Let’s take a look at five local spots to enjoy by yourself or with the family in the great outdoors.
The Orange County Zoo
Want to take a walk on the wild side? Look no further than The Orange County Zoo, an 8-acre property nestled inside Irvine Regional Park. Framed by coastal live oak trees and giant sycamore groves, The Orange County Zoo is home to hundreds of plant and animal species native to the Southwestern United States. Focusing on caring for and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals that are currently unable to be released into the wild, the OC Zoo is a very special place to spot black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, great horned owls, ocelots, kit foxes, beavers, coyotes, porcupines, turkey vultures, and more on your next outdoor adventure. You can also swing by the zoo’s on-site barnyard to see adorable domestic goats and sheep. https://www.ocparks.com/oc-zoo
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Get up close and personal with stunning natural scenery at Oak Canyon Nature Center, located in Anaheim Hills. The park sits on a 58-acre nature preserve and consists of four miles of prime hiking trails. Take a stroll and enjoy the year-round stream that winds through the park or feast your eyes on lovely foliage like oak trees and coastal sage scrub. Look closely to see if you can find some of the native wildlife that calls Oak Canyon Nature Center home. Don’t forget to wind down your workout with a visit to the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, an on-site museum featuring live animals and regional natural history exhibits. Get in tune with nature while brushing up on your historical knowledge all in one special spot. https://www.anaheim.net/1096/Oak-Canyon-Nature-Center
Yorba Regional Park
Head over to the mile-wide Yorba Regional Park, adjacent to the Santa Ana River, and take your pick of things to do and sights to see. The park is the ultimate family-friendly outdoor destination, with 140 acres of lakes, trails, picnic tables, and more to explore. Go fishing or sail your model boat on four lakes with connecting streams, bike or hike along the expansive trails, or sharpen your skills on the volleyball court before picnicking with your crew. Two baseball diamonds, a physical fitness course, and horseshoe pits offer something for everyone to enjoy, assuring that you’ll never be bored on a trip to Yorba Regional Park. https://ocparks.com/yorbapark
The Fullerton Arboretum
If gazing at gorgeous plants and trees is your thing, then the Fullerton Arboretum, located on the northeast corner of the California State University Fullerton campus is a must-see. Stretching a massive 26 acres, this beautiful botanical garden features a collection of plants from all around the world, fostering an appreciation for plant conservation, botanical research, and horticulture. With a focus on cultivating a sustainable future, members of the community are invited to enjoy the gardens with free admission. Don’t miss the opportunity to closely investigate nature and observe wildlife as you traverse the trails and lush green lawns. https://www.fullertonarboretum.org/
Orange County Ropes Course
Welcome to one of the largest ropes courses west of Colorado! Strengthen your mind and body with supervised individual and group challenges bursting with adventure. Put your problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test on two ziplines extending up to 277 feet in length each. Take on over 32 different challenges reaching a height of over 60 feet. Not sure about heights? The ropes course offers high, low, and grass-top elements and the staff is happy to tailor your program to meet your group’s needs. Create your own unforgettable experience and push yourself to try something new at the Orange County Ropes Course. https://www.ocropescourse.com/
