Things to do in Orange County- Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in The OC Area

As the Los Angeles area is slowly coming out of its second lockdown, your family might be feeling a little stir crazy. If you’re looking to fix this with things to do in Orange County that are outdoors and fun for everyone, then hiking could be just what you need! Below are 5 family-friendly trails ranging in distance, difficulty, and scenery, so grab your little ones and get ready to start an expedition like never before! 

1) Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Hike in Huntington Beach, CA 

This scenic hike is perfect for anyone who loves wildlife spotting. At this trail, you’ll be able to see tons of habitats, like marshlands, seabird nesting islands, riparian zones, coastal dunes, and more! On top of that, over 200 different wildlife species call Bolsa Chica home, including rabbits, lizards, ducks, gophers, owls, and egrets. While this trail might be a bit on the longer side for those who are new to hiking, what makes this hike an excellent choice for beginners is that the trail itself is incredibly smooth and easy to navigate.

Important notes: 

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Dogs: Not allowed 

2) Quail Hill Trail in Irvine, CA 

If you’re looking for the ultimate beginners and family-friendly hike, then you should definitely check out Quail Hill Trail. This simple 2-mile loop features a flat path suitable for strollers, slight hills, and an incredible city view of Irvine. However, what makes this particular trail stand out from the rest is its interactive markers. That’s right, placed along Quail Hill Trail you can find audios you can access through your phone that will tell you interesting facts about the land and wildlife! So not only will your little ones get a good amount of exercise while visiting this hiking path, but they’ll learn something new too! 

Important notes: 

• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty level: Easy 
• Dogs: Must be leashed 

3) Laguna Beach and Bluffs in Laguna Beach, CA 

This trail is perfect if you’re looking to soak up those Californian coastal views. Laguna Beach and Bluffs is a short trail that takes you right along the Laguna coast, so the picturesque view of the beach will always be in your sight. The path is kid, stroller, and wheelchair friendly, making this hike a great option for all kinds of families! This trail is on the shorter side, but if you want to make your expedition a little longer, you and your little ones could always end your hike with a fun trip to the beach.

Important notes: 

• Distance: 1.3 miles
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Dogs: Must be leashed

4)  Peters Canyon Hike in Orange, CA

If you have an active bunch of kids, you should consider spending the afternoon exploring the Peters Canyon Loop Trail. The trail itself is marked as moderate because of its steep slopes and longer distance, so this might not be the best option for kids who get tired easily. However, if you are a family that loves to be active and your kids can easily walk on their own for extended periods of time, then this trail should still be relatively easy to handle. If the distance is throwing you off, no worries! There are plenty of side trails you can take to cut it shorter. 

Important notes: 

• Distance: 5.9 miles 
• Difficulty level: Moderate
• Dogs: Must be leashed 

5) Weir Canyon Loop Trail Hike in Anaheim, CA

As far as things to do in Orange County, this trail is a great option if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of California. Get transported to a world far away from suburbia and explore the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains while taking in amazing scenery full of mountains, wildflowers, and animal life. While this hike is rated moderate, the paths are fairly easy to navigate and the trail also has shorter 1.5 and 2.5-mile options, so don’t feel too intimidated. This trail is also popular for horseback riders, so if you’re lucky you might even see a horse or two! 

Important notes: 

• Distance: 3.8 miles 
• Difficulty level: moderate 
• Dogs: Must be leashed 

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