Free Activities
Santa Monica Pier Centennial
September 08, 2009
Hi everyone,
I’m Elise Crane Derby and I will be taking over for Susan Choi. I look forward to helping you find some great things to do around town. So here we go.
If you grew up on the West Side of Los Angeles you have so many memories of the Santa Monica Pier, riding the bumper cars and the carousel and playing skee-ball in the arcade to mention just a few. I’m making new memories there now for my daughter, riding the ferris wheel, going to Twilight Dance Series concerts, and watching the people fish off the pier. On Wednesday Septemer 9th the pier will be celebrating her 100 year. Beginning at 6pm there will be the grand re-opening ceremomy with speeches, music, celebrities , a 100 foot cake, and a ribbon cutting re-opening the pier to everyone. From about 7pm on the 100 minute birthday party will begin with performances by Dick Dale (King of Surf Guitar), Vybrations (an a capella group) and The Big Bamboo Steel Band. All of this will be topped of by the first firework show at the pier in almost 20 years. I hope this experience will convince them to bring fourth of July fireworks back to Santa Monica pier. I’ve missed them. Happy Birthday Santa Monica Pier!
Here is the full itinerary:
6:00 p.m. - 6:25p.m.
GRAND RE-OPENING CEREMONY
Location- Pier Entrance
We re-dedicate the Santa Monica Pier for the next Century in this opening event at the Landmarked Iconic Pier
"A Century of Memories": Brief memories and historical milestones by those who have lived through each of the decades.
"Ribbon of Time" : A very special ribbon cutting ceremony begins
"For Future Generations": A keynote speaker presents a vision for the Santa Monica Pier in the next century as the ceremonial ribbon is cut!
Fanfares and Flourishes performed by the 14 member Los Angeles Brass Ensemble
"Portrait for the New Century": Re-staging of the historic photo at the Pier sign.
Procession to the People's Pier: Once the ribbon is cut we invite all to come onto the Pier and celebrate this historic occasion with us
6:45 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.
PARTY ON THE PIER
Location - Pier Parking Deck
"100 minute Birthday Party" with a concert featuring award-winning A Capella Group "Vybration",
"The Big Bamboo Steel Band" and the legendary "King of Surf Guitar" Dick Dale.
8:25 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.
"CENTENNIAL SOUNDS AND LIGHTS"
Find your spot on the beach or at one of the Pier's Restaurants and get ready for a once in a lifetime display.
8:50 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE
Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of August and The Maggie List
August 27, 2009
Hello Savvy readers! This is my last post. Thanks for your support over this past year! And without further ado, here are the happenings this weekend:
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre ends this Saturday with its final show starting at 10 am. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! Hula Halau Ka Lehua Uluwehi I Ka Lani will be performing Hawaiian Breezes which celebrates the beauty of Hawaii through hula dancing. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's science-based preshow activity is Fire: Minerals. Children can run tests to determine the best way to identify minerals using their very own take-home mineral field guide. The workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
The Skirball Cultural Center continues its Family Amphitheater Performance series this weekend. On Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm, the ensemble music group, Masanga Marimba, performs music from Latin America and Africa on Zimbabwean marimbas. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Kinetic Theory will be performing their amazing circus theatre.
Also at the Skirball on Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm, it will host the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a Sea Life Savers event. Your children can interact with live sea creatures and learn about preservation. Entrance to Noah's Ark included with the purchase of tickets.
The Getty Museum is hosting its final Garden Concert for Kids Series on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. This week's performer is Justin Roberts. I heart Justin Roberts and so do my kids. Catchy, funny, singable songs are his specialty.
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is holding a "Listen, Learn and Make Family Workshop" entitled Beauty at Your Feet on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Come make your own Rangoli--a popular art form in India. RSVP required.
The Japanese American National Museum is hosting Taiko Drums for Family workshop at 3 pm. Learn basic technique and play the big drums! At 2 pm, enjoy a tour of the current exhibit Common Ground: The Heart of Community.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting a Family festival on Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. The museum will celebrate the many cultures that make up our city. The children will get to add their artwork to a multicultural mural!
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, The Handsome Little Devil will be performing a vaudeville act called the Squirm Burpee Circus.
Finally, check out The Maggie List. An LA mom of twin four year-olds reviews books, music, movies and magazines, and shares which ones are appropriate and entertaining for preschoolers.What a great idea!
Read more...
Five Reasons to Visit the Annenberg Community Beach House
August 25, 2009
Now that the summer is coming to an end, my family and I have been spending a lot of time at the beach. We have been enjoying the warm weather and soaking in the lazy summer sun, knowing that in a couple weeks, the school year will officially begin. Last month, we checked out the Annenberg Community Beach House, and have been coming back almost every weekend since then. It is open to the public with no membership required, and has well-appointed facilities that make it an ideal area to hang out when going to Santa Monica beach. Even though my husband has asked me to not write about this place in fear that it will become even more overcrowded, I told him that not sharing about this place goes against the very ideology that birthed the beach house into existence. Sorry babe!
So here are five reasons we love this place:
1) The pool--There is a nice outdoor pool with lifeguards and life-vests available for your little ones to wear (no other floaties are allowed inside the pool). Pool passes can be reserved online up to three days in advance. The weekends have been packed and the pool has been at capacity so you are planning to go this weekend, I highly recommend you reserve your pool pass in advance.
2) The playground--There is a little play area near the bathrooms with public-use sand toys, swings, a climbing dome, and lots of sand to keep the kids occupied. Even though the play area is minimal and simple, my kids could play there for a good hour or even more. It is also well-shaded so it is a good respite from the sun on really sunny days.
3) The beach--Even though the sand and the sea is the same as any other area in Santa Monica, you will notice that there are a cluster of people right in front of the beach house. For one thing, there is a boardwalk that stretches from the beach house to within ten feet of the waves. This makes it a lot easier to walk to the water with all your gear and your little ones. After you are done frolicking in the sand, you can walk right back to the beach house where there are bathrooms and a shower area to clean off your grubby children.
4) The waterplay area--There is a small area adjacent to the pool where kids can play with shooting water spouts. We like to come here after playing in the sand and salt water to get the kids cleaned up. There are a couple chairs and tables in this area too, so it is a good place to re-energize with snacks and drinks after getting cleaned up.
5) The restaurant--Back on the Beach Cafe is open at the beach house. It is good beach fare like burgers and pasta, and it is reasonably priced. You can take the food to go or you can eat it in their outdoor seating area. It's nothing fancy but who is looking for fancy when you are spending a day at the beach with the kids?
All in all, the Annenberg Community Beach House makes a family beach day a very enjoyable experience. It provides you with a lot of little conveniences, all available to the public.
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Weekend Warrior: The Best of the Best
August 20, 2009
I can't believe the summer is almost over. Many of the summer programs are coming to a close over the next two weeks so take advantage while you can!
The Skirball Cultural Center continues its Family Amphitheater Performance series this weekend. On Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Wildlife on Wheels invites families to interact with a variety of exotic animals-from the scaly to the furry-and discuss the role these creatures play in their habitats. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Dan Crow performs music and stories to teach love and respect for nature, appreciating friendships, and having a sense of humor.
The Getty Museum is hosting a Garden Concert for Kids Series on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. This week's performer is Trout Fishing in America. Playing the guitar and bass, this band blends all types of musical styles to tell stories about the beautiful delights and sometimes hilarious dilemmas of growing up.
One World Rhythm will be leading an interactive drum circle at the Mark Taper Auditorium at the Central Library on Saturday at 2 pm.
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre continues on Saturdays at 10 am and runs through the end of this month. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! Helios Dance Theatre will be performing The Lotus Eaters which is a contemporary take on the classic, Homer's Odyssey. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's science-based preshow activity is Water: Phylums. Different specimens of animals of the sea will be available to categorize into different groupings or "phylums." The workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Today's craft will be making a Pomegranate tree which has symbolic meaning in Israel's cultural heritage.
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, David Kirton will be performing Island Songs for Children. This South Caribbean singer/songwriter blends reggae and pop to create a unique sound that all children enjoy.
The Fowler Museum at UCLA is hosting a Kids in the Courtyard art session on Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Design your own tea bag package and then stay for the summer sunset concert featuring Blue 13 Dance Company. Watch this amazing dance troupe perform their signature Bollywood-Tech style which is inspired by Indian dance, music, and culture. There will also be a dance lesson after the show.
I also wanted to draw attention to the National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shops. The key funding source for the programs and services of the NCJW, it is a great place to donate your old clothes, furniture, toys and other miscellaneous household items. This weekend, the West Pico Blvd thrift shop (on the corner of La Cienega) is hosting the Best of the Best sale. This is a special opportunity to purchase high-end clothing, furniture, collectibles, art, books, jewelry and more.
Have a great weekend!
Read more...Weekend Warrior: Museum Concerts for Kids
August 13, 2009
Many of the local museums are hosting special kids programs for the summer. Take advantage as the summer draws to a close (already!?!).
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting Rhymin' Reason on Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm. Two science and nature-loving teachers write and sing fun songs about everything from bugs to the stars in the sky. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Kutturan Chamoru perform Authentic Micronesian Chamoru dance.
The Getty Museum is hosting a Garden Concert for Kids Series on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. This week's performers are Recess Monkey--three Seattle-based elementary school teachers who write songs from their experiences in the classrooms. Their music evokes the sounds of the Beatles but with children's themes.
Celebrate summer at the Japanese American National Museum on Saturday starting at 11 am with the 11th annual Summer Festival on the Courtyard: Kaeru's Carnival. Enjoy this free event with face painting, Taiko drums, obon dancing, and arts and crafts. There will also be a BBQ lunch available to purchase--proceeds go to supporting the museum's programs.
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre continues on Saturdays at 10 am and runs through the end of this month. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! Celtic Spring will be performing An Earthquake of Irish Dance. Celtic Spring is a family who plays the fiddle and does Irish step-dancing, musically backed by the parents. They were finalists of the TV show America's Got Talent. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's science-based preshow activity is to be announced. Workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
The monthly series called Drum Downtown continues at the Music Center. Come this Saturday from 10 am to 11:30 am and enjoy this free event (first come, first served). Hand drums, shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments will be provided for you and your children to rock out.
Ilen Cohen and her puppet Woody will be continuing the Saturday Storytelling Series at Children's Book World this Saturday at 10:30 am.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Today's craft will be making a Muñecas quitapenas, or Guatemalan worry dolls, which help children forget their troubles and fall asleep.
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, it is Choo Choo Soul from Playhouse Disney. Genevieve the Conductor will take your family on a tour of fun songs along with beatboxing and breakdancing by cool kid DC.
