Top-Rated City Guides for New Families

Gee, what could be more enjoyable than spring break with the kids? Those stunning kids leaping on the couch, combating with each other, making a mess all over they go. It's sufficient to drive a moms and dad wild. So, get out of your home. Here's a list of things you can do with the rugrats totally free, and they're fun, too.

The outdoor park is complimentary to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kids like this place since it was designed for them, and you probably will too. All long-term exhibits are complimentary, but there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater shows and some attractions.

Transforming Everyday Moments Into Storybook Heirlooms

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by hiking the trails 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 sunset. The center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

Totally free 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 field glasses. The small but interesting museum checks out the history of the location, consisting of the now-defunct Marineland. It's a beautiful drive to get there, and picnic tables for lunch.

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

Get all set 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 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.

Where to Experience Fine Art Theme Shoots for Families

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

33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Kids can choose from a range of seeds available to take home and grow their own gardens (while supplies last). Browse for ideas inside your home at the Ronald J. Parks Community Leisure Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then take pleasure in a photo booth, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more up until 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Roadway, Temecula.

Artistic Kid Projects to Do With Your Kids

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

This is simply 2 of the lots of totally free events 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 Morning Report newsletter. Each week, Voice of OC reporters work hard to help residents remain 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 free Voice of OC day-to-day email newsletter.

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

Where to Find Fine Art Theme Shoots for Families

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more information, call 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 details, contact the library at (949) 717-3800 From regional politics to individuals and policies forming our daily livesit's all in The Early 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 information, call 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 Trail. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sun block, treats and wear long trousers.

With, you clearly you care about holding power to account and protecting public interest in Orange County. Parking is totally free for volunteers. Participants must inform the park attendant you are offering when they get here for totally free parking.