OC HIGH / STUDENT NEWS & VIEWS : Entertaining ideas about having fun on a budget? Don’t despair. With a sense of adventure, and maybe a few bucks, there’s no need to break the bank in order to break the routine. : On the Cheap

What’s there to do when you’re low on bucks? Plenty, found three OC High correspondents who went scouting for interesting outings that didn’t require a financial investment.

The correspondents--Alison Koodrich, a senior at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach; Michelle Pham, a junior at Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo, and Amy Suarez, a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton--each went their separate ways to find entertaining destinations.

They were looking for things to do for $10 or less--and with only a couple of exceptions--they came in on or under budget. Here are a few of the possibilities:

* Side-By-Side

16091 Gothard St., at Edinger Avenue Huntington Beach (714) 847-8333

Side-By-Side’s roller-skating and ice rinks feature group or private lessons, figure skating, power skating, broom hockey, roller hockey and more. Admission to the roller rink is $4.50; skate rental is $2. Admission to the ice rink is $5.50, with a $2.50 charge for skate rental.

* Fountain Valley Family Fun Center

16800 Magnolia St. Fountain Valley (714) 842-1111 or (714) 842-1011

Choose from two miniature golf courses, 16 baseball batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, arcade and Bullwinkle’s Family restaurant. Costs: miniature golf, $5; bumper boats, $3.25; go-carts, $3.75; batting cages, $1 for 18 pitches.

* Team Bicycle Rentals

508 Main St. Huntington Beach (714) 969-5480

Rent a bike and ride down Main Street for $5 an hour or $15 a day. Or rent roller-blades and cruise along the beach path for just $5 an hour, $13 a day.

* Huntington Central Park

On Goldenwest Street (between Slater and Talbert avenues) Huntington Beach Pack a picnic basket and take your friends for a relaxing day in the park. Go on a bike ride, take a walk through the nature center, play Frisbee golf or walk your dog around the lake. You can also grab a snack at Alice’s Breakfast in the Park, 6622 Lakeview Drive, (714) 848-0690.

* Pacific’s Hi-Way 39 Drive-In

7901 Trask Ave. Westminster (714) 891-3693

Catch a movie in your pajamas without getting out of the car. General admission is only $4.50 per person. Shows start at dusk nightly.

* Ruby’s Diner

End of Municipal Pier in Seal Beach (310) 431-7829

or

End of Balboa Pier in Newport Beach (714) 675-7829 Take a walk down either pier and stop for a shake at Ruby’s. Whether you sit inside or out, the only way to avoid the spectacular view is by closing your eyes. (You may want to sit inside because, quite simply, it can get really cold outside at the end of the pier.) And the burgers are a delight: Ruby’s Burger is $3.89; the chili size burger is $5.64. For beach-lovers, park some distance away and roller skate or bike to the pier, which makes arriving seem even more worth it. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

* Denim & Diamonds

7979 Center Ave. Huntington Beach (714) 892-4666

Learn to line dance by taking free country-Western dance lessons from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evenings. Put on your boots and dance up a storm until 8, because after that, no one under 21 is allowed.

* Corona del Mar Tide Pools

Take Pacific Coast Highway south through Corona del Mar, turn right on Poppy and keep going until it dead-ends at Ocean Boulevard. Park there and take the beach path to check out sea anemones and starfish at the tide pools. An entire day of adventure that’s even educational.

* Westminster Lanes

6471 Westminster Blvd. Westminster (714) 893-5005

Take all your friends and practice bowling for $3 per game per person. Shoe rental is $1.75. A special feature is “Rock & Bowl,” when you can bowl to rock music from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights for $8.50 per person.

* Movieland Wax Museum

7711 Beach Blvd. (one block north of Knott’s Berry Farm) Buena Park (714) 522-1155 Find yourself among the biggest stars of the movies and TV for only $12.95. Don’t forget your camera!

* Griffith Observatory

2800 E. Observatory Road Los Angeles Take Interstate 5 north, exit at Los Feliz Boulevard. Go left at the stop sign and continue for a mile, then turn right on Hillhurst Avenue and follow the signs. Planetarium admission is $4. The Lazarium Light Shows cost $6.50 and are presented Tuesday-Sunday at 6 and 8 p.m., with additional shows at 8:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. For program information, call (818) 997-3624.

The telescope on the roof and the Hall of Science are free. The observatory is open from 2 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 12:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

* Super-Saver Cinema

12343 Seal Beach Blvd. (in the Rossmoor Shopping Center, one-quarter mile north of Interstate 405) (310) 594-9411 Come and see the latest movies--the admission price is always $1.50. That leaves enough money for popcorn and candy, too!

