So after a great cup of coffee and a pleasant hike along the back bay of Newport we found this little gem with the cutest trails and nature center with waterfalls, native plants for sale and a total escape from the city. If your looking for a tranquil spot to refresh or just a quiet place to walk or maybe a place to bring younger ones to experience what orange county was like...then make this your next adventure. read more

Took my son for a homeschool field trip and he loved it. Love how they let us touch the animals & was so sweet about it

The walk was beautiful and the woman that sold me the plant was so friendly! Lots of beautiful flowers and plenty of wildlife!!! read more

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ENC has been on my list to visit for a long time now! I'm so glad I finally made it out. I was able to find parking in their lot on a Saturday morning. They have a QR code to access the map of trails in the visitor center, but it's also very easy to just wander around. There are lots of plants, a running water feature, and plenty of picnic tables and benches throughout. I stopped at a bench to read while enjoying the nature around me. I'd like to go back and picnic! read more

This is a shining gem in the crown of Newport Mesa! An unexpected, nearly wilderness experience, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Orange County's Cot'e Azure. You owe yourself a visit and a huge helping of gratitude to the people who made this happen. read more

If you're in the area, it is imperative that you take your children to the Environmental Nature Center. Discover family-friendly hiking trails nestled amidst the cool shade of magnificent redwood trees, coupled with a variety of native plant communities. Naturalists possess a wealth of information about plants and animals and are enthusiastic to share this knowledge. Make sure you visit the gift shop! read more

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Came here today for an impromptu visit, around 11am and spent a good 1-1.5 hours on site. One person at the museum front desk showed us the snakes & scorpion on display. We also got to touch real animal fur; at least 6 of them! Butterfly house outdoors was fun, a lady there explained about the 2 cloudless sulphur butterflies we saw - lots of dried chrysalis hanging on a wooden box. Did some hiking around the whole nature center. Went to the very end of the hiking trail towards 15th street, loved the shade from the redwood forest. Even saw a bunny on our trail too, plenty of geckos. They also have lots of tomatoes and saw herbs growing in the organic garden. Great place for kids & families. Donation box available in the museum, free admission right now on Saturday & Sunday's. read more

Environmental Nature Center - Bunny - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

What a great place to getaway from the craziness of the city! We are in love with this place and will probably be back soon. Great for kids. Super clean, safe and the staff very friendly and helpful. The place is beautiful. A little peace of nature hidden by the coast. read more

Environmental Nature Center - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I have taken several mini naturalist classes here with my daughter and we LOVE them! Thoughtful class that includes a hike, a stop for a story, and a stop for a different activity each week. The children are also introduced to different animals each week. I especially appreciate the teachers attention to the children. My daughter was done early with an activity one class and she sensed she was getting antsy and she asked her if she wanted to climb a tree. She helped her out and my daughter loved it. It was so special to experience a class where the teacher embraced my daughter not falling in line with all the other kids and waiting patiently. At that moment I knew the preschool would be. Perfect fit for my daughter. Fingers crossed we make it in! read more

Cute garden with great nature and a fun walk~ My BF and I came for a nature walk. Parking lot is small but not a lot of people were there when we came so it was pretty easy. When you enter there is a visitor center where there's information and a little exhibit. There is a little walking trail and butterfly garden. The butterfly garden is small but well maintained with a green house. The walking trail is super naturey with lots of trees, a little waterfall, and benches all around. Walk can take around anywhere from 30 min to 1 hour. Would be a great place to picnic or to enjoy the nature. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants a break from all the business in the city. read more

One hidden gem!!! What a wonderful place to visit. Clean grounds! Kind docents! Peaceful environment Quality store with great finds read more

The ENC was one of those places that I had bookmarked a long time ago but only got around to checking out recently. This is probably because of their limited hours. They're only open Monday through Friday 8 to 5 and Saturday and Sunday 8 to 4. I'm glad we were able to make it one Saturday because it was well worth the visit. The ENC is only 3.5 acres, but it does a lot with what little area it has. There are walking trails, a butterfly house, and a "green building" which acts as an educational center. A lot of what the ENC has is geared toward kids, but people of all ages who enjoy botany, bird watching, or just relaxing in a natural setting located in an unlikely section of Newport Beach will enjoy what the center has to offer. It's available for weddings and other special events (they were setting up for a wedding when we showed up!) Check out their website for the story of how the ENC came to be, lists of the flora and fauna that one can see there, and lots of other useful info. Admission is free, but they accept donations and volunteer applications. read more

