Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center:
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm
Learn about life in and around the estuary with interactive displays. Watch the theater and check out the live reptile and amphibian displays. Check times for special programs, activities and hikes.
Visit the center & then hike along the Back Bay!
Restrooms on the outside of the center (open 6AM-4PM)
Admission
Admission and parking are FREE. Public programs are listed on LetsGoOutside.org while more information on school field trips can be found HERE.
Park in the main parking lot & follow the trail – short walk to the Muth Center
About the center:
Visit a series of exhibits and interactive displays that make the Bay come alive. Visitors learn about life in and around an estuary and why Upper Newport Bay is such an important estuary. The knowledge gained here gives people an even greater appreciation of the Bay when they take guided walking and water tours or explore the Bay on their own.
Watch “Nature in Your Backyard” in the Ray and Elsa Watson Theater or check out the live reptile and amphibian displays in the classrooms (including the gopher snake). The classrooms are open to the public when programs are not being conducted in them.
Programs
*School programs are typically held on Tuesday mornings.
Orange County Parks offers special programs and events tailored to various age groups on a wide variety of subjects from Astronomy, Jr. Ranger activities, full moon hikes and more. Visit letsgooutside.org and search for events in the “Upper Newport Bay.” Some of their regularly scheduled programs include:
Wild Tales – Fridays (ages 2-5, but all ages welcome) – Story time, craft & short hike to learn about the Back Bay. Visit the Muth center after. Pre-registration is requested by visiting letsgooutside.org and searching for “Wild Tales” to make sure there are enough craft supplies for everyone.
Crafty Kids Sundays – One Sunday each month (ages 3-12) in the Muth Interpretive Center classroom, each month with a different educational theme to explore. The activities are self-guided and may include hands on exhibits, outside hikes, crafts and more. No registration necessary.