Discovering Quality Family-Friendly Outings for Children

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

The outdoor park is complimentary to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kids love this place since it was created for them, and you probably will too. All long-term exhibits are totally free, but there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater programs and some destinations.

Building Timeless Heirlooms of Your Kids

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by treking the tracks around the Upper Back Bay in Newport Beach, and going to the kid-friendly Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Trails 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 fortunate, you may see gray whales offshore here at this time of year. You'll see whale watchers on the patio with their telescopes and binoculars. The small but intriguing museum explores the history of the area, including the now-defunct Marineland. It's a beautiful drive to arrive, 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 & Event 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 provide.

Get ready 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 routes around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive.

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

Connecting With Youth Nonprofits Through Community Activities

Register here: Bring a jacket and delight in the telescopes and professional aid at a "Starr Celebration" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. Free admission, however parking is $5.

Inclement weather cancels. Call 949-923-2210 to confirm the celebration'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 supplies last). Find 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? Look for hints inside at the Ronald J. Parks Community Recreation Center at 7 p.m. to win prizes, then take pleasure in a photo booth, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

Transforming Special Photos Into Storybook Images

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

Events start at 9:30 a.m. and the searching begins at 10 a.m. sharp. The hunts will be divided by age and there's likewise a special requirements location. Areas: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Way; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Harveston Neighborhood Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

Think about starting your weekend this Saturday by working on an art job with your children at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe efficiency later on in the day at the Cypress Library. This is simply 2 of the many complimentary occasions and activities occurring throughout Orange County funded by public tax dollars.

Keep cranking up the volume on what's taking place behind the scenes in Orange County with the Early morning Report newsletter. Every week, Voice of OC reporters strive to help homeowners remain linked to upcoming civic occasions, putting residents in a position to conserve tax dollars and hold leaders accountable. You can cut through the sound every morning by reading the complimentary Voice of OC daily email newsletter.

That exact same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc complete of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance. Here are a few notable totally free events happening this weekend.

Creating Hand-Retouched Heirlooms of Local Family

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more information, contact the library at (949) 497-1733 Take the kids to play parlor game 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, contact the library at (949) 717-3800 From local politics to the people and policies shaping our daily livesit's all in The Morning Report.

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

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 remove weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Environment Experience Path. Those that volunteer are recommended to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, treats and wear long trousers.

With, you clearly you care about holding power to account and safeguarding public interest in Orange County. Support courageous, extensive reporting by making a tax-deductible contribution. The program will begin near car park G at the Environment Adventure Path trailhead. Registration is needed. Parking is totally free for volunteers. Guests should inform the park attendant you are offering when they get here totally free parking.