Tag: Irvine Regional Park


Nov
2015

Kids Fishing Clinic

categories: Explore, Family fun

2015-01-02_00.13.11
OC Parks would like to invite you and your kids to a fun morning of fishing at Irvine Regional Park! This Kid’s Fishing Clinic (for ages 16 and under) is designed to teach kids how to fish while giving them an opportunity to catch a few from our pond.

Whether this is your first time fishing or you are a regular, you will have fun trying to catch some fish. Instructors will be on hand to demonstrate, assist and answer any questions. Please bring your own fishing pole and bait. If you do not have a fishing pole, there will be some available for loan.

The lake will be stocked with rainbow trout and there will be a two-fish limit. Prizes will be available for tagged fish. Registration is required at the OC Parks check-in table on the day of the event.

  • When: Saturday, November 14, 2105 from 7:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Where: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
  • Cost: The Event is FREE, parking is $5.00
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Nov
2015

November Night Hike

categories: Explore

ProjectRefinedLife.com
ProjectRefinedLife.com

I love night hikes! At night, something magically happens to the same trails you traveled during the day. This Friday, come and see Irvine Regional Park in a completely different setting, in the dark!

Park Rangers will lead a family friendly 2-mile night hike through the park on a variety of paths and trails.This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately with sturdy footwear. It is optional to bring water and a small flashlight or headlamp.

This night hike is not recommended for very small children. Sorry, no strollers or pets are allowed on the night hike.

  • When: Friday, November 6, 2015 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
  • Where: Irvine Regional Park,  1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
  • Cost: FREE
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Oct
2015

Time for the Pumpkin Patch!

categories: Holidays

pumpkinsIt’s October and that means it’s time to go the Pumpkin Patch! My family had our first pumpkin patch visit of the season this weekend. Irvine Park Railroad invited my family and I to attend the 10th annual Pumpkin Patch. The Pumpkin Patch is located inside of Irvine Regional Park. I always feel as if I am completely outside of the city when I’m here.

PumpkinPatchIrvineParkRR1Attending the The Pumpkin Patch was a wonderful way to welcome in the fall season. When you arrive you see a beautiful display of pumpkins, fall colors and photo ops throughout the park.

PumpkinPatchIrvineParkRR4There’s plenty to do before picking out the perfect pumpkin, my girls were delighted to start the day running through the straw bale maze. game booths (which I love because everyone wins a prize).

IrvineParkRailroad

The hay rides look fun, although due to my oldest daughter’s allergies we can’t go on them. The train ride is always enjoyable and takes you on a ride through the Irvine Railroad Park with views of the lake, peacocks running through the park and families enjoying their afternoon fishing and picnicking.

PumpkinPatchIrvineParkRR3

Other things to enjoy are the John Deere tractor racers, panning for gold (that was fun), bounce houses, a kid friendly (and mommy friendly) haunted house, cookie decorating, face painting and a lot of great photo ops.

PumpkinPatchIrvineParkRR2

What I love about Irvine Park Railroad is that it’s free to enter. You do have to pay to to enter Irvine Regional Park ($3.00 weekdays, $5.00 weekends). Some of the activities do require a fee but things such as the hay bale maze. the haunted house and all the photo ops are FREE. The pumpkins are gorgeous and reasonably priced.

PumpkinPatchIrvineParkRR

While your at Irvine Regional Park take advantage of the day, visit the Interpretive Center, go for a hike one of the many trails, visit the OC Zoo, play at one of the four playgrounds or rent a bike or a paddle boat from Wheel Fun Rentals. Irvine Regional Park has plenty of picnic benches, so pack a lunch or visit the Lakeside Snack Shack for a quick lunch.

  • When: Open daily (weather permitting) at 10:00 am through October 31st.
  • Where: Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch is located inside Irvine Regional Park at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA, 92869
  • Cost: Entrance into Irvine Regional Park is $3.00 on weekdays, $5.00 on weekends, Entry into the Pumpkin Patch is FREE, some activities have fees that vary according to activity. Activity tickets are $5.00 each or buy a book of 15 tickets for $60.00 ($15.00 savings).

Don’t forget to print these coupons before you go. 

Disclosure: Irvine Park Railroad provided complimentary tickets for me and my family to take part in the media weekend. My opinions of the event are entirely 100% my own and in no way had any impact on my review. 

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Sep
2015

Only 4 days Left!!!

categories: Giveaway

IrvineParkrailroadPumpkin-Giveaway

There’s only 4 days left to enter the Giveaway from Irvine Park Railroad  to the 10th annual Pumpkin Patch!!!

This is one of ways my family welcomes in the Fall season. So here’s your chance to win the chance to experience thousands of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, filling the areas behind the train station. In addition to choosing the perfect pumpkin you are family can look forward to riding the train, panning for gold, face painting, a pumpkin moon bounce, hay rides, and more.

