Newport Beach families with young children can spend Friday mornings exploring Upper Newport Bay's wetlands for free this August through OC Parks' Wild Tales program.

The one-hour sessions run every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive. Each week, OC Parks staff lead a story time, a short nature hike, and a themed craft focused on a different outdoor topic. The program is designed for ages 2 to 5, but all ages are welcome.

The July 31 session is already full, but four August dates remain: Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, and Aug. 28.

Registration required

Walk-ups are no longer accepted. Families must register in advance through letsgooutside.org, where spots open one week before each session. Each Friday accommodates up to 55 children and their guardians.

According to the program's registration page, the shift to advance-only registration keeps group sizes manageable and the experience engaging for young participants.

Parents should note: the hiking trail is not stroller-friendly. Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. Bad weather may cancel the outdoor portion or move the program fully indoors.

The center and the reserve

The Muth Interpretive Center sits built into the bluff on the north side of Upper Newport Bay, offering panoramic views of the 752-acre ecological reserve below. The reserve is one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California and one of North America's top birding sites, home to six rare or endangered species including the California Least Tern and Light-footed Clapper Rail.

The Newport Bay Conservancy, the nonprofit that supports OC Parks at the center, connects roughly 40,000 people to the bay each year through hundreds of programs. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission and parking.

More free programs at the bay

Wild Tales isn't the only option. Two other upcoming sessions at Upper Newport Bay still have openings:

  • Paws on the Trail (dog walk): Saturday, Aug. 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Eleven of 20 spots remain.
  • Jr. Ranger Adventure (ages 7–12): Wednesday, Aug. 5, 3:30–5 p.m. Two of 25 spots remain.

Both are free and require advance registration at letsgooutside.org.

Upcoming community events in Newport Beach

  • Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay: Fridays, Aug. 7–28, 10–11 a.m., Muth Interpretive Center. Free; register one week ahead.
  • Paws on the Trail: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Upper Newport Bay. Free.
  • Jr. Ranger Adventure: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 3:30–5 p.m., Upper Newport Bay. Free; ages 7–12.