I couldn't in good conscious have an "earth" themed week of posts and not mention one of my favorite places in Orange County, the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach . A friend took us to the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach for a play date, and we've gone back several times since then. The ENC boasts one of the few Platinum LEED ratings for their buildings and is a great example of how amazing a "green" building can be. Its one of my favorite pieces of architecture in Orange County. Inside they have a Discovery Room where the kids can touch and investigate native species of California, they also have a few live snakes and tarantula's (in aquariums! don't worry!). Outside is even more spectacular, with fifteen representative Ecological Habitats of California, and several trails that takes you through them. Its a crazy piece of wilderness in the midst of all this development. The kids love finding and chasing the lizards and squirrels that scamper about. But my favorite place has to be the Butterfly House. Its been closed during the colder months, but starting May 2nd, it will be open again. Its an awesome chance to get up close and personal to the little guys. Oh, and did I mention, its all totally free! They also host several different classes and camps for kids and adults.
Have a great weekend, and check out the ENC website here!
*picture above was taken by my four year old, ten points if you can spot the lizard!
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