Environmental Nature Center - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This short trail is perfect for toddlers to take a walk and explore nature. The indoor library complements the outdoor experience with highly educational and interactive exhibits. Although parking is limited to 21 cars (according to their website) and this place is very popular, we didn't encounter any issues finding a spot on the Saturday morning we visited. read more

If you're an nature/environment enthusiasts, come check out the Environmental Nature Center sometimes! It's in the heart of Newport and easy to find. I appreciate how the ENC is so committed and dedicated to the preservation of the native plants, wildlife habitats and education. This 3.5 acre landscape is built for easy hiking trails, a learning center, a peaceful santurary. There is a butterfly pavillion, which is only accessible certain time each year. I had the opportunity to check out the butterfly pavillion (I LOVE butterflies!!!), but was disappointed that there weren't many bufferflies. :( And, it's a pretty small pavillion. The hiking trails was easy trails so it's perfect for easy stroll for family and kids. There is an education center inside that offers programs related to natural science and sustanability. It is very hands-on so it's great for the little ones. You can event post birthday parties there by reserving the available rooms! Another feature I really dig about this center is they've been offering Summer Nature Camp for little kids since 1977! What a great way to get your little ones interested in outdoor learning environment and appreciate the nature! So whether you have little ones, or not, come check out the center sometimes. =) read more

This center was smaller than I thought. The nature hike wasn't that great because you can see people's houses, a school, and all the trees were covered in spiderwebs. The butterfly house was okay, it didn't have more than 10 butterflies inside. I took us less than an hour to go through everything. read more

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I have had this place bookmarked forever and we finally got a chance to go!! We went on a Saturday morning so it was a bit warm but that didn't keep us from exploring the many trails. My 3 year old was having so much fun leaduring the way and discovering the streams, critters, butterflies and so much more. This center is truly a hidden gem that is overlooked. We spent about an hour walking around the trails and hanging out with the butterflies in the garden. Can't wait to go again. Next time I will pack some water and maybe some light snacks. They have a few picnic tables near the stream and throughout the center. On our way out I saw them setting up what appeared to be a quaint wedding ceremony. It looked so cute! read more

Environmental Nature Center - Trails - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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This place is Wonderful and completely overlooked, a sanctuary that's largely unnoticed. I stumbled in not knowing what to expect, and as I kept walking, was continually more and more overwhelmed. At each point I thought that surely, nothing can top this, but was ecstatically wrong. I almost don't want to share how incredibly Perfect this place is because it's just too good for the general public. So please, only come here if you have been looking and yearning for a nature haven to unwind in and feel that Orange County is depriving you of your common sense. I don't need to describe any more, because you go visit yourself. ... 500 STARS!!!!! read more

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Love this place!! It's so beautiful I'm in love with their butterfly house! And the trails are not too hard with little ones. We love this place so much that we had my daughters 2nd birthday here and everyone was so impressed! The staff is friendly and caring. I come every week! read more

I highly recommend the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) in Newport Beach for school/boy/girl scout groups. I visited as a chaperone for an elementary school group field trip. We had an awesome time during our 3 hour visit. xxxxxxTHE NATURE CENTERxxxxxx The ENC is a state of the art eco-friendly facility with high ceilings, a small museum, classrooms (for summer camps/special events/ENC preschool), and a registration area. A majority of the learning occurs outdoors where there are 2.5 acres of open land representing various habitats. xxxxxxTHE TOURxxxxxx I highly recommend going on a tour. The tours are tailored to grade level groups. This is good because a one-size-fits all tour just doesn't work-especially with kids. We stopped at about 6 stations throughout our nature hike. At each stop, the tour guide, Mr. A, gave a short lesson and then led the children on a related hands-on activity. In the first activity the kids walked through a redwood forest and learned about the different parts of a tree, and how to determine a tree's age. Mr. A guided the kids in a role play about the different parts of a tree. Another stop included a discussion on prey vs predator. The tour guide showed the kids various animal skulls. The kids had to determine if the animal was prey or predator based on the shape of the animals' teeth. We also visited a butterfly pavillion, where we saw caterpillar eggs, chrysalis and large monarch butterflies flying throughout. At one of the final stations the kids learned about camoflauge. They pet a small snake and a toad. The highlight of this activity area was that the Executive Director of the ENC camouflaged himself and hid in the bushes. When the students searched and eventually found him, the concept of camouflage definitely hit home. xxxxxxxOVERALL TAKExxxxx We absolutely enjoyed the ENC. Mr. A was an awesome tour guide. He was was informative, promoted hands on learning, and did a great job of educating children on nature. I wanted to give it 5 stars but I think ENC can re-emphasize key learnings at the end of the tour-whether it be a final discussion about key learnings or a writing/drawing activity where children affirm their commitment to protecting nature. This way the purpose of the Center is emphasized and children leave with a deeper sense of new understanding and appreciation for nature. read more

