Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by attending Game Day at the Hunt Library, or spend time volunteering in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
On Sunday, consider taking the kids to make no-sew blankets the Haskett Library in Anaheim, or embark on a fitness hike.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.
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Every week, Voice of OC reporters work hard to help residents stay connected to upcoming civic events, putting locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable.
You can cut through the noise every morning by reading the free Voice of OC daily email newsletter.
You can also bookmark the Voice of OC calendar to stay ahead of key civic meetings during the week.
That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
North
Visit the Hangar Makerspace
Work on a creative project at the Placentia Library’s Hangar DIY Lab – a creative makerspace with a cricut, sewing machine, embroidery machine and craft materials.
The equipment can be used by ages 14 and up with a valid library card, ID and signed waiver, available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under 14 years old can use the craft materials with parental supervision.
When: December 21, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia, CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Game Day at the Hunt Branch Library
All ages are welcome to Game Day at the Hunt. Play card games, social deduction games, board games and other games.
When: December 21, 9:o0 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 201 S. Basque Ave., Fullerton, CA 92833
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6365
Make a Fleece Blanket
Children ages 8-10 are invited to make no-sew blankets at the Haskett Branch Library.
Registration is required, as space is limited.
When: December 22, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 2650 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804
Cost: Free
For more details and to register, contact the library at haskettprograms@anaheim.net
Central
Winter Bilingual Storytime
Take the kids to listen to winter-themed stories in Spanish and English at the Garden Grove Chapman Library.
When: December 21, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 9182 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92841
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 539-2115
Watch Anime at the Library
Ages 15 and up are welcome to Animescapes at the Fountain Valley Library. Watch anime and enjoy refreshments with other anime fans.
When: December 21, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Walk-In Tutoring
Receive help with writing, reading and conversation in English in a personal 20-minute session at the Tustin Library. Both English as a Second Language (ESL/ELL) learners of all levels, and native English speakers are welcome.
The service is for adults ages 16 and above. Appointments granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: December 21, 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 345 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725
Coastal
Lego Mania
Take the kids to play with Legos at the Seal Beach Library.
When: December 21, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 707 Electric Ave., Seal Beach, CA 90740
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (562) 431-3584
Volunteer Land Stewardship
Volunteer to tend to the land alongside OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Registration is required to volunteer. Rain will cancel the program. The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center parking lot.
When: December 21, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Laguna Canyon Foundation at volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
Sensory Playtime
Take the kids to engage in sensory playtime activities at the San Clemente Library.
When: December 21, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 492-3493
South
Color at the Library
Enjoy coloring at the Laguna Hills Technology Library. Adults and children are welcome, and materials are provided.
When: December 21, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: Free
For more details, contact contact ocpl.ltk@occr.ocgov.com or (949) 707-2699
Fitness Hike
Enjoy panoramic views of Orange County on a fitness hike through Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails.
Registration is required.
When: December 22, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Earthcache Hike
Hike to the East Sinks in Limestone Canyon – an Earthcache hike. This hike is open to existing geocachers and non-geocachers.
Registration is required.
When: December 22, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.