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Local Preschool Theatre for August
August 11, 2009
A few months ago, I posted about local theatre shows geared for preschoolers. As I contemplate shelling out the bucks to watch Legally Blonde: The Musical (check out this link for a special discount available to Savvy readers), I realized that it is time to do another posting on current shows. Kids really enjoy live shows and we're so fortunate to be in a place that has so many options for our little ones. So take advantage and get your kids a little culture with some Snoopy or burping Shakespearean actors.
Snoopy! The Musical is playing at the Knightsbridge Theatre in Los Feliz on Saturdays at 5 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through August 23rd. It is a series of vignettes about a group of five-year old friends we've come to know as the Peanuts Gang. Through song and dance, this show teaches children (young and old) life lessons about friendship, learning, and living to your full potential.
Cymbeline The Puppet King is playing at Media Park in Culver City on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am through August 30th. Performed through the Actors' Gang, Cymbeline is a comical, child-friendly take on Shakespeare's tragic tale. In this minimally furnished stage, the actors use maximum energy to keep the audience well engaged. There is wit to keep the parents laughing, and physical humor to appease the little ones. Admission is free.
Aesop's Fables is playing at the Westchester Playhouse this Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm. This is a performance of the Kentwood Kid's Summer program which is sure to be entertaining!
Santa Monica Playhouse is continuing its performances of Cinderella on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm and 3 pm. On August 29 and 30, at 12:30 pm and 3 pm (in lieu of Cinderella), the Santa Monica Playhouse will be putting on a special performance of And Awaaay We Go to Wonderland. This is a special interactive show in which the audience helps decide the fates of their favorite fairy tale characters. From solving riddles to fun sing-a-longs, this unique performance is worth watching. Santa Monica Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that puts on wonderful productions of family friendly theatre.
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Weekend Warrior: Whale Watching
August 06, 2009
With the weather becoming more mild over the next few days, I hope you get a chance to go out and enjoy the weekend!
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting Rhythm Child on Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm. Rhythm Child leads families in an interactive drumming experience that my kids love! On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Sunshine Storyteller, Ina Buckner-Barnette, is a masterful performer. She weaving together humor, songs, and games in her retelling of international folktales and poems.
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre has begun this month at 10 am and runs through the end of August. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! DreamDance will be performing Dancing in the Rain. This Chinese dance troupe mixes ancient elements with contemporary styles to create of show bursting with lights, colors, and sounds. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's preshow activity is Junior Scientist Workshop--"Earth: Fossils." Explore and sketch Ammonite fossils. Each participant gets their own Junior Scientist Journal. Workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
There is a lot of activities occurring at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. The Research Library is turning four! There will be stories, crafts and other activities to celebrate on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The aquarium is also hosting a blue and humpback whale watching expedition on Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon. The boat leaves from San Pedro and travels through the Catalina Channel. Registration is required.
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is hosting Shark Sundays. At 3:30 pm, they will feed the hungry sharks and make a short presentation. Short films are shown at scheduled intervals throughout the afternoon.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Today's craft will be designing your own Persian-style rug to make a magic carpet.
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, it is Aaron Nigel Smith and the FUNdamentals band. Mr Smith and his band brings upbeat sounds and fun dance moves to the stage in a program that the whole family will enjoy.
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Why Westside Pavilion is My Second Home
August 04, 2009
If I am not at home or on the road, chances are, I am at Westside Pavilion Mall. This mall has everything you could possible need and a lot of fun activities for kids. The location is ideal and it really has it all. Here are some of my favorite stores and some events you may not have known about before.
Kids Club--The first Wednesday of every month at 6 pm, Westside Pavilion hosts a free kids program called Kids Club on the third floor food court area. Every month, they invite a different entertainer such as a balloon artist or marionette puppeteer. Also, at 5:30 pm, Music, Stars, and Masters performs a pre-show for the children. Check it out tomorrow (August 5th)!
Music, Stars and Masters--As I posted before, I love them. Everyone there is so cool, and all my kids adore their classes (semi-private piano lessons, Rock Stars, and Music 'n' me). If you are considering an enrichment class for your child, call Music, Stars and Masters for a free trial class.
Three Cheeky Monkeys--Just a couple doors down from the music classes is my favorite toy store. They recently moved to this expanded space and now have twice the fun for your little one. They have toys out for your kids to play with while you check out their selection. They carry a lot of the classic redux toys, wooden toys, non-battery operated, creativity encouraged toys. Everything is reasonably priced and they gift-wrap fror free. Through the month of August, they will have free face painting available on Sunday afternoons.
School Cents--Westside Pavilion participates in a Shopping Partnership program that rewards schools monetary prizes. This year $25,500 was donated to thirty local schools through this program. Isn't it nice to support organizations with a social conscience?
With the great food court, children's play area (which I affectionately call "the fruit pit"), and many children's clothing stores, Westside Pavilion is a great resource for parents. More reasons to go out and help stimulate the economy!
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Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of July
July 23, 2009
There is so much to do this weekend around the LA area, so let's get right to it...
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre has begun this month at 10 am and runs through the end of August. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! This week's performers are the Masanga Marimba. This ensemble music group performs music from Latin America and Africa on Zimbabwean marimbas. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's preshow activity is entitled, Junior Scientist Workshop--Air: Butterfly and Bugs. Your child can draw different wings of bugs based on the many specimens that will be available for viewing. Workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
The Santa Monica Playhouse is hosting a Cinderella Gala Grand Masquerade Ball on Saturday at 6:30 pm. Come dressed up in costumes (or your own idea of grand ball attire), and prepare to be royally entertained! With dinner, dancing with a prince, face painting and more, this is sure to be an evening your little prince or princess will not forget. Proceeds from this evening the Santa Monica Playhouse Diversity-in-Education Family Theatre Program.
On Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hosting Sizzlin' Summer Sandcastle Day. Bring your own supplies and help your kids build something fun in the sand.
The Wiggles Go Bananas at the Gibson Amphitheatre this Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 5 pm. Kids of all ages love the Wiggles and seeing them live is a real treat!
Ellen Switkes will be continuing the Saturday Storytelling Series at Children's Book World this Saturday at 10:30 am.
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting Contra-Tiempo on Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm. The urban Latino dance theater troupe performs salsa-inspired dances. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, you can listen to the Karen Golden tell stories from around the world, accompanied by her saxophone.
The Skirball is also hosting a family event called The Science of Super Heroes on Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. Join the Scarlet Scientist and investigate the secrets behind some of comic books' greatest heroes! Through hands-on experiments, expose the truth behind various super powers such as flight, x-ray vision, and lightning speed. Tickets to this event also grants you entrance to Noah's Ark.
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, it is youth talent night. Youth from Westlake and surrounding communities will be the stars.
The Fowler Museum at UCLA is hosting a Kids in the Courtyard art session on Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Make a kangaroo mask and then compete in a leaping contest! The Summer Sunset concert featuring Dave's Aussie Bush Band begins at 4 pm. The native Australian music group will perform folk and pop songs from Down Under.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Today's theme will be Korean kites.
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Stargazing for Preschoolers and a Visit to the Griffith Observatory
July 20, 2009
My family traveled to Disneyworld in April and decided to keep our kids on Pacific Standard Time for their schedule. The kids woke up around 9 am but we didn't go to bed until 11 pm. At home, especially in the summer time, the kids are asleep before the sun even sets. So my kids were mesmerized by the night sky. With my extremely limited knowledge of constellations, I tried to point out the few that I could figure out. It was probably in part to being delirious with exhaustion but my kids found it all so fascinating! I decided to get a few stargazing books for children and my kids love them. After we go through the books and become more acquainted with the stars, we will celebrate with a trip to Griffith Observatory. Your kids may also love these books so I thought I would share them with you.
Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit--A beautifully illustrated and written book about the constellations that are named for animals. This is a great book that children can grow into as they get older. My daughters love the pictures and listening to the stories about each constellation. The night sky comes alive with this gorgeous book.
Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit--Another beautifully illustrated and written book by the same pair of author and illustrator. It is similar to Zoo in the Sky but this one focuses on the constellations with Greek myth origins. There is another book written and illustrated by this pair on the planets that is equally wonderful.
The Kids Book of the Night Sky by Ann Love, Jane Drake and Heather Collins--This book may be a little too old for preschoolers but again, it is a book that your kids can enjoy for years. The activities in the book definitely require adult assistance but they are fun even for little kids. Great for these long summer days when the kids are home and you are pulling your hair out, trying to figure out something to do with them!
I haven't yet taken my kids to the Griffith Observatory as it is our prize for becoming more familiar with the stars. However, here are some tips for visiting with your preschooler.
Public Star Parties--no, this is not referring to celebrities but the actual stars. These free parties are held monthly from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Free-standing telescopes are set up around the observatory for the public to take a peek. The next party is on July 25th.
Planetarium show--Children under five are only allowed in the first showing at 12:45 pm on weekdays and 10:45 am on weekends. As fascinating as this show can be, it can also be frightening for young children. So if you have a child who is sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, skip the show or be prepared to leave quickly.
Let's Make a Comet--From now until labor day, make a point to catch a presentation of the popular Let's Make a Comet demonstration program in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. The presenter makes a comet from household ingredients and talks about why water is so important to life on Earth. Show times are 1 pm and 3 pm on the weekends, and 2 pm and 4 pm Tuesday through Friday.
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Weekend Warrior: Farmers Market 75th Anniversary
July 16, 2009
Another gorgeous weekend with options galore for us Angelenos. Be adventurous! Do something different! There is so much to do, just a short car ride away.
The Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax (next to the Grove) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this week! They are hosting a big event all weekend long for families. On Saturday from 11 am to 3:00 pm, Radio Disney Street team, face painting and marionettes will be featured. On Sunday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, magicians, masamba marimba music, face painting and rain stick making workshop will be available. For more information on the specific schedule, please click here.
The Skirball Cultural Center continues its Family Amphitheater Performance series this weekend. On Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Wildlife on Wheels invites families to interact with a variety of exotic animals-from the scaly to the furry-and discuss the role these creatures play in their habitats. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Chinese Lion Dance will perform with intricate costumes and powerful drums. Watch and learn as the dynamic choreography tells a story about a wild Chinese lion that is tamed and taught to dance.
Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, Bob Baker and his famous marionettes will be performing.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. In Mexico, artists make bright painted tin pictures of fish, lizards, hearts and stars. Paint your own tin while learning more about this beautiful work.
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Weekend Warrior: The Circus and Ford Family Saturdays
July 09, 2009
The weekend is upon us soon! There are a plethora of options for you and your child. With the weather so warm these days, you may want to skip all the special events and just head to the beach. You just might spot our family there too!
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town! Click here to find out more details on the circus, including a special ticket offering for Savvy readers!
Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre has begun this month at 10 am and runs through the end of August. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! This week's performers are the On Ensemble. This group of drummers infuse traditional taiko Japanese drumming with musical influences from hip-hop, rock and electronica. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. Science-based arts and crafts session begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting the Taiko Center of Los Angeles on Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm. Come listen to the ancient Japanese drumming style. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, you can listen to the LA Outback play Australia' most popular instrument, the didgeridoo.
