Itinerary: On the Cheap

If gift giving and holiday merriment have left your coffers empty, here are some things to do this weekend that won’t cost a mint.

Friday

Spend the day in Exposition Park. In addition to the park, this south-of-downtown location is home to the Memorial Coliseum (the major venue for the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games), the Sports Arena and two museums that offer free admission. The California Museum of Science and Industry is a kid-friendly science and technology museum with computer exhibits, a miniature winery, an earthquake simulator, space, agriculture and math exhibits, a chick hatchery, an aerospace hall and more. The museum is hosting a traveling exhibition through Jan. 4, “Medicine: The Inside Story,” which examines how medicines work and their changing role in society over time. The five-story Imax Theater, housed in the museum, is currently showing “Amazon,” “Alaska,” “Whales” and “Special Effects.” Ticket prices are $3.75-$6.75. Call (213) 744-2014 for show times. For cheap eats, the museum has McDonald’s Cafeteria. California Museum of Science and Industry, 700 State Drive, Exposition Park. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Parking, $5. (213) 744-7400.

The California African-American Museum offers exhibits dedicated to African American achievements in politics, athletics, education and the arts, a sculpture court and library. The museum’s current exhibition, “Betye Saar: Ritual and Remembrance/Personal Icons,” features mixed-media works by the L.A. native. Ends March 22. California African-American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Parking, $5. (213) 744-7432.

Take an easy stroll through nearby Exposition Park Rose Garden. With thousands of bushes and latticework gazebos, this is one of the sweetest-smelling places around. 701 State Drive, Exposition Park. Free. (213) 748-4772.

Saturday

Work off those extra holiday pounds and take in great scenery hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains. Some choice spots: Topanga State Park, 20825 Entrada Road (off Topanga Boulevard), has 30 miles of roads and trails including the San Ynez Canyon trail, an easy 1.5-mile jaunt. (310) 455-2465, $5 per vehicle. Malibu Creek State Park, 1925 Los Virgenes Road, Calabasas, has 35 miles of trails to choose from including the Gorge trail that leads to the creek’s outlet, a rock pool. (818) 880-0367, free. Or, hike in grass prairies at Point Magu State Park, 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway (five miles north of the Los Angeles-Ventura County line), (818) 880-0350, $6 per vehicle.

Sunday

Start the day at the William Grant Still Arts Center where the 17th Annual Black Doll Show is on view through March 1. With the theme “Black Dolls: Past and Present,” the exhibit includes dolls on loan from collectors and doll makers all over the United States that depict the history and progress of black dolls through time. Admission is free. Dolls, dollhouses and handmade items are available for purchase at the Dollhouse Gift Shop. Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 2520 W. View St., (213) 734-1164.

Head north and grab a late lunch/early dinner at the happy hipster coffee shop, Fred 62. Kids will like the wacky ‘60s kitsch decor and kid-friendly dishes like “eggs in a hole,” “Bearded Mr. Frenchy” (French toast coated in corn flakes) and “Better Good Humor Bars” (white chocolate and nuts spice up an old favorite). Most menu items are under $10. 1850 N. Vermont Ave., (213) 667-0062. Daily, open 24 hours.

As afternoon turns into night, don’t miss your last chance to take a driving tour of this year’s Griffith Park Festival of Lights, a seemingly endless display of lighted houses and holiday decorations along Crystal Springs Drive. Free. Nightly through Sunday. (213) 485-8743.