Here’s your chance to win a Family 4 pack, valued at approximately $70.00, courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch will be open: September 19 through October 31, 2015, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on weekends.

 

Parking fees for Irvine Regional Park are $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.

 

Enter now – Good Luck!!!

 

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Sep
2015

It’s Giveaway Time!!!

categories: Giveaway

9/15/15 – Update – WE HAVE A WINNER!!! A great big THANK YOU to all who participated. A winner was randomly chosen by Rafflecopter

AMY – please email me your full name & address. Your prize will be mailed to you directly from Irvine Park Railroad.

Thanks everyone!

IrvineParkrailroadPumpkin-Giveaway
Thanks to fine folks at Irvine Park Railroad  – It’s Giveaway time for their 10th annual Pumpkin Patch!!!

For me and my family, this event welcomes in the season. Each year thousands of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, fill the areas behind the train station. In addition to choosing the perfect pumpkin you are family can look forward to riding the train, panning for gold, face painting, a pumpkin moon bounce, hay rides, and more.

Here’s your chance to win a Family 4 pack, valued at approximately $70.00, courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch will be open: September 19 through October 31, 2015, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on weekends.

 

Parking fees for Irvine Regional Park are $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays and $5.00 per vehicle on weekends.

 

Enter now – Good Luck!!!

 

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Jul
2015

National Zookeeper Week

categories: Family fun

National Zookeeper Appreciation Event Flyer-page-001

It’s National Zookeeper Appreciation Week Celebration at the OC Zoo on July 25, 2105.
Help the OC Zoo thank the zookeepers for all their hard work caring for the zoo animals!

Kids activities include making thank you cards for our zookeepers, creating a Junior Zookeeper safari hat, playing games, and a special scavenger hunt where you can enter to win a Zookeeper Shadow Experience! Kids are encouraged to come dressed in zookeeper attire/costume!

The first 100 children ages 12 & under will receive a free train ride ticket for Irvine Park Railroad!

Zookeepers will be giving “keeper chats” throughout the day and giving out special treats and toys to the zoo animals.

OC Zoo Black Bear

At 1:30 p.m. zookeepers will introduce the zoo’s newest animal, a young California black bear named Elinor!

Special talk on “So You Want To Be A Zookeeper” will be given by two of our zookeepers at 10:30am. Visitors can learn what a zookeeper’s day is like, see some of the “tools of the trade”, & meet some zoo animals up close!

Reservations are not needed. All activities are free with paid zoo admission

  • When: Saturday, July 25, 2105, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Where: OC Zoo, located at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd. Orange, CA 92869
  • Cost: $2 per person, ages 2 & under free, Parking $5
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Jun
2015

Weekend Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore
OC Parks
OC Parks

It’s Hikes & Bikes Weekend!  If you’re looking for a guided Hike or a guided Mountain Bike ride this weekend, look no further! Here’s a list of guided Hikes & Mountain Bike rides through our OC Parks.

Saturday, May 27, 2015

Guided Interpretive Hike – Irvine Regional Park
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

  • All ages welcome
  • Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
Date:  6/27/2015
Time:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 

Family Hike – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5 mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

  • 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.)
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.

 


Online Registration
Date:  6/27/2015
Time:  3:00 PM – 5:00 PM


Sunday, May 28, 2015

Ranger Led Nature Hike – Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Rain will cancel hike. 

  • Fee: Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.
Date: 6/28/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Birding Walk – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Spot native birds, with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate 2-mile, level hike over uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States.

  • Ages 12 and up.
  • Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring your binoculars! Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).
  • Parking: $3

Online Registration
Date: 6/28/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Family Bandito Bike Ride to Dripping Cave – Aliso & Wood Canyons Park
Join a band of bike wielding young explorers on a ride to Aliso’s most intriguing attraction. We’ll learn the mysterious legends of this famed bandit hideout as well as its previous inhabitants – the native Acjachemen people. Earn a ranger badge for being an accomplice on the journey.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $3 per vehicle
  • Ages 8 and up (or peddled by adult) who can comfortably ride 5 miles (150 ft. elevation gain) of dirt trails with some sandy sections
  • Bike, helmet, water, snack, and weather appropriate clothing/shoes required
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 6/28/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Meditating in Nature – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Relax in nature.  Enjoy a short walking meditation, breathing and energization exercises, and sitting meditation. Bring a blanket and a pillow.  No experience necessary.

  • Ages 16 and up.
  • 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).
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.

