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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.

Trek to the leading and enjoy the views. The primary garden is open everyday daybreak to sunset. The Kids Adventure Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. . The outside park is free to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No bookings required. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Roadway, Lake Forest. Kids love this place since it was designed for them, and you probably will too. All permanent exhibits are free, but there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater programs and some attractions.

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, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. 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 respond to concerns. Upon check-in, you will get a map to help you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to provide.

This is for any ages. Bookings are needed for 10 or more individuals. Prepare yourself for a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Upper Newport Bay from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is created for ages 7-12, but all ages are invited to sign up with. Try to find special interpretive tables and posts along trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

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 coat and delight in the telescopes and professional assistance 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 pick from a variety of seeds available to take home and grow their own gardens (while materials last). Browse for ideas indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Community Leisure Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then enjoy a photo booth, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more until 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, fun art activities, a kids play zone, live student musical, dance performances, a community hike at 10:30 a.m. and more.

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

Think about starting your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art task with your kids at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe performance later on in the day at the Cypress Library. This is just 2 of the lots of complimentary occasions and activities happening throughout Orange County funded 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. Every week, Voice of OC reporters strive to help residents stay linked to upcoming civic occasions, putting residents in a position to conserve 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 same sort of watchdog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc full of totally free public services and assets your tax dollars finance. Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend. Take the kids to create artwork together at the Laguna Beach Library. Families will deal with an art project using provided 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 information, call the library at (949) 717-3800 From regional politics to individuals and policies shaping our daily livesit's all in The Early morning Report.

Registration is required.

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 eliminate weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Environment Experience Trail. 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 safeguarding public interest in Orange County. Assistance brave, in-depth reporting by making a tax-deductible contribution. The program will start near parking lot G at the Habitat Experience Path trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is free for volunteers. Guests should notify the park attendant you are offering when they get here for free parking.