Where to Experience Magical Portrait Sessions for Kids

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 totally free, and they're enjoyable, too.

The outside park is complimentary to check out every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kids like this place since it was developed for them, and you most likely will too. All long-term exhibitions are totally free, however there's an additional charge for the IMAX theater programs and some destinations.

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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. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. The center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

Complimentary parking. If you're lucky, 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 but fascinating museum checks out the history of the location, including the now-defunct Marineland. It's a lovely 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 receive a map to assist you in seeing all Centennial Farm has 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 unique interpretive tables and posts along trails around the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive.

Free parking. Bad weather cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register in advance 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 task.

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Register here: Bring a jacket and delight in the telescopes and professional aid at a "Starr Party" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. There will be stargazing devices on hand, but you can likewise bring your own. Activities take place at the nature. Free admission, but parking is $5.

Harsh weather cancels. Call 949-923-2210 to confirm the celebration's on. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Reserve here: The "Little Sprouts Seed Library" opens for the season today. Kids can choose from a variety of seeds offered to take home and grow their own gardens (while products last). Find it in the kids's department of the Temecula Library, open 10 a.m.

30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. How about a scavenger hunt for teens at the Teenager Egg-Venture? Browse for hints indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Community Recreation Center at 7 p.m. to win prizes, then delight in 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, fun art activities, a kids play zone, live trainee musical, dance performances, a community hike at 10:30 a.m. and more. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall Easter Egg Hunts at three parks, for children up to 12 years of ages.

Occasions 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 a special needs location. Locations: Temeku Hills Park, 31367 La Serena Way; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Method, Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

This is simply two of the numerous free occasions and activities taking place 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. Each week, Voice of OC press reporters work hard to assist residents stay linked to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to conserve tax dollars and hold leaders responsible. You can cut through the sound every morning by reading the complimentary Voice of OC everyday e-mail newsletter.

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

Artistic Kid Projects to Do With Local Family

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, 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.

Registration is needed.

to 3:00 p.m. Hangar 244, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA 92618 Free For more details, contact Orange County Archives in Action at Volunteer to get rid of weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Habitat Experience Path. Those that volunteer are recommended to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, treats and use long trousers.

With, you clearly you care about holding power to account and securing public interest in Orange County. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Guests must notify the park attendant you are offering when they get here for complimentary parking.