Crystal Cove Conservancy Announces Summer 2026 Programs Featuring Free Family Activities, Movies on the Beach, Art Classes, and Guided Nature Hikes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2026
Crystal Cove State Park, CA — This summer, Crystal Cove Conservancy invites families, artists, nature lovers, and lifelong learners to experience a season of creativity, exploration, and connection through a dynamic lineup of free and low-cost programs at Crystal Cove State Park.
Beginning in June, The Conservancy’s summer calendar offers a wide range of opportunities to explore one of Southern California’s most beloved state parks. From hands-on art activities and Movies on the Beach to guided ecology hikes, plein air painting workshops, Grunion Runs, and thought-provoking talks with leading voices in conservation, each program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the natural world and inspire stewardship for generations to come.
Whether you are looking for free things to do with kids in Orange County, a unique date night by the ocean, or an opportunity to learn from environmental leaders, Crystal Cove Conservancy offers memorable experiences for all ages against the backdrop of historic cottages, pristine beaches, and protected backcountry.
“Crystal Cove State Park is more than a destination—it is a living classroom, a creative refuge, and a gathering space for community,” said Kate Wheeler, President & CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy. “Our summer programs invite people to slow down, look closer, and discover the many ways art, science, and shared experiences can deepen our connection to the coast. Whether you are painting outdoors, watching a movie under the stars, or hiking with one of our educators, each experience is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary place.”
Free Family-Friendly Summer Activities in Orange County
Crystal Cove Conservancy offers several free programs throughout the summer, making it easy for families to enjoy enriching outdoor experiences in one of California’s most spectacular state parks.
Family Art Days
Wednesdays, June 10–August 26
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Education Commons
Free | No registration required
Held every Wednesday, Family Art Days invite visitors of all ages to explore Crystal Cove State Park through hands-on art and science activities inspired by local wildlife, marine ecosystems, and conservation stories. Participants might paint a healthy tidepool, experiment with watershed models, or meet educational puppet ambassadors.
With new activities introduced throughout the summer, families are encouraged to return often to create, discover, and connect more deeply with the Cove.
Learn more about Family Art Days >>
Movies on the Beach
June 18, July 2, and August 6
Historic District Beach between Cottage #1 and Cottage #13
Free | No registration required
As the sun sets and waves roll onto shore, Crystal Cove State Park’s beach transforms into an open-air theater under the stars. Guests are invited to bring blankets and low-back beach chairs for a memorable evening of film, fresh popcorn, and family-friendly educational activities before the show.
2026 Film Lineup:
- June 18 — Zootopia 2
- July 2 — Hoppers
- August 6 — The Wild Robot
Learn more about Movies on the Beach >>
Art and Creativity in the Landscape
Paint the Park: A Great Plein Air Experience
Select Mondays and Thursdays, June 1–August 27
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Registration required
Step outside the studio and into the landscape with Paint the Park, a welcoming plein air painting experience inspired by Crystal Cove State Park’s rich artistic legacy.
Each month, participants gather in a new location:
- June — Historic District (Cottage #46)
- July — Moro Canyon
- August — Moro Cove Overlook
Designed for beginners and experienced artists alike, the program includes light instruction, prompts, and all supplies.
Learn more about Paint the Park>>
Explore the Cove: Guided Nature Experiences
Coastal Ecology Hikes
May – August
These guided interpretive hikes explore Crystal Cove State Park’s shoreline and blufftop habitats, highlighting marine ecology, geology, native plants, and conservation issues such as sea-level rise and marine protected areas.
Learn more about Coastal Ecology Hikes >>
Backcountry Ecology Hikes
May – August
Journey into Moro Canyon to discover coastal sage scrub, riparian habitats, restoration projects, and the remarkable biodiversity of Crystal Cove State Park’s backcountry.
Learn more about Backcountry Ecology Hikes >>
Historic District Walking Tours
May – August
During this free 60-minute tour, Conservancy educators share the remarkable story of the community effort that saved Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District and transformed it into a treasured public resource.
Learn more about Historic District Walking Tours >>
Signature Summer Experiences
Grunion Run
June 14 | 9:00–11:30 p.m.
Join Conservancy educators for an unforgettable nighttime adventure to witness one of Southern California’s most fascinating natural events: the grunion run, when small silver fish come ashore to spawn.
Participants will learn about coastal ecology before heading to the beach in hopes of seeing this rare spectacle firsthand.
Learn more about our Grunion Run >>
Cove Talks: Inspiring Conversations on Conservation
Crystal Cove Conservancy’s Cove Talks speaker series brings together leading voices in policy, journalism, science, and accessibility for thought-provoking conversations set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Held on the deck of Cottage #34, each evening includes light bites, beverages, and the opportunity to engage with experts tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
Kate Huckelbridge
June 3 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act, one of the most influential environmental laws in the nation. Dr. Kate Huckelbridge will reflect on the Act’s enduring legacy and the opportunities ahead as California responds to sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on coastal communities.
Register for Kate Huckelbridge Cove Talk >>
Rosanna Xia
June 30 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Award-winning journalist and author of California Against the Sea, Rosanna Xia shares stories from the front lines of climate change and sea-level rise, exploring how California’s coastline is being reshaped and what choices lie ahead.
Register for Rosanna Xia Cove Talk >>
Austin Nicassio
July 29 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Austin Nicassio shares his personal journey and his work expanding access to nature through adaptive vehicles and advocacy, challenging us to imagine a future where outdoor experiences are designed to welcome everyone.
Register for Austin Nicassio Cove Talk >>
California State Parks Week Programs
As part of California State Parks Week, Crystal Cove Conservancy will offer special programs celebrating community, culture, and outdoor discovery.
Family Art Day – Celebrate Community & Culture
June 10 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Free | No registration required
Register for Parks Week Family Art Day >>
Family Plein Air – Celebrate Community & Culture
June 11 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Register for Parks Week Family Plein Air >>
Parks Week Grunion Run
June 14 | 9:00–11:30 p.m.
Register for Parks Week Grunion Run >>
Plan Your Summer at Crystal Cove State Park
From art workshops and family activities to guided hikes and inspiring talks, Crystal Cove Conservancy offers countless ways to experience The Park this summer.
For registration and a complete calendar of events, visit:
Media Contact
Jessica Grace Arnaldo
Marketing and Communications Manager
949-392-5009
jessica@crystalcove.org
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About Crystal Cove Conservancy
Crystal Cove Conservancy protects the historic, natural, and cultural resources of Crystal Cove State Park through a unique public-private partnership with California State Parks. Revenue generated through The Conservancy supports hands-on education programs that use the park as a living classroom, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards while helping preserve Crystal Cove State Park for generations to come.