Events
through May
"Number
the Stars" at the Laguna Playhouse
Thru May 14: Based on the book by Lois Lowry, "Number the Stars" takes
place during the German occupation of Denmark marking a story of courage and
faith, while integrating drama, adventure and humor (grade 4+). (949) 497-ARTS. www.lagunaplayhouse.com
"A
Little Princess" at the Laguna Playhouse
Thru May 17: Laguna Playhouse's Youth Theatre presents this favorite classic:he
classic heartwarming story of the real magic made by a loving heart. When Sara
Crewe's father is made bankrupt, Sara is reduced from enormous wealth to terrible
poverty. Friday 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1p.m. and
5 p.m. Adults, $20; kids $18. Laguna Playhouse. (949) 497-ARTS. www.lagunaplayhouse.com
Children's
Book Week
Thru May 17: Special events and activities will be held in libraries and schools
throughout the county. Find local events at www.cbcbooks.org
Imagination Celebration in Orange
County
Thru May 17: An annual arts festival, featuring family-friendly performances
and exhibits county-wide; individual events are listed throughout Kidsguide's
print and online calendar. The 2009 theme is "Spark Your Imagination." (714)
556-5160. www.ocimaginationcelebration.org
Strawberry Tours 2009 at Tanaka Farms
Thru June 21: It's back! Tanaka Farms kicks off its popular and family-friendly
Strawberry Tours! Take a wagon ride, learn how veggies are grown, and pick
(and eat!) your own strawberries. 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine. Call for
reservations. (714) 968-6588. www.tanakafarms.com
"Knott's
Preserved" in Long Beach
'Thru July 5: An evening of melodrama from the birdcage theater, the very theater
that started the career of comedy legend Steve Martin. Boo the villain and cheer
the hero in this fun-filled evening of nostalgia. Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays,
4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Adults, $20; kids (12 and under),
$14; and a special 1 adult and 1 kid (12 and under) combo ticket, $20. Parking,
$1 for 2 hours. All American Melodrama, Long Beach. (562) 495-5900. www.allamericanmelodrama.com
May
13
"Scooter's
Circus Adventure" in Huntington Beach
May 13: Enjoy a special outdoor presentation in celebration of Children's Book
Week on the lawn of the Main Street library by the Puppets and Players Little
Theater features a musical comedy centered around a little circus monkey's search
for who he wants to be. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. $4 per person.
Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April
21. Huntingto Beach Main Library. (714) 375-5107. www.hbpl.org
The
Library Fairy in Westminster
May 13: The Library Fairy helps creativity come alive as interactive stories
are drummed, danced, sung and performed in Story Theater with props. Wednesday,
4 p.m. Free. Westminster Library. www.ocimaginationcelebration.org
Young
Surfers Compete in Huntington Beach
May 13-17: Watch young surfers compete for a title at the National Scholastic
Surfing Association-sponsored West Coast championship. Huntington Beach Pier.
(714) 378-0899. nssa.org
May
14
Sea
Ranger Training in San Pedro
May 14: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's program train volunteers (grade 5+ - adult)
to provide interpretation and monitoring of the Cabrillo fishing pier, Salinias
de San Pedro salt march, Point Fermin State Marine Park and other habitats. Also
offered, May 21, 28 and June 4, 5 - 6 p.m. $30 (financial assistance available).
Preregistration required. (310) 548-7562. www.cabrilloaq.org
Music
and Movement at the La Habra Children's Museum
May 14: Music educator Ms. Lydia will guide little ones 4 and under and their
parent through a magical class of playful activities, including singing, clapping,
dancing and giggling! Parent participation is required. Class size is limited
to 15 children. Reservations required, call 562-905-9793. Thursday, 10:30-11:15
a.m. Free with museum admission. www.lhcm.org
May 15
Family
Camp Out in Anaheim
May 15-16: Family Camp Under the Stars Overnighter and enjoy arts, crafts,
activities, games and of course campfire songs, skits and s'mores! Bring
your tent and camping gear. Dinner and continental breakfast included. Pre-registration
required. Friday, 5 p.m.-Saturday, 10 a.m. Adults, $25; kids, $15. Oak Canyon
Nature Center. (714) 998-8380. www.anaheim.net/ocnc
Family Camp in Lakewood
May 15-16: Families (3-10) can camp out "under the stars" with a
real campfire at Monte Verde Park. Activities include games, crafts, nature
walks, roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire. Camp guides will
be on hand to help you set up and help your children enjoy the fun. Meals and
snacks are provided. Enrollment is limited. Saturday, 3 p.m. - Sunday, 10 a.m.
