Free Things to Do on Holiday in Santa Monica Mountains

Docents and rangers of the Santa Monica Mountains parks system are scheduling activities this holiday weekend ranging from a horse-care workshop to a fireworks walk. Best of all, these family events are free.

“Horse Care for Kids” is a two-hour, hands-on class at the Diamond X Ranch. It is designed for horse lovers, not particularly horse owners, and docent Fran Gruchy will have four of the ranch’s more docile, friendly horses on hand for kids to pet. Gruchy will demonstrate how horses are groomed and how to put on a saddle. The talk begins at 5 p.m. To reach the ranch, at 26412 Mulholland Drive, take U.S. 101 to Las Virgenes Road, then drive south to Mulholland Highway. Turn east and follow signs (about 8/10 of a mile) to the fenced horse pasture and ranch house. Information: (818) 888-3770.

At 10 a.m. Sunday at Franklin Canyon Ranch, 1736 N. Lake Drive, geologist Greg Sweel will lead a “Geologic Discoveries” tour of the canyon. This is a first for this type of walk, which focuses on earthquake activity and how the canyon was formed. It’s an easy, two-hour walk suitable for families. Along the way, Sweel will also talk about earthquake preparedness. The talk is sponsored by the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom. Picnic areas available. Information: (213) 858-3834.

Finish off an outdoorsy weekend on Monday evening with a leisurely stroll up Mulholland Drive to see the fireworks displays as they erupt over the San Fernando Valley. Offered by the Sierra Club, families should meet at the south end of Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana at 7 p.m. for this fifth anniversary of the July 4 walk. Bring picnic dinners and blankets. Information: (213) 387-4287.

On all summer walks, rangers encourage families to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes.