SANTA CLARITA HAS GOT IT ALL.

Indoors or outdoors, there's plenty to do in Santa Clarita for a cost or free of charge. The valley boasts sprawling parks, bicycle trails, three amusement parks and something for everyone from history buffs to nature lovers to thrill seekers.

Here's a sampling of some of the places to go and things to do across the Santa Clarita Valley.

Amusement Parks

--Six Flags California is the Santa Clarita Valley's landmark. It's not uncommon for residents to direct out-of-towners their way by explaining they live near Magic Mountain, one of two Six Flags parks. Magic Mountain is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays during the winter and will be open daily beginning March 23. Entry is $42.99 general admission and $26.99 for children under 48 inches and seniors age 55 and above. Hurricane Harbor, the water park next door, is open seasonally. Admission is $21.99 general admission and $16.99 for children under 48 inches and seniors age 55 and above. Call [phone].

--Mountasia Family Fun Center, located at 21516 Golden Triangle Road, boasts an action-packed entertainment complex that includes a video game and redemption arcade, grand prix Go-Kart racing, miniature golf, bumper boats, in-line skating rink and a two-story indoor play area. Call [phone].

Festivals

--At the end of this month, the city will put on its ninth annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, which draws thousands to experience the Old West. Festivities kick off on March 20 and will feature popular country western musicians and poets, and live theater performances at venues across the valley. Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio will offer guests the opportunity to kick up their heels at a Western swing dance, browse a variety of shops, visit the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum or chow down on some genuine cowboy grub. Tickets are available. Call [phone].

--The eighth annual Santa Clarita International Film Festival will take place April 19-27 at Edwards Cinemas at Valencia Town Center. Films are entered from all over the world in the first and only family themed film and screenplay festival. For tickets call [phone].

--Each October the sidewalks of Valencia Town Center are transformed into a pavement canvas covered with colorful works of art created by professional artists all done in chalk. The Bella Via Italian Street Painting Festival features an art exhibit, interactive arts activities for children, stage entertainment and an assortment of food and beverages.

--Old Town Newhall is home to two live theater venues. The Canyon Theatre Guild, located at 24242 San Fernando Road, offers live community theater with plays for adults and children showing throughout the year. Call [phone]. The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre is the valley's only professional theater, and is conveniently located right down the street from the Guild at 24266 San Fernando Road. Call [phone].

--J.R.'s Comedy Club, operated by comedian Randy Lubas and featuring well-known comics from the Los Angeles area, including some local jokesters, is located inside Marie Callender's at 27630 The Old Road, Valencia. Call [phone].

Golf Courses

--Santa Clarita offers full-size courses and a unique miniature course for golf enthusiasts. Robinson Ranch Golf Course, located at 27734 Sand Canyon Road in Canyon Country, features two 18-hole championship courses, a clubhouse, bar and pro shop. Call [phone]. Vista Valencia Golf Course, 25700 Trevino Drive, Valencia, has a mid-length golf course, par three golf course and an night-lighted driving range. Call [phone].

--The Greens, located at 26501 McBean Parkway in Valencia, is more like golf in miniature than miniature golf. Situated on real grass and featuring water hazards, sand bunkers and island greens, The Greens also has a golf simulator allowing golfers to play courses around the world without leaving Santa Clarita. Call [phone].

Skating Rinks

--Valencia Ice Station offers public ice skating, figure skating, youth hockey, instruction, parties and more at 27745 N. Smyth Drive in Valencia. Roller skating is available at Mountasia and the Santa Clarita Roller Hockey Center at 21616 Golden Triangle Road. Call [phone].

--For an outdoor in-line skating and skateboard experience featuring ramps and jumps, skaters can visit the Santa Clarita Skatepark located at 26407 Golden Valley Road. Call [phone].

Paintball/Laser Tag

--Rambo wannabes can don a set of camouflage and participate in fast-paced paintball warfare with Close Encounters & Paintball USA. Camps and target practice are also available for those who want to practice or learn tactics. Call [phone].

--For some indoor combat fun, visit Q-Zar at 23460 Cinema Drive for laser tag play. Call [phone].

City Parks/Trails

--Preserving open space is a priority in Santa Clarita, and city parks are conveniently located for most residents, with more in the process of being built. Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, is the crown jewel of the city's park system, featuring eight multi-use ball fields, a playground, jogging paths, shade trees and ample parking.

--Whether you walk, jog, bike or skate, the Santa Clarita trail system provides miles of hassle-free pathways from one end of town to the other. Valencia's paseos wind their way through quiet neighborhoods, connecting with the city trails at several points.

Historical Parks

--Named after the famous silent movie star who owned the property, William S. Hart Regional Park and Museum includes a historic home containing Hollywood memorabilia and Western art, and an expansive park packed with picnic areas, hiking and equestrian trails and penned animals. Hart Park is located at 24151 N. San Fernando Road, Newhall. Call [phone].

--Located next door to Hart Park and maintained by the Santa Clarita Historical Society, Heritage Junction Historical Park offers a glimpse into the 1800s and early 1900s in Santa Clarita Valley. Historic buildings have been moved to the site and made available to the public. Call [phone].

--The historic town of Mentryville, located at 27201 Pico Canyon Road, is the site of the first commercially productive oil well in the western United States and the longest-operating oil well in the world. Mentryville is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month. Call [phone].

Nature/Recreational Parks

--Placerita Canyon Park and Nature Center, 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, offers 350 acres of hiking trails, picnic grounds and a California state historical site, The Oak of the Golden Dream. The nature center displays live animals, preserved specimens and ecological exhibits. Docent-led hikes and animal shows are offered every Saturday. Call [phone].

--The unique rock formations of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area are a familiar sight, having been a backdrop for many films and television commercials. The park, located at 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road in Agua Dulce, offers a challenge for rock climbers, or, for a less perilous workout, hikers can explore the many trails winding through the rocky terrain. Call [phone].

--Castaic Lake Recreation Area is located just up Interstate 5 from Santa Clarita in the town of Castaic. The upper reservoir offers fishing, boating and water skiing, with personal watercraft and boat rentals. The lower lake has swim beaches, fishing, sailing and nongas-powered boat use. Call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 8 boxes

Photo:

(1 -- color) The Old Town Newhall Street Fair features dance groups like the Santa Clarita Ballet Folklorico.

(2 -- color) Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce is a popular spot for hikers to explore.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) Amusement Parks (see text)

(2) Festivals (see text)

(3) Golf Courses (see text)

(4) Skating Rinks (see text)

(5) Paintball/Laser Tag (see text)

(6) City Parks/Trails (see text)

(7) Historical Parks (see text)

(8) Nature/Recreational Parks (see text)