Environmental Nature Center - Beatiful native plants and flowers throughout nature hike! - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Located right across the street from my apartment. I love when they have special events, especially when they have music/ live bands. I can hear the music so clearly. I have been inside the museum but not in the back. The museum is very creative and informative. read more

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This place is AWESOME. We had no idea it was even here! So glad we searched where to find butterflies because our toddler requested to see some "fly-ays" the other day! :) It's free, and there is a (small) lot outside where you can park. Inside you'll find a lovely volunteer who can answer your questions and direct you and you'll see information on local animals and some reptiles/snakes/other creepy crawlies against the wall in tanks. They even have some drawers you can pull out to feel animal fur, see butterflies on display and other neat interactive stuff. Outside you'll find a fire pit, a little stream that runs the length of the center and a well marked path. We explored the entire area (not too big for our toddlers little legs to go the entire way) and enjoyed the stream a bit before going to the butterfly house. We were lucky and found 4-6 butterflies inside. My daughter LOVED the entire experience. We also noticed they were hosting a Birthday party. HOW FUN! Great idea for when our kiddo is a little older. We will totally be back here - lots of fun and this place is a really pretty tucked away treasure in OC. read more

Great place to send your kids for camp and also a good place for teens to volunteer. Very Naturey. read more

Environmental Nature Center - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Really bummed at how this place has changed. I used to love stopping by during the week for a nice solo walk in nature, it was a go to. This is one of my favorite spots but I recently found out it's closed to the public now during the week unless you buy a membership. Kind of greedy to me but I get it.. nature isn't free apparently. The explanation I got was that it disrupts their classes and I'm thinking to myself, all i've ever done is walk around is silence here and I hardly ever run into groups of kids. If I do see a group I usually go the other way because i'm there to relax by myself. I feel like even if I got a membership they would still be weird about you coming during the week. I always knew they had classes but I wasn't aware this turned into a full on school.. kind of make you feel like a weirdo for just wanting to walk in the park. Oh well.. good memories here but very odd staff and weird way to turn people away who don't have kids. read more

This is a great place with tons of very organized and professionally managed camps for kids. You won't wonder what the heck you kid did all day or why you spent money for them to wat candy and make a popsicle stick now and arrow. It ran by smart people who care about their mission and are trustworthy. They have a cool butterfly garden, green house, nature park with running streams, an indoor museum and are partners with the birds of prey rehabilitation facility and usually bring amazing birds over I be viewed and learned about. read more

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As I was gathering my camera from my car, I noticed a girl wearing a purple and pink princess dress standing next to her mother in the parking lot. So I asked her mother what they were doing. Her mother replied that her daughter was a princess today and they were going for a walk in the magic forest. That describes the ENC. It's a magic forest with a beautiful nature center. The staff is very helpful. And there is always something special happening. I strongly recommend the Environmental Nature Center. read more

I love this place to bring my kids to learn about nature and still be in a safe environment as they learn about different animals and plants in nature. I enjoy the events they host and the way that they created a FREE & donation based place to enjoy nature in Newport Beach. read more

I want to thank Alex for being a great tour guide to OCEAA 2nd grade class. She was so informative, patient and so relatable to the kids. The kids learned so much and she made it really fun to learn about the environment. Overall, Alex keeped the kids entertain and taught them all about how they are connected to nature. Great job Alex! read more

This place is a gem in the middle of suburbia. With the fresh smell of the outdoors, lush trees and plants, a running stream and poison oak, you really feel like you are far away from home. I LOVE this place...i wanna go right now! Pros: - FREE - Awesome little hiking trial - Perfect for the kids - Usually not very busy typically quiet - Fun nature center with things for the little ones to explore - Picnic tables - Butterfly House (seasonal) - Live crayfish (they are protected and can't be hunted but we do catch and release without harming them.) - Meeting rooms for whatever you need to meet about - Perfect for an after school getaway or a "my kids are in school yay" getaway. - Cute gift shop which supports the center - Within walking distance of my house! Cons: - Closed on Sundays (boooo) - Close too early (5 pm) - Poison Oak but it is made clear on where it is with a big sign and it is only in a small spot. - No overnight camping unless you plan it with the park rangers and I don't know the full details on that even. - foliage is sometimes out of control and you have to blaze the trails a bit. But that is also part of the fun unless you are with a paranoid 5 year old. - It is a far walking distance from my house so I usually drive :) read more

