How Fine Portraits Preserve Timeless Family Memories

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.

Hike to the top and delight in the views. The primary garden is open everyday sunrise to sunset. The Kids Experience Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. . The outdoor park is totally free to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No bookings needed. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Roadway, Lake Forest. Kids love this place due to the fact that it was designed for them, and you most likely will too. All permanent exhibitions are complimentary, however there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater programs and some attractions.

Supporting Youth Nonprofits Through Family Photography

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by treking the tracks 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.

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 outdoor patio with their telescopes and binoculars. The small however fascinating museum checks out the history of the area, including the now-defunct Marineland. It's a gorgeous 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 & Event Center. The tour and parking are totally free on Discovery Days, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working presentation farm to address questions. Upon check-in, you will receive a map to help you in seeing all Centennial Farm needs to offer.

Get prepared for a Nature Scavenger Hunt at the Upper Newport Bay from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for special interpretive tables and posts along trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive.

Free parking. Bad weather condition cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register ahead of time at or simply show up. The program "Planted Creations: Garden Art" is enjoyable for grades 7-12 at the library. 4:30 -6 p.m. Decorate a terracotta pot with paint pens. Dig in and produce your own garden job.

Choosing Thematic Family Photography for Growing Kids

Register here: Bring a jacket and enjoy the telescopes and specialist help at a "Starr Party" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. Free admission, but parking is $5.

Harsh weather condition cancels. Call 949-923-2210 to confirm 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 readily available to take home and grow their own gardens (while materials last). Find it in the kids's department of the Temecula Library, open 10 a.m.

30600 Pauba Roadway, Temecula. How about a scavenger hunt for teens at the Teen Egg-Venture? Search for hints indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Neighborhood Recreation Center at 7 p.m. to win prizes, then enjoy a picture cubicle, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more up until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Roadway, Temecula.

Transforming Special Moments Into Storybook Heirlooms

There will be a timed egg scramble for kids ages 10 and under, enjoyable art activities, a kids play zone, live student musical, dance performances, a community hike at 10:30 a.m. and more.

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 likewise a special requirements area. Places: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Method; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Method, Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

This is just two of the many totally free 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 Morning Report newsletter. Weekly, Voice of OC reporters strive to assist citizens remain connected 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 free Voice of OC daily e-mail newsletter.

That exact same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a lively weekend calendar, choc complete of complimentary public services and possessions your tax dollars financing. Here are a few notable totally free events happening this weekend.

Transforming Everyday Photos Into Magical Fine Art

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 parlor game at the Newport Beach Town 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, contact the library at (949) 717-3800 From regional politics to the individuals and policies forming our daily livesit's all in The Early morning Report.

Registration is needed.

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 get rid of weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Habitat Adventure Trail. Those that volunteer are suggested to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, snacks and wear long pants.

With, you plainly you care about holding power to account and safeguarding public interest in Orange County. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Attendees must notify the park attendant you are offering when they show up for free parking.