November brings plenty of reminders to be grateful for what we have. It's also a good time to show kids what giving back looks like.
Volunteering doesn't have to mean committing to a regular shift or taking on a big project. It can be as simple as picking up trash at the beach, helping pack Thanksgiving meal bags, or spending a morning restoring a local habitat.
Here are some kid-friendly volunteer opportunities around Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach this month. I've included the details that make it easier to decide which ones work for your family, including ages, registration requirements and what to expect.
November At a Glance
Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
Sat, Nov 7 | Monarch Nature Trail Volunteer Day | Huntington Beach |
Sat, Nov 7 | Irby Park Native Garden Restoration | Huntington Beach |
Mon, Nov 9 | Bolsa Chica Beach Cleanup | Huntington Beach |
Sat, Nov 14 | Dune Restoration at Huntington Beach Wetlands | Huntington Beach |
Sat, Nov 14 | Fairview Park Habitat Restoration | Costa Mesa |
Mon, Nov 16 | Bolsa Chica Beach Cleanup | Huntington Beach |
Fri, Nov 20 | Thanksgiving Heroes: The Big Day | Huntington Beach |
Fri, Nov 20 | Share Ourselves Family Service Night | Costa Mesa |
Sat, Nov 21 | Wetlands Restoration | Huntington Beach |
Sat, Nov 21 | Thanksgiving Heroes: The Big Day | Huntington Beach |
Sat, Nov 21 | Coastal Corridor Alliance Habitat Restoration | Costa Mesa |
Sat, Nov 28 | Coastal Corridor Alliance Beach Cleanup | Newport Beach |
Want more easy weekend plans?
Simple Plans Co. sends a list of kid-friendly events and activities around Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach every Thursday. The research is done. You just have to pick what sounds fun.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach has a good mix of beach cleanups and habitat restoration projects this month. Most are outdoors, and a few are easy ways to get younger kids involved.
Monarch Nature Trail Volunteer Day
When: Saturday, November 7, 9–11 AM
Where: Monarch Nature Trail, Rancho Road entrance near Spa Drive, Huntington Beach
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Registration: Not required
Help protect monarch butterflies and native plants at the Huntington Beach Monarch Nature Trail. Volunteers will work on habitat restoration projects like weeding invasive plants, planting native species and collecting seeds.
This is one of the easier first volunteer outings for younger kids. The organizers welcome all ages and include hands-on activities for children.
Good to know: There are no restrooms on site. Bring sun protection and wear closed-toed shoes.
Irby Park Native Garden Restoration
When: Saturday, November 7, 9-12PM
Where: Irby Park, 16700 Dale Vista Lane, Huntington Beach
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page
Spend the morning helping restore Irby Park's native garden. Activities include planting native plants, weeding, pruning and collecting seeds. It's also an opportunity for kids to learn about native plants and the pollinators that depend on them.
Good to know: There is no shade, water fountain or restroom at the park, so bring a full reusable water bottle and plan accordingly.
Bolsa Chica Beach Cleanup
When: Mondays, November 9 and 16, 8:30–9:30 AM
Where: Meet near Lifeguard Tower 22, 100 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page
The Bolsa Chica Land Trust hosts short beach cleanups throughout the fall and winter. Volunteers help pick up litter along the shoreline and keep trash from making its way into the ocean.
At just one hour, this is a manageable way to introduce kids to volunteering without committing to a full morning.
Good to know: Most supplies are provided, but you can bring a reusable bucket or bag and gloves. Parking is across PCH in the neighborhood, so use the traffic light when crossing.
Dune Restoration at Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy
When: Saturday, November 14, 9 AM–12 PM
Where: Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy, 21900 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Ages: All ages, volunteers under 14 must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page. Waiver required
Help care for the coastal dune habitat at the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy. This restoration event is part of the Conservancy's ongoing work to protect local wetlands and native habitat.
Good to know: Parking and restrooms available at HBWC headquarters.
Wetlands Restoration at Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy
When: Saturday, November 21, 9 AM–12 PM.
Where: 21900 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, near the corner of PCH and Newland
Ages: All ages, volunteers under 14 must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Groups are encouraged to RSVP at [email protected].
Spend the morning helping restore the local wetlands through hands-on habitat work. It's a good opportunity for kids to get outside and learn a little about the wildlife and ecosystems in their own backyard.
Thanksgiving Heroes: The Big Day
When: Friday, November 20, 1–4 PM (packing) and Saturday, November 21, 9 AM–1 PM (delivery)
Where: Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach
Ages: 12+; volunteers ages 12–17 must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Registration required
Thanksgiving Heroes is looking for volunteers to help with its annual Thanksgiving meal effort. The Friday shift focuses on packing, while Saturday is for meal delivery.
This is a better fit for older kids and teens who are ready for a more structured volunteer commitment.
Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa has a couple of habitat restoration mornings and a Thanksgiving project that's especially well suited to families with younger kids.
Fairview Park Habitat Restoration
When: Saturday, November 14, 9–11 AM
Where: Fairview Park, 2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa
Ages: No age information published
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page. Waiver required
Join the Fairview Park Alliance and city staff for a morning of habitat restoration. Volunteers help remove invasive and non-native plants, plant native species and maintain the park's restored areas.
When: Friday, November 20, 5–7 PM
Where: Share Ourselves, 1550 Superior Avenue, Costa Mesa
Ages: 3+; volunteers ages 3+ must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
This is one of the most family-friendly Thanksgiving projects on the list. Families will help sort and prepare food bags for Share Ourselves' Thanksgiving Food Distribution Program.
It's a nice way for younger kids to take part in giving back without needing to commit to a longer volunteer shift.
Good to know: This event is for assembling food bags. The actual food distribution takes place the following morning. On-site parking is limited. Additional parking is available at the Hoag parking structure at 500 Superior Avenue in Newport Beach. Park on the third level and walk one block north to Share Ourselves.
Coastal Corridor Alliance Habitat Restoration at Fairview Park
When: Saturday, November 21, 9–11:30 AM
Where: Fairview Park, 2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa
Ages: All ages, volunteers under 14 must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page. Waiver required
The Coastal Corridor Alliance hosts regular habitat restoration days at Fairview Park. Volunteers help remove non-native plants and restore the park's native landscape.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach has a beach cleanup that welcomes families.
Coastal Corridor Alliance Beach Cleanup
When: Saturday, November 28, 9–11:30 AM
Where: Newport Lifeguard Tower 74, 7004 Seashore Drive, Newport Beach
Ages: All ages, volunteers under 14 must have a guardian
Cost: Free
Registration: Sign up on event page. Waiver required
The Coastal Corridor Alliance hosts beach and river mouth cleanups on the fourth Saturday of each month. Volunteers help remove litter before it can harm wildlife or wash back into the ocean.
Good to know: No pets allowed.
Before You Go
A few small things can make a volunteer morning go more smoothly:
Check the event page the day before. Schedules and meeting locations can change.
Complete any required registration or waivers ahead of time.
Wear closed-toed shoes for habitat restoration projects.
Bring water, hats and sunscreen.
For beach cleanups, bring reusable gloves and a bucket or bag if the organizer recommends them.
Check restroom availability before leaving, especially for park and trail locations.
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