UPDATE: Check out our list of 50 free things you can do in Orange County for the summer of 2016

Yes, it’s true that movie ticket prices went up again, and it costs your life savings to park at the beach, and you need to take out a loan to go to Disneyland. But that doesn’t mean you have to sit at home this summer watching paint dry. That’s only fun once.

Here’s my list of 50 things you can do this summer for free in Orange County. Seriously. It’s really 50. And unless noted otherwise, parking is free, too.

1. Art walks everywhere: It’s trendy nowadays for cities to lure people into their downtown cores by sponsoring free art walks, with open galleries, box wine, live music and a chance to actually walk around at night without an electronic stun gun. Great cheap date night, and you look cultured, too. Laguna Beach kicked things off, and its First Thursdays event has grown so large, it needs a free shuttle bus to haul folks around. Santa Ana has its First Saturday Art Walk in the Artists Village. Fullerton and Anaheim have also jumped on the trend.

2. Sherman Library and Gardens: Really, if you like gardens, you need to see this place. It’s not huge, but as Spencer Tracy said, “what there is is choice.” The lovely, ever-changing Sherman Library and Gardens is free on Mondays and $3 on other days. (Note: Kids under 12 are free, 12-16 are $1.). 2647 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. 949-673-2261 or Slgardens.org

3. Centennial Farm: It wasn’t all that long ago that farms and ranches covered most of Orange County. Nowadays, they’re mostly gone, except for Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center. It’s open Monday to Friday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed July 11-Aug. 24 for the OC Fair) Yes, everyone loves the little chicks the best at this working farm, which includes goats, chickens, pigs and examples of actual live agriculture such as corn and potatoes. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. ocfair.com

4. Fullerton Arboretum: Kids love to look for turtles here. Stroll these lovely gardens seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are more than 4,000 plant species, but lots of ponds and wildlife and good smells. They also have free tours. Donations accepted. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, fullertonarboretum.org

5. San Clemente Beach Trail: Ready for some fresh air? Hike this popular beach trail, which runs 2.3 miles connecting North Beach to Calafia Beach along the coast, or stop off at the pier or T Street. Call 949-361-8264 for more information.

6. Pacific Marine Mammal Center: This will wring your heart strings, people. Right now, this rescue center in Laguna Canyon for sick and starving seals and sea lions is busier than ever, with calls coming in from all over. Come in any day between 10-4 to see them getting well before being released back into the wild. Warning, though: They’re so cute you’ll just have to donate fish for their dinner. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. pacificmmc.org

7. Great Park Movies On The Lawn: Bring your blanket, chair and snacks to the Orange County Great Park at dusk. Food trucks available. June 5 through July 25. Admission and parking are free. Learn more: Ocgp.org or call 866-829-3829 for more information. Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way, Irvine. Flashback Fridays: June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 10; Blockbuster Saturdays: June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 11, 18 and 25.

8. Shipley Nature Center: Stroll 18 acres of native habitat of the Shipley Nature Center, across from the Huntington Beach library. It’s open 9-1 Mondays-Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Walk 4,000 feet of self-guided nature trails and wetlands. 17851 Goldenwest St. (at Talbert). Learn more: Shipleynature.org

9. Coastkeeper Garden: Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., this sustainable garden in Orange is really six kinds of Southern California habitats; it includes a cool Natural Play Garden, which just might inspire all kinds of cool outdoor planting and play at your house. Workshops (for adults) the first Saturday of every month, 10 to 11. 1560 E. Santiago Canyon Road in the City of Orange. The Garden is near Santiago Canyon College. coastkeeper.org

10. Friday Movies at Lantern Bay Park: This park is worth visiting just for the scenic view of Dana Point Harbor, but stick around on Friday nights in June, because the city is screening movies at 8 p.m. June 5: Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” June 12: “Mr. Peabody & Sherman.” June 19: “Maleficent.” June 26: “Paddington.” Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point.