$17 per pair; $7 for each additional person. Lakewood Recreation and Community
Services. (562) 866-9771, Ext. 2408.
Duck-A-Thon Rubber Duck Festival
May 15-17: Take part in this popular Huntington Beach tradition! Watch 4,000
rubber duckies race each other to the shore after being dropped off the Huntington
Pier. The three-day event features food, kids' activities, and the chance
to raise money for a good cause – ltaMed's Huntington Beach Community
Clinic. Friday night Wine Tasting, 6-8 p.m., $40 per person; Saturday, 10
a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (714) 500-0382. duckathon.org
OC Greek Fest
May 15-17: Celebrate Greek culture with native cuisine, music, and a Kids'
Zone with games, rides and other fun activities. Stroll through the Plaka
and browse through souvenir booths boasting Greek jewelry and artifacts.
Admission, $3. Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon - 10 p.m. St.
John's Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim. (714) 827-0180. ocgreekfest.com
Extreme Motorsports Expo in OC
May 15-17: For the family who loves motorsports, the 7th annual expo includes
exhibits, offroad demos and shows and raffels. Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday,
10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $12; kids (7-12), $5.
OC Fair and Events Center, Costa Mesa. www.ocfair.com, www.extrememotorsportsexpo.com
May 16
Scout-O-Rama
2009
May 16: Families enjoy a day of demonstrations, rock wall climbing, water rocket
launches and games. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 per family. Tickets may be
purchased at event or pre-sale from your local scout. Oak Canyon Park, Silverado. www.ocbsa.org/scoutorama2009
Mr. California USA and Miss Southern
California USa Pageant
May 16: Kids (5+), teens, and young men and women compete to be named "Mr.
California USA" and "Miss Southern California USA" in four age
divisions. An after party with dancing and refreshments is open to ticket holders
and contestants and will be held immediately following the pageant. Saturday,
4 p.m. Pageant will be held at Martha Knoebel Theatre, CSULB. After-party will
be held at Eagle's Nest Clubhouse, Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. See April
7 for details. (310) 720-1681. www.mrcaliforniausa.com, www.misssoutherncaliforniausa.com
Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival in Fullerton
May 16: 14th annual festival features hot rods and custom cars, pancake breakfast,
music, plus a pinewood derby race for kids. Saturday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Sunday,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. General admission $5-$10, kids (under 12) free. Muckenthaler
Cultural Center, Fullerton. (714) 738-3383. www.themuck.org
ICT Presents "Letters to Harriet
Tubman"
May 16: ICT's Free Saturday Family Series presents "Letters to Harriett
Tubman," a performance revisiting Tubman's days as an abolitionist, humanitarian,
Union spy, and Underground Railroad conductor during the Civil War. Songs performed
onstage examine the politics of the day and the importance of the fight for
freedom and equality. For ages 5 and up. Free; parking, $10. Call for reservations.
Saturday, 11 a.m. Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long
Beach. (562) 495-4595, ext.10. www.internationalcitytheatre.org
Endangered Species Day at Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium
May 16: Learn about marine animals that have been endangered and how they are
currently faring today. Start the day on a guided tidepool walk, then join
in a scavenger hunt, special storytime and more. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Free.
