
Summer solstice on June 20 marks the beginning of longer days, warmer nights, and more opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks can connect with the land during three new series of guided activities this summer. Kids in Carriers Walk, Tai Chi in the Hills, and Celebrate Cultures in Nature appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. This summer, explore the open wilderness through family-friendly hikes, meditative exercise and intellectually stimulating strolls during guided activities on the Landmarks.
Kids in Carriers Walk, a monthly trek through Baker Meadow in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, is perfect for families with younger children eager to spend time outdoors. Baker Meadow is a 2-mile, flat trail suitable for off-road strollers, kids of all ages, and parents with baby carriers. Kids can experience the colorful plants and aromatic scents of coastal sage scrub habitat while spending a summer morning exploring local wilderness. Kids in Carriers Walk: Baker Meadow kicks off Saturday, 7/23, and also occurs Saturday, 8/13, and Saturday, 9/24. Click the title and dates above to learn more about and register for these programs.
Celebrate Cultures in Nature is a monthly bilingual program highlighting different cultural ties to the Landmarks. The easy hikes start as the sun sets, providing beautiful views and cooler temperatures for hikers. The program begins on Saturday, 6/18, with the Coyote Folklore Family Hike through Black Star Canyon, where hikers will hear Mexican folklore and look and listen for signs of coyotes in the Landmarks. On Saturday, 7/20, Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Día del Amigos in Black Star Canyon celebrates the international day of friends. Bring family, friends and fellow nature-lovers to the Landmarks for a 3-mile evening hike while learning more about this South American celebration dating back to the 1950s. Or, learn about Japanese folklore during Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Star Festival on Tuesday, 8/9, in Black Star Canyon. On Thursday, 9/15, explore Round Canyon in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve during Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
Whether enjoying an easy stroll with your kids, taking time to exercise and relax outdoors, or learning about different parts of the world while exploring the local open space, these new summer programs offer something for everyone looking to connect with the land. All programs on the Landmarks are free with required pre-registration. Click the titles and dates below to learn more about and register for these activities.
Kids in Carriers Walk: Baker Meadow
Enjoy a morning stroll through beautiful Black Star Canyon with your little ones.
Tai Chi in the Hills
Reap the benefits of this calming Chinese exercise in scenic Orchard Hills.
Celebrate Cultures in Nature
Learn about the Landmarks’ history and different cultures during an informative bilingual hike through Black Star and Limestone canyons.
- Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Coyote Folklore Family Hike (Black Star Canyon), Saturday, 7/18, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Día del Amigos (Black Star Canyon), Saturday, 7/30, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Star Festival (Black Star Canyon), Tuesday, 8/9, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Celebrate Cultures in Nature: Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (Limestone Canyon), Thursday, 9/15, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
For all upcoming programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, go to LetsGoOutside.org/activities.