Activity Cards

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

Explore the richness of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve as we hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life is enjoying the cool, shady canyon, making for a fantastic evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. We’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully, for the first mile and then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour.

Join us in Bommer Canyon to learn about butterflies. Elementary school aged children will learn about butterflies, caterpillars, and pollination. Native plants which support butterflies will be discussed and children will learn how to identify three common butterflies.

We will start the morning with a story describing butterflies and caterpillars will introduce the children to pollination and the life cycle of butterflies. The difference between moths and butterflies will be explained as well as the different needs of caterpillars and butterflies. A hike through the nature garden of native plants will provide children the opportunity to look for butterflies and to locate plants that support butterflies. Then children will make a paper caterpillar craft.

Please note: Parents/guardians must register along with their child(ren).