Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in west la, CA

Weekend Warrior: Cinco de Mayo

by Susan Choi

April 30, 2009

May is here and as usual, there are a lot of things going on this weekend. I will be sharing more about the Swine Flu epidemic on Monday. Until then, please be sure to be more vigilant with hand washing, but do not let this put a damper on your weekend fun. As far as is known, it is contracted like any other flu virus. Thorough hand washing and general hygiene is your best protection.

Are there any kids out there who don't love Bert and Ernie? On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, these Sesame Street characters will be at the Los Angeles Zoo.

And speaking of puppets, Bob Baker and his marionettes will be at Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena on Saturday at 2 pm. If you haven't seen this LA legend in action, it is worth the drive. His show is free with admission to the museum.

Cinco de Mayo is coming next week. To celebrate the "Batalla de Puebla," go to historic Olvera Street from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The usual ethnic food and merchant vendors will be present, as well as a variety of educational workshops and classes on piñata and Mexican-flag making.

The Autry National Center is also celebrating Cinco de Mayo with their annual Viva El Cinco family festival. Mariachis, lively ballet folklorico, and skillful charros will be performed. Puppet performances and yummy Mexican tacos and salsa round out the celebration.

If you wish to spend the day celebrating Yoga, YogaBuddies is hosting a party at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica to commemorate their five-year anniversary . Come on Saturday at 1 pm to 3:30 pm. They will host a free kids' yoga class, have crafts, games, and raffle prizes.

On Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art (LA MOCA) for Big Family Day. Enjoy free admission to look at the exhibits, hear live music, watch dance performances. There will also be an opportunity to creat your own family art.

Grammy-nominated Zak Morgan will be performing at McCabe's in Santa Monica on Sunday at 11 am. His motto, "I can do it," is wonderfully conveyed through his musical performance. Tickets are $8.