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is holding a "Listen, Learn and Make Family Workshop" on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. You and your child can make your own shadow-boxes using the images of birds and other items, inspired by artist Joseph Cornell. RSVP required. $6 per child.
Critter Club is for three to five years olds at the Natural History Museum. This Saturday at 10 am, the museum is celebrating the slimy and the scaly critters that call the Discovery Center home as well as their cousins from around the world. Listen to stories, play games, and make a scaly craft to take home. With special guests, the California Herpetological Association! Free with museum admission. From 12 noon to 5 pm, the celebration continues with Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day. Come to the Discovery Center in the museum to meet radical reptiles and fabulous frogs. Meet reptiles and take a picture with them too! There will also be crafts and activities and reptile story times.
The Japanese American National Museum is hosting a family day on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. You and your child can explore the colorful world of Asian-American books. Admission is free all day with special activities such as book readings and crafts. From 1 pm to 4 pm, you can make your own maple granola fruit parfaits with Kidding around the Kitchen. At 2 pm, Nathaniel Lachenmeyer will read and sign his book, "The Origami Master" with a special activity to follow.The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. This week's theme is the Lion of Judah. Make a lion mask and learn about Ethiopia.
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Weekend Warrior: Independence Day
July 02, 2009
Fireworks! I am a kid at heart when it comes to fireworks. It is hard to not ooh and aah when you see the explosion of lights and color strewn across the sky. I love it! There are a lot of options when it comes to Fourth of July celebrations on Saturday. Check out the Los Angeles Fire Department's website for Fireworks Shows in Los Angeles County. I'll highlight the ones that are local.
Go to the Hollywood Bowl for an amazing night of fireworks and music. The LA Philharmonic performs with John Fogerty, the guitar and voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival, as the special guest. Concert starts at 7:30 pm. Go early and bring a picnic dinner to enjoy while on the grounds.
Enjoy a game of soccer at the Home Depot Center in Carson and a post-game fireworks extravaganza. The LA Galaxy play against the New England Revolution. Game starts at 8 pm with the fireworks show immediately afterward.
The Exchange Club of Culver City (a non-profit organization focused on preventing child abuse) is hosting a fireworks show at Culver City High School. Gates open at 5 pm with the fireworks starting at 9 pm. There will be live entertainment, food to purchase, and a raffle. You can see the fireworks from Veteran's Park as well as other areas around Culver City.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is hosting a Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza. This event is free and begins at 9 pm.
There will be two fireworks shows in Malibu from the barges off the coast. One show will be near the Country Mart and the other close to Paradise Beach. Both shows will begin at 9 pm.
There will also be a fireworks show in Marina Del Rey from the barges off the coast. It will be visible near Admiralty and Fiji Way, and will begin at 9:15 pm.
Palisades Charter High School is hosting an Independence Day Fireworks and Concert. Entertainment begins at 6:30 pm with the fireworks show beginning at approximately 9 pm. Bring a picnic dinner while enjoying the live entertainment!
Seaside Lagoon is the venue for the 3rd Annual Seaside Lagoon Independence Day Celebration. Gates open at 2 pm. There will be a lot of kid's activities from swimming in the Seaside Lagoon to Jim Gamble and his puppets, Mad Science workshops, and holiday-themed crafts. Food and drinks for purchase and live entertainment will also be available. The Kids Freedom Parade begins at 7:30 pm and fireworks starts at 9:30 pm. Be sure to reserve your seats today!
For the 57th year, Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro will host a free 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks show. Activities begin at 12 noon with local bands and orchestra playing, Naval vessel tours, Armed Forces and US Coast Guard demonstrations, canon firings, and of course, fireworks at 9 pm. Bring a picnic dinner!
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Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of June
June 25, 2009
It is the last weekend of June and school is officially out for most kids. What to do to kick off the summer break? Take your pick...
Kidspace Museum in Pasadena is turning thirty! On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, there will be a celebration with party games, music, balloons, and more all weekend long. Families can share their favorite Kidspace memory on an anniversary mural, make a party hat and more! And on Saturday, yummy birthday cake will be served!
Join the Musical Coopers for a musical sea-faring adventure at the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Central Library on Saturday from 2 pm to 3 pm. A pirate or two will be making an appearance!
Another chance to visit the open house of the bureau of sanitation. This Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, visit the West Los Angeles District Yard for truck demonstration and tours, free food and games, 15 gallon citrus tree adoptions and free mulch. What a great way to teach children about recycling!
The Fowler Museum at UCLA is hosting a Summer Sunset concert featuring Mamifero on Sunday at 4 pm. The local musicians present an eclectic mix of musical styles incorporating the didgeridoo and more.
The Autry National Center at Griffith Park is hosting a family playhouse program on Sunday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. This Sunday theme will be Dragon boat racing. Check out the Family Discovery Gallery to learn more about one of China's most ancient traditions and make dragon boat puppets to race at home.
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting a Family Weekend Workshop on Sunday. The second session is already sold out so act quickly to reserve space for the 11:30 am session that is still available. Tour the Zap! Pow! Bam! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books: 1938-1950 exhibit and then join comic book artist Crystal Webb to create your own comic book hero. Tickets for the 11:30 am workshop includes a 10 am entrance to Noah's Ark exhibit.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. This week's theme is Messy Science featuring squishy, slimy, and unusual science experiments made from household items.
Read more...
Weekend Warrior: Father's Day
June 18, 2009
This weekend is Father's Day! Celebrate the dads in your life with some homemade pancakes (courtesy of the kids), neckties (courtesy of Bloomie's), and a special activity to honor the superhero in your life.
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is holding a "Listen, Learn and Make Family Workshop" on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. to create a unique gift for dad while reusing recycled materials. Bring in small objects and other forgotten treasures, and make something special for dad. A selection of materials with also be provided. RSVP required.
Lakeshore Learning Stores are hosting a free crafts for kids event on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Your kids can make, what else, a tie for dad.
Come celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Santa Monica Pier with the School's Out Event on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. They will feature a variety of top-notch activities and performances for families and kids of all ages including the Cirque du Soleil "Circus Play Area," a lot of different interactive dance activities and performances, a puppet show, and fitness and art activities. Also, check out a new interactive kid's guide of the pier.
The Rogue Artists Ensemble is performing The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone on Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. The story is brought to life by using music, puppetry and projections. "Pay what you can" for admission.
The Zimmer Museum is hosting Family fun day on Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Your kids can make, what else, a tie for dad. Free admission for dads.
Kathleen Zundell will be continuing the Saturday Storytelling Series at Children's Book World this Saturday at 10:30 am. With her puppet pal, Philbert, Kathleen engages children with silly jokes, tales, and poems. Free to the public.
Kim Wayans and Kevin Knotts, author of Amy Hodgepodge will be at the Central Library on Sunday at 2 pm. Amy Hodgepodge is a story of a multi-ethnic fourth grade girl and her adventures in a new city.
Read more...
Discover the Beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains
June 15, 2009
If you haven't guessed it already, I really enjoy living here in LA. The world is at our fingertips: the beach, the mountains, the desert--and a Barney's to buy cute shoes to boot (pun intended). What other city could boast of such riches?
Even though the weather hasn't been a perfect 72 degrees and sunny as it normally is, there is still so much to experience. Case in point, the Santa Monica mountains. Managed by the National Park Service, the Santa Monica mountains has so much to offer. Almost daily, there are activities being hosted from Full Moon evening hikes, to the Fun with Nature series for children at the Malibu Creek State Park.
Here is a list of the parks/trails/visitors sites connected to the Santa Monica mountains:
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Map: Headquarters at 401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
- Arroyo Sequit: 34138 Mullholland Highway, Malibu
- Backbone Trail:Multiple trailheads
- Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon: 5792 Chesebro Road, Agoura
- Circle X Ranch: 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu
- King Gillette Ranch: 26800 West Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA 91302
- Paramount Ranch: 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills
- Peter Strauss Ranch: 30,000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills
- Rancho Sierrra Vista/ Satwiwa: Main Entrance cross street is Via Goleta and Potrero Road, Newbury Park
- Rocky Oaks: Mulholland Highway and Kanan Road Intersection, West of Kanan on North side of Mulholland Hwy
- Solstice Canyon Main Entrance is on Corral Canyon Road off cross street Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 1.
Next time your family wants to enjoy the great outdoors (and I'm not talking about The Grove), pack lunch, water bottles, and wear a pair of sturdy shoes, and take the family for a hike! Remember to be smart and conscientious hikers--sign in so the rangers know that you are on the trail, discard trash in designated receptacles only, and do not take any souvenirs from your hike.
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Free Educational Internet Games!
May 26, 2009
In continuation of yesterday's subject, I researched interactive websites with free games that are appropriate for preschoolers. Just like toys such as Leap Frog makes learning the alphabet and phonics fun for little kids, games can be a useful learning tool as well. While nothing beats reading to your children every day for fifteen minutes, ABC games with Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby certainly doesn't hurt!
You will need a fast connection for these websites. Also, don't expect to prop your kid in front of the computer and walk away. All of the games will require adult interaction. But most of these sites will be fun for both parent and child.
PBS Kids--All of your kids' favorite PBS kids television show characters are featured on this website. The website is very straightforward. Activities can be chosen by show (such as Curious George or Barney) or by subject (such as games or coloring pages). The games are a lot of fun and educational, and the graphics are terrific.
Poisson Rouge--This website is so inventive and different. It is a tri-lingual website that teaches the English, Spanish and French alphabet in a colorful way. The website has no instructions so you have to click around to discover all the special activities that this site holds. It is like opening a door that is a porthole to a new universe. I highly recommend this site.
Seussville--The playground has some fun games all based on favorite Dr. Seuss books. The graphics are great and true to Dr. Seuss. If your kids love Dr. Seuss, they will love this website. The website can be a little confusing but worth the extra five seconds of cognitive awareness.
Clifford Interactive Storybooks--This website featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog has both web-books and phonics games. The games are very basic. The storybooks are fun too. Your child can listen to a story being read and choose what happens in the story.
Ziggity Zoom--The goal of this website is for kids to learn and be creative, as well as provide a lot of resources for parents. The games are very basic and the playworlds are cute.
Thanks to Tech Savvy Mama and Common Sense Media for their help in pointing the way towards these great sites.
Weekend Warrior: Memorial Day Weekend
May 21, 2009
Memorial Day weekend is upon us. It is a quiet weekend events-wise so be sure to spend some time outdoors with the BBQ ablaze! We'll be cleaning out our garage if anyone is interested in helping out!
