October 8 – Autumn Harvest Festival
4 – 9 p.m.
Heritage Hill Historical Park welcomes back the annual Autumn Harvest Festival. Bring the family to a fun-filled adventure and experience the park transformed into a spooky Halloween festival. Enjoy the Indiana Jones Trick or Treat Stations, experience the Under the Sea Adventure Maze, and dare to visit the Haunted School House. Children of all ages can participate in ghoulish games, costume contests and the pumpkin decorating zone. Costumes and trick-or-treat bags are recommended.
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Website: www.ocparks.com/heritage
Cost: $5 per person ages 3 and up.
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2230
October 8 – Astronomy Night
6 – 9 p.m.
Join Orange County Astronomers for a view of the fall night sky. OC Astronomer Chris Butler will provide a presentation about the Moon. Enjoy the opportunity to look through telescopes at stars, planets, and other celestial objects. Saturn will be visible!
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 9 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/astronomynight. Come prepared with layers of clothing to keep warm. You may also bring warm drinks and snacks. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
October 9 – Introduction to Mountain Biking
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Mountain Bike Trail Assistants on this beautiful 8-mile bike ride (400-ft. elevation gain) on uneven terrain. Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette while enjoying the canyon views.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2200
Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/introtomountainbiking. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).
October 9 – Intermediate Mountain Biking
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Catch beautiful canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,600-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. This is for INTERMEDIATE riders with mountain biking experience. Appropriate mountain biking equipment required.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2200
Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/intermediatemountainbiking. This bike ride is not for beginners. Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. Be prepared for varied weather in the canyons. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).
October 9 – The Mysterious World of O’Neill Regional Park
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Have you ever wondered, “where are all the wild animals in the park?” Visit a Show and Share Exhibit located next to the O’Neill Park Nature Center and discover the mysterious clues animals leave behind. Enjoy nature crafts and games, like making a wild animal track mold!
Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 923-2260
October 11 – California Native Plants and Uses
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Learn about the many fascinating uses of California native plants during the pre-mission period, on this 2-mile hike (490-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. This hike will focus on plants used historically for tools, food and building materials.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/nativeplants.Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)
October 12 – Yoga Hike
9 – 10:30 a.m.
Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: For ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/yogahike. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).
October 12 – Equestrian Ride: Discover the Natural Wonders of Weir Canyon
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Explore historic Weir Canyon Nature Preserve from the back of your horse. All riders must have trail riding experience and bring their own fit and able horse.
Location: Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: For ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/equestrianride. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 13 – Fitness Hike at Dilley
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (900-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike.Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)
October 14, 15 – Haunt at Heritage Hill
6 – 10 p.m.
OC Parks and the City of Lake Forest welcomes trick-or-treaters ages 12 and older back to Heritage Hill Historical Park for the 9th Annual Haunt at Heritage Hill. The park will once again transform into a haunted adventure with scream zones, including The Joker’s Side Show Maze, the Zombie Apocalypse, and Riding Hood’s Revenge, featuring more monsters than ever before. Visit the Haunted School House and hit the dance floor with ghouls and goblins at the extreme DJ and light show. Join in the fun and come dressed in costume (no masks) to enter the haunted Teen Dance & Costume Contest! Visit www.facebook.com/LFhaunt for more information and a chance to win prizes.
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Website: www.ocparks.com/heritage
Cost: $8 per person.
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2230
Special Instructions: 12 years and up.
October 15 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers
Contact: (949) 923-2235
Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/keepitwild. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
October 15 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
8 – 11 a.m.
Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: Free for Keep It Wild volunteers (see staff for pass)
Contact: (949) 923-2200
Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/keepitwild. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).
October 15 – Prehistoric OC
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join OC Parks and the Dr. John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center at Prehistoric OC. This free, family-friendly event presents Orange County’s rich heritage of natural history, prehistoric animals and plants, and Native American culture to the community. Prehistoric OC has something for everyone. Come see volcano demonstrations, Native American storytelling and a special visit from Rocky the T-Rex! There will be a number of activities including archaeological and paleontological demonstrations and exhibits, as well as a Junior Scientist Camp featuring educational crafts and hands-on activities. Ralph B. Clark Regional Park is home to the Clark Paleontology Museum. The museum will host guided tours to showcase its extensive fossil collection from Orange County and its working laboratory where visitors can see paleontologists and archaeologists in action!
Location: Clark Regional Park. 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621
Website: www.ocparks.com/clark
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-3170
October 16 – Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Fremont, Blind, Weir Canyon
8 – 11 a.m.
Experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during this guided, 17-mile mountain bike ride.
Location: Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: For ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/bikeride. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 16 – Be a Steward to Santiago Creek
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Remove invasive woody plants from Santiago Creek that take water and space from native plants and wildlife.
Location: Santiago Creek
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/santiagocreek. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 17 – Discover Hidden Canyons: Round Canyon
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Explore seldom-hiked trails in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.
Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online:www.letsgooutside.org/roundcanyon. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 18 – Adopt a Canyon – Agua Chinon Stewardship
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Remove invasive weeds and plant native seedlings to help habitat in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve thrive.
Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: Ages 14 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/aguachinon. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 20 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 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).
October 20 – Intermediate Evening Mountain Bike Ride
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Explore Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve by night during this intermediate mountain bike ride.
Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: For ages 18 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/intermediatebikeride. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 21 – Tot Walk
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Join Ranger Zak along with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and bring your young ones (infant to age three) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. We will see bugs, animal tracks, plants, birds and have all kinds of outdoor fun!
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Special Instructions: Ages: infant to age 3. Please sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/totwalk. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).
October 22 – Intro Cardio Fitness: Extended Weir Canyon Rifle Range Loop
7 – 9 a.m.
Enjoy views of Weir Canyon Nature Preserve during a slower intro-to-cardio fitness hike traveling 5 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet.
Location: Weir Canyon Nature Preserve
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/cardiofitness. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 22 – Amazing Raptors: Hawks, Owls, & Falcons
1 – 4 p.m.
Get a close-up look at live hawks, owls, and falcons from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. Learn to identify raptors in flight. Dissect an owl pellet. Find out how owls fly silently and discover other raptor survival secrets!
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/amazingraptors. Birds will be on display and activities available from 1 to 4 p.m. No hiking involved. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
October 22 – Pioneer Roundup
2 – 4 p.m.
Early pioneer families of the Saddleback area and their descendants share stories and visit during this SAHS meeting. Everyone is Welcome.
Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630-2534
Website: www.ocparks.com/heritage
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2230
October 27 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park
8:30 – 11 a.m.
Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this moderate, fast-paced, 6.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Hike is not for beginners. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Meet at Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)
October 28 – Meditating in Nature
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Relax in nature this summer with park staff and volunteers. Enjoy a short walking meditation, breathing and energizing exercises, and sitting meditation.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/meditatinginnature. Bring a blanket, pillow, and clothing in layers in case the evening is cool. No experience necessary. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405).
October 28 – Twilight Trek on the Mesa
6 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy the Mesa in beautiful Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park as the sun sets below the horizon.
Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: Ages 10 and up. Registration required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/twilighttrek. Driving directions will be provided after registration of program.
October 29 – Let’s Go Hiking
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Do you want to take a hike with other nature enthusiasts? Enjoy a 3.8-mile, moderate (600-ft. elevation gain) hike through Laurel and Willow Canyons with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. You will experience a variety of plant communities, from Coastal Sage Scrub to Oak Woodland and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top.
Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast
Cost: Free
Parking: $3 per vehicle
Contact: (949) 497-8324
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/letsgohiking. Participants should bring water, a hat, a snack, and wear proper hiking shoes as the terrain can often be rocky and uneven. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection).
October 29 – Geology Hike
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 4-mile geology hike (600-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. Hike through the oak-filled woodland of Wood Canyon and continue to the park’s highest peak. We will pass by rock formations that tell of ancient floods, landslides and the building of a great shell-filled limestone reef.
Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2200
Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Please sign-up online: www.eventbrite.com/geologyhike. This hike is not for beginners!
Bring water, hiking shoes (hiking poles suggested), snacks, the field guides of your choice, and a sense of adventure! Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot). Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas. Meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).
October 29 – Halloween Zoo-tacular
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for Halloween fun at the OC Zoo! Activities include trick-or-treating, kids crafts, a scavenger hunt, and fun games! First 100 children in costume receive a free gift! Come see the zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day.
Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869
Website: www.ocparks.com/zoo
Cost: Free with paid zoo admissions ($2 per person, ages 2 and under are free)
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: Marcy Crede-Booth at (714) 973-6846
Special Instructions: Reservations are not needed.
October 30 – Double Loop Hike: Baker Canyon
8 – 11:30 a.m.
Embark on a scenic loop hike that involves a few steep climbs with a net gain of 1,000 feet and rewarding views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
Location: Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Special Instructions: For ages 16 and up. Registration is required, sign-up online: www.letsgooutside.org/doubleloophike. Driving directions will be provided after registration.
October 30– Family Science Sunday
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free activities in the Muth Interpretive Center classroom once a month, each one with a different educational theme to explore.
Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: www.ocparks.com/newport
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Contact: (949) 923-2290
Special Instructions: Recommended for ages 2 to 10. All activities are self guided. May include crafts, hand-on exhibits, hikes or more!
October 30 – Then and Now: An Interactive Discovery of Animals Living in OC’s Past and Present
1 – 3 p.m.
Come out to Clark Regional Park on the last Sunday of every month to learn about the animals that ruled the land 10,000 years ago and the animals living in Orange County today. Visit the Show and Share activity table for hands-on exhibits and discover the similarities and differences between past and present animals.
Location: Clark Regional Park. 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621
Website: www.ocparks.com/clark
Cost: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Contact: (714) 973-3170
Special Instructions: This is a free, family-friendly event. Meet at the interpretive center, rain or shine. Pack a lunch and stay for the day at the park following the program.
Credit: OC Parks.
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