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

Weekend Warrior: The Best of the Best

by Susan Choi

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!

Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of June

by Susan Choi

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

by Susan Choi

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...

Weekend Warrior: Memorial Day Weekend

by Susan Choi

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: Last Weekend of March and Special VIP Event at Pottery Barn Kids at the Grove

by Susan Choi

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.

Weekend Warrior: Spring Equinox and Special Discount for Savvy Readers at Three Cheeky Monkeys

by Susan Choi

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!

Weekend Warrior: The First Weekend of March

by Susan Choi

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.  Read more...

99 Things to Do with your Little One Before Kindergarten: Part 1

by Susan Choi

January 27, 2009

My older daughter is a January baby. I used to want to send her to school early to give a two-grade gap between her and my younger daughter. As a four year old, she was already reading, writing, adding, doing our taxes and making dinner three nights a week. You know, she is a bit of an over-achiever but what can I say, she takes after her mama (I can hear my husband groaning behind me).  Read more...

Looking back at 2008

by Susan Choi

December 30, 2008

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

Library Card Sign-Up Month - The most crucial back-to-school item of all

by Nina Moon

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 -- Fines, Fire Trucks and Festivals

by Nina Moon

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...

Goodnight Moon Again? - Summer Reading

by Nina Moon

June 09, 2008

Summer for my family doesn't yet bring about the delight (for the kids) and the trepidation (for the parents) that it does in families with school-aged children. For those of you whose kids are just being let loose for the summer, you may be trying to think of ways to bridge the learning void till fall. Both the Los Angeles County Public Library and the Los Angeles Public Library (confusing,  Read more...

Room to Run - 5 Places to Tire Out Your Preschooler

by Nina Moon

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...