World City at the Music Center features world-renowned artists in free concerts at the W.M. Keck Foundation Children's Amphitheatre at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Adjacent to the performance hall, family workshops are available both before and after the performances. The performance is outdoors so please be prepared for the weather (if it rains, performance will be moved indoors)! This Saturday, the program features Sidi Goma, a rare performance by an African-Indian music and dance troupe. Two shows are available at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Be sure to arrive early to get your free tickets before the show starts. Seating is limited.
The California African American Museum is hosting an African wrap doll making class . On Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm, make your own doll using wire, fabric, and other adornments. Reservations are recommended by calling 213-744-2024.
Did you feel the earthquakes? Do your kids love Sesame Street? Want to teach your kids more about disaster safety in a lively, engaging way? Then come to the Mark Taper Auditorium at the Central Library on Saturday at 2 pm for a free show put on by the American Red Cross, featuring Elmo, Big Bird and other Sesame Street favorites.
Read more...
Weekend Warrior: Fairies, Strawberries, and Children
May 14, 2009
My family recently went to Disneyworld and my girls have decided that they are now in love with fairies. They still love the princesses, but they have added Tinkerbell, Silvermist, and Iridessa to their list of beloved Disney characters. So we are definitely going to check out the Faery Hunt at Griffith Park. If you don't have fairy lovers in your family, surely you have strawberry lovers, right? There is a lot going on for whatever might tickle your fancy.
At Griffith Park (Fern Dell Entrance) this Saturday at 10:30 am, A Faery Hunt will be performing their interactive show. It includes messages about kindness, respect, and ecological responsibility. Your little fairies are sure to love it--costumes are welcome! $10 per person. Can't make it this Saturday? Check out the website for the ongoing schedule.
Children's Day is a big holiday in Japan. The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center is celebrating it here in the states on Saturday with a kids' run, taiko drumming, cultural discovery workshops, an arts and crafts fair, and more! Check out the website for all the events happening this day in Little Toyko. Registration for the run begins at 7:30 am with a free pancake breakfast. Festivities last until 4 pm.
The California Strawberry Festival is happening this weekend in Oxnard. Bring your strawberry loving kids to this fun and eco-conscious festival that celebrates everyone's favorite fruit! Music, art and crafts, and of course, a ton of strawberries to eat in every way imaginable. Festivities start from 10 am and last until 7 pm.
Children's Book World is hosting Shawn Bjorklund for a book reading of her latest book, G is For Goat's Groovy Galoshes. A fun book with silly surprises, your little one will most certainly enjoy. The reading is on Saturday at 10:30 am.
Star Eco Station in Culver City is hosting a Children's Art Festival. If you haven't visited Star Eco before, it is a great opportunity to check out this wonderful place. Local young artists will display their work on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and other art activities will be available.
McCabe's is hosting another Sunday matinee kid's show headlining Courtney Campbell. Co-creator and star of Mustard Pancakes (seen on the ION network), Courtney is a singer, songwriter and imaginative storyteller. Show starts at 11 am.
Another collaborative art project is being hosted by the Zimmer Museum this Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Ceramic tiles, paints, and stencils will be used to create a mosaic artwork for the museum. How cool! Your child's collaborative masterpiece will be on display for all to see.
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Weekend Warrior: Mother's Day
May 07, 2009
Mother's Day is here! Or as I like to call it "a day to shirk my daily duties and do stuff for myself." In other words, nothing involving my three lovely children--spa time, a sophisticated meal, and sleep. But I suppose I would be willing to sneak in a few hours of family time to partake in one of the following activities:
The Hidden Garden Floral Designs on Pico Blvd near Sepulveda is hosting a Mother's Day special. Your children (supervised by an adult) can design a beautiful arrangement for Mom for $65 per arrangement. Stop by on Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm and create a personalized floral arrangement, lovingly made by your children.
All the fire stations in the city of Los Angeles will be hosting open houses on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by, take a tour of the station, and say thanks to these brave men and women for their services.
The first of a monthly series called Drum Downtown is starting at the Music Center. Come this Saturday from 10 am to 11:30 am and enjoy this free event (first come, first served). Hand drums, shakers, tambourines, and other percussion instruments will be provided for you and your children to rock out. Bring non-perishable food or personal care items to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.
The Japanese American National Museum is sponsoring a free family day on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. This month's theme is Hawai'i. All-day craft activities such as making an origami Aloha shirt, creating a lei, "shaved ice" tissue paper artwork and making Mother's Day cards.
Baby Loves Disco is on again this Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at the Cinespace in Hollywood. $15 in advance, $18 at door.
Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch is one of our favorite books. He will be at Zimmer Museum to read his book on Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm. In honor of Mother's day, all women are admitted free to the museum. Children will celebrate Mother's Day at the Museum by making special Mother's day cards.
Critter Club is for three to five years olds at the Natural History Museum . This Sunday at 10:15 am, you can visit the gardens where you can meet and release helpful bug friends. Take home your very own seedling! Free with museum admission.
Read more...
Weekend Warrior: Cinco de Mayo
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.
Weekend Warrior: Last Week of April and a Pat on My Back
April 23, 2009
I feel like I say this every month but I can't believe it is already the end of the month! April flew by and May is around the corner. For many students, May is the last month of school! Yikes! Already? Do you have your summer plans set yet? If not, check out the Camps and Classes section of the main Savvy Source site. I'll share a few favorites on Tuesday. Until then, there are some fun activities available this weekend--many of them are free to the public!
Is your daughter a Fancy Nancy fan? Then RSVP for a special Storyopolis and the Geffen Playhouse event featuring Robin Press Glasser, the illustrator of the Fancy Nancy books. She will be presenting her new book Tea for Ruby, which was written by Sarah Ferguson, the dutchess of York. This free event is on Saturday at 11 am. Advance RSVP is required by emailing education (at) geffenplayhouse (dot) com. Please indicate the number of people in your party.
On Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, the Los Angeles Times is hosting their annual Festival of Books at UCLA. This event features authors and musicians, and has something for everyone, regardless of your subject preference or age. This event is free but tickets are required for indoor panel and speaker sessions (available through ticketmaster.com).
Taiko Center of LA will be performing at the Mark Taper Auditorium on Saturday at 2 pm. The mission of the Taiko Center of LA is to preserve this Japanese art form of drumming. Therefore performances are often free to the public, and participation in classes and workshops is welcomed.
Pillow Theatre at the LA Music Center is hosting another free event for preschoolers. This month's performance is ZunZun, musical theatre duo Stephen Snyder and Gwynne Cropsey, blend a variety of folkloric instruments, storytelling and comedy to celebrate the vast array of sights, sounds, stories and songs of the endangered rain forests of the Americas. The Rain Forest Sings (La Selva Canta) is a musical journey filled with songs about monkeys, snakes, jaguars, the rainforest canopy, and an orchestra of birds performed in Spanish, English and Portuguese. Performances are at 10 am and 11 am. This event is free but tickets are required. The box office will be open one hour prior to each performance.
The Murad Inclusive Health Center and Spa invites all new, seasoned and expecting moms to enjoy a day filled with treats and tips for moms and moms-to-be. On Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm, Murad's team of experts will provide guests with the most up-to-date tips and trends in diet, nutrition and acupuncture. Indulge in Mama Mio and Mineral Essence products and free makeovers and receive a complimentary Murad gift product for scheduling a Murad signature treatment. Attendees will enjoy a free 30 minute yoga class, receive Murad Skin evaluations and be pampered! No cost to attend, just RSVP.
At the Skirball Cultural Center on Sunday at 10 am, create your very own 3D superhero figure to take home. After drawing inspiration from the galleries, head over to the art studio and use clay, glue, fabric, and other special materials. Fee includes admission to workshop and Noah's Ark: $25 Child-Adult Pair; $15 Member Child-Adult Pair; $5 per additional Adult or Child. Entrance to Noah's Ark at 10 am and studio art workshop begins at 11:30 am.
This weekend, there are two really important walks you can participate in:
March for Babies is sponsored by March of Dimes. It will be held at Exposition Park on Saturday at 8 am (registration at 7 am).
Children's Cancer Research Fund is sponsoring a Kids 4 Kids 5K Run/Walk in Century City on Sunday at 10 am (registration at 8 am).
Please click on the respective links for more information and to register.
Not to toot my own horn but GoCityKids-LA added West LA Savvy Source as an exceptional local blog site for parents. If you like us too, go on their site to get more information on other events going on throughout the week, and give us a rating and review (subliminal text: five stars, best local blog). Thanks!
Read more...Weekend Warrior: Easter and Passover
April 09, 2009
Easter is here! My children love Easter--the egg hunts, the chocolate bunnies, the Peeps. Even though the weather is still on the mild side, go out and enjoy all that Easter has to offer. For many families, this is an opportunity to go to church, and for others, it is a chance to get the whole family together for dinner.
Passover has also begun at sundown yesterday--families get together for the Seder and celebrate the historic deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Whatever your traditions may be, I wish you a wonderful weekend of family gatherings and joyous events.
If you wish to commemorate Easter by attending a service, consider the following Easter services:
Easter Sunrise Service at the Hollywood Bowl: Easter service with a multi-denominational clergy, a 240 voice choir, 250 children in the Living Cross, and Children's Choirs in nature's cathedral, decorated with thousands of Easter Lilies, and ending with the mass release of the White Birds of Peace. Service is from 5:30 am to 7 am. The parking is free.
Also at the Hollywood Bowl is the Bel Air Presbyterian Easter Service. A modern worship band, a professional orchestra, and a 100-person choir with the senior pastor of Bel Air Presbyterian sharing an Easter message, beginning at 11 am. Free parking.
If you wish to just stick to bunnies, go to Big Bunny's Spring Fling at the LA Zoo! Kids can pet live bunnies, make bunny ears, get their face painted, and help plant carrot seeds. Musicians, puppet shows, and the Easter bunny round out the celebration. From Friday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.
If you want to have your kids run around for a few hours and load them up with sugar, then look at my previous post about Easter Egg hunts in the area.
If Spring Fever is equal to Dance Fever for you, then check out Baby Loves Disco . This month's theme is Earth Day celebration. So put on your organic bamboo tie-dye tees and head on over to the Cinespace in Hollywood on Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm. $15 in advance, $18 at door.
Hunting for an Egg Hunt?
April 07, 2009
When my older daughter just turned one, we met an amazing group of friends through Gymboree Play n Music. These friends had a standing playdate every Thursday so we ended up hanging out at least twice a week, sometimes more. It was a tough transition when our children went to preschool. We no longer saw each other on a regular basis and it was hard scheduling playdates with all of their conflicting schedules. But the one event we have kept constant is the annual Easter egg hunt.
When the kids were two years old, we organized an Easter egg hunt. It was cute to see the kids walking around the grassy area, picking up an egg, carefully inspecting it, putting it in their basket, and then moving on to another egg. Sometimes they got distracted by a leaf on the ground, or a distant squirrel, or a meandering cloud, before they resumed their search for another egg. Now, four years later, these eggs are actually filled with goodies, and we've had to establish rules so the younger siblings can participate fairly. The kids race around the grassy fields and the egg hunt is over in five minutes. Times have changed, but fortunately, the friendships have not for both parents and children alike.