(310) 548-7563. www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Speedcubing at The Cube
May 16: Discover a full day of mind-bending activities as Rubik’s Cube
speedsolvers compete in a variety of categories. Events will include blind-folded
solving, one-handed solving and more! Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (714) 542-2823. www.discoverycube.org
"A Walk Through Waldorf" in
Long Beach
May 16: Parents, learn about the unique philosophy behind Waldorf education
and its inspired curriculum at Maple Village School's parents-only lecture, "A
Walk Through Waldorf." Hear from Christiane Bohr, a 6th grade Waldorf
teacher and mother of two Waldorf-educated children. Light refreshments will
be served at 9:15 a.m. 9:30-11
a.m. Maple Village School, 4017 E. 6th St., Long Beach. (562) 331-5905.
Pokemon "Platinum: Rising Rivals" Pre-Release
Party in Costa Mesa
May 16: Join the Pokemon League and other fans at Best Western Newport Mesa
Inn in Costa Mesa to get a look at the newest expansion card set of the popular
anime. New players can also play! Cost is $25 for six booster packs. Registration
begins at 10 a.m. Event begins at 10:45 a.m. Best Western Newport Mesa Inn,
2642 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. (714) 260-6406. www.op.pokemon-tcg.com
Puck's
Apprentice: Sushi in Pasadena
May 16: Kids (6-10) work alongside a Wolfgang Puck chef as they learn to assemble
and roll their own sushi. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. $50 includes a take-home sushi
kit. Register online. Kidspace Museum. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org
Flights of Fantasy Story Theatre in
Orange
May 16: Lorrie Oschatz performs a rollicking story circus of multicultural
literature with costumes, props and a healthy dose of laughter. Saturday, 11
a.m. Free. Orange Main Library. www.ocimaginationcelebration.org
Anaheim Children's Art Festival
May 16: This 16th annual festival features more than 50 free art activities,
so kids can paint, sculpt, dance, sing, make puppets or work with paper,
clay and pipecleaners; plus live performances, a chalk-art contest and carnival
booths. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. Center Street Promenade at Anaheim
Blvd. (714) 991-8745. www.downtownanaheim.com
Kayak at the Bay with Cypress Recreation
May 16: Kayak at the Bay for families (9+) includes equipment and bar-b-que
lunch. Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $22 per person. Leeway Sailing Center, Long
Beach, (714) 229-6780. www.ci.cypress.ca.us/recreation
Koi Spring Event at Mission San Juan
Capistrano
May 16: The Mission presents “Carp” Diem: Koi Culture. Enjoy presentations
about koi, view paintings of the fish in the Mission's fountains by noted artists
and watch interpretive dances. Featured for the day will be Richard Wainwright's
colorfully illustrated book, Royal Koi and Kindred Spirits. Kids' activites
also include making an origami (paper) koi and creating a watercolor koi wash.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (949) 234-1322. www.missionsjc.com
Bug
Safari in Fullerton
May 16: Kids (6+) explore the insect world as "Arboretum Entomologists" with
hands-on activities such as catch and release and observation. Saturday, 9:30
- 10:30 a.m. $3; reservations required. (714) 278-4794. www.arboretum.fullerton.edu
Steve Songs at the Geffen
May 16: PBS morning host Steve Songs combines participatory songs, clever
stories and great melodies into an experience that leads young listeners
on a musical and educational journey for kids (2-6). Part of the Saturday
Scene series. Saturday, 11 a.m. $15 per person. Geffen Playhouse. Los Angeles.
(310) 208-5454. www.geffenplayhouse.com
Children's Day Celebration in Los Angeles
May 16: There's one rule: Kids rule! Play and run through the streets of Little
Tokyo; participate in the Chibi-K Kids Fun Run; play 3-on-3 basketball in
the San Tai San Basketball Tournament for boys and girls; and take taiko,
sushi-making and manju-making workshops throughout the day! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Japanese American Cultural Center, Los Angeles. (213) 628-2725. www.jaccc.org
Golden State Pops Orchestra Presents "VideoGame
Soundtracks"
May 16: What happens when Golden State Pops collaborates with composers from
the video game industry? An evening concert loaded with fun and familiar tracks!
