in a zoo keeper talk with live animals from 11 to 11:30 a.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Conger will take photos with children. No autographs. Free OC Zoo admission AND buy one train ticket at regular price, get the second train ticket free at Irvine Park Railroad (10am-4pm) for all visitors wearing Angels gear (hat, shirt, jersey, jacket, etc.). Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/ Cost: Free with Angels gear Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6847
September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Ranger Led Campfire Program 8 – 9 p.m. Join us Saturday night at the amphitheater for this Ranger led talk on local animal life, set to the glow of fire light. This event is only open to those camping at O’Neill Regional Park. No access for day use after sunset. Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678 Website: www.ocparks.com/oneillpark/ Cost: Free Contact: (949) 923-2260 or (949) 923-2256 Special Instructions: All ages welcome. Event is outdoors and dependent on weather conditions.
September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Campfire Program 8 – 9 p.m. Every Saturday night, join us for a campfire program that may include a slide presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins and skulls, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. Location: Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers/ Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2210 Special Instructions: All ages welcome!
September 8 – Family Sun Day Fun Day 2 – 4 p.m. Families are invited to come play, explore, listen and connect with nature and each other. Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist and nature mentor Kimberly Leeds will guide you through nature activities and games to enliven your wilderness awareness. Bring your curiosity! The terrain will be uneven and steep in some areas; be prepared to get dirty, and get up close and personal with nature! The walk will be a maximum of 1 mile round trip. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Wear long pants and closed-toes shoes. Hats and water are a must! For questions call (949) 497-8324.
September 8 – Second Sunday Restoration Program 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join Preserve staff and other 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; water, snacks and tools are provided. Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register. Program will be cancelled if inclement weather is present.
September 12 – Feathery Friends – Toddler Program 10 – 11 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: https://www.ocparks.com/oczoo/ Cost: $5 per child (one adult included) Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (714) 973-6846 Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.
September 14 – Family Hike at Dilley 3 – 5 p.m. Join us on this very enjoyable, easy 3-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Families welcome. You will hike in one of the most diverse areas in the park, through a canopy of oaks past Barbara’s Lake and back. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2235 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right). For questions call (949) 497-8324.
September 14– Mars and Stars 6:30 – 9 p.m. OC Parks and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have teamed up to present an educational program showcasing NASA’s Dawn Mission to the Asteroid Belt. There will be many activities, including:
- JPL Presentation by Dr. Marc Rayman, Chief Engineer and Director of the Dawn Mission.
- Kids’ crafts and activities.
- Stargazing opportunities with Astronomy 4 You.
September 15 – Morning Walk Around the Lake 9 – 11 a.m. Come enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the lake and learn about the native plants and critters in the park. This is an easy 2.5 mile walk (both paved and dirt trail) with no elevation gain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/lagunaniguelpark/ Cost: $2 per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923-2240 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. Meet at the staging area parking lot at Shelter 3, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. For questions call (949) 497-8324.
September 20 – A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake 9 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this leisurely paced, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. 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). For questions call: 949-497-8324.
September 20 – Tot Walk 9 – 11 a.m. Join Ranger Zak with your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. We’ll see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun! Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Ages 0 to 3 years. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right Awma, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
September 20 – Mason Movie Nights Under the Stars 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Come out to Mason Regional Park and watch a movie under the stars. This free event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be showing “Oz: The Great and Powerful.” Come dressed as your favorite character (optional) and follow the yellow brick road to grab a seat on the green in Mason’s amphitheater. Location: Mason Regional Park. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. Website: www.ocparks.com/masonpark/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2220 Special Instructions: All ages welcome! You’re welcome to bring your own picnic, we will have popcorn and bottled water available. There will also be fun craft activities for the kids!