Many local recreation centers are sponsoring egg hunts on their turf. Here is a list of a few favorites:
Rustic Canyon Recreation Center--Friday, April 10th at 2 pm for ages 2 to 10. Bring your own baskets.
Westwood Recreation Center--Saturday, April 11th at 10 am to 1 pm for ages 11 and under. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be a bounce house, games and a special appearance by the Easter bunny.
Mar Vista Recreation Center--Saturday, April 11th at 11 am to 2:30 pm. The egg hunt for 2-4 year olds is at 11 am. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be pony rides, petting zoo, crafts, games and food for sale. Bring your own basket.
If you want to organize your own egg hunt, consider the following parks:
Will Rogers State Park--We have a picnic lunch and then scatter the eggs on the polo field.
Westwood Park --There are many grassy areas adjacent to Aidan's Place to host an egg hunt.
Virginia Avenue Park--There is a big grassy area where soccer games are played and the farmer's market is held.
Weekend Warrior: The First Weekend of April and a Starbucks Giveaway!
April 02, 2009
There are a lot of activities around town this weekend but I'm going to focus on the outdoor ones in our area and a little beyond since the weather has been nothing short of perfection these days.
LA County Arboretum in Arcadia is hosting a family adventure themed "the Dinosaur Forest" on Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon. Stroll back in time with a short talk, a walk to a special part of The Arboretum, and a take-home nature craft activity. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling the education department at 626-821-4623.
Want to teach your children about volunteering and caring for the earth? Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro on their Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup day from 8 am to 10 am on Saturday. You and your kids will work with the staff and other volunteers to help maintain the Cabrillo Coastal Native Plant Garden as well as help clean up the beach. Registration is required by today (Thursday). Can't make it this Saturday? Join them any first Saturday of the month.
Also at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro on Saturday at 11:30 am and Sunday at 12 noon is the free Weekend Tide Pool Walk. Expose your kids to sea anemones, sea stars, crabs and tide pool fishes. Just be sure to wear shoes with good traction and bring a light jacket.
The Children's Nature Institute is hosting a family walk on Saturday from 10 am to 12 noon at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach. The suggested donation is $10 for this guided hike. Most strollers are okay for this trail.
Bubblefest is back at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Guinness Book World Record Holder Fan Yang returns from Saturday through April 19th to share his bubbly gift. We attended last year and the show is a little Vegas but a lot of fun! Free with admission.
Lastly, I have a Starbucks gift card to giveaway! Use the credit to try out their new perfect pairings for breakfast for just $3.95. A coffee and a delicious artisan sandwich, or latte with perfect oatmeal. "Perfect" for those days when you didn't have time to get in a proper breakfast and want a little indulgence (hmmm...that would be everyday). Just submit a comment with your favorite indulgence (Starbucks or otherwise). Be sure to include your email address. The giveaway is open until Thursday April 9, 12 midnight PST. Good luck!
Read more...Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of March and Special VIP Event at Pottery Barn Kids at the Grove
March 26, 2009
It is hard to believe the end of the month is already here. There are a lot of activities this weekend, and it is supposed to be perfect weather, so go out and enjoy!
Japanese American National Museum will be hosting the Spring Rolls into JANM event this Saturday at 11 am! It is an interactive family cooking class of assorted Asian food, including, what else, spring rolls! $25 per parent/child pair for members and $35 per parent/child pair for non-members. Be sure to reserve your spot by calling the museum.
Rhythm Child will be beating their drums at Descanso Gardens this Saturday at 1 pm. If you haven't experienced Rhythm Child yet, what better place than the beautiful venue of Descanso Gardens?
Discover Japanese culture with the family festival at the Getty Center this Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. There will be interactive art workshops, puppet shows, craft demonstrations, and Taiko drum playing. Admission to the Getty Center and the festival are both free!
Kathleen Zundell will be continuing the Saturday Storytelling Series at Children's Book World this Saturday at 10:30 am. With her puppet pal, Philbert, Kathleen engages children with silly jokes, tales, and poems. Free to the public.
Swazzle Puppets will be performing at the Mark Taper Auditorium this Saturday at 2 pm. A cheerful troupe of imaginative woodland creatures will be telling Forest Fables, which is based on Aesop's fables and classic fairy tales.
Debi Derryberry will be performing Passover Musical Happening at the Jewish Community Library of LA on Sunday from 3 pm to 4 pm. She is the voice of Jimmy Neutron and a kid's favorite for musical performers.
Create your own mini kite during family playhouse time at the Autry National Center on Sunday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
Randy Kaplan will be performing at McCabe's in Santa Monica on Sunday at 11 am. Randy Kaplan sings songs that blend folk, alternative, American roots and pop in a wildly unpredictable show. Tickets are $8.
The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting a Family Weekend Workshop . The theme this Sunday at both 10 am and 1 pm is the Garden of Sand, Stone, and Sprigs. In honor of the Jewish holiday Passover, create and take home your own Zen garden with sand, stones and herbs. Tickets are $15 per parent/child pair for members and $25 per parent/child pair for non-members. Tickets also include admission to Noah's Ark exhibit.
And finally, this Sunday from 8:30 pm to 10 pm, there is a VIP event at the Pottery Barn Kids at the Grove, and Savvy readers are invited! You will be receiving 10% off any purchase (even furniture!) and refreshments will be served.
Read more...Weekend Warrior: Spring Equinox and Special Discount for Savvy Readers at Three Cheeky Monkeys
March 19, 2009
The weekend is here and Spring is in the air! There are a couple events in LA that are celebrating the advent of Spring. Even though it is still a little chilly, go out and enjoy the fresh air!
Super Spring Show at the Crystal Springs Picnic Area at Griffith Park in LA. On Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, go to Griffith Park for a family friendly art show and festival. There will be arts and crafts, African dance performances, and a children's film festival. This event is free and sponsored by the 2012 Art Collective.
Spring Art Thing at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm. Artists, young and old, will be at the pier, creating new works of art to celebrate the beginning of spring. So let your children bring their art smocks and easels to paint among the masses, or enjoy watching artists working live.
Preschool story time at the Palms-Rancho Park Library on Saturday from 10:30 am to 11 am. Stories will be read to promote early literacy. There is a great playground right next to the library too!
Make a kite! Every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm, Lakeshore Learning Stores sponsor free craft activities. This Saturday, in honor of Spring, your children can make a kite.
Kids in the Courtyard series at Fowler Museum at UCLA . Make a hammered foil picture frame inspired by Senegalese artist Moussa Tine on Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Like a lot of West LA moms, I spend too much time at Westside Pavilion with music classes, Gymboree, Barnes and Noble's, etc. I recently rediscovered Three Cheeky Monkeys toy store since the birth of my son. The toy selection here is different from Target or other discount stores, but also very reasonably priced. Three Cheeky Monkeys is moving to the North side of the mall still on the second floor, on the Nordstrom's side with an expanded reading section and more toys to purchase as well as play with onsite. In celebration of the expansion, Three Cheeky Monkeys is offering a 10% discount to Savvy readers over the weekend (from 3/20 to 3/22). Just let them know you are a Savvy reader and they will honor the 10% discount.
Happy shopping and happy Spring!
Read more...Weekend Warrior: Dan Zanes
March 12, 2009
He's finally here! Wohoo! Dan Zanes is back and ready to rock our socks off! Get ready to enjoy an amazing concert experience with the 2007 Grammy winner for best children's music album. If you can't get to the concert, there are other options for the weekend as well.
Dan Zanes will be performing at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday, and 11 am on Sunday at UCLA Royce Hall. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger.
World City at the Music Center features world-renowned artists in free concerts at the W.M. Keck Foundation Children's Amphitheatre at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Adjacent to the performance hall, family workshops are available both before and after the performances. The performance is outdoors so please be prepared for the weather (if it rains, performance will be moved indoors)! This Saturday, the program features The Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre and Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble. Performances are at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Be sure to arrive early to get your free tickets before the show starts. Seating is limited.
Puppets are the theme at the Autry National Center this Saturday. Bold Caballeros y Noble Bandidas puppet show which highlights events of the Mexican revolution will be performed at 12:45 pm. Then make your own puppet from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
Baby Loves Disco is back and this month they are celebrating grandparents! Grandparent's admission is only $5. So bring your favorite pop-pop and nana to boogie with you. On Saturday, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Cinespace in Hollywood. $15 in advance, $18 at door.
Every culture celebrates New Year in a different way. To experience it Middle Eastern style (aka Norooz), visit the Craft and Folk Art Museum on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Reservations are required.
Gustafer Yellowgold will be performing at McCabe's on Sunday at 11 am. Gusta who? Gustafer is a friendly creature who came to the earth from the sun and has made friends who some of the oddest earthy creatures. Story-songs and moving illustrations make the shows unique and fun.
Have a great weekend and congrats to our Dan Zanes giveaway winners!
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Weekend Warrior: The First Weekend of March
March 05, 2009
When I collect the weekend activities for our Savvy readers, I try to stay within a 10 mile radius. There is so much to do in our neck of the woods that I don't feel it is necessary to venture out further. However, this time, I am including a few more activities a little further away because they seem worthwhile (Debi Derryberry, whale-watching and tide pools, anyone?).
There are a lot of beach related activities this weekend. Unfortunately, rain is in the forecast for the weekend. But if the weather holds out, check out the following:
Every first Saturday of March marks the annual "Whale of a Day" event held at Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. This festival celebrates the migration of Pacific Gray whales. The event is free to the public and features many activities for children including crafts and face painting. There will also be food and gift vendors. Hopefully, you will also catch a glimpse of the migrating whales too! From 10 am to 4 pm.
Want to teach your children about volunteering and caring for the earth? Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on their Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup day from 8 am to 10 am on Saturday. You and your kids will work with the staff and other volunteers to help maintain the Cabrillo Coastal Native Plant Garden as well as help clean up the beach. Registration is required by today (Thursday). Can't make it this Saturday? Join them any first Saturday of the month.
Also at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on Sunday is the Weekend Tide Pool Walk . March is the last month to take part in this free activity. Expose your kids to sea anemones, sea stars, crabs and tide pool fishes. Just be sure to wear warm clothes and shoes with good traction.
If it does rain, here are some other indoor activities:
Wow! Massages for parents, and princess dress-up, face painting and food, while being serenaded by Debi Derryberry? Sounds awesome! Come check out the Royal Dance Party show at the Stardancers Horizon in Glendale from 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
LA Doll-maker Dorothy Elliott-Taylor will be visiting the Craft and Folk Art Museum on Saturday between 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm to demonstrate how to make a fashionable paper doll . Simple stitching and sewing may be involved, so be prepared to help out your kids. Reservations are required and it is $6 per child.
