Turning Special Moments Into Storybook Heirlooms

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 totally free, and they're fun, too.

Trek to the leading and delight in the views. The primary garden is open day-to-day sunrise to sunset. The Children Adventure Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Roadway, 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 reservations required. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. Kids like this place because it was developed for them, and you most likely will too. All permanent displays are totally free, but there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater shows and some destinations.

Where to Book Magical Photography Sessions for Kids

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by hiking 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. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. The center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

Free 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 area with their telescopes and binoculars. The small but interesting museum checks out the history of the location, consisting of the now-defunct Marineland. It's a lovely drive to get there, and picnic tables for lunch.

, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working presentation farm to answer concerns. Upon check-in, you will get a map to aid you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to provide.

This is for all ages. Appointments are required for 10 or more individuals. Get all set 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 any ages are welcomed to join. Search for 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.

Connecting With Neighborhood Charities Through Family Activities

Register here: Bring a coat and enjoy the telescopes and expert assistance at a "Starr Party" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. There will be stargazing devices on hand, however you can also bring your own. Activities take location at the nature center. Free admission, however parking is $5.

Inclement weather cancels. Call 949-923-2210 to validate 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 products 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 teenagers at the Teen Egg-Venture? Search for clues inside at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Entertainment Center at 7 p.m. to win prizes, then take pleasure in an image cubicle, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

Transforming Special Photos Into Timeless Fine Portraits

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 performances, a neighborhood hike at 10:30 a.m. and more. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall Easter Egg Hunts at 3 parks, for kids as much as 12 years of ages.

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

This is simply two of the numerous free occasions and activities occurring 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 Morning Report newsletter. Each week, Voice of OC press reporters work hard to assist citizens remain linked to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders responsible. You can cut through the sound every morning by reading the totally free Voice of OC everyday email newsletter.

That very same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc complete of complimentary public services and possessions your tax dollars financing. Here are a few notable free occasions occurring this weekend.

Choosing Professional Portrait Services for Your Family

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 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, call the library at (949) 717-3800 From regional politics to individuals and policies shaping our everyday livesit's all in The Early morning Report.

Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to discover 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, presentations and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Exchange at the Great Park.

to 3:00 p.m. Hangar 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 Experience Trail. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, treats and wear long pants.

With, you clearly 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 parking lot G at the Habitat Experience Path trailhead. Registration is needed. Parking is totally free for volunteers. Participants must notify the park attendant you are offering when they get here for totally free parking.