Online Registration
Date: 6/28/2015
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

 

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Jun
2015

OC Zoo Summer Program

categories: All things educational, Explore

wpid-2014-11-25_21.15.11.jpgSchool is out and the OC Zoo has a Summer Programs for kids preschool age & up. The programs feature crafts and hands-on learning as the staff introduces OC Zoo animals to the children. The children are all given a chance to touch (almost all) the animals while providing the children with animal facts. After the program be sure to catch storytime under the beautiful trees.

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This weeks scheduled programs:

Under the Sea Preschool Program – children ages 3-4 will learn all about animals in the ocean including fish, dolphins, sharks, and more! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close!

  • Ages 3-4 years old only. Parent must accompany child for duration of program
  • Fee: $5 per child (includes one adult).
  • Date: 6/24/2015
  • Time: 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

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Upcycling Animal Craft Fun – Kids ages 5 -8 will make fun crafts out of recyclable materials you have at home! Please bring a large bottle cap and quart-sized plastic jug to class.

  • Ages 5-8 years old only. Parent may accompany child for duration of program.
  • Fee: $5 per child (includes one adult).
  • Date: 6/25/2015
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Be sure arrive at the zoo gate by 9:45 am to purchase your ticket as the program begins promptly at their scheduled times. Parents must accompany their children for the entire program.

  • OC Zoo is located inside Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
  • Cost: $5.00, per child (includes the program fee and entrance to the zoo for one child and one adult/guardian) and a park entrance fee of $3.00 per vehicle.

Phone registration is required. To register for a class call (714) 973-6846.

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Jun
2015

Weekend Hikes

categories: Explore
Image from laguna-beach-info.com
Image from laguna-beach-info.com

It’s Fathers Day weekend and our beautiful Orange County Parks has a special hike planned for the occasion. My pick of the week is the The “Fathers Day Journey Hike” at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park on Sunday. The hike is in the oak-filled Wood Canyon and Wood Creek Trails. You’ll search for wildlife and their evidence on this 2 mile/150 foot elevation gain hike.

Whatever your skill level, there’s a hike for everyone. Get out there!

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Guided Interpretive Hike – Irvine Regional Park
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

  • All ages welcome
  • Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
Date:  6/20/2015
Time:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM


Sunday, May 24, 2015

Ranger Led Nature Hike – Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Rain will cancel hike. 

  • Fee: Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.
Date: 6/21/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

 

Father’s Day Journey – Aliso & Wood Canyons Park

Bring dad along on the backcountry wilderness hike he’s always wanted. Enjoy the oak-filled Wood Canyon and Wood Creek Trails as we search for wildlife and their evidence. This is a 2-mile (150-ft. elevation gain) hike.

  • 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).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 M-F or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: Free
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 6/21/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

 

Morning Walk Around the Lake – Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Come enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the lake and learn about the native plants and critters in the park. This is an easy 2.5-mile walk (both paved and dirt trail) with no elevation gain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer Naturalists. Dogs on leashes welcome.

  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. Meet at the Shelter 3 parking lot.
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2240 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Ages 8 and up
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 6/21/2015
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Jun
2015

Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore

 

OC Parks
OC Parks

It’s a Hikes & Bikes Weekend!! I do get so excited about the the mountain bike tours even if I can’t make it. Our wonderful Orange County Parks offer FREE guided hikes and mountain bike tours that range from family friendly to challenging. Lace up the shoes and get out there!

Be sure check the Calender for the other great events happening this weekend like the Kids Fishing Derby at Clark Park  and the Mysterious World of O’Neill Regional Park.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

California Native Plants & Wildflowers Hike – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Learn about the California Native Plants and wildflowers with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on this enjoyable 2.5 mile hike (45-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.

  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.


Online Registration
Date:  6/13/2015
Time:  8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Guided Interpretive Hike – Irvine Regional Park
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

  • All ages welcome
  • Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
Date:  6/13/2015
Time:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Ranger Led Nature Hike – Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Rain will cancel hike. 

  • Fee: Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.
Date: 6/14/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Beginning Mountain Bike Ride – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette on this 6.8-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (800-ft. elevation gain) while enjoying canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants.

  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)
  • Parking: Free.

Online Registration
Date: 6/14/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Catch beautiful canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-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. Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. Be prepared for varied weather out in the canyons.

  • This bike ride is not for beginners.
  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)
  • Parking: Free.

Online Registration
Date: 6/14/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Contact: (949) 923-2235 Add to my iCal:
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Wilderness Walkers -Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Enjoy a wonderful, moderate 3-mile walk (535-ft. elevation gain) through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Catch views of the canyons and mountain ranges from the ridge top and then walk down to Barbara’s Lake, a hidden jewel and the only natural lake in Orange County.

  • Ages 12 and up.
  • Hat, water and snack recommended for your comfort. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.)
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.

Online Registration
Date: 6/14/2015
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
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