Planning for Creative Children's Events in 2026

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 fun, too.

Hike to the top and enjoy the views. The main garden is open everyday sunrise to sunset. The Children Experience Garden is open on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 400 W. Gainsborough Roadway, Thousand Oaks. . The outside park is totally free 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 like this place because it was designed for them, and you most likely will too. All irreversible displays are complimentary, but there's an extra charge for the IMAX theater shows and some attractions.

Top City Family Resources Near You

700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Get those ya-yas out by treking the tracks around the Upper Back Bay in Newport Beach, and going to the kid-friendly Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Trails are open every day from 7 a.m. to dusk. The center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.

Totally free parking. If you're fortunate, you might see gray whales offshore here at this time of year. You'll see whale watchers on the patio with their telescopes and binoculars. The little however interesting museum explores the history of the location, consisting of the now-defunct Marineland. It's a gorgeous drive to arrive, 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 free on Discovery Days, when "farmers" are stationed around the 3-acre working presentation farm to respond to concerns. Upon check-in, you will receive a map to assist you in seeing all Centennial Farm needs to use.

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 condition cancels. Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Register beforehand 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 develop your own garden project.

Preparing for Artistic Children's Activities in 2026

Register here: Bring a jacket and enjoy the telescopes and professional help at a "Starr Celebration" at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7-9:30 p.m. There will be stargazing devices on hand, however you can likewise 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 range of seeds offered to take home and grow their own gardens (while products last). Browse for ideas indoors at the Ronald J. Parks Community Leisure Center at 7 p.m. to win rewards, then delight in a photo cubicle, video games, dodgeball, Karaoke and more till 9 p.m. 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.

Best Local Youth-Focused Neighborhood Outings Near You

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 3 parks, for children as much as 12 years old.

Events begin at 9:30 a.m. and the hunting starts 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 Method; Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park, 32380 Deer Hollow Way, Harveston Community Park, 28582 Harveston Drive. .

Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by dealing with an art project with your children 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 many totally free events and activities taking place throughout Orange County moneyed by public tax dollars.

Keep cranking up the volume on what's occurring behind the scenes in Orange County with the Morning Report newsletter. Each week, Voice of OC press reporters strive to assist residents stay connected to upcoming civic occasions, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders responsible. You can cut through the sound every early morning by reading the totally free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.

That same kind of guard dog reporting now fuels a dynamic weekend calendar, choc full of totally free public services and assets your tax dollars finance. Here are a couple of notable complimentary occasions occurring this weekend. Take the kids to create art work together at the Laguna Beach Library. Households will deal with an art job utilizing provided materials, following instruction from artists.

Artistic Kid Projects to Do With Your Kids

March 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Free For more details, call 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 individuals and policies shaping our daily livesit's all in The Early morning Report.

Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to discover to play chess. Registration is required. 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, discussions and activities on Southern California history at the OC Archives Marketplace at the Great Park.

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 remove weeds and trim shrubs at Irvine Regional Park's Environment Experience Path. Those that volunteer are advised to bring gardening gloves, water, sunscreen, treats and wear 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 show up for totally free parking.