Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Nature Outings » Nature Centers

National Wildlife Week Kick-Off

National Wildlife Week is a signature event of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There™ campaign.  They advocate for families to get their Green Hour in every day by playing outdoors. I didn't realize that it's been ". . . held annually since 1938." And that,  "National Wildlife Week is National Wildlife Federation’s longest-running education program."  Here are more suggested activities from the NWF website.

Our family strung a bunch of Green Hours together this weekend for tons of outdoor fun. I thought I share our wildflower an wildlife highlights.

I observed a family sitting on the path by this stream at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach. After they left, I snapped this photo. The sound of water over the rocks was so relaxing.

My daughter was running - trying to lure me into a game of chase - but I had to stop and get a closer look at this beautiful flowering bush. No time to read the sign, though. Off we went!  We spent over 2 hours exploring the nature center and grounds and didn't see it all.

After a nice picnic outdoors, we drove from the heart of Huntington Beach to the wilds of south county at Caspers Wilderness Park. I can't remember ever visiting the Nature Center (open on weekends) and seeing the expansive view from the Observation Deck.

A friendly lizard shedding its skin posed on the red curb for a red carpet style photo.

Our friend, the hummingbird was not nearly so cooperative.  She just didn't seem to want to sit still.

The usually elusive California Quail, however, jumped right up into the feeder outside the Nature Center and had a snack with a squirrel (see far left).

This beautiful wildflower graced the short loop trail by the Nature Center parking lot.

Grasshopper guys are hard to spot, but at least they sit still for photos.

Woodpeckers are equally hard to spot, although you have the extra hint of tap, tap, tapping on a tree branch. My husband found this guy last time and brought us to the same spot.  We were not disappointed.

This seemed like an invitation to return. The sun moved low and the grass shimmered in the fading light.

I hope you're inspired to get outdoors and find your own wildlife this week and in the warmer days beyond. You don't have to go far. Betcha find something right in your own backyard or neighborhood!

More Nature Centers

  • 17+ Family-Friendly Nature and Interpretive Centers in OC
  • Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary and Birdwatching
  • Nix Nature Center at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
  • 18 Summer Activities Lists for Family Fun in Orange County

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

Popular

  • 2025 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County

  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park

  • 10 Best Orange County Playgrounds (by Feature)

  • Trestles: Beach Walking for Families in a Surfer's Paradise

Seasonal

  • colorful stackable blocks on dirt surface at Irvine Adventure Playground with blue sky and thin white clouds on a sunny day
    Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park

  • Nature Book Library: Animal Fables

  • Adventure Playground in Huntington Beach Central Park 2025

  • Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure