Irvine is a planned city with parks and green spaces systematically arranged throughout the area.

From small community parks managed directly by the City of Irvine to large regional parks overseen by Orange County, there are various park facilities available. Parks play a very important role in the daily lives of Irvine residents, and it is a common sight to see Korean families with young children visiting parks every weekend as part of their Irvine lifestyle.

Great Park is the most iconic park in Irvine. Its address is 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618, and it is a large urban park redeveloped from the former MCAS El Toro Marine Corps Base. Currently, it is a massive project covering over 1,300 acres that is either under development or planned for future development. Existing facilities include Great Park Ice, sports fields (for soccer, baseball, etc.), Fallon Regional Park, Farm + Food Lab, the iconic Orange Balloon (seasonal operation), and exhibition facilities (event hall). It is a popular family outing destination with free admission (some activities may have fees).

William Mason Regional Park is an Orange County park located in central Irvine. Its address is 18211 Culver Dr., Irvine, CA 92612, and it features a large grassy area, a lake (for fishing), picnic areas, walking trails, and a children's playground. Parking permits ($3-$5/day) can be purchased in advance on the OC Parks website or paid on-site. Smaller community parks like Baker Community Park and Riverpark are also distributed near residential areas in Irvine, making them accessible for residents on foot.

Peters Canyon Regional Park is a nature-centered regional park located in the northeast of Irvine. It has well-maintained hiking trails around the hilly terrain and Peters Canyon Reservoir, where visitors can enjoy bird watching, biking, and nature walks. Quail Hill Open Space and Bommer Canyon are also natural conservation areas located to the west and south of Irvine, offering scenic hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation. Throughout Irvine, there are well-connected urban bike paths and multi-use trails, providing a suitable environment for residents who enjoy biking or inline skating.