5 Outdoor Educational Activities in Irvine

5 Outdoor Educational Activities in Irvine

Summer is a great opportunity for families to spend time doing activities that are fun and educational. Parents often look for outdoor experiences to share with their kids and Irvine has a lot to offer OC families. Here are 5 outdoor educational activities in Irvine, CA.

The Irvine Park Railroad

The Irvine Park Railroad offers families boat rentals, pony rides, and a zoo in addition to the famous train ride. This is a great way for kids to do something exciting during the extra short summer this year. Kids can also explore beautiful hiking and nature trails and explore local fauna and flora. The trails are marked as ‘easy’ so even little kids can take a walk and enjoy some outside time with mom and dad. Kids can also work on their physical education by renting bikes and getting some exercise (READ: “ACT Tips From a Private Irvine Test Prep Tutor”).

OC Parks

OC Parks offers beautiful Peter’s Canyon, which is filled with hiking trails and views of all of Orange County.  Kids can also try their hands at archery at Mile Square Regional Park. OC Parks also offers some educational and informative historical sites including: Arden Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, Irvine Ranch Historic Park, and Old Orange County Courthouse. After kids have had a chance to get their energy out running through the grassy meadows of the Orange County Parks, parents can take them inside (and into the air conditioning) to spend an hour or so learning about the history of Irvine and the surrounding areas.

Orange County Great Park

One of the most popular parks in Orange County is Irvine’s own Great Park, which offers both wide open spaces and educational activities for families. Kids can visit the farmers market and learn about nutrition while sampling delicious, fresh food. More daring families can even take a ride up in a hot air balloon and see a 360 view of Orange County’s rolling landscape. Families can also enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation after a day in the sun with the new 2015 Movie on the Lawn Series (many of the movies are kid-friendly).

Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms has plenty of outdoor fun for families with young children. Visitors can learn what it’s like to work on a farm by picking their own fruit or families can take a melon or strawberry tour. Kids spend so much time indoors during the academic year that it’s good for them to have the opportunity to go outside and have some fun. Places like Tanaka Farms offer outdoor activities in a semi structured environment. There are also volunteer opportunities available for families who want to give back to the community (READ: “10 Study Tips From an Irvine History Tutor”).

San Joaquin Marsh

Kids who visit San Joaquin Marsh can take a long hike on the easy to walk paths and get some exercise with parents or grandparents. They can learn about several species of birds and other wildlife native to Irvine. The San Joaquin Marsh serves as a natural water filter from urban Irvine to the Newport Bay area. Parents who want their kids to learn about environmental science can sneak in a little education during their visit.

In summary

Kids are required to do so much work during the school year and the summer is especially short this year so why not give them a chance to enjoy some outdoor activities? Although it will seem like they are just having fun, kids can learn about science, physical education, nutrition, horticulture, and nature in general during these fun and low cost activities.

In addition to visiting these outdoor educational activities in Irvine, stay sharp over the summer with the help of an Orange County private academic tutor. Call us today.

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