OC Parks Events List | Various OC Parks in Orange County | Month of February

FEBRUARY 2026 FEATURED EVENTS

February 5 – Biking the Bay

8 – 10:30 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to raise their heart rate and pedal around the bay 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 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. We will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make interpretive stops along the way. This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a guardian present at all times. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Wild Tales

10 – 11 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a

love of the natural world. Wild Tales includes a story time, age-appropriate hike

and 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 ages 2 to 5, but all

are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The program and parking

are free. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 7 – BioBlitz!

8 – 10 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Did you know California is known as a biodiversity hotspot? Help scientists and OC Parks staff document the species found in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You will learn about California’s unique biodiverse flora and fauna and how to use iNaturalist, a smartphone app that allows people to share biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. The program will also include a self-guided hike so you can document the species you find along the way! This program is designed for ages 7 and older. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

February 7 – Paws on the Trail

9 – 11 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Come enjoy an easy 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 175 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. The program and parking are free. Space is limited and advance registration is recommended.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 7 – Hiking Through History: Irvine Regional Park

2 – 4 p.m. | Irvine Regional Park

Celebrate more than 125 years of recreation at Irvine Regional Park by hiking through its history! Learn about the park's early ranching history and transformation into the "Picnic Grounds" that would eventually become Irvine Park. Stops will include the nature center, lake, historic arch and more. The walk will begin in front of the nature center near parking lot T and will cover approximately 1 mile over varied terrain with no elevation gain. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are strongly encouraged. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 13 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Niguel Regional Park

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Niguel Regional Park

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 Laguna Niguel Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

February 14 – Second Saturday Restoration: Peters Canyon

7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park

Lend a helping hand to improve native habitat at Peters Canyon Regional Park. Dedicate the morning to caring for restoration sites and help our native plants and shrubs thrive. Participants will be weeding, watering or planting as needed. Strong gardening gloves, trail snacks, water, sun protection and wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are highly recommended. The program will begin in the parking lot and will proceed to the restoration site. Be prepared to hike a moderate distance with tools. The program and parking are free. Parking passes will be made available to volunteers at check-in. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 14 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Gypsum Canyon Wilderness

Explore 6 miles of trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, the area provides trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration. Access is first-come, first-served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

More information: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 14 – Starr Party

6 – 8:30 p.m. | Caspers Wilderness Park

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Starr Party! For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California’s first “Star Park” designation in 2013. Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 8:30 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Rain or inclement weather may cancel this program.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 18 – Explorers Hike: Serrano Ridge

8:30 – 11 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. This moderate hike is approximately 5 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. The program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

February 18 – Critter Investigation: Loving Barn Owls

10 – 11 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Bring your little ones and join OC Parks to learn more about barn owls. This fun and engaging program includes story time, an age-appropriate hike and themed craft. The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2 to 5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 19 – Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime

10 – 11 a.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about life during the Ice Age in Orange County. Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a themed craft. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome. The program will begin in front of the Interpretive Center. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 19 – Animal Art II Preschool Program

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park

This program is for ages 3 to 4 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Phone registration is required.

Registration: Call (714) 973-6846

February 19 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Upper Newport Bay

3:30 – 5 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

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 Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 20 – Tot Walk

9 – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! This program begins at the visitor center. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly. The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

February 20 – Woodland Wellness Walk

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park

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 is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 21 – Wilderness Access Day: Red Rock Wilderness

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Red Rock Wilderness

Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity. Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 27 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mason Regional Park

3 – 4 p.m. | Mason Regional Park

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 Mason Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

February 28 – Exploration Day: Saddleback Wilderness

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Saddleback Wilderness

Come explore 3.3 miles of trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea. Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

More information: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 28 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: George Key Ranch Historic Park

9 – 10:30 a.m. | George Key Ranch Historic Park

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 George Key Ranch Historic Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 and parking are free. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 28 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Mile Square Regional Park

10 – 11:30 a.m. | Mile Square Regional Park

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 Mile Square Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

February 28 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park

2 – 4 p.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park

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 Peters Canyon Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. 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 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

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