$15-$35. 8 p.m. 478 West 6th St., San Pedro. (310) 433-8774. gspo.com
25th
Annual Strawberry Festival in Oxnard
May 16-17: Delicious strawberries served every way imaginable! Live music, exhibits
from more than 300 artisans, food vendors, strawberry delicacies and contests,
plus Strawberryland For Kids, featuring hands-on art and gooey contests! Saturday
and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Adults, $12; kids (5-12), $5. Strawberry Meadows
of College Park, Oxnard. (888) 288-9242. www.strawberry-fest.org
Bug Fair at the Natural History Museum
May 16-17: The largest insect fair in North America, featuring more than 60
exhibitors with live and preserved insects, plus insect arts and crafts and
insect-themed paraphernalia. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Presented by the Natural
History Museum's Insect Zoo. (213) 763-DINO. www.nhm.org
"Twelve Dancing Princesses" from
Broadway on Tour
May 16-17: Bring your little prince and princess for dancing and singing. Saturday
and Sunday. Broadway on Tour. $10, optional tea party before the 2 p.m. shows,
$15. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows; Sunday, 2 p.m. (714) 542-6939. www.broadwayontour.org
May 17
Bookworms
Storytime at LA Arboretum
May 17: Learn about the Earpod Tree with a nature story and a themed craft
project. Sunday, 2 p.m. Free with admission. Adults, $7, kids (5-12), $2.50.
Arcadia. (626) 821-3222. www.arboretum.org
Kids
ROCK Music and Nature Festival
May 17: An outdoor family concert featuring great music, organic food, and hands-on
eco-activities at the historic Old Zoo picnic area at Griffith Park. Don't forget
to check out CNI's Nature Fair where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, pet animals
and make their own eco crafts. Admission $15 and includes entry into the Nature
Fair. Sunday, 3:30 p.m. Griffith Park Old Zoo. www.KidsRockLA.com
Sunday Story Studio at Cabrillo Marine
Aquarium
May 17: Discover the wonders of the ocean through stories, poems, puppet shows
or by singing marine-themed songs throughout the aquarium. Sunday, 12:45-1:45.
Also offered on August 10. Free. San Pedro. (310) 548-7563. www.cabrilloaq.org
"My Fair Lady" in Long Beach
May 17: Watch as Eliza Doolittle is transformed into a lady with manners and
etiquette. Optional scones or lunch with tea available. Sunday,3 p.m. $10-$27.50.
Reservations required. Entertaining Events. (562) 533-0714. www.entertainingevents.org
Storytelling at the Getty
May 17: Join storyteller Makinto with Carnival, Cops, and a Mystery! as he
uncovers an imaginary plot in James Ensor's colossal painting, Christ's Entry
into Brussels in 1889. Sunday, 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Free;
sign up at the Information Desk. Los Angeles. (310) 440-7360. www.getty.edu
|
|
Visit Six Museums of the Arroyo For Free
in Pasadena
May 17: MOTA Day features five unique history-based museums that preserve and
perpetuate early Los Angeles life. Visit one or all of the museums at no charge,
plus take advantage of the free, continuous shuttle service between locations.
Museums include: The Gamble House, Heritage Square Museum, The Lummis Home
and Garden, Pasadena Museum of History, and Southwest Museum of the American
Indian. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Heritage Square, 3800 Homer Street,
Los Angeles. (213) 740-8687. www.museumsofthearroyo.com
Family Arts Fetival Day at La Habra Children's
Museum
May 17: Enjoy a free admission day of fun, food, and art at the annual Arts
Festival Day at the Children's Museum at La Habra. This year, celebrate the
Museum's temporary exhibit, Ring of Fire, through hands-on crafts, electrifying
cultural performances and delicious international cuisine. Among the many
cultures in this region, the Arts Festival Day will feature Japanese, Indonesian,
Peruvian, Hawaiian,
Alaskan and Russian cultures in its performances and take-home crafts. Other
Arts Festival Day activities include carnival games, face painting, storytelling,
and balloon art. Families won't want to miss this seismic event! Sunday, noon-4
p.m. Admission free. (562) 905-9793. www.lhcm.org
May
19
Teddy
Bears Picnic in Downey
May 19-21: Kids (3-5) are welcome to join the special Teddy Bears' Picnic with
stories about beloved teddy bears as well as songs, crafts and picnic treats.
