2-27-2026 5:14am

Family Fun events at an OC Park near you! See the full list for March.

Eric Bergstrom Editor

MARCH 2026 FEATURED EVENTS

March 3, 11 & 31 – Spring Fling 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 or guardian must accompany their child for the entire program. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Phone registration is required.

Registration: Call (714) 973-6846

March 4 – Adaptation Spotlight: Seed Dispersal

3 – 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks naturalists and explore the different ways seed spread in nature! We will test several dispersal methods, take a short walk and plant a seed to take home. This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

March 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. Participants 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

March 6, 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

March 7 – Keep it Wild

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as participants learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home. Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. Participants must be 16 or older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Advance registration is required.

Registration: ocparks.com/events

March 7 – Nature Scavenger Hunt: A Family-Friendly Event

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a nature scavenger hunt that’s fun for all ages! Participants will find a series of interpretive tables and posts that are “hidden” along the trails near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. There will be hands-on education activities and prizes available for those who complete the scavenger hunt. The program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. The program and parking are free. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 7 – Parks After Dark: Peters Canyon

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Peters Canyon Regional Park

Explore Peters Canyon Regional Park in search of nighttime critters that call the park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see! The program will begin outside the park office near the flagpole. Layers, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian during the program. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 13 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Aliso and Wood Canyons

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness 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 Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness 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. Advance registration required.
Registration: ocparks.com/events

March 14 – Second Saturday Restoration: Habitat Adventure Trail

7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park

Join us at Irvine Regional Park to lend a hand restoring the Habitat Adventure Trail by removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species. General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended, and tools and gloves will be available on-site. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead near parking lot G. The program and parking are free for volunteers. Advance registration required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 14 – Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park

8 – 10 a.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants and join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park by managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. Experience the satisfaction of weeding invasive plants and observing our local biodiversity as it grows!

The program will begin in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience is necessary, and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to remove weeds using hand tools or spread mulch. Long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and water are recommended. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 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

March 14 – Wonderful Wildflowers Hike

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

The winter rain has lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a slow-paced, moderate climb along the North Loop Trail and be rewarded with scenic views of the Peters Canyon Reservoir and surrounding area. Along the way, participants will peruse the petals of blooms currently sprouting along with some year-round favorites. This program will begin in front of the park office near the restrooms and flagpole. The hike will travel about 2 miles with some elevation gain. Be prepared to hike steep hills. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 14 – Starr Party

7 – 9:30 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 9:30 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. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 18 – Lakeside Bird Walk

7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park

Join an experienced OC Parks volunteer and stroll through Irvine Regional Park searching high in the trees for flittering friends and low in the scrubs for bouncing birds. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting birds! This walk begins outside the nature center, near parking lot T. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 19 – Preschool Paleontology: Art and Storytime

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

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient sea life preserved as fossils in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a craft. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome. Participants will meet in front of the Interpretive Center. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. The 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

March 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

March 20 – Nature Creativity: Mini Terrariums

9 – 11:30 a.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks naturalists as we explore the different ways plants spread seeds and reproduce while making a miniature plant terrarium to take home. This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Participants 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

March 20 – Spring Equinox Hike

2 – 4 p.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Celebrate the arrival of spring by joining experienced OC Parks staff as we hike along the scenic hillsides of Weir Canyon within Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Be prepared to hike more than 2 miles with moderate elevation gain. This program is not recommended for small children. Minors 16 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended. The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby. Advance registration is required.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 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

March 27 – Phone Photo Friday

9 – 11 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park

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 and learn how to take great 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 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.
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 27 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

3 – 4:30 p.m. | Laguna Coast Wilderness 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 Coast Wilderness 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. Advance registration required.
Registration: ocparks.com/events

March 27 – Jr. Ranger Adventure: Clark Regional Park

3:30 – 5 p.m. | Ralph B. Clark 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 Clark Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. Participants will meet in front of the Interpretive Center and take a half-mile walk through geologic time. 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. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration is required.
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

March 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. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Advance registration is required.
Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities