OC Parks Fall Programs & Events
It's time to check out the upcoming Orange County Parks Fall programs and events. The OC Park system offers a great selection of educational programs, docent led hikes and adventures, volunteer opportunities, and special weekend activities that the whole family can participate in. Check out our list of activities that are offered by OC Parks.
The best part is that most of the programs are free!
For a full schedule of these activities visit OC Parks Events & Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Pause and Wonder at Laguna Coast Wilderness
Slow down for a guided nature-observation program on the Nix Nature Center patio at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Through simple guided observations and conversation, participants explore the ABCs of nature: awe, belonging and contemplation. The program is free and designed for ages 16 and up; advance registration is required. Parking is $3 per vehicle per OC Parks (the letsgooutside.org signup page lists $5). Event details and registration.
Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park
OC Parks' annual Fall-O-Ween returns to Heritage Hill Historical Park (25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest) October 16–18 and 23–25, 2026 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tour the decorated historical grounds, snap Halloween and fall-themed photo ops, find your way through the straw maze and complete a scavenger hunt for goodies (while supplies last). Light refreshments are available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged and leashed pets are welcome (6-foot leash max). The event and parking are free. Event details.
Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo
Celebrate Halloween at the OC Zoo in Irvine Regional Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids ages 12 and under can trick-or-treat and complete a scavenger hunt (while supplies last), plus there are spooky crafts and zoo animals receiving treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day. Activities are free with zoo admission ($2 per person; ages 2 and under free), and parking is $5 per vehicle. No reservations are needed; zoo coupons and free passes are not valid for this event. Event details.
Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party
Head to the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve (2301 University Drive, Newport Beach) on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for spooky stories, creepy crafts, science experiments, animals and games, plus booths from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, Environmental Nature Center, Critter Squad: Wildlife Defenders and more. Costumes are encouraged. The event and parking are free; rain or inclement weather cancels the event. Event details.
Bird Walks
Bird walks are a great way for bird enthusiasts, both new and old, to enjoy spotting native feathered friends in a park setting. The volunteer naturalist will take participants on a leisurely 2-mile walk around the parks in search of local birds. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and to bring binoculars. The events are generally free, but reservations are required. This recurring event takes place at various locations including Irvine Regional Park, Peters Canyon, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, and San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mountain Biking Excursions
There are a handful of mountain biking adventures to participate in through OC parks. Some are geared to advanced riders like the FREEKS Rides, but others are good for beginners and intermediate riders. Lengths range from 2.5 miles to 19 miles depending on the adventure you choose. Check out the schedule to find the right ride for you.
Ranger Led Hikes & Family Hikes
The Ranger led hikes take place at various locations throughout the OC Parks properties and vary in length and difficulty. One event takes hikers into the Bell Canyon area of Casper's Wilderness Park on a 1-mile nature hike that is appropriate for all ages. The Ranger Led first Saturday hikes often take participants on a 1.1-mile hike to the Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. This easy to moderate hike is also good for families and people of all ages. Other hikes include difficult hikes out to The Sinks, 5-mile discovery hikes in the Laguna Coast Wilderness, Family Hikes in Black Star Canyon, and after work hikes.
Starry Nights
Starry, Starry Night events are interactive evenings under the stars where you'll get to know about the solar system and constellations, while enjoying a slow-paced three-and-a-half-mile hike under the night sky at Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. The event is geared towards families with kids ages 5-12, but all are welcome.
Peter & Mary Muth Kids Programs
Register for a spot at one of the preschool programs at Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Wild Tales and Crafty Kids Sunday are two of their many programs geared to little ones and include crafts and stories and educational experiences that teach kids about local wildlife and environmental preservation. Plus, most include a short ranger-led hike around the interpretive center afterwards.
Preschool Programs at the OC Zoo
On select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays the Orange County Zoo offers science and art-focused preschool programs. The one-hour class includes hands on learning, a theme-related craft, and an up-close meeting with zoo animals that will delight the little ones. The class is recommended for children ages 3 and 4 and parents must accompany their children for the entire class.
Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks are perfect for ages 2-6. Each Trek explores a different theme and includes a take-home craft to continue the fun afterwards. Registration is required for these activities, but they are free. Generally, Toddler Treks are held at Irvine Regional Park.
Steward Day at the Native Seed Farm
Steward Workday allows volunteers to register and go behind the scenes at the Native Seed Farm to help maintain the garden through weeding, cutting, digging, and whatever else is necessary. The seeds of the wildflowers grown here will be used in the wild areas of OC Parks to regrow native animal habitat, providing food and shelter within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and acting as a buffer against the impacts of fires and floods. Volunteers are needed and can register online. Multiple dates and times are available.
Additional Activities to Explore
- Advanced cardio and fitness hikes
- Chess and checkers
- Horseback riding
- Plant and wildlife exploration
- Volunteer restoration and cleanup days
- Yoga
For full schedule of these activities visit OC Parks Events & Irvine Ranch Open Space.
California State Parks also hold many activities to enjoy. OC State parks include: Crystal Cove State Park, Bolsa Chica SB (State Beach), Corona del Mar SB, Doheny SB, Huntington Beach SB, San Clemente SB. Visit the CA State Parks event page for current activities.
