There are so many fun things to do in Southern California. And lots of them are free. I knew, even when we lived there, that we weren’t taking advantage of all the amazing things that there are to do in Orange County. So I make list and attempt to try new places for my family to experience.
In June when we were staying with my mother in law she mentioned a neat place she wanted to take our family. I was super excited when she told me because The Environmental Nature Center was already on my to visit list. And it did not disappoint.
My kids ran right in. There is tons of hands on learning stations. They had a cute area with fake cactus that served as a book shelf. They had a reading area for kids to explore lots of books varying in age brackets. I loved the large tree that had animals hidden all around the display. They even have a scavenger hunt list for your kids to try and find different things at the center. My older boys loved reading all about animals and how their environments help them. Even Yoda, my 4 year old, loved opening drawers and touching things. Everything was really kid friendly and beautiful.
We had fun with the top middle display pictured above. We had our kids guess where each animal’s food source. They loved pushing the button to find out if they were right. I love having my kids guess things. It makes it more like a game, but we are never bummed if we are wrong because we have the chance to learn. Everyone had a great time inside. And even the adults learned a thing or two. (Bonus: my teenage nephew came and thought it was pretty cool too)
Next we went on a nature walk outside. There are some great paths filled with beautiful vegetation. There were parts where I wouldn’t have guess we were in Newport Beach, California. I felt very far away from the traffic and noise of the city. Before our adventure we reviewed Leave No Trace . And as we were quiet and enjoyed nature we were able to hear and see more. We saw lizards, squirrels, and even heard a woodpecker. I think it was my first time really hearing a woodpecker, so much louder than I would have thought. It was pretty neat experience. (Thanks Grandma for spotting it!)
Another awesome free thing at this center is there Butterfly House. We were able to go inside and see so many beautiful butterflies. My kids were so excited to be up close to these gorgeous creatures. There was a guide there who loved answering questions and taking time to teach my children about how they care for them.
“The ENC’s Butterfly House is the only one of its kind in Orange County. Throughout the season, it is home to several butterfly species native to the County, including Mourning Cloak, Lorquin’s Admiral, Monarch, Queen, Buckeye, West Coast Lady, Painted Lady, California Dogface (our state butterfly), Cloudless Sulphur and Anise Swallowtail”
(excerpt taken from their website)
I love how they encourage us to plant native plants to help butterflies. And I learned how not all milkweed is created equal. In Orange County they say “Blooms pink or white help monarchs take flight! Blooms orange and red help disease spread.” I love when I can be in nature but also have teaching moments with my children. We talk about our responsibility and stewardship over this earth. We talk about what can we do to help butterflies and nature.
Our family had a great time at The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. It was free, fun, and educational. And it was great to spend time with Grandma and their cousin. So take some family or friends with you. Afterwards our family went to Café Rio for lunch (kids eat free!). It was such a great day! Be sure to check out this gem next time you are in Orange County. I know my kids are going to want to go back.