11. Free Concerts On The Green: Spend musical Saturday nights at the Cypress Civic Center Green. Show starts at 6 p.m., kids crafts at 5:30. Food available for purchase. No liquor or smoking. Lineup: June 6 – Gregg Young & the 2nd St. Band. June 13 – Randy McAllister sings country. June 20 – Southbound & Company classic rock. July 11 – The Alley Cats doowop. July 18 – Raymond Michael’s Elvis Presley tribute. Aug. 1 – Bruce Springsteen tribute. Aug 8 – Journey tribute. Aug. 15 – Neil Diamond tribute. Aug. 22 – Wise Guys big band. 5275 Orange Ave., Cypress.

12. Bowers Museum Sundays: Santa Ana residents get in free every Sunday. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Learn more at Bowers.org or call 714-567-3600.

13. Miniature train ride: Woo woo. Ride the rails of the miniature Goat Hill Junction Railroad on a five-mile track through Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the third weekend of each month. Kids must be old enough to walk. Free, but donations and volunteers are welcome. 2525 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa. ocmetrains.org

14. Hortense Miller Garden: Take a guided tour of the Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach. The tours are by reservation only, Tuesdays through Saturdays 9:45 a.m. to noon. They last around two hours. Wear appropriate shoes for 2.5 acres on rough, hilly terrain. The tours are free; you may donate $15 per person if you desire. Reservations: 949-497-0716 or book online at Hortensemillergarden.org/schedule-a-tour.html.

15. Free Movies At The Mall: C’mon, you know you like a free flick. Every Tuesday all summer, you can see a free movie at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. at the Krikorian Metroplex 18 at the Buena Park Mall, 8290 La Palma Ave., Buena Park. But get there early. Seats fill up. Schedule: June 16, “Mr. Peabody and Sherman”; June 23, “Night at the Museum 3”; June 30, “How to Train Your Dragon 2”; July 7, “The Boxtrolls”; July 14 “Annie”; July 21: “The Book of Life”; Jul. 28 “Rio 2”; Aug. 4 “Paddington”; Aug. 11 “Penguins of Madagascar”; Aug.18 “Dolphin Tale 2.”

16. Shakespeare by the Sea: To be or not to be at the annual Shakespeare by the Sea festival, that is the question. This year, they’re putting on “As You Like It” and “The Tempest” at numerous parks. Shows start at 7 p.m. Groundlings should dress warmly. Orange County shows: “Tempest,” July 18 at Bonita Canyon Park, (at Mesa View in Newport Beach); “As You Like It,” July 19 at Bonita Canyon Park; “The Tempest,” July 25 at Rossmoor Park, 3021 Blume Drive; “As You Like It,” July 26 at Rossmoor Park; “As You Like It,” July 30 at Birch Park in Santa Ana, 210 N. Birch St; “The Tempest,” Aug. 2 at Eisenhower Park in Seal Beach; “The Tempest,” Aug. 8 at Live Oak Terraces Theater, Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive; “The Tempest,” Aug. 16 at Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway. Shakespearebythesea.org

17. Teen Anime Night: July 21 Yorba Linda at the library (grades 7-12). 5:30 to 8 p.m. Join other teens in a celebration of Japanese culture by watching Anime, enjoying Japanese snacks, taking part in a Cosplay competition. Location: 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. Phone 714-777-2873 or visit YorbaLindaLibrary.com

18. Take a hike: An easy, ranger-led family nature hike most Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. at Caspers Wilderness Park. The one-mile hike travels through grasslands, oaks, riparian and cactus. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. The hike is free but parking is $5 per vehicle. Water, sunscreen, a hat and bug spray are recommended. Call 949-923-2210 to learn more. 33401 Ortega Highway.

19. Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts in Irvine: Sunday, July 12 – Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience will take the audience on a journey back in time, when the Beatles was the world’s most popular rock group. July 19 – Symphony in the Cities Join us for a must-do summer tradition – a free outdoor concert by Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St. Clair who is celebrating his 26th season with the Symphony! A “Musical Playground” for children takes place at 5:30 p.m. July 26 – Savor: Santana Tribute Band. August 2 – King Kruk as Elvis. August 9 – Hot August Night: Tribute to Neil Diamond. August 16 – Bella Donna: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. Concerts at 6 pm except Pacific Symphony, 7 pm. Dress warmly. Cityofirvine.org/news-media/calendar-of-events/event/sizzlin-summer-concerts

20. Kite Festival: Sunday, July 19. In association with the Orange County Museum of Art, Segerstrom Center presents high-flying family fun at their Kite Festival. This event is being held in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit: “My Generation: Young Chinese Artists.” Highlights: Kite design and building stations, live performances, playground, martial arts demonstrations and more. Food trucks will be there. 2 pm to 6 pm. 600 Town Center Dr. Costa Mesa. On the arts plaza. Learn more here: Scfta.org/Engage-and-Learn/Show-Related-Activities/Special-Events.aspx

21. Bubble-ology Show: Behold bubbles you have never seen before and be amazed at Bubble-ology 101. Three performances: 1 p.m., 3 p.m or 6:30 p.m. on July 2. Early arrival suggested. Yorba Linda Public Library community room. All ages. 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. 714-777-2873 or YorbaLindaLibrary.com

22. San Clemente Classic Car Show: Get ready to rumble, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 14. The show boasts 300 show cars, from classic to exotic. Food booths, vendors, disc jockey entertainment and farmers market. Hop on the free shuttle bus at San Clemente High School to downtown San Clemente. 949-218-5378 or villagesanclemente.org.

23. Orange Concerts at Hart Park: Bring your picnic and your dancing shoes to the bandshell at Hart Park. Concerts start at 7 p.m. June 24: Stone Soul (Motown and soul). July 1: Kelly Rae Band (country). July 8: Night Owl Productions (pop). July 15: Knyght Ryder (80s). July 22: Smokin’ Cobras (oldies). July 29: Wiseguys (big band). Aug. 5: Chain Reaction (top 40). Location: 701 S. Glassell, Orange.

24. Take a tour: Like to tour John Wayne Airport? You can, by appointment. Tours start at the life-size bronze statue of John Wayne, and help children learn about flight and airports. 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana. ocair.com/aboutjwa

25. Visit Bolsa Chica: Bolsa Chica Conservancy. Enjoy walking these wetlands. Public tour, second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon. 3842 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach.

26. Music in Newport Beach: Concerts on the Civic Center green start at 6 p.m. June 7: Stone Soul (classic soul and Motown). 6-7:30 p.m. July 12: Sligo Rags (Celtic bluegrass fusion); Aug. 23: Kelly Rae Band (country); Sept. 27: Britain’s Finest Beatles Tribute. Location: 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. Learn more: NewportBeachCa.gov/culturalarts

27. Free Children’s Museum: Enjoy the Children’s Museum of La Habra free on June 7, for Target First Free Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Railroad Roundup. Miniature trains will chug in outdoor demonstrations brought by train enthusiasts. Kids can make engineer hats and tour a caboose collection. Note that hand stamps are issued for specified time slots, with a maximum of 250 per session. Session times: 1 p.m.-2:45 p.m., and 3:15-5 p.m. 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra. lahabracity.com

28. Concerts in Peppertree Park: Enjoy the summer breezes in Tustin. Concerts start at 6 p.m. June 24: Joshua Tree (U2 tribute band); July 1: The Silverados (country); July 8: Sale band (70s to today); July 15: The Replicas (variety); July 22: Paperback Writer Beatles tribute; July 29: Pettybreakers Tom Petty tribute; Aug. 5: Reflexx (’80s); Aug. 12: DSB Journey tribute. Peppertree Park, 230 W. First St. Tustin. 714-573-3326.

