-Weekend-Whaddup- May 15, 16, 17
Tea Parties to bring the family together, the biggest Bicycle Race in the whole of these United States of America… plus a Circus, A Hard Day’s Night and and more-
Amgen Tour of California
The Amgen Tour of California is heading South and Friday will be at Magic Mountain for your Time Trial viewing pleasure. The race was supposed to be in Big Bear but since it’s snowing up there, they thought this made more sense. Probably less exciting but it’s a good opportunity for the time trial specialists to make up some time on the General Classification.
If you can’t make it on Friday, the climb up Mt. Baldy on Saturday or the ride into Pasadena on Sunday will both be great opportunities to see the spectacle up close.
Grab more info here: website
Daddy Daughter Tea Date
who: Daddies & Daughters
where: The Farmer’s Market LA, 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA, US (upstairs)
when: May 16, 2015 – 10:30am – 3:30pm
how much: free!
Organize and mobilize dads from as many parts of the globe as possible with the focus being on building stronger relationships with our daughters through the age old past time of High Tea. Why Tea? Read HERE for the answer to that.
This is part of a national movement to encourage dads to spend more quality time with their daughters, communicating their significance and connect daughter and dad. Often, when a girl feels valued by her father, she doesn’t go seeking that value in her male peers. A strong, healthy relationship with dad is a good indicator of emotional health and many other markers in young girls and one of the best ways to connect with our daughters is to take time to just sit and listen to them. Listen and engage them.
So sign up and come on down. This is an event not to be missed!
more info: website
Circus Vargas “Arlequin”
when:
where: 777 N. (sounds lucky doesn’t it?) Front St., Burbank
who: the whole family
how much: 15-70 bucks, kids under t2 are free
the whaddup:
Get ready for the ultimate entertainment extravaganza for all ages, where the magic begins and the heart-pounding, death-defying action takes place. It’s awe-inspiring excitement, all under the Circus Vargas big top… where aerialists, acrobats, clowns and the ballyhoo of nostalgic Americana engulf you from the magical moment.
Be sure to come 30 minutes early for an interactive pre-show where your kids create their own magic center ring.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.circusvargas.com or call 877-GOTFUN-1.
more info: website
Friday Jazz at LACMA
who: all ya’all
when:: Friday Nights (thru October)
how much: gratis
where: 5900 Wilshire Blvd
the Whaddup:
Don’t forget blankets, sweaters, chairs and a picnic to while you lounge on the grass and listen to the jazz… Every Friday from April 18th through the end of October, you can hear a free jazz concert at LACMA in the grand entrance.
Bring the kids early to snag great seats and let them run around Hancock Park, rolling down the hill and exploring the tar pits before the concert starts. And remember that the museum is free to all Los Angeles County residents after 5 p.m. on Fridays (Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays too!), so be sure to check out the latest exhibits.
more info: website
Wake Up With The Waves: Concerts at the Pier
when: every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
where: Westside, Santa Monica Pier , Central Plaza, Santa Monica, Ca
cost: Free
ages: 1-8
the Whaddup:
Wake up and hit the beach! Every Saturday morning there’s a new concert at the Santa Monica Pier with the kids series “Wake Up With the Waves.”
It’s a rotating cast of musicians and entertainers who get kids engaged with singing, dancing, playing and more, and there couldn’t be a more perfect way to start the day. Then stick around for family fun at the Pier afterwards. Saturday = planned!
May 16 – David Tobocman
more info: website
Get Inspired On A Family Hike
when: May 16 at 10 a.m.
where: Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Step away from the chores of home and take a walk with the ones you love… and a ranger. This is an easy 1-mile loop trail to learn about the local history and plants. Get spectacular 360 degree views of the mountains and ocean!
more info: website
Free Fun & Healthy Family Play Day
when: May 16 at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
where: Valley, Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen, Ca
cost: Free
ages: 1-13
the Whaddup:
There are over 40 booths full of exciting activities including story time, musical performances, physical activities, games, art activities, learning activities and prizes.