LA storyteller Karen Golden helps you get into the Purim spirit at the Jewish Community Library of LA on Sunday from 3 pm to 4 pm. This event is free.
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The Four Best Parks in West LA
March 03, 2009
The great thing about playgrounds is that kids don't seem to need much to have a great time. Some sand, some swings, and a slide, and the kids can play for hours. So if there is a neighborhood playground that you frequent and you are happy, then great. But if you are looking to check out other playgrounds in the West LA area, these are the ones that will have you coming back again, again, and again.
Douglas Park in Santa Monica
Okay, I might be a little biased because we used to live next door to Douglas Park, so it will always have sentimental value for us. But it really is a unique park, filled with a little something for everyone. Duck pond, summer water play, play structures for various ages, picnic tables, and of course, sand! There are also a lot of great little eateries close by so you can pack a lunch, or pick up some food from Whole Foods, California Chicken Cafe or Snug Harbor and play for hours.
Aidan's Place in West LA
The moment you walk through the Aidan's Place arch, you know that your kids are in for loads of fun. There are several play structures, mostly geared towards toddler and preschool aged children, and a huge sand pit. It is also a Shane's Inspiration playground so many of the features are accessible to all children, regardless of their physical capabilities. Water misters, huge grassy fields next door and plenty of picnic tables make this park perfect.
Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica
This park was renovated a few years ago and it is so much fun for kids. The play structures are nice and there is a huge grassy field to play soccer. But what makes this park really exceptional is the water play area (summer months). There are soakers and fountains and lots of ways for kids to really enjoy the warm weather.
Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills
I feel like this park has a larger than life personality, very befitting for the Beverly Hills address. The playground area is expansive, there is a water misting area, tons and tons of sand and grass and shade and picnic areas. It is a great park to meet up with friends or host a birthday party.
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99 Things to Do with Your Preschooler
February 24, 2009
We are very fortunate that here in LA, there are probably a gabazillion things to do (my daughters are into making up numbers to one up each other and it is rubbing off on me). There will never be a shortage of activities thanks to beautiful weather year-round, great playgrounds, innovative businesses that cater to kids, and awesome nature just a few steps or short car drive away. Of course we are paying an enormously high cost of living to be here, but the perks make up for it, right? Believe it or not, I really had to limit myself to 99. Maybe one day, I will post 999 things to do...you know...when I have all this extra time on my hands.
I included hyperlinks for each activity/location for addresses, directions, and more information.
Here are just 99 things to do, in no particular order, broken down by categories:
Neighborhood Parks--These are my kids' favorites and each are unique in their own way. (9)
Douglas Park in Santa Monica
Aidan's Place in West LA
Holmby Park in Westwood
Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica
Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey
Griffith Park in Los Feliz
Veteran's Park in Culver City
Roxbury Park in Beverly Hills
Stoner Park Pool in West LA
Hiking Trails--We've hiked most of these trails with the kids, some with a stroller. (6)
Solstice Canyon in Malibu
Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills
Point Dume in Malibu
Temescal Canyon Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades
Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills
Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades
Amusement Parks--Do I need to say more? (6)
Disneyland in Anaheim
Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park
Adventure City in Anaheim
Knott's Soak City in Buena Park
Universal Studios in Universal City
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia
Indoor Play Area--These are our favorites and all of them can be rented out for birthday parties. (6)
Under the Sea (many locations)
Giggles n Hugs in West LA
Treehouse Social Club in Los Angeles (Robertson Blvd)
Adventure Plex in Manhattan Beach
Child's Play in Westwood
Play in Mid-Wilshire
Naya's Garden in Silverlake
Beaches--I included the beaches that were more kid-friendly (bathrooms, nearby food vendors in the summer). (10)
Santa Monica Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Zuma Beach in Malibu
Venice Beach
Leo Carillo State Beach in Malibu (tidepools)
Redondo Beach
Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach
Paradise Beach in Malibu
Jalama Beach in Lompoc (beach camping)
Marina "Mother's" Beach in Marina Del Rey
Mountain Resorts--Most of these resorts have recreational activities all year long. (7)
Mt Baldy
Mt High
Lake Arrowhead
Big Bear Lake
El Capitan Canyon
Mammoth Mountain
Yosemite National Park
Theatres--El Capitan and Santa Monica Playhouse are geared more for children. The others occasionally have programs that preschoolers would be interested in. Check the schedule for upcoming shows. (5)
El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Santa Monica Playhouse in Santa Monica
Mark Taper Forum in Downtown LA
Pantages Theatre in Hollywood
Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA
Sports Teams--My husband and I are big sports fan. We've taken the kids to Dodgers games a couple times and they had a great time. (5)
LA Galaxy at Home Depot Center in Carson
Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgers Stadium in LA
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium in Anaheim
Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Downtown LA
Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center in Downtown LA
Gardens--All of these gardens are a bit of a drive but absolutely worth it. (3)
The Huntington in San Marino
Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcardia
Aquariums--Big and small, all lots of fun! (3)
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro
Local Attractions--An array of local venues that the kids are sure to love. (11)
The Grove in Mid-Wilshire
Santa Monica Airport
Los Angeles Zoo
Santa Monica Pier/Carousel/Paradise Park
3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica
Griffith Park--Travel town
Star Eco in Culver City
Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana
Culver Ice Arena in Culver City
Museums--All of these museums are kid-friendly and even have programs/exhibits specifically for kids! (11)
Getty Center in Bel Air
LA County Museum of Art in Mid-Wilshire
Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown LA
Autry National Center of the American West (across from the LA Zoo)
Zimmer Children's Museum in Mid-Wilshire
Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits in Mid-Wilshire
Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena
Skirball Cultural Center in Bel Air
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County near USC
California Science Center near USC
Petersen Automotive Museum in Mid-Wilshire
Historic LA--Make it a really fun day trip and take the Metro! You can take a bus to a station, or drive into Koreatown and park at the Denny's off Western. (6)
Olvera Street
Chinatown
Union Station
Grauman's Chinese Theater
Venice Canals
Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels
Farmer's Markets--These are my favorites. We have a ton in the LA area but these farmer's markets really stand out. (5)
Culver City (Main Street, Tuesdays, 3 pm to 7 pm)
Brentwood (Gretna Green Way, Sundays, 9 am to 2 pm)
Santa Monica (three locations, four days, check schedule)
The Original Farmer's Market at Third Street and Fairfax (adjacent to the Grove, everyday, all day)
Larchmont Village (Larchmont Blvd, Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm)
Farms--Most of these farms have seasonal activities year round. (3)
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark
Willowbrook Apple Farm in Oak Glen
Greenspot Farms in Mentone
Weekend Excursions--Just an hour or two away by car, a great family vacation awaits! (3)
San Diego
Legoland/Sea Life Park Aquarium
Sea World
San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park
Consider taking Amtrak Train
Santa Barbara Zoo
Solvang
Catalina Island
Feel free to leave a comment to add to this list!
Weekend Warrior: Black History Month
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).
Read more...Historic Los Angeles: A Tour of Clock Towers and Church Bell Towers
February 18, 2009
We recently moved from Santa Monica to West LA, near a church with working church bells. Every now and then, we can hear the church bells ringing and the kids love it. It reminds them of Sound of Music and me of my college days back east. We had a bell tower and almost daily, someone would be playing a song. Walking around the 19th century gothic-inspired building with its own accompanying soundtrack made me fall in love with the campus.
Despite being the land of strip malls and high rises, there are some working clock towers and church bells in the LA area. It would be a fun tour to show the kids some old landmarks, plus it can assist in teaching your kids to tell time. I also love the architecture of these old buildings so I personally enjoyable to me as well.
Clock Towers:
1) Far
mers Market Clock Tower--Built in 1941, the clock tower was the most notable change to the Farmer's Market restoration project. Obviously, there is a lot to do and eat with the kids at Farmers Market/The Grove.
2) The Clock Tower from Back to the Future--Even though it was damaged during the devastating fire that destroyed a good portion of the back lot of Universal Studios, the Clock Tower made famous in Back to the Future movie series has been resurrected. It was too tempting to not mention this real/fake historic clock tower landmark.
3) Nagoya Clock Tower--Given to the city of Los Angeles by its sister city Nagoya, Japan, it is located in downtown at the Civic Center.
4) LA Harbor Clock Tower--This clock tower is best seen by sea.
Church Bells: Unfortunately, aside from the Cathedral of our Lady, any carillons in the LA area don't adhere to any sort of known schedule. But the architecture of the church bell towers/carillons are nice, most of the towers can be seen from the street while in a car, on the way to a nearby park!
1) Cathedral of our Lady in Los Angeles--The Shepherd's Gate is the main point of entry for this Cathedral which is located downtown. This would be a fun Metrolink ride on the Red line! The bells operate throughout the day, ringing hymns. There is also a bell tower or Campanile whose swinging bells can be heard on Sundays. The church grounds are expansive and can constitute a fun day trip with a Metro ride and lunch at the cafe.
2) Saint Timothy's Church in Los Angeles--Located on Pico Blvd and Beverly Glen, the church hosts a beautiful bell tower that occasionally plays music. There was a large bell on the church grounds until it was recently moved to the Cathedral of our Lady onto the Shepherd's Gate. You can take the kids to nearby Cheviot Hills Recreation Center playgrounds. John O'Groats and Kay 'n' Dave's are just down the street and a great place to eat brunch.
3) Saint Monica in Santa Monica--Located on California Street and Seventh Street, the bells in the church tower were dismantled in 1971 after an earthquake. The bells from this tower were moved to the Cathedral of our Lady onto the Shepherd's Gate. Directly across the church is Reed Park which has an enclosed play area and a Baja Fresh across the street on Wilshire.
Read more...
Weekend Warrior: Valentine's Day Edition
February 13, 2009
There are a lot of events happening this weekend as it is both Valentine's Day weekend and President's Day weekend. Since most of us will have the kids home with us on Monday, try to enjoy Saturday with your spouse, significant other, BFF, or anyone else that you love truly, madly, deeply.
My kids are already fans of Abba so Baby Loves Disco is the perfect venue for us. Try to not sing when Dancing Queen comes on, I dare you. Hips shaking on Saturday, 2/14 from 11am to 2pm at Cinespace, 6356 Hollywood Blvd, LA.
Do you Tivo Avatar for your child (cough, it's really for you)? Well, the Family Festival at the Japanese American National Museum might just be the event to take your "child" to this Saturday. The theme this Saturday is Be Animated and will be focusing on anime and comic book art. You can create your own flipbook, fold origami, and see prints from Afro Samuri. 11am to 4pm at 100 N. Central Avenue, LA.
On Sunday, the Harlem Globetrotters are back in LA at the Staples Center. As I type their name, I can hear the whistling theme in my head. The show starts at 1pm and tickets start at $15 through ticketmaster.com.
