SUMMERTIME : Taking Nature in Stride : You and your family can escape the city by joining a variety of hikes, walking tours and wildlife programs.

Are the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers the only rangers your kids know? Is retrieving the newspaper from the driveway your primary outdoor activity? Is stepping over a snail your most recent wildlife encounter?

Maybe it’s time for you and your family to get back to nature. “The outdoors is the perfect setting to spend leisure time,” said Brad Childs, executive director of the Wilderness Institute, an Agoura Hills environmental organization. “You get into the fresh air and trees, away from noise, congestion and long lines. It’s relaxing, stress-reducing, therapeutic and educational.”

Even very young children can benefit from a day in the wilderness, according to Janeen Parker, a spokeswoman for the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom, which holds family walks at Franklin Canyon. “We try to get parents to bring their kids as early as possible, so the child grows up with love and respect for the natural world. Kids who start early feel more comfortable interacting with animals in ways that won’t hurt the child--or the animal.”

Those who want to commune with nature in a structured, safe setting can choose from a variety of hikes and programs geared to people of all ages and abilities. Here are some summer outings that will give you and your family a chance to stretch your legs, smell the sage and watch the wildlife:

HIKES

You can have your hash browns and hike them off, too. Through Sept. 11, the lodge at Camp Hollywoodland in Griffith Park serves an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch, followed by ranger-led hikes. Brunch is served from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Easy nature walks begin at 10 a.m., strenuous hikes at 11 a.m. Breakfast is $6 for adults, $4.50 for children under 12. Hikes are free. Camp Hollywoodland is at 3200 Canyon Drive in Hollywood. Call (213) 467-7193.

If a lavish brunch isn’t your idea of getting back to nature, how about dandelions for breakfast? The Wilderness Institute holds a “Wild Edibles” hike in the Santa Monica Mountains from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 2. You’ll find, prepare, cook--and eat--wild plants. $15, or $50 per family of four. Call (818) 991-7327.

Short and easy hikes for families with infants, toddlers and preschoolers are held in parks throughout Southern California by Nursery Nature Walks. Children learn about animals, sniff plants, touch trees and listen to the birds. Walks--many stroller-accessible--are held daily. A donation of $5 per family is requested, and reservations are required. Call (310) 364-3591.

The William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom sponsors a variety of day and evening hikes at Franklin Canyon Ranch. Depending on which walk they select, hikers can bird-watch, try their hand at nature photography, practice tai chi or learn Native American ways. Walks are free, but some require reservations. The ranch is at 2600 Franklin Canyon in Beverly Hills. Call (310) 858-3090.

WILDLIFE

Tortoises, owls, possums, snakes, rats, lizards and hawks are part of the animal show at 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. An 11 a.m. nature hike precedes the presentations. Free (except for $3 parking). The center is at 19152 Placerita Canyon Road in Newhall. Call (805) 259-7721.

Walking tours of the Wildlife Waystation, a refuge for ill, injured and orphaned animals, start at 10 a.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Lions and tigers and bears--as well as leopards, jaguars, birds, reptiles and primates--are among the caged menagerie. After the tour, visitors can feed ponies, sheep and bunnies at the on-site petting zoo. Reservations are required. $4.50 adults, $2 children 2 to 11. The compound is at 14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. Call (818) 899-5201.

Animal-themed one-hour classes include crafts, songs and storytelling for preschoolers and their parents at the Los Angeles Zoo. Upcoming programs are “Splish Splash” (about aquatic animals) July 11, 12, 16 and 17 and “Prowling Pals” (about big cats) Aug. 15, 16, 20 and 21. After the class, spend a day at the zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. Reservations are required. $20 per child and parent, which includes zoo admission. Call (213) 666-4650, Ext. 270.

Get acquainted with owls, hawks and eagles at the Wilderness Institute’s “Birds of Prey” program for children 8 to 12 and their parents. Class meets in the Santa Monica Mountains from 10 a.m. to noon July 23. $20 per person. Call (818) 991-7327.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The Native American Indian Culture Center at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satiwa comes alive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday as guest hosts from various Native American tribes talk about their heritage, tell stories, lead hikes, teach traditional dances and demonstrate basket-weaving. Free. Rancho Sierra Vista is at the intersection of Potrero and Pinehill roads in Newbury Park. Call (805) 499-2837 or (818) 597-9192.

A Mount Pinos outing and field trip will be sponsored July 9 by the Sierra Club. Naturalists will talk about the history, flowers, trees, plants and wildlife of the area. $10 per adult, free for children 9 to 15. Not recommended for children under 9. Call (805) 967-0593.

The Wilderness Institute offers several outdoor programs in the Santa Monica Mountains. Families can hunt for 16-million-year-old fossils in Old Topanga, learn to rock climb, master such frontier crafts as candle-making or become acquainted with such Indian skills as animal-tracking. Class fees range from $15 to $65 per person. Call (818) 991-7327.