I’m going to make it my special mission to bring to you at least once a week a post about a place where you can take the kiddos for free and sure to be a good time.
This week you have to check out the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center in the Newport Beach Back Bay.
This 10,000 square foot educational facility has been built into the side of one of the bluffs on the north side of the Bay. It offers panoramic views of the Bay yet is nestled so unobtrusively that few people are aware that the Interpretive Center is there.
Visitors learn about life in and around an estuary and why Upper Newport Bay is such an important estuary. The knowledge and understanding gained here will give people an even greater appreciation of the Bay when they take guided walking and water tours or explore the Bay on their own.
Watch the award-winning “Saltmarsh Seasons” in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater. This innovative short film has different wildlife scenes shown simultaneously on three separate screens. Or check out the live reptile and amphibian displays in the classrooms. The classrooms are also open to the public when programs are not being conducted in them and your kiddos will be able to play around and make themselves at home.
The center is home to exhibits and a butterfly garden. The center also offers a program for 2-5 year olds every Wednesday from 10;30 am to 11;15 am with storytime and activities. This program is 5 dollars per child
There is also a program for 5-8 year olds- basyside buddies- every other Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:40 pm. The program features crafts, hands on activities and nature walks.
The center is open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Find out about Program and Events. For more information, call (949) 923-2290.
The best park like I said is that this place offers free admission and free parking. Can’t beat that!!
Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949)923-2290
Well, I just wanted to share that we went to this place today and it was great. It was cold and threatening to rain, and the place was basically empty. There is a kids room that we had all to ourselves, with way cool puzzles, coloring, live animals, books, videos, and puppets. We stayed there for about 2 hours and had the whole place to ourselves. We had a 2 year old and four 8, 9, & 10 year olds. They all liked it. ANd we didn't really do the outside thing. We were there on Friday. There are lots of activities throughout the week – Tomorrow Sat the 11th there is a sunset hike at 6 pm ithink.