Bring a favorite teddy bear along. Tuesday and Wednesday. 10:30 a.m.; and Thursday,
7 p.m. Free. Downey City Library. (562) 904-7360 ext. 27. www.downeyca.org
May
20
Free
Parent Workshop: Parenting Teens
May 20: Offered through the ABC Unified School District, Parents will learn
the changes that teens are going through. Puberty brings physical, cognitive,
social and emotional changes in teens. Parents will learn how to help their
children adjust to this transition and how to effectively communicate with
teens to build better relationships. Free childcare available. Wednesday, 6:30
-8:30 p.m Cerritos. (562) 926-6734, ext. 25010 www.abcusd.k12.ca.us
Free
Casey Blake Bobblehead at the Dodgers Game
May 20: The first 50,000 game attendees recieve a Casey Blake bobblehead (with
paid addmission). Dodgers vs Mets. Free Kids Club (6-14), register on Web site.
Wednesday. Ticket prices vary. (323) 224-1520. www.dodgers.com
May
21
Sea
Ranger Training in San Pedro
May 21: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's program train volunteers (grade 5+ - adult)
to provide interpretation and monitoring of the Cabrillo fishing pier, Salinias
de San Pedro salt march, Point Fermin State Marine Park and other habitats.
Also offered, May 28 and June 4, 5 - 6 p.m. $30 (financial assistance available).
Preregistration required. (310) 548-7562. www.cabrilloaq.org
Wild Wee Ones in Anaheim
May 21: Kids (2-6) and their parent Listen to the enchanting tale of the Very
Hungry Caterpillar. Thursday, 11 a.m. - noon. $6. Oak Canyon Nature Center.
(714) 998-8380. www.anaheim.net/ocnc
May
22
Garden
Grove's 51st Annual Strawberry Festival
May 22-25: A strawberry soirée with carnival rides, games and food booths,
plus a parade on Saturday. Meet the Roadrunner and Snoopy as wel las other "celebrities." Contests
for kids include the Berry Berry Beautiful Baby pageant (3 and under), the
Red-Head Round-up, Tiny Tots King and Queen (3-6) and Strawberry Idol karoake
(16+). Friday, 1-10 p.m.; Parade, Saturday, 10 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10
a.m. - 10 p.m.; and Monday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Free. Village Green between Main
Street and Euclid Avenue. (714) 638-0981. www.strawberryfestival.org
May
23
Hula-Hula
Luau at the Newport Dunes
May 23: Grab the kids and the water toys for a Hawaiin party with a live
band, Hawaiian food and fun games for kids and adults at the Newport
Dunes Aquatic Fun Park. $20. Saturday, call for times. Newport Beach.
(949) 729-3863. www.newportdunes.com
African Wrap Dolls at CAAM
May 23: Today, kids (10+) will create their own African wrap doll using wire,
fabric and various adornments. Reservations recommended. Saturday, 1-3 p.m.
Free, parking, $6. California African-American Museam. Los Angeles. (213)
744-7432. www.caamuseum.org
Make a Ready-To-Go Kit Box at Lowe's Free
Kids' Worshop
May 23: Free Build and Grow kids' clinics offered monthly. Today, make your
own Ready-To-Go wood kit box. Parent participation required. Saturday, 10 a.m.
Free. Visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com for clinic
locations, upcoming projects and online sign-up. (800) 44-LOWES.
Bommer
Canyon Campout
May 23-24: Gather the family, a tent and some sleeping bags and campout in Irvine's
Outback in the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp. Includes BBQ dinner, light breakfast,
hikes, theater presentation, games, crafts, campfire and more (2+). An adult
must accompany children under 18. Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. - 11 a.m. $11 per
person. Call to register. One Sunnyhill Drive, Irvine. (949) 724-6738. www.irvineopenspace.org
Scots
Fest 2009 in Costa Mesa
May 23-24: Join in a Scottish Festival of Celtic entertainment with music, dance
and food, plus games and activities for kids of all ages. Saturday and Sunday,
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults, $18; kids (12 and younger), $3. OC Fair and Event Center,
Costa Mesa. (949) 716-4570. www.scotsfest.com
Puppet Show Marathon in Pasadena
May 23-25: Three days of puppet magic. Saturday, Santa Monica Puppet Center,
2 p.m.; Sunday, Wonderworld Puppets, 1 p.m.; and Monday, Moodoo Puppets,
1 p.m. Free with museum admission. Kidspace Museum. (626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org
Dinos Opening Day at the San Diego Wild Animal Park
May 23 - Sept. 7: The Conifer Forest crawls with creatures that roamed the
Earth 65 million to 150 million years ago with life-like robotic dinosaurs.
(760)
747-8702. www.wildanimalpark.com
May 24
Free
Webkins Pet at the Dodger Game
May 24: The first 15,000 kids (14 and under) receive a Webkins pet (with paid
admission). Dodgers vs Angels. Free Kids Club (6-14), register on Web site. Sunday.
Ticket prices vary. (323) 224-1520. www.dodgers.com
Excursion to March Field Air Museum
May 24: Trains, planes and trolleys all rolled together in to one day! Ride
the train from Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris to March Field Air
Museum
in
Riverside. Tour the air museum and return to OERM on the train. Sunday. Advance
reservation required, includes train ride and admission to March Air Field
Museum; kids (5-11), $20; adults (12+), $30. (951) 657-2605. www.oerm.org
May
25
71st
Annual Fullerton Memorial Day Observance
May 25: The hour-long program includes music, patriotic speeches, gun salute,
placement of wreaths and a special salute to the U.S Air Force. Wednesday,
10 a.m. Free. Loma Vista Memorial Park. (714) 738-6575. www.ci.fullerton.ca.us
May
26
Meet
the Grunion at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
May 26: Watch the silvery fish come up on the beach to spawn during a late-night
event that includes presentations on grunion and exhibits. Bring warm clothes
and a flashlight. Tuesday, 8 p.m.; predicted run 11:05 p.m.-1:05 a.m. Adults,
$5; kids, $1. Also offered June 9 and 24 and July 9 and 23; in June and July,
grunion can be fished by hand (16 and under, without a license). (310) 548-7562.
www.cabrilloaq.org
Wild Wee Ones in Anaheim
May 26: Kids (2-6) and thier parent go on a hike to discover
spring colors. Tuesday, 11 a.m. - noon. $6. Oak Canyon Nature Center. (714)
998-8380. www.anaheim.net/ocnc
May
27
Free
Parent Workshop in Costa Mesa
May 27: Parents learn "Growing and Learning with Fun and Games,"
the last installment of the Healthy Families series. Each family receives a
free book. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Free. Costa Mesa Library, Dungan. (949) 646-8845.
May
28
Kids
and the Law Workshop
May 28: Parents and kids (8+) learn a basic overview of the laws that
apply to kids, including bikes, skateboard and scooters, laws that young
drivers should know and school rules. Taught by a Sheriff’s Deputy.
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Safety Center at Lakewood Center Mall.
(562) 623-3583.
Sea Ranger Training in San Pedro
May 28: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's program train volunteers (grade 5+
- adult) to provide interpretation and monitoring of the Cabrillo fishing
pier, Salinias de San Pedro salt march, Point Fermin State Marine Park
and other habitats. Also offered June 4, 5 - 6 p.m. $30 (financial assistance
available). Preregistration required. (310) 548-7562. www.cabrilloaq.org
Catalina Island Flying Fish Festival
May 28-31: This four-day event welcomes the famed flying
fish back to Catalina. Family activities include a Marine Touch Tank
at the Tuna Club, the Taste of Avalon, a kids' fishing derby, sand sculptures,
beach bingo, kayak relay races and obstacle course, guided tours of Wrigley
Garden, and of course flying fish tours in the evenings. Thursday - Sunday,
hours vary 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Costs vary per activity. Catalina Island.
