Connecting With Local Events Through Family Activities

Gee, what could be more fun than spring break with the kids? Here's a list of things you can do with the rugrats for free, and they're fun, too.

Hike to the top and enjoy the views. The main garden is open everyday sunrise to sunset. The Children Adventure Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. . The outside park is complimentary to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No appointments needed. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. Kids like this place due to the fact that it was created for them, and you most likely will too. All long-term exhibits are complimentary, however there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater programs and some destinations.

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, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Trails are open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. It's a stunning drive to get there, and picnic tables for lunch.

to 5 p.m. 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. Bring the kids to the Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Occasion Center. The trip and parking are free on Discovery Days, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working demonstration farm to respond to questions. Upon check-in, you will get a map to help you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to offer.

Get all set for a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Upper Newport Bay from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for unique interpretive tables and posts along tracks around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive.

Free parking. Bad weather cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register beforehand at or simply appear. The program "Planted Creations: Garden Art" is fun for grades 7-12 at the library. 4:30 -6 p.m. Decorate a terracotta pot with paint pens. Dig in and create your own garden project.

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Register here: Bring a coat and take pleasure in the telescopes and professional aid at a "Starr Celebration" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. There will be stargazing equipment on hand, but you can likewise bring your own. Activities take place at the nature center. Free admission, however parking is $5.

Severe weather cancels. Call 949-923-2210 to verify the party's on. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Reserve here: The "Little Sprouts Seed Library" opens for the season today. Kids can select from a range of seeds offered to take home and grow their own gardens (while products last). Discover it in the children's department of the Temecula Library, open 10 a.m.

30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. How about a scavenger hunt for teens at the Teenager Egg-Venture? Search for hints indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Recreation Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then delight in a photo cubicle, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more till 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

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There will be a timed egg scramble for kids ages 10 and under, enjoyable art activities, a kids play zone, live trainee musical, dance efficiencies, a neighborhood hike at 10:30 a.m. and more.

Occasions begin at 9:30 a.m. and the hunting starts at 10 a.m. sharp. The hunts will be divided by age and there's likewise a special needs area. Locations: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Way; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Harveston Neighborhood Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

Think about beginning your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art job with your kids at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe performance later in the day at the Cypress Library. This is simply two of the lots of free events and activities happening throughout Orange County moneyed by public tax dollars.

Keep cranking up the volume on what's taking place behind the scenes in Orange County with the Morning Report newsletter. Weekly, Voice of OC reporters work hard to assist locals stay connected to upcoming civic occasions, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders responsible. You can cut through the sound every morning by checking out the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.

That very same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc full of totally free public services and properties your tax dollars financing. Here are a couple of noteworthy complimentary occasions happening this weekend.

Unique Ways to Capture Time With Your Kids

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more information, call the library at (949) 497-1733 Take the kids to play board video games at the Newport Beach Town library's central branch. March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1000 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Free For more information, get in touch with the library at (949) 717-3800 From local politics to the individuals and policies shaping our daily livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Registration is required.

to 3:00 p.m. Garage 244, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618 Free For more details, contact Orange County Archives in Action at Volunteer to eliminate weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Habitat Experience Path. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, snacks and use long pants.

With, you clearly you appreciate holding power to account and protecting public interest in Orange County. Support courageous, in-depth reporting by making a tax-deductible donation. The program will start near parking lot G at the Environment Experience Trail trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Participants should alert the park attendant you are volunteering when they arrive free of charge parking.