September 21 – Whiting Ranch Nature Hike Series 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. OC Parks invites you to join a Park Ranger Reserve on this 2.5 mile nature hike exploring the beautiful scenery of Borrego Canyon. The Borrego Canyon Trail, which parallels the intermittent Borrego Stream, offers a wonderful opportunity to witness an abundance of wildlife while hiking through lush oak woodlands and alongside riparian habitats. Hope to see you there! Happy trails! Location: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. 26707 Portola Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92620 Website: https://ocparks.com/whitingranch/ Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 923–2245 Special Instructions: Limited space available and pre-registration is required. Email [email protected] for free pre-registration. Be sure to include your full name and email address to reserve your spot. Park at Borrego Parking Lot.
September 21 – California Coastal Cleanup Day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Looking for a way to give back? Join thousands of volunteers throughout the State of Californai for this annual cleanup of our beautiful waterways and beaches. Space is limited to 400 volunteers. Water based cleanup efforts are coordinated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information about water cleanup, please visit https://backbaysciencecenter.org/. Location: Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Pre-registration is required for this event. Please email [email protected] to register or for more information. Space is limited so sign up today!
September 21 – Coastal and Inland Waterway Cleanup Day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for California’s largest annual volunteer event, Coastal and Inland Waterway Cleanup Day. Bring your family and friends to the park to assist with the cleanup of trash and debris along Santiago Creek. Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: ((714) 973-6835 Special Instructions: Pre-registration is required for this event. Please email [email protected] to register or for more information. Space is limited so sign up today!
September 21 – Casual Mountain Bike Ride 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join us on this beautiful, moderate mountain bike ride as we travel under a canopy of trees and shade on much of the trail. This 10-mile ride will be over uneven terrain with a 200-ft. elevation gain. Information and respect for the natural habitat will be included. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Mountain Bike Trail Assistants. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right on Awma, left into parking lot). This event is designed for the moderate mountain bike rider. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, and water. For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
September 26 – “Climate Change in Southern California” 7 – 9 p.m. Join us for a special panel presentation on climate change, and how it will affect our lives in Orange County. Panelists include Dr. Matthew Kirby of CSUF, Dr. Jere Lipps of the Cooper Center, and Linda Marsa of Discover Magazine. Learn about what is happening with climate change and sea level rise, and how it will affect our water supply and health in the future. Location: Old Orange County Courthouse. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701 Website: https://ocparks.com/oldcourthouse/ Cost: Free Parking: Metered parking is available Contact: (714) 973–6605
September 28 – Family Hike in the Canyon 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a hike with your family in the beautifully lush Wood Canyon, while exploring it’s wildlife with OC Parks Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer. This is a moderate 2-mile hike (300-ft elevation gain) over uneven and rocky terrain. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Website: https://ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 497-8324 Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 7 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.
September 28 – Wieder Work Days 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join park staff and other volunteers with enhancing Wieder Regional Park’s natural resources. Located on the coastal bluffs of Huntington Beach, this unique habitat overlooks the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Pacific Ocean. Activities may include non-native plant removal, trail maintenance or trash cleanup. No experience is necessary; water, snacks and tools are provided. Location: Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park. 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/wiederpark/ Cost: Free Parking: Free Contact: (949) 923-2290 Special Instructions: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or email [email protected] to register. Rain cancels the event.
September 28 – Mars and Stars 6:30 – 9 p.m. OC Parks and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have teamed up to present an educational program entitled Climate Change Overload: Reconnecting with Planet Earth. There will be many activities, including:
- JPL Presentation by Laura Faye Tenebaum, Innovator in Science Communication and a member of the Earth Science Communications Team.
- Kids’ crafts and activities.
- Stargazing opportunities with Astronomy 4 You.
OC Parks The OC Parks system encompasses 26 regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring nearly 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County’s award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves. OC Parks offers wilderness hikes. Campgrounds. World-class mountain biking. Nature centers. Nationally recognized historic sites. Fishing. Surfing. And the list goes on. Whether a visitor comes to jog or camp; whether a family holds a reunion at a park or meets friends at the beach, OC Parks offers everything you need to make every day a great one.