29. Crispy Crunchy Cool Cooking Class: Want to learn more cooking techniques? Crispy Crunchy Cool cooking with Chef Renee at the Yorba Linda Library, 2 p.m. June 6. Adults only. Kick the summer off right with the crunchiest and tastiest dishes around. Crispy wrap ideas, a fusion entree salad and more. 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. 714-777-2873 or YorbaLindaLibrary.com.

30. Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-off: Yes! This is it! The big annual event. Have some fun and taste some chili. Starts at 11 a.m. June 7 in Old Town Tustin. Lots of activities for all. 714-573-3326.

31. Children’s Garden Workshop: Check out this free workshop at the Orange County Great Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21 in the Farm & Food Lab. The monthly workshop is designed to teach children about the natural wonders of the garden and includes a craft or activity. Designed for ages 3-9. Call for more information. 6950 Marine Way, Irvine. 866-829-3829 or Ocgp.org.

32. Summer Concerts in the Park: Enjoy music at Recreation Center & Sports Park in Fountain Valley starting at 5 p.m. in July. Lineup: July 2: Don’t Stop Believing (Journey tribute); July 9: Stone Soul (Motown tribute); July 16: Hollywood U2 (U2 tribute); Hard Days Night (Beatles); July 30: Desperado (Eagles). Recreation Center & Sports Park. 16400 Brookhurst St.

33. Luau Party: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the islands with hula dancers, a ukulele player and drummer at the Yorba Linda Library, 7 p.m. on June 19. Bring your Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts for a chance at a raffle prize. Small bites and mocktails will be served. Adults (18 and over) only. 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. 714-777-2873 or YorbaLindaLibrary.com

34. Concerts In The Canyon: July – 9th (Joshua Tree) U2 tribute band 16th (DSB) Journey tribute band 23rd (Mirage) Fleetwood Mac tribute band and the 30th (Powerhouse) Top 40 Variety Acts. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. Ronald Reagan Park, 945 S. Weir Canyon Road, Anaheim 714-765-5263.

35. “Mary Poppins in Concert”: The show takes place outdoors in the upper campus quad at Saddleback College, 7:30 p.m. July 10-11. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Free event parking is in Lot 9, with a tram to the quad.

36. Concerts in the Park in Dana Point: Yes, time to enjoy some music outdoors with the family. Pick your favorite park. July 12: Sapadilla (2:30 p.m.) and Surf’s Up (4:30 p.m.) at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road; July 19: 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kelly Rae Country Band (2:30) Tony Suraci as the Highwayman (4:30) at Sea Terrace Park, Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road; July 26: The PettyBreakers (2:30) and Turn The Page (4:30) at Sea Terrace Park; Aug. 2: Keston & the Rhythm Killers (2:30) and Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience (4:30) at Sea Terrace Park; Aug. 9: Dana Point. Concert with the Who Show (2:30) and Led Zepagain (4:30) at Sea Terrace Park; Aug. 16: Kelly Fitzgerald Band (2:30), Gino Walker & the Gang (3:30) and Derek Bordeaux & Vivian Ross (4:30) at Heritage Park, 34000 Old Golden Lantern; Aug. 23: December of 63 (2:30) and the Fabulous Ultra Tones at Heritage Park, 34000 Old Golden Lantern.

37. Huntington Dog Beach: Take your pooch to the Huntington Dog Beach. Arf. Yes, it’s open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. This off-leash dog beach is especially appealing to water dogs, but all kinds of canines like it. So do their owners. Bring change for the parking meters. It’s on Pacific Coast Highway at Goldenwest Avenue. Look for the four-legged swimmers. Learn more at Dogbeach.org.

38. Concerts in Eastgate Park: Bring the chairs and blankets to enjoy the music in Garden Grove. Gourmet food trucks will visit. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. Season runs Thursdays, July 9 through Aug. 13. Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark St. at west end of Chapman Avenue. Call 714-741-5280 or visit Ggcf.com.

