Dinosaurs
Night (or Day) at the Museum: Natural History
June 08, 2009
Growing up, I was a tomboy. I used to catch lizards by their tails, salt snails, and kill spiders when they dared invade my space. Even though my girls are little princesses, the one thing they seemed to have inherited from me is my amusement and tolerance for bugs and reptiles. We plant praying mantis pods in our backyard, dig through the dirt to find roly-poly bugs, and the other day, spent a generous portion of an afternoon trying to catch a lizard. So naturally, one of our favorite places to visit in LA is the Natural History Museum because of the Pavilion of Wings exhibition and the Discovery Center.
Butterflies aren't scary, right? Outside the museum is the Pavilion of Wings butterfly exhibit. Try to go when the day isn't hot, otherwise it feels stifling in the pavilion. Also, wear white to increase chances that a butterfly will land on you (if you wish to avoid this possibility, then wear a patterned top and move around constantly). The butterflies fly around the pavilion freely which we think is really cool. Over the course of the summer, over forty different butterfly and moth species will call the pavilion home. Be sure to check it out while the weather is still cool. It will be going away on September 7 to prepare for the spider exhibition.
For the more adventurous, go down to the first level to the Discovery Center. It is a great place to take a preschooler. Everything is at eye-level for them and most of the items/exhibits in this room are touchable. There are puppets, puzzles, storybooks, bones, furs, rocks, minerals, artifacts, and more. There is also an area where children can dig for dinosaur fossils. At 3 pm everyday, there is an animal presentation. In addition to the large collection of live insects, amphibians, and fish, there is also a 12-foot Burmese python and an iguana to visit. More than the dinosaurs and animals of the various continents, my girls love the Discovery Center.
The cafe has delicious food, though a little pricey. Unfortunately you can't bring your own food into the cafe eating area but there is a large grassy area outside the museum. Go with a friend and enjoy!
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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...
5 Gifts that Keeps on Giving
December 16, 2008
What do you give to the family that has everything? How can you support local museums and other non-profit family attractions (and get a tax-deduction in the process)? Give the gift of membership this holiday season! Here are some of my favorite museums, where it pays to be a card-carrying member: 1) Natural History Museum --We come here at least a few times a year. My girls love butterfly Read more...
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in west la
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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
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