Every kiddo will go home with a free age appropriate book and families will receive a bag of fresh fruits and vegetables – while supplies last.
more info: website
Outdoor Screening: “A Hard Days Night”
when: May 16 at 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
where: NoHo Plaza, 5225 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, Ca
how much: Free
who: All Ages
the Whaddup:
North Hollywood International Film Festival presents the first in its series of Free Outdoor Summer Movies with a screening of the Beatles film, A Hard Days Night. Kids love the goofiness and the music, parents (and Grandparents) love it for the nostalgia and the movie itself!
Free popcorn, free movie, free fun! Be there at sundown and bring a sweater just in case.
more info: website
-Weekend-Whaddup-
CicLAvia
It’s Coming and You Can’t Stop it!
While it sounds like something that accompanies a rash or that a Z Pak knocks out, it’s way more fun than that. It’s a massive moving carnival designed to have you SEE your neighborhood on wheels of any size (non-motorized), or on foot. I’m especially excited by this because since it’s inception, this is the first time it’s come to OUR neighborhood… right through Studio City! I like that I don’t have to drive to a bike event! And partly because I used to be a 100% certified bike geek.
It feels like my two worlds are colliding in a cultural renaissance.
Restaurants and Shops along the route will be planning to see you, so get out there and enjoy everything they have to offer. Our Local Bike Shop: Studio Cycle Company will be open and ready to greet their neighbors. The parking lot behind the shop on Ventura will be cordoned off for your little ones to test their cycling skills away from the crowds along the main route. Big Kids and Adults will have to park out front, if your little one is just getting a feel for their wheels this is the place for them. The guys that work there will be able to help out with inner tubes if you spring a leak, Music, Giveaways, Food, and Fun. They are also hosting Pedal Pushers AMBUCS , which provides AmTryke therapeutic tricycles for children with special needs. Extra cool.
The Bigger Picture:
CicLAvia: The Valley
CicLAvia will hit the streets of the San Fernando Valley on Sunday, March 22 from 9am–4pm. Participants will be able to travel between North Hollywood and Studio City on car-free streets, using foot, pedal and non-motorized wheel power.
The route is simple, it runs 5.5 miles along Lankershim Boulevard between the North Hollywood Metro Red Line at Chandler Boulevard and the Universal Studio Red Line stop, and along Ventura Boulevard between Campo de Cahuenga and Coldwater Canyon. The route will highlight some of the gems of the East Valley including the North Hollywood Arts District, Universal City, the historic Campo de Cahuenga, Studio City Farmers Market and the famed Sportsmen’s Lodge. You don’t have to do it all, just come out and ride!
The Valley route is made possible with a grant from Metro Los Angeles.
New to CicLAvia? Here are four things you need to know for March 22:
- It’s FREE!
- It’s not a race and you don’t need a bike to participate. You can walk or skate to your heart’s content.
- There’s no beginning or end. You can start anywhere and go as far or as short as you want.
- The flow of participants goes both ways, just like regular traffic.
And if that’s not enough Neighborhood-ish-ness-
They put smaller activities together.
Saturday, February 7 – Noshing in NoHo
CicLAvia Explores returns on February 7 with a preview of part of our March 22, Metro Presents CicLAvia – The Valley route. CicLAvia is proud to partner with Secret City Tours founder John Bwarie for two walking tours of the NoHo Arts District that will include three food stops.
The tours will be held from 10:30am-noon and 12:30pm-2:00pm with a maximum of 20 participants per tour. Participants should expect to walk about two miles. Tour highlights include:
- History of NoHo, including its cowboy roots, commercial boom and the evolution of the Valley’s “home of the peach” into the NoHo Arts District
- Learn about the food and retail evolution of the neighborhood
- Visit the Television Academy Plaza, home base of the Emmy Awards and the Television Hall of Fame
- Experience the culture and history of the area bite by bite as you explore three local food destinations
- Leave with insider knowledge that you can share with family and friends at the March 22 CicLAvia – The Valley route!
Tickets for the CicLAvia Explores Noshing in NoHo event are $10, with a portion of the proceeds going to support CicLAvia. Details of where to meet will be sent following ticket purchase.
Click the links below for tickets:
10:30am tour TICKETS
12:30pm tour TICKETS
more info: website
Bob Baker’s “Something To Crow About”
when: Mar 19 at 10:30 a.m.
where:Bob Baker Marionette Theatre, 1345 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $15
ages: 2 & up
the Whaddup:
The Bob Baker company is L.A.! Join Mama and Papa Goat and 100 more of the world famous Bob Baker Marionettes for a musical “Day on the Farm” you will never forget. Really, you won’t. Everything from dancing scarecrows to tap dancing bullfrogs warbling “Shine On Harvest Moon”, Something To Crow About puts a smile on the faces of children of all ages.