(310) 510-1520. www.catalinachamber.com
May
29
Sesame
Street Live Presents "Elmo's Green Thumb"
May 29 -31: Join all your favorite friends on an amazing adventure as they
help Elmo find a new home for Sunny, his sunflower friend who he raised
from a seedling, in "Elmo’s Green Thumb" Elmo, Zoe,Telly
and friends explore Big Bird’s garden and learn some big lessons
from dancing ladybugs and beautiful butterflies to grouchy beetles that
scavenge the garden floor. Nokia Theater, Los Angeles. (213) 763-6030.
www.sesamestreetlive.com
"The
Brand New Kid" at South Coast Rep
May 29 - June 14: Say "Yes" to tolerance and "No" to meanness!
Ellie and Lazlo find a way to teach an important lesson about being yourself
in this musical based on the book “The Brand New Kid” by Katie
Couric. Presented by South Coast Rep's Theatre for Young Audiences, Costa Mesa.
$17-$28. www.scr.org
May
30
Movie
on the Lawn at Great Park
May 30: Gather the family and bring your chairs and blanket and movie
snacks for the feature movie "Transformers." Saturday,
8 p.m. Free. Orange County Great Park, Irvine. www.ocgp.org
Junior Lifeguard Tryouts in Long Beach
May 30: The city's Junior Lifeguard Program offers kids 9-17 the
opportunity to receive instruction on lifeguard rescue technique,
emergency first aid, marine ecology and the chance to serve their
community. The six-week course also includes field trips and
lifeguard competitions. Students must be able to swim 100 yards
in less than 2 minutes to qualify. Scholarships available. Saturday,
8-10 a.m. Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, 4000 Olympic Plaza, Long
Beach.
Tryouts
also
held June 6. (562) 570-8550. www.longbeach.gov/fire
Free Fishing Derby in Cerritos
May 30: Kids (2-15) have an opportunity to enjoy fishing while
competing for prizes and trophies. Saturday, 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.;
registration begins at 8 a.m. Free. Cerritos Regional Park.
www.dfg.ca.gov,
www.fishinginthecity.org
Mini Chef's Do Mexico! at La Habra Children's Museum
May 30: Based on the popular and award-winning Handstand Kids Cookbook Series.
This class will offer your child a hands-on, unique cooking experience. The
one hour class uses organic ingredients to make healthy and yummy foods from
around the world. The course will take kid chefs (5-10) to Mexico and introduce
them to its language and culture. Your little chef can learn vocabulary and
simple phrases as they cook fresh Guacamole and Cheesy Quesadillas! Children
will have recipes to enjoy and share with parents at the end of class. Saturday,
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $10 per child per session or $25 for three sessions.
Space is limited, please call for reservations (562) 905-9793. www.lhcm.org
Family Fun Run in Irvine
May 30: Come out with your family and get fit! There will be a 1 mile fun run
for kids (5-12) and a 5 K walk/run for anyone who wants to join. Adults,
$10 and kids, $5. (949) 724-6817. www.irvinequickreg.com
Star Party at Griffith Observatory
May 30: Look through a large variety of professional and home-built telescopes
to view the sun, planets, the moon and deep sky objects like double-stars,
star clusters, and nebulae. The observatory’s Zeiss 12-inch refractor
and computer controlled 11-inch lawn telescopes are set up throughout
the event. Saturday, 2-10 p.m. Free. 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles.
(213) 473-0800. www.griffithobservatory.org
Long Beach Civil War Reenactment
May 30-31: El Dorado Park will host a 2-day Civil War Reenactment. Spectators
will see real live cannon fire, hundreds of combatants in period costumes,
historical figures, authentic battles, meet with the soldiers in their camps,
attend demonstrations and more during the two-day festival. Battles held twice
daily at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults, $12;
kids (5-11), $6; parking, $7. 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach. (805) 496-6036.
www.goldcoastfestivals.com
May
31
Who
Lives in the Ponds? in Fullerton
May 31: Using pond scopes, nets and microscopes to see pond life like
you've never seen it before. Learn about four-eyed bugs, bugs that fly
and bugs that bite; see the smallest flowering plants in the world and
where migrating birds like to build their nests--all this without getting
wet! Sunday, 1-3 p.m. $5 per family; reservations encoraged, w alk-ups
welcome. (714) 278-4794. www.arboretum.fullerton.edu
Spring Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos
May 31: Families can explore the sights and sounds of the Victorian era
as they learn the Maypole dance, unusual entertainment and live music. Sunday,
12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Adults, $5; kids (4-12), $3; reservations recommended.
