Newport Beach is Your Education Destination
The school year is looking a little different this year, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to learn from a distance! Newport Beach is filled with educational subjects and socially-distanced experiences for the entire family.
Science Class
Tidepools at Crystal Cove State Park
Make your way to Crystal Cove State Park with the little ones to view sea creatures in their natural habitat! With four tidepool viewing areas filled with a variety of crabs, sea stars, fish, aquatic plants and more, the tidepools are sure to be an educational and fun experience. It’s best to see the tidepools at low tide and make sure you wear shoes with good grip.
Back Bay Science Center | Virtual Classroom
The Back Bay Science Center is temporarily closed, but they’ve put together an interactive guideline on the ecology and biology of the Upper Newport Bay. After, make the virtual classroom a reality by taking a stroll along the 3.5-mile Back Bay loop filled with diverse plant and animal life.
Crystal Cove Conservancy | Virtual Project Crystal
The Crystal Cove Conservancy, Crystal Cove State Park and UC Irvine have designed a program to address concepts such as plant ecology, the water cycle and how new scientific ideas can protect undeveloped spaces. Participants will learn about real-life challenges in protecting Moro Canyon while investigating scientific questions, designing a model, setting up an experiment, analyzing data and ultimately creating a recommendation for Crystal Cove State Park. Project Crystal is designed for the fifth grade curriculum and is available online through Google Classroom.
Art Class
Newport Beach Civic Center | Sculpture Garden
20 unique sculptures are part of Newport Beach’s Civic Center Park which are part of an ongoing exhibition from the city. The 14-acre park is a local’s favorite for a leisurely stroll along various paths which take you to each sculpture such as the famous ‘Bunnyhenge’. There is an elevated vantage point above the park which showcases sweeping ocean views and 360 views of the coastline.
Timree Paint Studio | Online Paint Classes
Timree Paint Studio makes it easy for your little ones to discover their inner artist! Sign up for a variety of online streaming packages for live classes and access to previously recorded streams so the creativity never stops. Paint kits are also available to order which comes with all the necessary art supplies in one easy box!
Crystal Cove Conservancy | Virtual Summer Art Camp
Crystal Cove Conservancy’s ongoing Virtual Summer Art Camp is designed for artists of all levels! Participants will learn about the fundamentals of art such as tools, concepts and composition and will ultimately put it all together to create their very own Crystal Cove inspired drawing or painting. The program is free to join and no special materials are required.
History Class
Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society | Virtual 10 Minutes History Talks
The Balboa Island Museum is a homage to the deep history of Balboa Island and its inhabitants. The museum is temporarily closed but has created ’10 Minutes History Talks’, a series of videos with museum curator, Celeste, on topics part of Newport Beach history such as sailing, whaling, important figures and more.
Recess/P.E.
Take a much needed break outside with some fun activities!
The Fun Zone Field Trip
Take the little ones on a fun, short “field trip” to Balboa Fun Zone for mid-day games and treats. Ride the Ferris wheel and grab a slice of pizza from Pizza Pete’s as a nice break from learning!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Catch a breath of fresh air by renting a stand up paddleboard from Pirate Coast Paddle Company. Fuel up after your activity with healthy bites from Café Sakana or Gracias Madre!
Walk the Back Bay
The Back Bay is family friendly, dog friendly and social distancing friendly no matter what time of day you go. Stop by Castaways Park to take a quick break and for sweeping views of the Back Bay!
Stroll Sherman Library and Gardens
Spend a few hours getting lost amongst lush greenery, the sound of fountains and the smell of fresh flowers at Sherman Library and Gardens. This summer, be sure to check out Sculptura Botanica, an exhibit of botanically themed installation of sculptures from local landscape designer, Dustin Gimbel.
