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

Weekend Warrior: Black History Month

by Susan Choi

February 19, 2009

There is a lot to do this weekend all around LA.  Singers singing, artists creating, and people celebrating.  Let's get right to it--  

On Saturday and Sunday, the LA Zoo will be celebrating Black History Month from 10 am to 5 pm.  Listen to gospel, blues and jazz performances and try out different foods.  They will also have special arts and crafts available for young children.  

At the Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire near the Grove, there will be a special presentation of traditional Persian music.  Enjoy a magic carpet ride (a la Aladdin) for an interactive carpet concert with Rowan Storm and Friends.  RSVP required and can be made by calling 323.937.4230 x50 or emailing workshops@cafam.org.  Performances at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.  

The Fowler Museum at UCLA, which "explore art and material culture primarily from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, and the Americas, past and present," is hosting its monthly Kids in the Courtyard family drop-in program from 1 pm to 4 pm.  The theme this month is Pop Art and children can use soda tabs and bottle caps to create works of art inspired by El Anatsui's sculptures.  

Bay Area local David Alexandrou (AKA Mr. David) will be performing his folk and blues-infused rock tunes at Children's Book World.  This free event begins at 10 am on Saturday.  

LA local Melissa Green will be performing her folky-pop music at McCabe's in Santa Monica on Sunday at 11 am.  She teaches music for various local preschools and teaches music workshops inspired by the Reggio-Emilia philosophy.  Tickets are $8.  

The Zimmer Museum is celebrating Chinese New Year during its Sunday Family Program: Passport Day.  This drop-in program is from 2 pm to 4 pm and will have art and music projects prepared by the museum and the Friends of Families with Children from China-SoCal.

If you are willing to make the trek...The Los Angeles Kids Expo is going on this weekend from 10 am to 5 pm at the Pomona Fairplex.  There will be plenty of things for the kids to see and do--magic shows, puppet shows, face painting and bounce house (a very short list of activities available).  Plus, there will be door prizes given away throughout the day (shopping sprees, Nintendo Wii and family vacations).

Chinese New Year Festivities and a Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway!

by Susan Choi

February 06, 2009

The lunar (or Chinese) new year was January 26 th this year but a lot of festivities are happening this weekend. This is the year of the ox, known for their patience, self-assurance, and stubbornness. Do you want to know what Chinese zodiac sign you are? On Saturday and Sunday, at the LA Zoo from 10am-4pm, there will be a variety of ways to celebrate the new year . There will be  Read more...

New Books for the New Year and how to get them cheaper

by Susan Choi

January 06, 2009

Though I am always sad to hear about a bookstore closing, I thought I would pass along the information to you. The Borders on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica is closing on 1/10/09. Forty percent off (almost) all items in the store. While you are there, look for the following books which are appropriately themed for the new year. A New Beginning by Wendy Pfeffer .  Read more...