Discovery Faire Lets Kids Get Into Wildlife : Nature: Anaheim Hills’ Oak Canyon Nature Center expects hundreds Sunday for a free day of fun, exploring and learning.

ANAHEIM — The wildlife at Anaheim Hills’ Oak Canyon Nature Center will grow substantially this weekend, but these critters are more likely to sport tennies and T’s than feathers or fur.

On Sunday, the 58-acre wildlife sanctuary will be the site of the seventh annual Children’s Discovery Faire, a free showcase of local youth programs that is expected to draw hundreds of children and adults to the park.

Co-sponsored by the nature center and the Oak Canyon Committee of Sea and Sage Audubon, the Discovery Faire will feature live performances and hands-on activities, many with nature themes. The park’s John J. Collier Interpretive Center, which houses a variety of wildlife displays, live-animal exhibits and interactive games, will be open throughout the day, and maps will be available to help visitors explore the seven miles of trails that weave through the site.

According to center recreation coordinator Kathy Jelin, at least 18 exhibitors are expected, and most will host participatory exhibits or crafts as well as printed information on their programs.

Volunteers from the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park, for example, will offer views of the sun through special telescopes and screens, while the Santa Ana Zoo will give children face-to-face introductions to some of its animals.

The Discovery Museum of Orange County, Yamaha Music Makers Studio and Wonders of Wildlife are among the other youth-oriented groups that will be on hand, Jelin said.

The performing arts, martial arts and gymnastics will be showcased on the nature center’s outdoor amphitheater beginning at 11:30 a.m. Participating groups include Japan Karate Do, Kip’s School of Gymnastics, Orange County Song and Dance Co., Stage One Dance Studio and Dance, Etc. Food concessions will be available throughout the day.

The Children’s Discovery Faire takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oak Canyon Nature Center, 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim. Admission and parking are free. (714) 998-8380.