Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in greater los angeles, CA

Weekend Roundup 8/8

August 06, 2009

Weekend Roundup

Traveling with the kids is such a chore, but remember that you are creating memories for them.  It's what you signed up for when you had kids, so you might as well accept that a vacation with them is not actually a vacation for you.  I learned that lesson again when my family went camping last weekend at Pismo Beach.  Read our story here.

For the next few weekends we'll be in Connecticut.  "Summering in Connecticut" as I like to say, even though it's only for most of August.  We'll enjoy the hot sticky weather there, and then come back to Los Angeles to cool off.  It's a dry heat. 

While we're away I will continue to highlight activities and ideas for you and your preschoolers.  Here are a few gems for this weekend:

TONIGHT - Thursday August 6
Summer Twilight Thursdays continue at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge.  An Afro-Brazilian group sings, you recline on a blanket with a picnic dinner, the kids scamper about, chasing butterflies.  It's a pretty picture.

SATURDAY - August 8
Consider taking advantage of Katie's Cooking School's parent's night out.  Drop off at 6:30 - your kids make a yummy treat and get to play, then you pick them up at 10:30.  Everybody wins.

FRIDAY - SUNDAY

Free concerts continue in the evening at Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena

Check out this awesome list of water play areas around town, courtesy of LA Kidstuff

County Fairs:

We drove by the Ventura County Fair last weekend and if we weren't so exhausted we absolutely would have stopped.  It looked like a blast!

Weekend Roundup - BlogHer '09 edition

July 23, 2009

There are no lazy days of summer around here, I'm afraid.  July kicked off our bad back/sick/family visiting/travel season so my household has been rather, well, chaotic.  I remind myself that priority 1 = the children.  Priority "up there too, honey" is my husband.  Then work (for $) then work (for the love, which includes this site), then parties like the ones at BLOGHER '09 which I am really excited to be attending this weekend.  I just can't contain it.  The networking, the free stuff that I will share with you, and the things I will learn will all come back to benefit this space.  If you are attending, please let me know so we can jump up and down and try not to pee our pants together.

Meanwhile, back in the valley...

SATURDAY

Frugal Festival!  Meet the Bargain Babe in person!  Get chances to win free cash!  Get financial advice on the run!  Play outside!

Space Camp at Borders in Canoga Park to celebrate 40th Anniversary of Apollo moon landing. (I will be at BlogHer but otherwise I would not be missing this event that is so perfect for my four year old.  Sigh.)

Free movie at Warner Center Park:  Alvin and the Chipmunks, starts at dusk.

SUNDAY

Warner Center Park free concert!  Desperado, an Eagles tribute band, 6 to 8pm.

Summer Family Fun at Farmers Market LA 12-3PM, face painting and a circus!

Weekend Roundup 5/30

May 28, 2009

My Gym Northridge open house Saturday and Sunday, 9:30AM to 2PM.  I took my younger son to this location of My Gym for quite a few months and we had a wonderful time.  The open house is a great way for you to check this facility out before committing to a class.  The owners and staff are sweet and perky and even at 8:30 in the morning they greet you with a smile.  This place is worth investigating.  818-998-7496

Do One Nice Thing:  Okay this isn't an event, it's an idea that I discovered...um, probably on Twitter, although I can't remember now.  The idea is that every Monday, you do one nice thing for someone.  Sounds easy, doesn't it?  Well, it is.  The website posts ideas for things to do each week.  Try it.  Tell us if you did, or tell them.  Wouldn't the world be a nicer place if everyone did something nice?

Elmo's Green Thumb:  Sunday at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles with additional shows June 7 in Long Beach.  Live show starring your favorite fuzzy red guy.  Tickets must be purchased at the venue.

Carnival!  At St. John Eudes church in Chatsworth.  Friday night through Sunday night.  Raffles, rides, food, and live entertainment in a giant shady tent, games for the kids, and it's local - no need to drive down to Disneyland for the weekend.

Brunch with a princess at Lollipop Dream in Sherman Oaks - Saturday 10-12.  Call to see if there is still space.  (818) 981-7446 

Weekend Roundup: May 16-17

May 14, 2009

Weekend Roundup May 16-17

SATURDAY

Worldfest:  Saturday, 10:30 - 7:00 at Woodley Park in Encino.  It's Earth Day again in May, with a solar-powered festival celebrating and educating about how we can help preserve our environment.  With speakers, booths, entertainment, and appearances by local celebrities.   Admission is $7 for anyone over 12, and under 12 it's free.

SUNDAY

L.A. County Fair: Ferris wheels, pigs, Barbie, oh my! Ticket giveaway!

by Kim Tracy Prince

September 05, 2008

It's that time again, everybody. Time for the Los Angeles County Fair! I haven't been to The Fair since before I had children. Now that my kids are bit older, I can't wait to go. The opportunities for fun and learning seem endless. Petting zoos, exotic foods, carnival rides, environmental exhibits, competitions, and popular characters are only the beginning of what The Fair has to offer. The  Read more...

Creating Memories: Where To See Fireworks On Independence Day

by Kim Tracy Prince

July 03, 2008

I grew up in a beach town on the East Coast, where the 4 th of July fireworks show was easily reached on foot, and it was safe to walk home at night. My kids don't have that luxury, living an hour's drive away from the nearest beach. Luckily, everyone loves a great fireworks show, so there are many opportunities to see one closer to home (and therefore closer to bedtime) for your  Read more...

Weekend Roundup: June 28/29

by Kim Tracy Prince

June 27, 2008

Weekend Roundup: June 28 and 29 th Outdoor Movies and Concerts and Hula! Oh My! Now that I am noticing weekend events coming up left and right, it's easy for me to get overwhelmed. But one firm decision I made a few years ago helps to keep my days in perspective and allows us to enjoy our family time: no party hopping. Used to be that with my overpacked schedule,  Read more...