Activity Cards

Advance registration is REQUIRED. Registration opens one week prior to 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 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. Additionally, please note that the hiking portion of the program occurs on a non-stroller friendly trail.

Program and parking are free.

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

*Please note that this program takes place on paved trails. 

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 spotting all different kinds of birds.

Home to over 200 year-round species of birds, Upper Newport Bay is considered to be a birding hotspot. Over the course of the ride, you will learn how to identify different types of birds based on their size, shape, and habitat. We’ll also work together as a group to identify the birds that we see! Binoculars will be provided for those that need them.

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 must have a parent/guardian present at all times.

Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Change: 175 feet

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

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our monthly program where art meets ecology! Come explore the natural world through the lens of creativity by painting your own ceramic coaster.

This program will feature a brief nature walk focused on native and invasive plants. We’ll then paint our own ceramic coasters out on the Interpretive Center patio.

All program materials will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. This program is designed for ages 14 and up.

We will begin outside of the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free.

Adverse weather may move the program fully indoors.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.