Notes about your surroundings

Day Tripping--If you’re looking for summer fun that will be both instructional and exhausting (for the children, not for you), read on. Here’s one in a series of suggested Orange County outings. Children from 4 to 13 years old should find these treks fun, interesting and definitely off the beaten path.

* Environmental Nature Center: This 2 1/2-acre arboretum features 12 native plant communities, with walking trails, streams and a pond. Tours, summer school and nature camps are also available to children from kindergarten to sixth grade.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

It is at 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. Information: (714) 645-8489.

* Orange County Natural History Museum: This is a gallery and library filled with terrariums of live reptiles, rodents and amphibians; archeological and paleontological artifacts and fossils; displays of ancient and contemporary sea shells. There’s also mounted birds of prey native to the area. The library offers an excellent display of articles covering Orange County’s natural history.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Cost is 50 cents for children, $1 for adults.

It is at Plaza de la Paz Shopping Center, 27281 La Paz Road, Suite G, Laguna Niguel. Information: (714) 831-6625.

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary: This 12-acre preserve is a refuge for native plants and animals, including a hummingbird observatory. There is also a small museum and gift shop at the sanctuary.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. A $1.50 donation per person is requested.

It is at the end of Modjeska Canyon Road in the Cleveland National Forest. Information: (714) 649-2760.