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Gee, what could be more fun 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 delight in the views. The main garden is open daily daybreak to sunset. The Kids Adventure Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Roadway, Thousand Oaks. . The outdoor park is complimentary to visit every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No reservations necessary. Meet at the Serrano Adobe. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. Kids enjoy this place because it was developed for them, and you probably will too. All irreversible exhibits are complimentary, but there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater shows and some attractions.

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, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Paths are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. It's a lovely 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 & Occasion Center. The trip 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 get a map to assist you in seeing all Centennial Farm has to provide.

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 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 delight in the telescopes and professional help at a "Starr Party" 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 happen at the nature center. Free admission, but parking is $5.

33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Kids can pick from a range of seeds offered to take home and grow their own gardens (while products last). Search for clues inside at the Ronald J. Parks Community Leisure Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then take pleasure in a photo cubicle, games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more up until 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 student musical, dance efficiencies, a neighborhood walking at 10:30 a.m. and more. 24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall Easter Egg Hunts at 3 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 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. .

This is just 2 of the many complimentary 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 Morning Report newsletter. Weekly, Voice of OC press reporters strive to help residents stay linked to upcoming civic occasions, putting residents in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders liable. You can cut through the sound every early morning by checking out the complimentary Voice of OC everyday e-mail newsletter.

That same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc complete of totally free public services and possessions your tax dollars financing. Here are a couple of notable free occasions happening 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, get in touch with 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 people and policies shaping our day-to-day 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 details, contact Orange County Archives in Action at Volunteer to remove weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Habitat Adventure Path. Those that volunteer are recommended 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. Assistance fearless, in-depth reporting by making a tax-deductible donation. The program will begin near parking area G at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead. Registration is needed. Parking is complimentary for volunteers. Guests need to inform the park attendant you are volunteering when they show up for free parking.