Also on Sunday, the American Girl Place at the Grove is celebrating Bitty Bear's birthday. Your kids can sign a big birthday card and decorate a tiara. Visit the store from 11am to 1pm for the free craft activity. Tiara=my girls=we're so there.
Happy Valentine's everyone!
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Mozart, Moby and Miles: Free Performances at the downtown Music Center
January 22, 2009
In my previous life, I used to commute from San Francisco to my job at Stanford University every weekday. I actually enjoyed the drive up the 280 freeway while listening to NPR, and even had the energy afterward to go running to Ocean Beach from my rented room in the Sunset district. Of course, back then, I didn't have three kids in my backseat asking me questions every 30 seconds. So now, Read more...
The whole world, in his hands
January 16, 2009
My husband's parents live in South Korea and we only see them about once a year so to my preschooler, his grandparents are " Harabuji (Grandpa) and Halmoni (Grandma) in Korea." It's understandable that he doesn't feel as close to them since they live so far away. On New Year's when we called to wish them a happy new year, however, he told his grandmother, "You live in Korea. I don't know where Read more...
Time to Reflect: A Reflection Tour of Los Angeles
January 13, 2009
Whenever I pass by my reflection as I am walking around town, I can't help but look. How much is the gut sticking out today? What is up with my hair? Beside me are my little ones looking at themselves as well. But instead of critiquing their reflection, they are making silly faces, or staring intently at the image in front of them, mesmerized in wonderment. Since the new year is a time to Read more...
Party (at home, away from the rain) like it's 2009! - 5 Board Games Sure to Please Preschoolers
January 02, 2009
Like Susan, my husband and I are Korean American and we spent the new year seeped in Korean tradition - bowing to our family elders (and taking video of our three-year-old doing likewise), watching old men play baduk (or "go") and eating copious amounts of ddukguk . Susan and I hope your new years day was filled with happiness and that this year brings your family only joy, peace and prosperity. Read more...
Looking back at 2008
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...
Up Close and Personal: Tournament of Roses Float Decorating
December 29, 2008
The New Yorkers have their Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and we Angelenos have our Tournament of Roses New Year's Day Parade. The parade has a been around for 120 years, and though most floats are now done by professional float building companies, people from all over volunteer to put the final floral decorations on the floats. Viewing the floats mid-production is open to the public, and a Read more...
Picture Book Classics - Old and New
November 06, 2008
Just because a book is old doesn't make it a classic and just because a book is new doesn't mean it's not a classic either. The test of time just takes too long in the brief interim of childhood. So here are a few of our family's classics, both old and new. Now that winter's here, my son and I have been re-reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats with Peter's bright red snowsuit and Read more...
Five Tips for Trick-or-treating with preschoolers
October 28, 2008
This being Los Angeles, the land of make-believe, there are no dearth of scarily decked-out haunted houses, skeletons dangling in foliage and realistic bloody corpses. Color me overprotective, but this isn't my idea of an ideal Halloween for a preschooler. I'm also not one for crowds and the idea of waiting in long lines to knock on doors when I'd consider ourselves lucky to even knock on 10 Read more...
Halloween Events for Preschoolers in Los Angeles
October 21, 2008
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 Read more...
Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers
October 17, 2008
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...
5 Places to Spark Your Preschooler's Imagination
October 14, 2008
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...
Flashback - 5 favorite posts from September
September 30, 2008
My husband has been working long hours all this month so I've basically been flying solo around here for a month. Needless to say, I welcome October with open, grateful arms. Still, September wasn't a total wash. In case you missed it, here are five of the best posts from September. 1. Bistro de l'Hermitage - friendly French food for four-year-olds - Because excessive alliteration aside, it Read more...
The Getty Museum - A Preschooler's Guide Part 1
September 24, 2008
You exit the 405 at Getty Center Drive and make your way to the parking entrance where you fork over $10(!!!!) for parking. You enter the underground parking lot and pass several large school buses and your heart sinks as you anticipate large hordes of elementary school students ready to trample on your tiny preschooler. But you continue on (since you already paid the ten bucks, there's no Read more...
It Takes Two - 5 activities that are more fun with a pal
September 23, 2008
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...
Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center
September 15, 2008
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...
Noah's Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center - Teaser
September 11, 2008
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...
5 perfect preschool playdates
September 09, 2008
Preschool may make it a tad bit easier to set up playdates (no more desperately hoping that another lonely parent will send a friendly smile your way), but there always remains that question - where to go? Here are five perfect places for your kids to play and for grown-ups to bond. Play - I love that Play is set up to facilitate both playdates and one-on-one bonding between parent and child. Read more...
Library Card Sign-Up Month - The most crucial back-to-school item of all
September 08, 2008
In addition to marking the traditional start of school, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. So whether you're new to Los Angeles or you've lived here for years but just haven't made it out to your local branch yet, now is the time to get yourself a library card (or key card!). Your preschooler can also get his very own library card (you just know how much they'll love that ), but know that Read more...
Weekend Warriors
September 05, 2008
As you already know (because you've already entered our giveaway), the LA County Fair starts TODAY. My family is planning on making the trip this weekend for the first time ever and, from what I gather, there's more to do (and, more importantly, eat) than one can possibly imagine. So, get thee to the fair! LA Greek Fest is also taking place this weekend with Greek music, dance, art, food and Read more...
Art and culture for the cost of parking
September 04, 2008
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...
Weekend Warriors
August 29, 2008
It seems like just a few weeks ago when I was heralding in the first day of summer, the longest day of the year and the end of the school year. And now suddenly you want to tell me that summer is nearly over? That this is Labor Day weekend? No! Okay, okay, so denial is not the most effective tactic against the onslaught of autumn. Perhaps I should just try and take advantage of what's left of Read more...
The Corner Market -- Is Los Angeles a walkable city?
August 28, 2008
Click over to Walk Score , a website that rates the walkability of cities and neighborhoods in the US, and you'll find that Los Angeles is the 9th most walkable city in America. When I heard this my first reaction was probably similar to the one you're having right now. Namely, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? But yes, supposedly only 16% of Los Angeles is car-dependent. As in, the vast majority of Angelenos Read more...
Sweet Ways to Cool Off
August 26, 2008
It's hot. Nothing much else to say about it. It's just hot. I give my two-year-old a bath and 30 minutes later he's sweaty and stinky again. And my baby is pretty much going nekkid 24/7. Now you could simply crank up the AC, run through the sprinklers a few times and maybe take a dip at a local pool, but why not indulge in some cool, sweet treats to beat the heat? Here are a few tips to keep Read more...
Weekend Warriors
August 22, 2008
My son and I are big Elizabeth Mitchell fans her children's folk tunes are just the thing for sunny afternoons, both playful and calming. So I'm absolutely psyched to go see her and her family perform at the Getty Center Central Garden this weekend. Pack a picnic and go see this free family concert on Saturday or Sunday at 4 and 5pm. Starting tonight, check out the Fiesta La Ballona festival Read more...
Ocean View Farms Community Garden --A Tiny Green Thumb in the City
August 20, 2008
A friend of mine recently bought a home, modest but spacious enough for her family of five, with a beautiful yard where she has started cultivating roses and a vegetable garden. While I am very happy for her, I admit that I turned a bit green when I saw her yard. We live in a condominium and our balcony, unfortunately, gets no direct sunlight. All I can do is dream about how lovely it would be Read more...
Aquariums in Los Angeles -- Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy
August 19, 2008
For so long practically everything that moved underwater was a fish to our son. Whale? Fish. Shark? Fish. Dolphin? Fish. Sea otter? Fish. Now, finally, he's starting to differentiate to the point that if we happen to leave off the puffer in pufferfish we are promptly corrected: No, NO! Puffahfish! Puffahfish! It's probably the perfect time to visit an aquarium, no? Nice that we happen to live Read more...
Venice Canals - Overlooked but Not Forgotten
August 18, 2008
This past weekend my husband and I decided to take the kids to stroll the Venice Canals, an oft overlooked but surprisingly diverting use of a Saturday morning. Originally encompassing 16 miles of canals, the majority of the canals were filled in the late 1920s to make room for increasing car traffic. The remaining canals are lined with multi-million dollar mansions, post-modern glass Read more...
Weekend Warriors -- Fines, Fire Trucks and Festivals
August 15, 2008
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 Read more...
Veteran's Park in Culver City -- Pretend Play at the Park
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...
Weekend Warriors: Olympic Edition
August 08, 2008
So I don't know about you all, but this weekend I'm going to try and spend as much time in front of the television as possible. My son's preschool is having an Olympic-themed week starting Monday so I figure a little preparation won't hurt him, right? For those of you who plan on seeing the light of day, there does happen to be some great events going on in Los Angeles this weekend. For Read more...
Top 5 Los Angeles Beaches, Pools and Watering Holes
August 05, 2008
There are so many great beaches in Los Angeles. I have so many happy memories of skipping stones in Malibu, digging for sand crabs in Hermosa, body surfing in Redondo and building sandcastles at RAT beach. So really, if you're looking for a sun-soaked, salt watered day, just head west and stop when you hit the coast. Nevertheless, there are some specifically kid-friendly spots that are worth Read more...
Trump National Golf Club - A Tot Hiker's Haven
August 04, 2008
This past weekend our non-golfing family spent Sunday morning at Trump National Golf Course . No, we weren't signing up our two-year-old for golf lessons. Trump National Golf Course, situation at the edge of a cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes with a fabulous view of the ocean, is criss-crossed with public hiking trails and surrounded by swaths of protected land where plants native to the area grow Read more...
Weekend Warriors -- Beatles Edition
August 01, 2008
The other day a little girl showed up to my son's preschool with an ipod shuffle. Whether or not you would allow your preschooler their own personal music player, her playlist was absolutely awesome. In addition to the standard kiddie tunes and some great adult-friendly children's music, she was rockin' out to a bunch of old Beatles' numbers. And it's true, even a two-year-old can appreciate the Read more...
Water Play When You Don't Have a Yard
July 28, 2008
At least a few of my posts here at Being Savvy Los Angeles have had not-so-subtle grumblings about our lack of a yard. Don't get me wrong, we love our neighborhood and our condominium is spacious and I'm very, very thankful for our home. But I can't deny that I have frequent fantasies of my children running around in a yard, which will have a swing set, a sandbox and a vegetable garden where Read more...
Weekend Warriors - Sandcastle edition
July 25, 2008
There's nothing quite so quintessentially summer as building sandcastles at the beach. This Saturday from 10am-2pm, The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro will host a Sizzlin' Summer Sandcastle Day. BYO shovel, bucket and imagination, claim a spot on the sand and build castles, tunnels and moats galore. But what happens when you mix slime and sand? Slime-lovers are in luck this weekend as Read more...
