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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 fun, too.

Trek to the top and enjoy the views. The primary garden is open everyday dawn 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 complimentary to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No appointments necessary. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Roadway, Lake Forest. Kids love this location since it was developed for them, and you most likely will too. All long-term exhibitions are totally free, but there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater programs and some tourist attractions.

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700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by hiking the trails around the Upper Back Bay in Newport Beach, and visiting 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.

Totally free 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 area with their telescopes and field glasses. The little however 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.

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

This is for all ages. Appointments are required for 10 or more people. 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 designed for ages 7-12, but all ages are invited to join. Look for special interpretive tables and posts along tracks 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 enjoy the telescopes and professional aid at a "Starr Party" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. Free admission, however parking is $5.

Severe 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 pick from a range of seeds available to take home and grow their own gardens (while materials last). Discover 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 Teen Egg-Venture? Look for clues inside your home at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Entertainment Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then enjoy a photo booth, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more till 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 as much as 12 years old.

Events begin at 9:30 a.m. and the searching begins at 10 a.m. sharp. The hunts will be divided by age and there's also an unique needs area. Areas: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Way; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

Consider beginning your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art job with your children at the Laguna Beach Library, or listen to a bagpipe performance later on in the day at the Cypress Library. This is simply two of the numerous free events and activities taking place throughout Orange County funded by public tax dollars.

Keep cranking up the volume on what's occurring behind the scenes in Orange County with the Morning Report newsletter. Each week, Voice of OC press reporters strive to assist locals remain linked to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable. You can cut through the sound every morning by checking out the free Voice of OC everyday e-mail newsletter.

That very same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc full of complimentary public services and possessions your tax dollars finance. Here are a couple of noteworthy complimentary events occurring this weekend.

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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, contact 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 forming our everyday livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn to play chess. Registration is needed. 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 exhibits, presentations 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 remove weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Environment Adventure Trail. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, snacks and wear long pants.

With, you plainly you care about holding power to account and securing public interest in Orange County. Support brave, thorough reporting by making a tax-deductible donation. The program will begin near parking area G at the Environment Experience Path trailhead. Registration is required. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Participants need to notify the park attendant you are volunteering when they arrive totally free parking.