Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in West La, CA

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Best Birthday Bashes

by Susan Choi

April 15, 2009

My family moved into a house before the birth of my third baby. Before then we were living in a narrow townhouse. Even though we enjoyed having friends over and hosting playdates, our space was not very conducive to large gatherings. Plus with no backyard, it was impossible to have more than a couple families over at a time. When we moved into house, my husband and I were thrilled at the thought of having birthday parties at the house. Finally, we could save money and not have to rent facilities and buy catered food! But we have discovered that DIY birthday parties are a lot of work! We may go back to outsourcing birthday parties again. As we ponder our party choices for our younger daughter's birthday that is coming up, here are my favorite venues for a kid's birthday party. The best part, you don't have to clean your house! Two hours, in and out, you're done!

Build a Bear Workshop (Westside Pavilion)--I remember the first time I walked into this store, I was intimidated by the prices. I was pleased to discover that it was cheaper than I thought it was going to be, and there are a few options from which to choose. We hosted a small party for my oldest daughter and then walked over to the food court for pizza. It was easy, the kids had a wonderful time, and it is undoubtly, the best favor our guests could take home!

Under the Sea Indoor Playground (Several locations)--We have attended a few birthday parties here and every time we go, my daughters have a blast. I am most familiar with the Mar Vista location, and the staff there is very helpful. They limit your food choices considerably which is my only beef. But otherwise, Under the Sea will even prepare the favors for you, so they make it really easy.

Treehouse Social Club (Robertson Blvd)--If you haven't been as affected by the economy and want to have this beautiful facility all to yourself and your friends for two hours, consider a party here. You can have everything from a DJ and a character (Spiderman anyone?), to spa services for the adults and kids...and gourmet cupcakes to boot.

Veteran's Park (Culver City)--While any local park is usually great for birthday parties, I like Veteran's Park a lot for the following reasons: the picnic tables are just off the playground so the kids are always in sight, you can reserve the picnic tables in advance (even if you are not a resident of Culver City), and there is pergola over the picnic table area so it provides some shade on hot summer days.  Read more...

Looking back at 2008

by Susan Choi

December 30, 2008

What an amazing year it has been at Savvy Source West LA! The site officially launched in May with Nina Moon and she filled the treasure troves with tons of toddler-friendly times. Savvy source West LA has advice on what to do with your kiddies during sunny days , rainy days , weekend days , and special days . Interested in art ? music ? books ? No problem. We've got it covered. Want  Read more...

Children's Tea Party - Anyone for Tea Catering

by Nina Moon

October 22, 2008

There's nothing quite so dainty or delightful as a truly English tea party. Better yet, an English tea party for princesses . Anyone for Tea Catering offers catered tea service menus for children's parties starting at $25 per guest with a 15 guest minimum, delicate china included. After all, nothing but the best for your little princess, right? So invite your little girl's guests to dress up  Read more...

Veteran's Park in Culver City -- Pretend Play at the Park

by Nina Moon

August 11, 2008

For so long my son played obsessively with two things: balls and wheels. End. Of. Story. So when he finally began to venture into the world of pretend play, cooking pasta for me to eat and building tables and chairs out of Legos for his heretofore neglected stuffed animals to eat dinner on, I was so very happy. You see, I am not so good at the endless throwing of balls and pushing of cars. But  Read more...

Let's Date: The Treehouse Social Club

by Nina Moon

June 23, 2008

As indoor play spaces go, The Treehouse Social Club on Robertson Boulevard has a leg up on the competition. They don't have a lot of toys per se (they do have a few, but if that's what you're looking for, go elsewhere). Neither do they have piles of primary colored foam blocks or children's gym equipment. Instead, the main room is dominated by a fantastic treehouse (complete with a tree, of  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in west la

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy west la:
Elise Crane Derby, Susan Choi, Nina Moon

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