Kids Going Green - Eden's Green Closet
July 23, 2008
From creating a separate recycling bin to eating locally grown foods to (gasp!) using public transportation, everyone seems to be going green nowadays. I'll be honest though, the importance of caring for the environment never really hit home for me until I had children. And even then, one area of waste I never considered was my kid's clothing. Until, that is, I happened upon Eden's Green Read more...
Weekend Warriors - Disco anyone?
July 18, 2008
This is a weekend where you're not going to want to stay at home. With everything from disco for babies to circus performances to those uber-celebrities of the preschool set (I'm talking about Diego and Dora, don't you know) coming to town, you're preschooler is bound to have fun. On Saturday morning at 11, head down to Topanga Canyon's Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum for Creative Playground 's Read more...
Mozart, Moby or Miles -- Pershing Square Kids
July 16, 2008
One of the best parts of writing for Being Savvy Los Angeles has been discovering the sheer multitude of things to do in this city. For instance, did you know that Los Angeles has an outdoor ice skating rink? In downtown, no less? Pershing Square, a square block of public space in the heart of downtown, transforms into an outdoor skating rink every winter. Obviously that's not the most useful Read more...
Happy Quatorze Juillet
July 14, 2008
Our friends in France are celebrating Bastille Day today. And, as a matter of fact, Angelenos were celebrating it on Sunday in WeHo (sorry I missed it for last weekend's Weekend Warriors ). Still, there are plenty of ways to introduce your child to French culture and language in Los Angeles. Not only is Los Angeles home to two different French preschool-12th private schools, each with multiple Read more...
Weekend Warriors
July 11, 2008
It's been a long week, hasn't it? I'm really feeling the whole TJIF sentiment today. Even better, this weekend my family will be heading down to my parents' home in the South Bay (free babysitting! Woohoo!). In that vein, we'll start the edition of Weekend Warriors in Redondo Beach, right smack in the heart of the South Bay. On Saturday, why not drive down Redondo Beach? You can spend the day Read more...
Three Days In and Around Los Angeles - Downtown
July 10, 2008
Downtown is probably more friendly to suits and singles than families with kids under five, but that doesn't mean that can't be an interesting place for your children. Especially if your children haven't experienced, well, really tall buildings that can be kind of cool. And if you are here for business, but had to bring along the kids, this list will help you navigate the kid-friendly side of Read more...
Three Days In and Around Los Angeles - Santa Monica
July 08, 2008
Obviously we could spend several days writing about just one of the many LA neighborhoods (and we have so check the archives yo!), but not all of us are lucky enough to actually live here (insert sarcasm about smog and traffic). What if you only had three days to spend in LA? What are the must-sees? Where should you stay? And, most importantly, what should you eat ? For the next three days Read more...
Weekend Warriors: Independence Day edition
July 04, 2008
If you're not going away for the long weekend or pet sitting for your parents that are (that's us!), there's plenty of Independence Day and non-Independence Day related activities to keep you and your little ones entertained. Of course, tonight you'll need to check out the fireworks . If you miss the fireworks tonight, you can still catch them post game at The Home Depot Center . Saturday Read more...
Layover Lifesavers: A Preschooler's Guide to the LAX
July 02, 2008
LAX is not a place I look forward to spending any time at all. Whether you're arriving, departing, dropping someone off or picking someone up, LAX is a tangled maze of cars, people, and of course, planes. If you happen to have a longish layover in LA, don't try and wait it out at the airport, especially if you have children. Since you need to estimate being at the airport at least two hours Read more...
Essential Summer Music -- Summer Music Festivals In and Around Los Angeles
July 01, 2008
Summer has descended and with it has come the annual outdoor music festivals. Unlike indoor concerts where children are generally expected to stay still and quiet (and, really, what fun is that?), these outdoor concerts are the perfect opportunity to expose your child to professional music in a fun, more laid-back environment. They're also perfect for a romantic date with your SO. Of course no Read more...
Los Angeles Fireworks Round-up
June 30, 2008
When I was little my parents would lay out a blanket in our front yard and we would watch the fireworks rising above a nearby local park while running up and down the street with the rest of the neighborhood kids. My own kids are growing up in a condo where there will undoubtedly be no balcony view of pyrotechnics. There are, however, many great places in Los Angeles to celebrate our nation's Read more...
Weekend Warriors
June 27, 2008
Help your children learn about going green at Venice Eco-Fest this Saturday from 10am-7pm at Windward Avenue and Ocean Front Walk. They will have a special Kid's Explor-o-rama featuring animals, stories and music. It's also a great opportunity to safely dump everything from old computers to defunct cell phones. For those who can't manage to wait for Fourth of July of fireworks, Santa Monica Read more...
5 Ways to Get to Know Los Angeles with Your Preschooler
June 24, 2008
Los Angeles, unlike most major metropolitan cities, is sprawling. Taking stock of the city as a whole can be daunting, even more so when you have a preschooler in tow. And while so many Angelenos spend most, if not all, of their lives in their respective neighborhoods, that really is a shame. So why not play tourist (albeit a far cooler, in-the-know tourist) this summer and explore the City of Read more...
Weekend Warriors: Summer Solstice Edition
June 20, 2008
Today is officially the longest day of the year. Even better, LAUSD closed its magnificent doors on our children yesterday and today is the official first day of summer. That means that this weekend is going to be a very, very long weekend, which is a good thing right!?! But what are you going to do with all that extra time? This Saturday from 1-3pm, kick off the summer by celebrating the Read more...
Weekend Warriors: Father's Day edition
June 13, 2008
When our weekends aren't already filled with kids' birthday parties or visits to the grandparents' house, my husband and I quite often look at each other dumbly, wondering what in the world we're going to do to fill the time. Half the time we just end up puttering around the house or maybe spending a few hours at the park. Sound familiar? Well, hopefully we'll be able to overcome our seemingly Read more...
Mozart, Moby or Miles: Saturday mornings at Ford Amphitheatre
June 11, 2008
Everywhere you turn, it seems, there's a summer music festival going on in LA. I suppose you really can't have too much music though, right? Like its nearby big brother the Hollywood Bowl, Ford Amphitheatre hosts an excellent annual summer music festival in the evenings. But for the kids there is Big!World!Fun!, their Saturday morning family concert series. There's no need for your wiggly Read more...
What's in a Name - The Hollywood sign
June 05, 2008
Los Angeles is known world-wide for Hollywood, but ironically, most tourists probably know more about it than than most native Angelenos (especially those not involved in that business we call show). Most of us are so busy trying not to look like tourists that we never bother to visit the so-called tourist traps. But (warning: parental boasting ahead!) my son has recently learned his alphabet Read more...
Mozart, Moby and Miles -- SummerSounds at the Hollywood Bowl
June 04, 2008
There's nothing quite so romantic or fun as an evening at the Bowl, listening to music under the stars. Kids love the outdoor setting and the endless flights of stairs. And who wouldn't love eating a picnic dinner with hundreds of other Angelenos? Unfortunately, sometimes the evening concerts are just a little too late for our littlest ones. Luckily, every summer the Hollywood Bowl holds Read more...
Budding Art Critic -- Boone Children's Gallery at the LACMA
June 02, 2008
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...
Mozart, Moby or Miles - Grand Performances Summer Festival
May 30, 2008
Mozart, Moby or Miles Grand Performances Summer Festival My brothers and I grew up to a pretty eclectic collection of music. At any given time, my parents were indoctrinating us to the tunes of Nirvana, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or Chopin. I've always appreciated this early exposure to such diverse sounds. With two-thirds of the performers hailing from around the LA area and the others part of Read more...
10 Things you must do with your child in Los Angeles before they grow up
May 29, 2008
When Caius was born I had trouble imagining as one of those talkative, mobile toddlers I saw my friends running after, but here he is now about to start preschool. So even though it's impossible for me to picture my children as adults, I know that it will happen eventually. I may always be their mommy, but my time as their guide to the city is limited. Here are ten things I must do with them Read more...
Room to Run - 5 Places to Tire Out Your Preschooler
May 28, 2008
The hours between 2 and 4 in the afternoon are holy in our home. Mess with them and you have to deal with a burnt-out mommy in all her fury. Routine may be naptime's best bud, but a good run around outdoors never hurts either. Here are the five places I turn to when I need to ensure a good afternoon nap. 1. Palms Recreation Center This neighborhood park has a small playground perfect for young Read more...
5 Things To Do in Los Angeles on a Rainy Day
May 27, 2008
I know I'm not the only one that often finds myself wringing my hands on the rare rainy day around here. In Los Angeles, even rainy-day stand-bys like the mall are park-like ventures complete with farmer's markets (think: the Grove). So what is there to do in LA on a rainy day? Turns out, plenty. 1. California Science Center With special exhibits geared towards children under 7, the California Read more...
5 Best Ways to Enjoy Griffith Park
May 26, 2008
Los Angeles isn't exactly known for its wide open spaces. But even though Griffith Park may not be as well known as say, Central Park, it has been Angelenos' backyard for generations. During the recent devastating wildfires, I couldn't peel my eyes off the images of the park in flames. Fortunately, the park is recovering and seems to be as robust as ever. 1. Los Angeles Zoo Set into the Read more...
Things That Go Vroom! - Travel Town at Griffith Park
May 16, 2008
Toddlers have no attention span and can't sit still for two moments, so the sayings go. But put a train in front of my son, and he is perfectly content to sit and chime choo choo! So as soon as my son was old enough to scramble around on his own two feet, I jumped at the chance when my mom's group planned a trip to Travel Town at Griffith Park where Los Angeles' locomotive history is on display. Read more...
History Lessons - Olvera Street
May 15, 2008
Known as the birthplace of the City of Angels, Olvera Street represents the oldest part of downtown. Technically, Los Angeles was founded on a site slightly southeast of Olvera Street in 1781 by a group of Spanish settlers, but they were forced to higher ground due to flooding. Olvera Street was the central street on the plaza of the new town. In the 1926, a socialite named Christine Sterling Read more...
The Littlest Picasso - Lakeshore Learning Store
May 14, 2008
There are countless stores around Los Angeles to buy top-quality professional art supplies (for top dollar, of course). There also countless toy stores with an aisle or so devoted to paints and play-doh and Crayola crayons. But I've found no better place to buy kids' arts and craft supplies and educational toys of all kinds, than Lakeshore Learning Store . Located on Venice Boulevard near the Read more...
5 Things To Do When the Sun's Shining
May 13, 2008
This list is nowhere near comprehensive since the sun shines here, well, a lot. LA has been designed with the sun in mind so you'd be hard-pressed to find places that aren't good for sunny day visits. Here are a few of my favorites nonetheless: 1. Redondo Beach and Pier After splashing around in the waves, head up to the pier and eat lunch at Pacific Fish Center where you're giant crabs and Read more...
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in west la
Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle
Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues
Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories
Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
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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