Things to do with kids in Irvine, CA

Carbon Canyon Regional Park

Large park featuring hiking trails, a redwood grove, and picnic areas.

4.7 (3013)FreeBrea, CA

Chino Hills State Park

Expansive state park with extensive trails for hiking, biking, and nature viewing.

4.6 (2378)$Chino Hills, CA

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Expansive nature preserve with trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching, plus an interpretive center.

4.8 (2271)FreeNewport Beach, CA

O'Neill Regional Park

Large park with wooded canyons, hiking trails, and family-friendly camping.

4.6 (2250)$Trabuco Canyon, CA

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Scenic park with diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

4.7 (1776)$Orange, CA

Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton

Sprawling 26-acre garden with 4,000+ plant species, walking trails, and a small museum.

4.7 (1684)$Fullerton, CA

Oak Canyon Nature Center

Nature park with oak woodlands, streams, and hiking trails, featuring an interpretive center.

4.7 (1378)FreeAnaheim, CA

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Large wilderness area with extensive hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails through canyons.

4.7 (1304)FreeTrabuco Canyon, CA

💬 1 local tip

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Large wilderness preserve offering camping, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

4.6 (897)$San Juan Capistrano, CA

Niguel Botanical Preserve

A scenic botanical preserve with walking paths and native plant displays.

4.8 (822)FreeLaguna Niguel, CA

Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Large wilderness park with extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking.

4.7 (748)FreeAliso Viejo, CA

Sherman Library & Gardens

Beautiful botanical gardens with seasonal blooms, conservatories, and a peaceful cafe.

4.8 (718)$Newport Beach, CA

IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary

Tranquil wetlands preserve with miles of flat trails perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.

4.8 (545)FreeIrvine, CA

💬 2 local tips

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Paved 5-mile trail through parkland perfect for family walks, jogging, and bike rides.

4.8 (511)FreeIrvine, CA

Crystal Cove Trail

Extensive backcountry trail system within a state park, offering diverse hiking terrain.

4.8 (413)$Newport Beach, CA

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Large wilderness park with extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

4.7 (406)$Laguna Beach, CA

Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center

Nature center overlooking the estuary with interactive exhibits on local wildlife and ecology.

4.8 (383)FreeNewport Beach, CA

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuary in a canyon with nature trails, a science center, and an amphitheater.

4.7 (379)$Silverado, CA

Buck Gully Reserve

Canyon nature preserve offering scenic hiking and mountain biking trails.

4.5 (351)FreeNewport Beach, CA

Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

Large wilderness area with guided hiking and biking tours through scenic canyons.

4.6 (327)FreeSilverado, CA

Shipley Nature Center

18-acre nature preserve with native plant gardens, trails, and wildlife viewing.

4.6 (301)FreeHuntington Beach, CA

Environmental Nature Center

Educational nature preserve with walking trails and native plant gardens.

4.7 (230)FreeNewport Beach, CA

💬 1 local tip

Bommer Canyon Nature Trail

Scenic nature trails through a historic canyon, offering a glimpse of Irvine's ranching past.

4.7 (186)FreeIrvine, CA

💬 1 local tip

Nix Nature Center

Gateway to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with an interpretive center and access to various hiking trails.

4.7 (182)$$Laguna Beach, CA

Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp

Historic cattle camp site with extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking in a natural canyon setting.

4.7 (136)FreeIrvine, CA

Turtle Rock Nature Center

Small nature preserve with an outdoor classroom and trails for observing local wildlife.

4.5 (132)FreeIrvine, CA

Bosque Trail

Paved community trail suitable for family walks and bike rides.

4.7 (127)FreeIrvine, CA

Red Rock Canyon Park Trail

Scenic hiking trail known for its unique red rock formations.

4.7 (120)FreeLake Forest, CA

Newport Bay Conservancy

Organization providing educational programs and interpretive information about the Newport Bay estuary.

4.7 (107)FreeNewport Beach, CA

Audubon Society Sea & Sage

Nature center focused on bird conservation with educational programs and access to the San Joaquin Marsh.

4.8 (100)FreeIrvine, CA

Christ Cathedral Arboretum

A peaceful, landscaped garden area located on the Christ Cathedral campus.

4.9 (89)FreeGarden Grove, CA

Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab

Educational community garden and farm lab where kids can learn about growing food.

4.7 (74)FreeIrvine, CA

Peters Canyon Reservoir

Hiking trails surrounding a scenic reservoir, popular for birdwatching and nature observation.

4.5 (60)FreeOrange, CA

💬 1 local tip

Red Rock Canyon

Natural area featuring hiking trails through scenic canyon landscapes.

4.8 (51)FreeLake Forest, CA

Peters Canyon Regional Park

Large regional park with diverse trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use.

4.7 (50)$Santa Ana, CA

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Expansive nature preserve with trails for hiking and biking, plus bird watching and educational exhibits.

4.7 (41)FreeNewport Beach, CA

Santiago Creek Wildlife & Watershed Center (Santiago Park)

Educational center within a large park, focusing on local watershed and wildlife conservation.

4.4 (41)FreeSanta Ana, CA

Back Bay Drive

Scenic route along the Newport Back Bay, ideal for family bike rides and nature walks.

4.9 (26)FreeNewport Beach, CA

💬 1 local tip

Turtle Rock Preserve and Trail

Natural preserve with hiking trails offering panoramic views of the area.

4.6 (21)FreeIrvine, CA

Friends Hortense Miller Garden

A private, hillside garden offering guided tours by appointment.

4.5 (19)$Laguna Beach, CA

Nature Center at Irvine Regional Park

Small nature center featuring local wildlife exhibits and educational displays within the park.

5.0 (12)FreeOrange, CA

San Diego Creek Trail

Scenic paved trail perfect for family bike rides, stroller walks, and bird watching.

4.9 (12)FreeIrvine, CA

💬 3 local tips

Portola Springs Nature Preserve

Quiet nature preserve offering scenic hiking trails through native coastal sage scrub habitat.

4.7 (6)FreeIrvine, CA

Bommer Canyon

Expansive nature preserve with hiking trails through oak groves and meadows.

FreeIrvine, CA

💬 1 local tip

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

A beautiful, wide trail with bridges and landscaping, great for family strolls and cycling.

FreeIrvine, CA

💬 1 local tip

Hicks Canyon Trail

A flat, paved multi-use trail ideal for family walks and bike rides through a greenbelt.

FreeIrvine, CA

💬 1 local tip