Accordion section
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encompasses 20 amazing parks and historic sites throughout Orange County’s regional park system.
The sites are divided into four geographic areas (north, south, east and west), with a separate activity booklet for each region. Participants complete self-guided, observational activities to earn park badges and tiered prizes.
Visit a participating park and pick up a regional booklet from the park office or nature center during operating hours or download one here.
Complete at least one “Anywhere Activity” and the park-specific activity within that region’s booklet on your own. Bring the booklet with the completed pages back to the park office or nature center and an OC Parks staff member or volunteer will administer the Jr. Ranger oath and present you with a park badge.
Visitors can also participate in the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program through scheduled, staff-led activities with advance registration. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the program. Visit ocparks.com/events for a list of upcoming scheduled OC Parks Jr. Ranger programs.
Links in this section relate to BodyVisitors can participate in the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program at the following parks:
North Region Parks: Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Clark Regional Park, Craig Regional Park, George Key Ranch Historic Park and Yorba Regional Park.
South Region Parks: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Caspers Wilderness Park, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Riley Wilderness Park.
East Region Parks: Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, Irvine Regional Park, O’Neill Regional Park, Peters Canyon Regional Park and Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
West Region Parks: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Mason Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Old Orange County Courthouse and Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
The program content is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome to participate.
The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program and all materials are completely free. Parking fees may apply.
It takes approximately one hour to complete one “Anywhere Activity” and one park-specific activity to earn the park’s Jr. Ranger badge.
You are welcome and encouraged to spend as much time at the park as you’d like and complete additional Anywhere Activities from the booklet.
Participants can complete the activities at their own pace and in any order.
Participants should keep their booklet when visiting all five facilities within the region to complete all park-specific activities and earn park badges.
Complete one “Anywhere Activity” and the activity specific to the park you’re visiting to earn that park’s Jr. Ranger badge. Bring the booklet with the completed pages to a park office or nature center during operating hours where an OC Parks staff member or volunteer will administer the Jr. Ranger oath and present you with your badge.
Visitors can also earn a badge by attending a guided Jr. Ranger program. Advance registration is required and visit ocparks.com/events for upcoming scheduled Jr. Ranger programs.
Park badges for each region are available at the following parks. Be sure to check current operating hours prior to your visit.
North Region: Interpretive Center at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park.
South Region: Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.
East Region: Nature Center at Santiago Oaks Regional Park.
West Region: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
All Jr. Ranger badges are also available at OC Parks Headquarters, 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine CA 92602. Appointments are required by calling (714) 973-6665 or emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
Links in this section relate to BodyVisit and earn badges at all five parks in one regional booklet to receive an OC Parks Jr. Ranger vest. Refer to page 4 of your completed region’s activity booklet for more detailed instructions. Please note vests are available while supplies last.
We encourage you to continue your Jr. Ranger adventure by visiting the remaining parks in all four regions and wearing your vest proudly as you complete the remaining regional booklets!
Links in this section relate to BodyEarn all 20 OC Parks Jr. Ranger badges to receive an OC Parks Jr. Ranger backpack. Please note backpacks are available while supplies last.
Bring all 20 badges to OC Parks Headquarters, 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine CA 92602 to obtain your grand prize. Appointments are required by calling (714) 973-6665 or emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
Pick up your vest at one of the following parks that accompany the region you complete first. Be sure to check current operating hours prior to your visit. Please note vests are available while supplies last.
North Region: Interpretive Center at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park. Advance appointments are recommended by emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
South Region: Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Advance appointments are recommended by emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
East Region: Nature Center at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Advance appointments are recommended by emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
West Region: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Advance appointments are recommended by emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.
Yes, however supplies may be limited. Please request supplies in advance by calling 714-973-6665 or emailing Jr.Ranger@ocparks.com.