* Big Shots Bar & Grill

23512 El Toro Road Lake Forest (714) 830-2255

Enjoy taking your best shot on 13 pool tables. Burgers, pizza and appetizers available. (They stamp your hand if your are a minor.) Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

* ARC Forest Lane

22771 Center Drive Lake Forest (714) 770-0055

Take to the alleys on one of Forest Lane’s 40 bowling lanes. There also is a snack bar, video games and air hockey. Hours: 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Saturday.

* Diedrich Coffee

22621 Lake Forest Drive Lake Forest

(714) 837-4555. and other locations throughout county

Enjoy conversation with friends over assorted coffee drinks, pastries and muffins. A coffee card is available and can help cut costs--after 10 coffee drinks, the 11th is free.

In Lake Forest: live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 to 11 p.m. Shop hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Hours vary from shop to shop.

* Batter’s Up

29702 Avenida de las Banderas Rancho Santa Margarita (714) 589-2665

A variety of activities are available here: seven batting cages, Hi Ball (a game of basketball on a trampoline) and video games. There is a mini-sporting goods store, snack bar and conference room for parties and meetings. Hours: noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.

* Haute Cafe

22421 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita (714) 459-8828

If you’ve got an opinion about something, like to tell jokes or want to share your poetry, take your friends to Haute Cafe, which has an open mike night on Thursdays. Enjoy the show over assorted coffees, desserts and muffins. Live entertainment--from blues, jazz, folk and local high school bands--is featured from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cafe hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m to midnight, Friday through Saturday.

* Bodacious Buns

31431 Santa Margarita Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita (714) 459-0300

This gathering place overlooks Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, so it’s an enjoyable spot to spend some time over gourmet coffee, cinnamon rolls, muffins, sandwiches and soup. It opened around Thanksgiving, and the owners plan to have live music soon. Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* All That Java

21612 Plano Trabuco Road Trabuco Canyon (714) 459-0800

Karoke is featured Friday nights, professional singers on Saturday. Available: gourmet coffee, custom-blended yogurt and ice cream, soup, shirts and mugs. Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

* Truffles

27772 Vista del Lago Mission Viejo (714) 588-8353

The store overlooks Mission Viejo Lake and offers live entertainment during the summer. Specialty coffee drinks, light lunches, desserts, gourmet food gifts, shirts and mugs are available. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

* Saddleback Lanes

25402 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo (714) 586-5300

Practice your delivery on one of 32 bowling lanes. There is a coffee shop and a pro-shop. Video games and bowling lessons are available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

* Fountain Valley Skating Center

9105 Recreation Circle Fountain Valley (714) 847-6300

Regular and in-line skating is offered here as skaters glide to Top 40 music. There is a snack bar, video games and pro shop. Group rates available, as are birthday and private parties. Sundays are family nights: A family of five can get in for $8. Skating hours vary, so call ahead.

* Ice Capades Chalet

2701 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa (714) 979-8880

Figure skating and ice hockey lessons are available here, along with public skating. There are vending machines if you get the munchies, and video games. Public skating times vary each day, so call ahead.

* The Orange County Market Place

88 Fair Drive (at Orange County fairgrounds) Costa Mesa (714) 723-6616

If you’re looking for something to on the weekend, try this swap meet. Take your time and stroll through booths offering crafts, jewelry, paintings, hair supplies, kitchen items, luggage, furniture and toys. Food and drinks also available, as are restrooms and an ATM machine (should you find something absolutely irresistible). Parking is free. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

* Laguna Beach

This seaside village is fun to stroll through. You’ll see art galleries, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, clothing stores and the beach, with basketball and volley courts. The Laguna Art Museum is at 307 Cliff Drive and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $3 for students. Call (714) 494-6531.

* Venice Beach

A day trip to this fabled beach town up the coast can be fun. You’ll find street entertainers, Muscle Beach (an outdoor gym) and booths offering food and clothes. There are bicycle and roller-skating paths and courts for basketball, handball, volleyball and tennis.

* Angelo’s and Vinci’s

Cafe Ristorante

550 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton (714) 879-4022

Built in the early 1900s, this Italian eatery has developed almost a century’s worth of personality. As waitress Maria Eugenia says, “There (are) so many things to look at, your eyes get tired.” Dinners, which include soup, salad, bread and butter, run around $9. Maria, who has worked at the restaurant for 13 years, suggests anything with a creamy basil sauce. A 14-inch cheese pizza, which consists of eight slices and easily feeds two people, is $12.95. If you have a hankering for Italian around noon, be sure to try the all-you-can-eat lunch special Monday through Friday. For $5.50 you get a choice of pastas, chicken wings and salad. Hours: 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

* Rutabegorz

211 N. Pomona Fullerton (Locations also in Irvine and Tustin) (714) 871-1632.

If you’re looking for health-conscious food, give Rutabegorz a try. It’s hard not to be impressed by the wide variety of dishes. Be sure to try one of the soups that not only provide “nourishment for the bod, warmth for the soul, joy for the spirit,” but cost as little as $2.75 a bowl (includes bread). Sandwiches range from the simple $2 peanut butter and jelly to the Mediterranean Delight for $5.50, which is a pita stuffed with shrimp, artichoke hearts, feta cheese and cream cheese. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday.

