Aldrich Park Exploration at UC Irvine

Aldrich Park is the natural centerpiece of UC Irvine, but most outsiders don’t even know it exists. University students use it to shortcut to classroom buildings set on a ring road which organizes the campus. On quiet weekends, Aldrich Park is a dream for adventurous OC kids and families. We spent our $8 on parking and took a 2 hour romp discovering what’s outdoors at UCI.

Location: Approach UCI from Campus Drive and park in the structure to your left off Pereira and Bridge Road/Peltason Drive. The structure is opposite the Student Center at the corner of Pereira and Bridge.  Here’s a satellite view of the campus and its hidden park. MAP to Aldrich Park at UC Irvine

Outdoors at UCI

• Think of the campus as a big circle–and you shouldn’t get lost.
• Walking through the Student Center brings you to the outer ring road. Cross it to make your way down into the park.
• On our UC Irvine nature adventure we found a statue garden, trees with cool roots, butterflies, snails, songbirds, craggy trees, fountains, grapefruit, outdoor art, and a rose garden.
• Let the kids lead. Let them get ahead of you. Dress them to get dirty. Take . . . Your . . . Time . . .
• My husband made an informal scavenger hunt for the kids to find some landmarks and give a little purpose to our walk. Maybe you’d like to have one, too? [HINT: You'll have to loop in and out of the park and the next outer ring.]  UCI Scavenger Hunt (PDF)

Be Aware:

• Parking is at least $8 — so plan to stay a while
• Plan to go when the campus is quiet — during weekends or on holidays
• Plenty of restrooms on campus

What else is around?

• Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at the Irvine Marketplace across the street
• Check out Whale of a Tale children’s bookstore, also in the Marketplace
• Mason Regional Park is right around the corner from campus complete with playgrounds and a duck pond
• I love the UCI Bookstore in the Student Center (but, I confess, I’m an Anteater)