Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in West LA, CA

Budding Art Critic -- Boone Children's Gallery at the LACMA

by Nina Moon

LACMA is enormous, overwhelming even. Where do you start with a preschooler? Why, Boone Children's Gallery of course! There really isn't much not to love here. The gallery is really more like a gigantic warehouse separated into different art and activity stations by towering shelving units displaying children's artwork. The room's theme, construct, carries throughout each station children can ... Read more >

Continue reading "Budding Art Critic -- Boone Children's Gallery at the LACMA"

Weekend Warriors -- Fines, Fire Trucks and Festivals

by Nina Moon

All of us, I'm sure, have had an overdue library book here or there. But what about those embarrassingly overdue books? Several months, even years, overdue? It's almost easier to just stop going to the library under the weight of that fine, right?Instead, you take advantage of the Los Angeles Public Library's Fine Free Week, which ends this Sunday. And it's still not too late to take advantage ... Read more >

Continue reading "Weekend Warriors -- Fines, Fire Trucks and Festivals"

Art and culture for the cost of parking

by Nina Moon

One of the best things about living in a big city like Los Angeles is the sheer amount of options you have when it comes to museums. You can take a stroll through a world-class sculpture garden, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt or spend a morning on playing with the animals in Noah's Ark. And if you plan it right, you can do it all for free. Okay, you'll probably have to pay something for ... Read more >

Continue reading "Art and culture for the cost of parking"

Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center - Teaser

by Nina Moon

I finally made it out to the raved-about Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Center today. I've been procrastinating, probably because I'm bad at doing anything that involves advance tickets (you must order tickets in advance, which can be done online). After today, however, I'm hitting myself over the head - how could I have waited so long? My son loved every minute of our two-hour visit. We ... Read more >

Continue reading "Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center - Teaser"

Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center

by Nina Moon

Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Museum, nestled just off the 405 freeway north of the Getty Museum, is a whimsical, imaginative, non-stop fun destination for young children. Maybe because I'm so desperate for a children's museum here in Los Angeles (because the old one has moved far, far away - or at least too far to visit before naptime) the entire two hours I was there I couldn't stop ... Read more >

Continue reading "Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center"

It Takes Two - 5 activities that are more fun with a pal

by Nina Moon

Sometimes planning a playdate seems like more effort than it's worth. After all, it's hard enough to watch your own kid, let alone their friend too. But preschoolers are at that magical age where they're just learning to play with and not just alongside other children, and it's worth it to give them time with other children even outside of preschool. Here are a few better-with-two fun ... Read more >

Continue reading "It Takes Two - 5 activities that are more fun with a pal"

The Children's Nature Institute - Tykes on Trails and Family Nature Walks

by Nina Moon

Ever want to take your little one hiking but don't know where to start? I know I don't. Good thing The Children's Nature Institute's "Tykes on Trails" program can help us out. Once a week for a month, The Children's Nature Institute takes 2-4 year olds and their parents on a nature walk/workshop. Parents and children can bond in a peaceful, natural setting while a guide facilitates ... Read more >

Continue reading "The Children's Nature Institute - Tykes on Trails and Family Nature Walks"

5 Places to Spark Your Preschooler's Imagination

by Nina Moon

If summer means ample opportunities to explore the world outside, the coming of fall - yes, even in Los Angeles - ushers in a cornucopia, if you will, of the arts and crafts. What it's too cold to play outside, what better than to experiment with paint and clay or curl up in a comfy corner and read a beautifully illusrated picture book? Or even write one? Here are five Los Angeles locations that ... Read more >

Continue reading "5 Places to Spark Your Preschooler's Imagination"

Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers

by Nina Moon

This is the first year my son is old enough to actually, sort of "get" Halloween. Or at least the pumpkin-loving, candy-eating, door-to-door-knocking, costume-wearing part of Halloween. His first Halloween I dressed him up as a bumble bee and let him waddle around my friend's neighborhood. Last year, I was too pregnant with my now infant to even make an effort. But this year we're going all out, ... Read more >

Continue reading "Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers"

Halloween Events for Preschoolers in Los Angeles

by Nina Moon

When you're a kid, one day of Halloween is simply not enough. And we here at The Savvy Source are trying to help you sort through the deluge of pre-Halloween festivities. So maybe you've already shopped for a costume and you've got your Halloween craft thing going on, but here are some fab parties coming up in Los Angeles between now and Halloween. Scribble Press - Just drop in the store ... Read more >

Continue reading "Halloween Events for Preschoolers in Los Angeles"