* Carbon Canyon Park

4442 Carbon Canyon Road Brea (714) 996-5252

No matter what age you are, kite-flying is a relaxing pastime that costs next to nothing. A stop a Toys R Us can get you a kite for a little as $1.99, decorated with everything from the Little Mermaid to World Wrestling Federation superstars. How can anyone pass that up? Once you’re equipped and the wind is just right, visit Carbon Canyon Park. There is a $2 parking fee, but there is also adequate air space, plenty of nature trails, a lake with ducks and a pretty fun playground. Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Winged Heart Cafe

136 W. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton (714) 525-1452

Remember all that funky, mismatched furniture you saw at that garage sale you drove by last month? The Winged Heart Cafe probably bought it to create an invitingly cozy atmosphere. The cafe is split into three sitting areas, including a nonsmoking room. It has has a wide array of dining options, from a mini-pizza for $2.25, a bowl of of tomato and basil soup for $2, to chips and salsa for $1. Tai iced tea and coffee and “Persian-Armenian-type drinks” are unique items. Local talent, whether in the form of poetry, paintings or music, is also featured. Music starts around 8:30 p.m., and the performers range from fresh young bands such as Hanah’s Outfit to regular novelty acts, including Rockin’ Grandma Blues, a 74-year-old lady who sings/yodels country folk tunes. There is an Indonesian music group that the owner describes as “surrealistic, dramatic, mind-blowers.” The Tap Tones, a tap-dancing trio, is another unique act. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m (lunch) Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight nightly.

* Regency Coffee Roast

2500 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 100 Brea (714) 256-9061

This cafe has about 61 coffee blends and really cool music. It’s a a patio-oriented cafe, so dress warmly. Tables, chairs and heat lamps are scattered about in a little walled area, where you can hear mellow acts such as Till Kahrs, a folk and country group, play their hearts out. This is the kind of place you could take your mom and still have a good time without worrying she’d be shocked by the patrons or the lyrics of one of the bands. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday.

* Fullerton Museum Center

301 N. Pomona Ave. Fullerton (714) 738-6545

With more than 75 of Leo Fender’s prototypes, amplifiers and instruments--including the first guitar he ever made--on display, the Fullerton Museum Center has a great exhibit on the late electric guitar pioneer. “Five Decades of Fender,” which runs through April 2, is great for anyone who enjoys music. There is a viewing room where you can watch a tape of the elderly Fender talk about his work. TV screens throughout the museum, equipped with headphones, let you hear musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Costello play Fender guitars. In one corner there are four chairs, and next to each is a Fender guitar and an amplifier with headphones, where patrons can strum away and make their own music.

With a student ID, a trip to the museum will only cost $1.50. From April 22 through June 5, the show “Outside/In” will feature drawings, prints, paintings and ceramics from artists with developmental disabilities. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday.

* Renaissance

Brea Marketplace, 955 E. Birch St. Brea (also locations in Laguna & Tustin Marketplace) (714) 256-2233

This cafe has a chic, modern atmosphere with attentive waiters decked out in all black. It’s great for desserts. Meals are a bit expensive for teens, but you can buy appetizers such as chicken skewers for $5.50. Or enjoy a mocha and slice of cheesecake while listening to one of the bands that plays there seven nights a week. Ask to be put on the mailing list to receive a monthly music schedule. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Saturday; 9 a.m. through 11 p.m. Sunday.

* AMC Fullerton 10

1001 S. Lemon St. Fullerton (714) 992-6000 Are you sick of paying $6.75 every time you go to the movies at night? With a student ID, you can get into this theater for $4.75, the same price as a matinee showing. Twilight shows between 4 and 6 p.m. are $3.50. Call for show times.

* Cafe Nove

3474 E. Orangethorpe Ave. Anaheim (714) 996-2120

A drink you should try here is is the Funky Monkey, a mocha frappe (slushy) with a banana thrown in. Then sit back and enjoy the music. Don’t be fooled by the sign reading Classical Ballet above the building next to Cafe Nove. It serves as an auditorium for funk groups such as Please or Christian bands on Sunday nights. There is a $2 to $3 cover to see the bands, but $1 is redeemable at the counter in the cafe. Call for the weekly schedule of bands. Hours: 6:30 p.m. to midnight Monday; 6:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday; 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.