Get Out In Seal Beach: OC Parks Events Near You

SEAL BEACH, CA —Now that the sizzling heat has cooled down, it's time to think about getting out in Seal Beach.

OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of September designed to get Orange County residents out and engaged with all of the natural beauty the county's parks, beaches and trails have to offer.

Here's a rundown on the schedule of OC Parks events for November across Orange County:

• November 1 – Nature Journaling at Santiago Oaks 4 – 6 p.m., Santiago Oaks Regional Park
  • Nature journaling is a wonderful tool for nature observations, creating lasting memories and making deeper connections with nature. Each session will cover the basics of art theory and practices, journal anatomy and maximizing your senses. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the wonders in nature. Registration: letsgooutside.com/ocparks/activities
• November 3, 10 & 17 – Wild Tales 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
  • Join OC Parks staff for Wild Tales, offered every Friday. Each session will include a kid-friendly hike, story time and craft project. Activities are designed for ages 2-4 but all are welcome. Wearing clothes and shoes fit for hiking on dirt trails is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited so registration is suggested. If the session fills up, priority will be given to those who signed up in advance. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• November 4 – Fall Bird Walk 8 – 10 a.m. | Mile Square Regional Park
  • Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle-paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All are welcome and loaner binoculars will be available. Advance registration required. Registration: letsgooutside.com/ocparks/activities
• November 4 – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
  • Black Star Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families as well as challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. A variety of trail loops offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to check out the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minute walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• November 4 – Outrageous Owls Program 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
  • This program is for ages 5-6 only. Come learn about owls, make an owl craft, and explore what's inside an owl pellet. Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for the entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Registration: Call (714) 973-6846
• November 11 – Wilderness Access Day: Saddleback Wilderness 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Saddleback Wilderness
  • Come explore 3.3-miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy one-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea. Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required. More information: ocparks.com/events
• November 11 – Backyard Bugs 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
  • Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined! Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Advance registration required. Registration: ocparks.com/events
• November 11 – Paint & (Bring Your Own) Wine Nite: Owls 5 – 6:30 p.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
  • This event is for ages 21 and older. Join us after hours at the OC Zoo for an evening of creative fun! Paint & decorate your own ceramic owl figure while learning about owls and other birds of prey, including many found at Irvine Regional Park. Bring your own wine & glass to enjoy during the program. We kindly ask you please drink responsibly. Participants will also have a chance to meet our owls up close! Ceramic owl figure, crafting materials, paint and water will be provided. This program is free but requires advance registration. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Registration: Call (714) 973-6846
• November 12 – Second Sunday Restoration 9 – 11:30 a.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
  • Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and butterfly garden maintenance. No experience is necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available, but advance registration is encouraged. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• November 15 – Bird Walk in Irvine Regional Park 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park
  • Stroll through the park searching high and low for our flittering friends. Listen for their sweet songs and hear fun associations to help you remember these birds. This program is geared for all levels though focused for beginner-intermediate level birders. Bring your binoculars, sun protection, comfortable shoes and an eye for spotting feathered friends! The event is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is encouraged. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• November 16 – Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime 10 – 10:45 a.m. | Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
  • Listen to a story, make a craft to take home and enjoy a morning at the Interpretive Center at Clark Regional Park. This month we will discover the history of paleontology and read about one of the first paleontologists! Activities are designed for ages 2-5 but all are welcome. Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Minors under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• November 17 – Tot Walk 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
  • Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring. OC Parks staff may even lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun! This program begins at the Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller friendly. Advance registration required. Registration: ocparks.com/events
• November 17 – Feathery Friends Preschool Program 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
  • This program is for ages 3 to 4 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Registration: Call (714) 973-6846