
Right about now, you’re checking out your kids’ school calendar and wondering how to transform their week of vacation into fun for the whole family. On behalf of the OC Parks and the City of Irvine, Irvine Ranch Conservancy will be hosting several family-friendly programs in April that are perfect for a spring break outing.
Most programs require pre-registration and an adult to accompany the kids, so use the links provided to find out more about these opportunities.
Kid-friendly programs will also be available this April in Bommer Canyon. Led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists on behalf of the City of Irvine, these activities incorporate a nature walk with activities such as crafts or storytelling. This is an opportunity to introduce kids to a world they may not usually get a chance to see. Each program connects children to nature and shows them how to have fun along the way.
Wee Wonder Walks: Bouncin’ Butterflies: Thursday, April 10 at 10 am. Learn about the life cycle of butterflies. This program is perfect for children aged 2-6.
Canyon Explorers: Blooming in Bommer: Friday, April 18 at 4 pm. Learn to spot the signs of spring on this activity geared towards children aged 6-10.
Family hikes offer families a way to enjoy being outdoors together. These guided hikes in OC Parks’ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve are great introductions to nature for children because they are conducted at a slower pace and offer a moderate amount of interpretation. Distances and age requirements vary per activity.
Family Nature Walk: Monday, April 14 at 10 am
A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake: Friday, April 18 at 9 am
Family Hike – Agua Chinon: Saturday, April 19 at 4 pm
Family Hike – Round Canyon: Saturday, April 26 at 4 pm
If you are looking for an opportunity to explore trails with the family on your own, attend the Wilderness Access Day in Bommer Canyon. Trails normally open only to docent-led programs will be open for self-guided access from 8 am to 2 pm. You may also want to attend an activity occurring during the Wilderness Day called Exploring Bommer: Springtime Salad. This program explores plants eaten by native animals, and a sampling of these plants will be available for participants to eat.
Wilderness Access Day at Bommer Canyon: Saturday, April 19 at 8 am
Exploring Bommer-Springtime Salad: Saturday, April 19 at 9 am
Other kid-friendly events may be found on theIrvine Ranch Natural Landmarks website. Please visit www.LetsGoOutside.org for more information on the activities and how to register. Registration is required for most programs. Here are a few more family-friendly options:
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve (OC Parks)
Tideland Tykes: Thursdays, April 10 and 17 at 9 am
Wild Tales: Fridays, April 11 and 18 at 10:30 am
Crystal Cove State Park (California State Parks)
Historic District Tour: Saturday, April 12 at 10 am
Beachside Ranger Chat: Saturday, April 12 at 11 am
Sea Glass Jewelry: Wednesdays at 10 am – 4 pm
Science Saturday: Saturday, April 19 at 12 pm