Long
Beach.
(562) 570-1755. www.rancholoscerritos.org Storytelling at the Getty
May 31: Hear Angela Lloyd tell a unique story of luck and fortune inspired
by Dosso Dossi's painting, Allegory of Fortune. Sunday, 11:30 a.m.,
1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Free; sign up at the Information Desk. Los
Angeles. (310) 440-7360. www.getty.edu
Reptile
Show in Long Beach
May 25: Sleek and smooth or bumpy and rough, see snakes, lizards and amphibians
of all kinds. Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. El Dorado Nature Center. $5 per person.
7550 Spring St. (562) 570-1745. www.longbeach.gov/park American Girl New Historical Characters
May 31: At this casual event, girls (8+) can create crafts and
enjoy activities inspired by the stories of our newest historical
character. Sunday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free. American Girl Place
at The Grove, LA. (877) 247-5223. www.americangirl.com
Good Doggy Deeds Workshop at the Skirball
May 31: Cat and dog lovers join Roots and Shoots as they partner
with the Skirball Cultural Center to share a little joy with
some furry, four-legged friends. Kids are invited to make a
toy for their pets at home and another to donate to the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Los Angeles
and Pasadena. After the workshop, participants can rub noses
with dogs and cats from the SPCA. Adoption opportunities available!
Sunday, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Adults, $15; kids (2-12), $10. www.skirball.org
Events through
June
SEA
Club for 3rd- to 6th-Graders at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
June 1-22: On four consecutive Monday afternoons you can join the education staff
for a series of hands-on, after-school marine science adventures. Observe animal
behavior, examine rocky shore animals during a hike along the tidepools, explore
the wonders of mud at the salt marsh, get up-close with microscopes and take
part in a fish dissection. Includes SEA Club T-shirt. Financial assistance available.
$30 for the series. Mondays, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (310) 548-7563. www.cabrilloaq.org
"The Brand New Kid" at South Coast Rep
Thru June 14: Say "Yes" to tolerance and "No" to meanness!
Ellie and Lazlo find a way to teach an important lesson about being yourself
in this musical based on the book “The Brand New Kid” by Katie
Couric. Presented by South Coast Rep's Theatre for Young Audiences, Costa Mesa.
$17-$28. www.scr.org
Strawberry
Tours 2009 at Tanaka Farms
Thru June 21: It's back! Tanaka Farms kicks off its popular and family-friendly
Strawberry Tours! Take a wagon ride, learn how veggies are grown, and pick (and
eat!) your own strawberries. 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine. Call for reservations.
(714) 968-6588. www.tanakafarms.com
"Knott's
Preserved" in Long Beach
'Thru July 5: An evening of melodrama from the birdcage theater, the very theater
that started the career of comedy legend Steve Martin. Boo the villain and
cheer the hero in this fun-filled evening of nostalgia. Fridays, 7:30 p.m.;
Saturdays, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. Adults, $20; kids (12
and under), $14; and a special 1 adult and 1 kid (12 and under) combo ticket,
$20. Parking, $1 for 2 hours. All American Melodrama, Long Beach. (562) 495-5900. www.allamericanmelodrama.com
June 1
Free
Admission Night at Kidspace
June 1: The whole family can visit the museum free of charge including poetry
hosted by Don Kingfisher Campbell. Tuesday, 4-8 p.m. Free parking. Pasadena.
(626) 449-9144. www.kidspacemuseum.org |
Do
you know where your fruits and veggies come
from? Take a wagon ride through Tanaka Farms to find
out! Come to Irvine