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 hope 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
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)
Ages: 18 months – 5 years old, sometimes up to 8 years old
Cost: $160 per 8 week session (50% sibling discount)
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 2018 Day Camps
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)
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
Wonder Sprouts at Irvine Education Center
Location: Irvine Outdoor Education Center, Orange
Ages: 3-6 years old
Cost per class: $15 for parent/1 child, $20 for parent/2 children (discounts when signing up for 6 week sessions)
The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens
Fairy Garden workshops for kids (check their calendar)
Location: Orange
Ages: Varies
Cost per class: Varies
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)
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)
Organized Outdoor Groups for Parents to Get Their Kids Out in Nature
Hike It Baby Orange County
Cost: $10/year membership
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