39. Free Back Bay Nature Walks: Want to learn more about birds and nature? The Newport Bay Conservancy offers free birding walks and nature walks every month with an expert naturalist. No experience required, but bring your binoculars. Classes are free, but they ask that you call 949-640-9956 to RSVP. Newportbay.org/education/nature-walks-and-classes/

40. Tour the Segerstrom Center: Are you a culture maven? Like architecture? The Segerstrom Center offers tours of Southern California’s award-winning home for the performing arts and its expanded facilities. The tours take visitors through the three venues. Public, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Private group tours are by reservation only. Call 714-556-2122, ext. 4365, for more information on either the private or the public tours.

41. Juggling Show: First come, first seated. Early arrival suggested. Library community room. All ages. 1 p.m., 3 p.m or 6:30 p.m. on June 25. 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. Phone 714-777-2873 or visit YorbaLindaLibrary.com.

42. Movies at Segerstrom Plaza: “Little Shop of Horrors” kicks off the series July 13 at Segerstrom Center Arts Plaza. Arrive as early as 5:30. Movies screen at dusk, around 7:30. Also showing: “Pitch Perfect” (July 20), “The Sandlot” (July 27), “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (Aug. 3) and “E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial” (Aug. 10). Parking costs $10. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Scfta.org

43. Pacific Symphony In the Cities: Musical playground at 5:30 p.m. July 19 in Irvine. Concert, 7 p.m. Mike Ward Community Park, Woodbridge.

44. “Grease, the Musical”: July 24-25, 7:30 p.m. Live student performances outdoors in the upper campus quad, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Free event parking is in Lot 9 with a tram to the quad.

45. Paws in the Park: This dog-friendly event is 10 a.m.-2 pm. Aug. 8 in Stanton. Prizes for best dog/owner costume, best trick, fastest recall and winner of musical chairs. Hot dog bobs for the pups and treats for the family. Meet local vets and representatives from pet stores. Trainers will be on hand to answer questions about dog issues. A free event sponsored by Crossroads Pet Resort and the city of Stanton. Call 714-890-4247. Stanton Park, 7800 Katella Ave., Stanton.

46. Summer Concert Series: Luis Villegas and the United Nations Latin Nuevo Flamenco perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 in Buena Park. Villegas’ brand of Latin music is equal parts infectious rhythms, hypnotic jams and intricate unforgettable melodies. 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park.

47. Live Animal Show: First come, first seated. Early arrival suggested. Library community room. All ages. 3 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. Sounds of nature are everywhere and the songs of the wild will be brought to you at this Live Animal Show. 1818 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda. Call 714-777-2873 or visit YorbaLindaLibrary.com

48. The Saddleback Big Band in Concert: July 17, 7:30 p.m. Upper campus quad, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Free event parking is in Lot 9, with a tram up to the quad.

49. Kids Fishing Clinic: Kids can have fun learning to fish, and maybe catch a few. Age 15 and under. opportunity to catch a few from the lake. The lake at Clark Regional Park in Buena Park will be stocked with catfish. Prizes for the biggest fish. Register in person at the OC Parks check-in table. Bring your own fishing pole; a few may be available to borrow. 7 to 11 a.m. Fishing is free, $5 per vehicle to park. Call 714-973-3170 to learn more.

50. Free historic visit: If you would like to attend a Catholic Mass in the historic Serra Chapel at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, you don’t have to pay admission. Masses are held at 7 a.m. every Monday-Friday. Sunday Latin masses are at 6:30 and 8 a.m. Also, the special chapel prayer room dedicated to St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer sufferers, is open free of charge at these times. For services, enter the chapel via the east gate on El Camino Real. Remember to be appropriately respectful of the worshippers. Missionsjc.com/visit/catholicvisitors.php.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7994 or mfisher@ocregister.com