Best Local Youth-Focused Neighborhood Outings Near You

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 free, and they're fun, too.

Trek to the top and delight in the views. The main garden is open day-to-day dawn to sunset. The Children Experience Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. . The outside park is free to check out every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No reservations necessary. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. Kids love this place because it was designed for them, and you probably will too. All long-term exhibitions are free, however there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater shows and some destinations.

Finding Quality Local Activities for Children

, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Trails are open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. It's a lovely 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 tour and parking are free on Discovery Days, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working demonstration farm to respond to concerns. Upon check-in, you will receive a map to help you in seeing all Centennial Farm needs to provide.

This is for any ages. Appointments are needed for 10 or more people. Get prepared for a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Upper Newport Bay from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is designed for ages 7-12, but any ages are invited to join. Try to find unique interpretive tables and posts along trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Free parking. Bad weather condition cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register in advance 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 develop your own garden job.

Top-Rated Family Support Networks for Busy Families

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

33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Kids can select from a range of seeds readily available to take home and grow their own gardens (while supplies last). Browse for hints inside your home at the Ronald J. Parks Community Recreation Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then delight in a photo cubicle, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more up until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

Locating Elite Community Activities for Families

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.

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

Think about starting your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art task with your children at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe performance later in the day at the Cypress Library. This is just 2 of the numerous totally free occasions and activities taking place throughout Orange County moneyed by public tax dollars.

Keep cranking up the volume on what's happening behind the scenes in Orange County with the Early morning Report newsletter. Weekly, Voice of OC press reporters strive to assist homeowners remain connected to upcoming civic occasions, putting residents in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders responsible. You can cut through the sound every early morning by reading the complimentary Voice of OC everyday email newsletter.

That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc complete of totally free public services and possessions your tax dollars financing. Here are a couple of noteworthy totally free events happening this weekend.

Finding Quality Family-Friendly Outings for Families

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more details, call the library at (949) 497-1733 Take the kids to play board games at the Newport Beach Public 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, call the library at (949) 717-3800 From regional politics to individuals and policies shaping our day-to-day livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Registration is required.

to 3:00 p.m. Hangar 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 Trail. Those that volunteer are recommended to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, treats and use long pants.

With, you plainly you appreciate holding power to account and securing public interest in Orange County. Support brave, extensive reporting by making a tax-deductible donation. The program will start near car park G at the Habitat Adventure Path trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Attendees should notify the park attendant you are offering when they arrive totally free parking.