Creating Timeless Portraits of Local Kids

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.

Trek to the top and enjoy the views. The main garden is open everyday dawn to sunset. The Kids Experience 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 reservations required. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. Kids love this place due to the fact that it was developed for them, and you probably will too. All permanent exhibits are free, however there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater shows and some attractions.

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700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by treking the routes around the Upper Back Bay in Newport Beach, and checking out the kid-friendly Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. 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 field glasses. The small however intriguing museum checks out the history of the location, including the now-defunct Marineland. It's a lovely drive to arrive, and picnic tables for lunch.

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

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 trails 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.

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Register here: Bring a jacket 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, but parking is $5.

Harsh 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 pick from a variety of seeds offered to take home and grow their own gardens (while supplies last). Discover it in the kids's department of the Temecula Library, open 10 a.m.

30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. How about a scavenger hunt for teens at the Teen Egg-Venture? Browse for clues inside your home at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Leisure Center at 7 p.m. to win prizes, then enjoy a picture cubicle, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

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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 trainee musical, dance efficiencies, a neighborhood walking at 10:30 a.m. and more. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall Easter Egg Hunts at three parks, for children up to 12 years of ages.

Occasions 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 needs area. Areas: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Method; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

This is just two of the many totally free occasions 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 Early morning Report newsletter. Each week, Voice of OC press reporters work hard to assist homeowners remain connected to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders liable. You can cut through the noise every early morning by checking out the free Voice of OC day-to-day email newsletter.

That very same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc filled with free civil services and properties your tax dollars financing. Here are a couple of notable complimentary occasions occurring this weekend. Take the kids to develop artwork together at the Laguna Beach Library. Households will work on an art task utilizing offered products, following direction from artists.

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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 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 details, call the library at (949) 717-3800 From local politics to the people and policies shaping our everyday livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to find out 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, get in touch with the library at (714) 375-5068 Enjoy exhibitions, discussions and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Fair 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 get rid of weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Habitat Experience Path. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, snacks and use long pants.

With, you clearly you appreciate holding power to account and securing public interest in Orange County. Support brave, thorough reporting by making a tax-deductible contribution. The program will start near car park G at the Habitat Adventure Path trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Attendees must inform the park attendant you are volunteering when they show up for free parking.