Youth and Family Weekend Programs
Click on the each program title to register. Programs with an (*) are eligible for a member discount (Pacesetters and above). Advance registration encouraged – events may be cancelled if minimum not met.
*NEW YEAR MEDITATION HIKE & INTENTION SETTING – CANCELED
Start the New Year with a peaceful, family-friendly afternoon on the trails. Participants of all ages are invited to join us for a quiet, mindful hike through Irvine’s winter landscape—an opportunity to slow down after the holiday rush and step into the year with clarity and calm. After the hike, families will take part in a simple intention-setting activity using natural pine cones, adding their hopes and goals for the year ahead. We’ll wrap up the afternoon gathered around a cozy campfire with warm drinks, s’mores, and time to connect as we welcome fresh beginnings together. This grounding, restorative experience is a beautiful way for families to start the year with purpose. All ages are welcome.
Instructor: Katt Richie, Environmental Educator
Sunday, January 11th
1:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $10/participant
*NATURE BY THE FIRE- ANIMALS IN WINTER CAMPFIRE – SOLD OUT
Warm up by the fire and enjoy roasting marshmallows, hot cocoa, an animal encounter, and hands-on activities as we investigate how different types of animals handle the chilly winter weather. All ages are welcome.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator & Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, January 16th
5:30 – 7:00PM
Cost: $5/participant
*INTRO TO WATERCOLOR PAINTING
Learn how to use watercolors—even if you hate watercolor! We’ll practice different techniques and tricks before putting it all together. Your take-home piece can be a landscape, an animal; anything you like. You’re set up for success with MICA-trained artist, Brittany Roger. All supplies provided. Paper will be 8×10. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. Ideal for ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Manager of School Programs
Saturday, January 24th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
*NATURE BY THE FIRE- ANIMALS IN LOVE
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, February 6th
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: March 7th, April 3rd, May 2nd
*MAPLE MAGIC
It may sound sappy, but there’s magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine’s naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap and see how the sticky fluid is converted into syrup over fires and an evaporator. You’ll even get a taste of this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work. This event is great for the entire family.
Multiple Sessions offered:
Sunday, February 8th, 10:00-11:30AM
Sunday, February 8th, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, February 14th, 10:00-11:30AM
Saturday, February 14th, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, February 28th, 9:00-11:30AM **MEMBERS ONLY Pancake Breakfast**
Cost: $8 (children under 3 are free)
Limited space available, pre-registration encouraged. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
*PLAYING WITH FIRE FOR WOMEN YOUNG & OLD
Learn the art of fire building in a fun and supportive environment. Discover where to find dry wood and tinder even in winter, which woods burn best and how to build and start a fire. Try using ferro rods, experiment with everyday fire-starting materials from lip balm to hand sanitizer and much more. Even try some safe wood splitting! Everyone will take home a small fire-starter kit. We will keep a kettle on the fire for hot drinks. *Including anyone who self-identifies as female. This program is ideal for women and young women ages 12+.
Instructor: Clare Walker, Master Naturalist
Sunday, March 1st
2:00 – 4:00PM
Cost: $20/participant
*NATURE BY THE FIRE- NOCTURNAL NEIGHBORS
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Saturday, March 7th
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: April 3rd, May 2nd
*EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING
Paint Irvine’s best view with our *new* outdoor painting workshop. We’ll set up easels, canvases, brushes, and paints at the top of the meadow to observe, capture and enjoy the transition to spring. You’re set up for success with MICA-trained artist, Brittany Roger. All supplies provided. Canvases will be 8×10. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies. This program is ideal for ages 12+.
Instructor: Brittany Roger, Manager of School Programs
Saturday, March 14th
11:00AM – 1:00PM
Cost: $25/participant
*AMPHIBIANS AFTER HOURS NIGHT HIKE
Join Irvine Animal Programs Manager Mallory Mlynarek for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Irvine’s amphibians after dark! We will search for Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, Salamanders, and many more. If you have never heard the chorus of frogs in the springtime, this event is one you won’t want to miss! Ideal for ages 8+.
*Please wear sturdy, waterproof footwear with a good tread.
Instructor: Mallory Mlynarek, Manager of Animal Care
Saturday, March 14th
7:00 – 8:30PM
Cost: $10/participant
*NATURE BY THE FIRE- BUGS AND BONFIRES
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Friday, April 3rd
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
Future dates include: May 2nd
*NATURE BY THE FIRE- BLOOMING BUDS
Warm up by the campfire and join Naturalist, Ash for a new monthly tradition at Irvine! Each month features a different seasonal nature theme but every session promises the same cozy fun: roasting marshmallows, meeting one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors and diving into hands on nature themed fun. Fireside chats are a relaxed, family friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, one campfire at a time! Ideal for all ages.
Instructor: Ash Miller, Environmental Educator and Animal Care Coordinator
Saturday, May 2nd
5:30 – 6:30PM
Cost: $5/participant and FREE for members
