Outdoor Learning — Nature Classes and Camps Directory
We are so lucky to have nature classes and nature camps for kids in Orange County. Although, I’ve always valued and promoted purely unstructured play – there are also benefits to outdoor learning. I’m hoping this becomes an ultimate list of all the outdoor learning opportunities and field trips for kids in Orange County.
Nature Classes in Orange County
FEATURED SPONSORS
Inside the Outdoors Summer Day Camps
Locations: Shipley Nature Center (Huntington Beach) and Irvine Regional Park (Orange)
Ages: 6-18 years old
Cost: Call to inquire about Summer 2019 Day Camps – info available in March 2019
(Disclosure: I manage social media for Inside the Outdoors Foundation. They became sponsors before I started working for them. As of June 2018, I don’t charge them for the featured listing, but I still want to support their work.)
GENERAL CLASS LISTINGS
OC Zoo Toddler Programs
Location: OC Zoo inside Irvine Regional Park
Ages: 3-4 years old
Cost: $5.00 includes admission for child enrolled and ONE parent (gate fee to park paid separately)
Storytime at the Zoo
Location: OC Zoo inside Irvine Regional Park
Ages: All ages
Cost: Zoo admission ($2 per person ages 3 and over, ages 2 years and under are free)
Tideland Tykes from NewportBayConservancy.org
Location: Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Beach
Ages: 2-8 years old
Cost: $5 per child
Wee Wonder Walks from LetsGoOutside.org
Location: Varies (Bommer Canyon and Quail Hill)
Ages: 2-6 years old
Cost per class: Free, registration required
Wild Tales from NewportBayConservancy.org
Location: Muth Interpretive Center, Newport Beach
Ages: 2-8 years old
Cost per class: $5 per child
The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens
Fairy Garden workshops for kids (check their calendar)
Location: Orange
Ages: Varies
Cost per class: Varies
Tinkergarten
Locations: Costa Mesa (TeWinkle Park), Huntington Beach (Harriet M. Wieder Park), Placentia (Tri-City Regional Park), San Clemente (San Clemente State Park Campground), San Juan Capistrano (Los Rios Park), Irvine (Mason Regional Park), Laguna Hills (El Conejo Park and Santa Vittoria Park)
Ages: 18 months – 5 years old, sometimes up to 8 years old
Cost: $160 per 8 week session (50% sibling discount)
2019 Summer Camps
Spring 2019 will start the season for summer camp sign-ups. Most sign-ups start in March and that’s when I start updating my annual post about summer nature camp or at least those with outdoor themes. Here’s a link to my post on OC summer camps with outdoor themes. I will be updating it as new info becomes available. 
Family Nature Hikes or Programs
Back Bay Science Center
- Shellmaker Island Discovery Tours
Environmental Nature Center
- Family classes and community events
Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
- Family classes and community events
Laguna Canyon Foundation
- Tot Walks
- Family Hikes
Newport Bay Conservancy
- Explore the Bay Family Hike
- Big Canyon Bird and Plant Walk
- Big Canyon Bird Walks
- Back Bay Drive Nature Walks
Ocean Institute
- Family programs and community events
Sea & Sage Audubon at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Monthly Wildlife Walk
Nature Camps in Orange County
Inside the Outdoors Summer Day Camps (Featured Sponsor!)
City of San Clemente Playschool Summer Camps (preschoolers)
City of San Clemente Active Adventures Day Camps (6-13 years)
City of Irvine Eco Explorers Summer Camp
Earthroots Field School
Environmental Nature Center
Ocean Institute
Sea and Sage Audubon
Starr Ranch Junior Biologists
Turtle Rock Nature Center in Irvine
Schools with a Play-Based or Outdoor/Nature Focus
Annaliese Schools in Laguna Beach (Private School)
Environmental Nature Center (Nature Preschool – being built, but waiting list available)
Journey School in Aliso Viejo (Public Charter School)
Multi-Age Program at Orangethorpe Elementary in Fullerton (Public School)
St. Paul’s Preschool in Tustin (Demonstration site for the Outdoor Classroom Project)
Turtle Rock in Irvine (Preschool, Kindergarten, Academy)
Urban Woods Forest School in Fullerton (Play-based, child-led and full nature immersion program for preschool ages 2.5 years to 6 years old)
Organized Outdoor Groups for Parents to Get Their Kids Out in Nature
Hike It Baby Orange County
Cost: $10/year membership