Must-See Neighborhood Guides for Modern Families

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 complimentary, and they're fun, too.

Hike to the top and take pleasure in the views. The primary garden is open day-to-day daybreak to sunset. The Children Experience Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. . The outdoor park is totally free to go to 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 because it was designed for them, and you probably will too. All irreversible exhibits are complimentary, but there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater programs and some destinations.

Turning Everyday Moments Into Magical Family Portraits

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by hiking the tracks around the Upper Back Bay in Newport Beach, and visiting the kid-friendly Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. The center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

Complimentary parking. If you're lucky, you might see gray whales offshore here at this time of year. You'll see whale watchers on the patio with their telescopes and field glasses. The little however fascinating museum checks out the history of the location, consisting of the now-defunct Marineland. It's a stunning drive to get there, and picnic tables for lunch.

, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working demonstration farm to address concerns. Upon check-in, you will receive a map to assist you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to offer.

This is for all ages. Reservations are needed for 10 or more people. Prepare yourself for a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Upper Newport Bay from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is developed for ages 7-12, however all ages are invited to join. Look for unique interpretive tables and posts along tracks around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive.

Free parking. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. 4:30 -6 p.m. Decorate a terracotta pot with paint pens.

Creating Timeless Heirlooms of Your Kids

Register here: Bring a coat and take pleasure in the telescopes and specialist help at a "Starr Celebration" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. Free admission, however parking is $5.

33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Kids can choose from a range of seeds available to take home and grow their own gardens (while materials last). Search for clues indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Entertainment Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then delight in an image booth, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more till 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

Connecting With Family-Focused Nonprofits Through Family Photography

to 2 p.m. at William S. Hart Park. There will be a timed egg scramble for kids ages 10 and under, enjoyable art activities, a kids play zone, live student musical, dance performances, a neighborhood walking at 10:30 a.m. and more. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall Easter Egg Hunts at 3 parks, for children as much as 12 years of ages.

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

This is just two of the lots of free events and activities happening throughout Orange County funded by public tax dollars.

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That same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc complete of complimentary civil services and properties your tax dollars finance. Here are a couple of notable totally free events happening this weekend. Take the kids to create artwork together at the Laguna Beach Library. Households will work on an art job using provided products, following guideline from artists.

Supporting Local Events Through Community Photography

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more details, get in touch with the library at (949) 497-1733 Take the kids to play parlor game at the Newport Beach Public Library's main 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 individuals and policies shaping our daily livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Kids ages 7+ and teenagers are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to discover to play chess. Registration is needed. March 14, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Free For more information, contact the library at (714) 375-5068 Enjoy exhibits, presentations and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Bazaar at the Great Park.

to 3:00 p.m. Garage 244, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618 Free For more information, contact Orange County Archives in Action at Volunteer to get rid of weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Environment Adventure Trail. Those that volunteer are suggested to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, treats and wear long trousers.

With, you plainly you care about holding power to account and protecting public interest in Orange County. Support brave, thorough reporting by making a tax-deductible contribution. The program will start near parking lot G at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is totally free for volunteers. Attendees should inform the park attendant you are volunteering when they show up for complimentary parking.