Creative Ways to Capture Time With Your Family

Gee, what could be more enjoyable than spring break with the kids? Those lovely kids getting on the sofa, fighting with each other, making a mess everywhere they go. It suffices to drive a moms and dad wild. Get out of the house. Here's a list of things you can do with the rugrats totally free, and they're fun, too.

The outdoor park is free to go to every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kids like this location since it was created for them, and you probably will too. All permanent exhibitions are free, but there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater shows and some tourist attractions.

Comparing High-Quality Studios for Growing Kids

, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. It's a gorgeous drive to get there, and picnic tables for lunch.

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

This is for all ages. Bookings are needed for 10 or more people. Prepare 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, but any ages are welcomed to sign up with. Search for special interpretive tables and posts along tracks around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Free parking. Bad weather cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register ahead of time at or just appear. 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 create your own garden project.

Building Timeless Portraits of Local Family

Register here: Bring a jacket and delight in the telescopes and specialist aid at a "Starr Celebration" 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 place at the nature center. Free admission, but 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 supplies last). Search for ideas inside your home at the Ronald J. Parks Community Entertainment 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.

Supporting City Events Through Family Photography

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 community 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 of ages.

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

Think about beginning your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art job with your kids 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 complimentary occasions and activities occurring throughout Orange County funded 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. Every week, Voice of OC reporters strive to assist residents remain linked to upcoming civic events, 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 free Voice of OC daily e-mail newsletter.

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

Where to Experience Storybook Theme Outings for Kids

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733 Take the kids to play board games 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 local politics to individuals and policies forming our daily livesit's all in The Morning Report.

Kids ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to discover 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 information, contact the library at (714) 375-5068 Enjoy exhibits, presentations and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Fete at the Great Park.

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 Habitat Experience Path. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, snacks and wear long trousers.

With, you clearly you appreciate holding power to account and safeguarding public interest in Orange County. Support courageous, thorough reporting by making a tax-deductible donation. The program will start near car park G at the Habitat Experience Path trailhead. Registration is needed. Parking is totally free for volunteers. Guests should alert the park attendant you are volunteering when they show up free of charge parking.