Came to visit this neat little center with the kiddos. Great place for an afternoon walk under the trees. I was surprised to see how far back the trails extend. The trails are mostly shaded, as there are lots of trees. My favorite section of the ENC is the 'redwood forest' section tucked in a corner, which really seems like a mini enchanted forest. Very neat. Wish there was more of this! Oh, and they also have a bit of poison oak. No biggie, it is clearly identified, but be mindful of kids who might think all plants are poisonous from that point forward (as we did in our group, haha). They have a butterfly house, with plenty of butterflies to observe (cacoons and all). Yes, there is someone hanging out to watch visitors carefully, but its necessary. Butterflies are very delicate and kids are .... well, not that gentle! :) My own included. I think its great that we are able to bring our kids (and ourselves) to experience these beautiful creatures up close. This place was not very busy the day of our visit. We saw lizards, butterflies, squirrels, and lots of birds. They have a tree with a huge chunks of fungi growing at the base, kinda neat. They also have a nature center with various features to keep the kids entertained, and a great way to keep cool with the miserable heat we have been blessed with lately. Overall, great place. And, the ENC is FREE! read more

Lovely place for young kids to have fun. Cool hands-on exhibits, a few reptiles in tanks to view, and a couple of incredibly sweet and informed docents in the main building. The butterfly house has some monarch cocoons hanging in the middle, always love to see those! The walking paths are the star. Every few hundred yards it's like you're walking in a different environment/ecosystem. Even a stream and a little marshy lake. Really lovely! Perfect easy walk for small kids. Saw lots of lizards and birds. Maybe a mile total, just a guess. Very great place to spend and hour or so and get kids used to nature. A favorite activity! (We usually eat afterwards at Pancakes R Us on 17th.) :) read more

Super great place for the kids to learn nature, animal, plants and dig in the dirt. Very enjoyable experience inside and out. read more

Disclosure: This is regarding my interactions with Sarah, the Facility Manager, when I was checking out the place as a possible wedding venue. Not only is this place beautiful and I love what they're doing teaching the kids about different environments, Sarah was so passionate about the place and what she did. And even though we didn't end up going with ENC, it was definitely one of the top contenders and Sarah definitely helped with that. It was really good to see someone who loved what they did, and she wished me the best regardless of where I would have my wedding. read more

This is a great little nature center in the middle of Newport. The hiking trails were perfect for my 4.5 yr old twins. The butterfly pavilion was nice too. We saw many chrysalis and several butterflies. Loved the little education center inside. Very hands on, just wish the inside was bigger and more things to learn/do. Perfect placeto take kids for a picnic hike. Will be back!!!! read more

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Free fun, so many hands on stuff to do for the kids and the butterfly exhibit we had to ourselves!!! read more

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Seems like a nice place to go and walk and explore ; however, my experience was cut short because the sprinklers came on (midday?) Its also not stroller friendly , so even though I continued on the path to check the place out, once the sprinklers came on , I knew it was time to go. Before we left , we checked out the butterfly house and to our disappointment there was only two or three butterflies in there. I think we saw more butterflies on the outside during our short walk on the path. There are a few activities to do and reptiles inside the nature center for the kids to check out which was nice. Overall, it was just ok. read more

Really cool spot. What a gem for the area! My 2 1/2 year old loves wandering the trails. The staff were also great. We will be back.

The trails are really underrated and shady. The nature center itself has a couple fun little activities/displays and a separate butterfly house. But overall, finding nice shady trails like this in this area with a few other fun activities for free is great. Someone else said it's not stroller friendly but you should do your research and do your best to invest in a BOB or other jogger stroller if feasible to enjoy places like this. read more

Mindy has been great to work with. Partnering with her team to make a butterfly journey program has been very enjoyable for our young friends at the hotel. read more

loads of events through the year. Fantastic nature camps for kids And a wonderful place to explore nature and enjoy a quiet time from the hustle and bustle read more

I recently discovered this nature center when my 3.5 year old asked about looking at butterflies. It is a small but well kept and nice location, perfect for my little one. My husband and I enjoyed learning a long with her and had a fun nature walk. The butterfly room seemed a little empty (not very many butterflies) but it could have been the time of day/season etc. read more