Orange County Area Summer Events This July: OC Parks

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —Now that summer has begun, it's time to think about more time in the sun in and around Orange County.

OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of July 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 July across Orange County:

• July 1 – Backyard Bugs- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
  • 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 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. Registration is not required. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle.
    • More information: ocparks.com/events
• July 6 & 19 – Crazy for Cats for Ages 5-6
  • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park
    • This program is for ages 5 to 6 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts or activities and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Phone registration is required. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle.
    • Registration: Call (714) 973-6846
• July 9 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Saddleback Wilderness
  • 8 – 10 a.m. | Saddleback Wilderness
    • Join us for an intermediate level ride on OC Parks’ newest trails in the recently opened Saddleback Wilderness. This cross country-style ride will be moderately paced and include a mix of mild terrain with some brief punchy climbs. The ride will reach a summit with panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the sea. Periodic breaks and trailside interpretation will be sprinkled in along the way. Depending on group pace, this ride will cover up to 8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain.
    • Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities
• July 9 & 29 – Nature Journaling at Santiago Oaks
  • 2 – 4 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. Bring a nature journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.
    • Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
• July 15 – Birding by the Creek- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
  • 8 – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
    • Aliso Creek is one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County and gives access for a lovely morning hike. OC Parks staff and volunteers will lead an easy, 3-mile loop with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the wilderness park. No experience necessary! This program is for ages 12 and older (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring binoculars. The program is free, but parking is $3 per vehicle. No registration required.
      • More information: ocparks.com/events
• July 20 – Summer Concert Series: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt
  • 5 – 8 p.m. | Mason Regional Park
    • Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy live music under the summer sky during the OC Parks Summer Concert Series. Join us Thursday, July 20 for a performance by No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt with opener Theone at Mason Regional Park in Irvine. Event and parking are free, and food and beverage will be available for purchase.
    • More information: ocparks.com/events

• July 23 – Morning Hike at Saddleback Wilderness
  • 8 – 10 a.m. | Saddleback Wilderness
    • Explore Saddleback Wilderness and hike OC Parks’ newest trails. Learn about native plants and animals that call the area home and experience some of the best views the canyons have to offer. This moderate hike on unpaved dirt trails will be approximately 2.5 miles round trip with 200 feet of elevation gain. Take breaks to enjoy the views and talk about local history throughout the hike. Highlights will include Saddleback Park racetrack and the habitat’s remarkable recovery since its closure almost 40 years ago. Participants should come prepared with water, snacks, sun protection and sturdy walking shoes. Rain will cancel the program. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Advance registration required.
    • Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities

For the full rundown on events at Orange County Parks this July, visit OC Parks's website.