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been declared an historic cultural monument by the city of Los Angeles, and performs in the nation’s oldest ongoing puppet theater. So you have a culturally significant reason to go, as well as just having a blast.
Weekends at 2:30 p.m. and weekdays at 10:30 a.m. through April 4.
more info: website
Skirball Playdate: A World of Puppets
Sunday, March 22
Where: Skirball Cultural Center
When: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $15 Fee is for one child and one adult, and includes admission to Noah’s Ark at the Skirball immediately after class. Fees apply for additional children or adults.
the Whaddup:
A special opportunity for aspiring puppeteers! Through movement, music, art making, and storytelling, explore a variety of forms of puppetry and performance. Get inspired by interacting with the amazing puppets in Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, then create your own ensemble of puppets to take home. Use your newfound puppetry skills again at the fourth annual Skirball Puppet Festival.
For more info: More Info
Sesame Street Live @ The LA Zoo
Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 22
Where: The LA Zoo
When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up
Cost: Included with museum admission
the Whaddup:
There are so many furry friends to see at the L.A. Zoo… and on this very special weekend, there will be one more: everyone’s favorite red monster from Sesame Street Live, Elmo! Come take your child’s picture with Elmo, enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to area performances of Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance,” and get exclusive savings on ticket purchases. Plus, all families visiting the Zoo will receive a gift card for a free personalized photo book courtesy of Shutterfly.
For more info: More Info
Junior Chef: Kids Cooking Class “Easter Baking” @ Williams-Sonoma Sherman Oaks
Saturday, March 21
Where: Sherman Oaks Fashion Square 14006 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Suitable for ages 5-13
How: Call (818) 906-2787 to make a reservation
Cost: Free!
the Whaddup:
The Easter Bunny will stop in his tracks when he spies this adorable little cake you’ve baked and decorated in his own likeness! We bet that your parents will ask you to make one for everyone at your holiday table.
For more info: More Info (818) 906-2787
Cherry Blossom Festival @ Descanso Gardens
Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 22
Where: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge CA 91011
When: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Just show up
Cost: $9 adults, Students $6, child (4-12) $4
the Whaddup:
Descanso Gardens celebrates the arrival of Spring in Japan with its annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can learn more about these beautiful trees on guided walks and get a taste of Japanese culture. Events throughout the weekend include origami (both days 11am – 3pm) and walking tours of the cherry trees in the Gardens (Saturday and Sunday, 10am, 12noon, & 2pm). June Kuramoto performs on the koto, the national instrument of Japan.(both days 1pm – 2:30pm).
For more info: More Info
Make A Wish, Have A Ball: Cinderella!
when: Mar 19 at Various times
where: Downtown, Ahmanson Theatre, 601 West Temple St., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $25 & up
ages: 6 & up
the Whaddup:
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting kids with a contemporary take on the classic tale. You saw the cartoon, you saw the live action movie, now see it on stage!
What to know before deciding to bring kids: The show is two hours and 23 minutes, including an intermission. And while it is recommended for all ages, the theater reminds us that kids 6 and under who may cry or fidget are never admitted.
more info: website
LA Kids Consignment in Woodland Hills
Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 22
Where: Woodland Hills Promenade Mall 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Lower level near escalators
When: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM open till 5pm on Sundays
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up! Shop here once and you won’t want to pay full retail again.
Cost: Free
the Whaddup:
Huge semi-annual kids consignment sale with 600+ families contributing 100,000+ new and gently-used kids items. You can find everything for your kids 0-14 at 50-75% off retail prices including clothes, toys, shoes, strollers, DVDs, furniture, books, games, and so much more! This only happens in the Valley twice a year. Shopping is easy – everything is clean, in working order and clothing is hung by size and gender.
For more info: For more info about consigning or shopping check out www.lakidsconsignment.com
650 families are contributing over 100,000 amazing new and gently-used items to this week’s LA Kids Consignment sale. At the largest consignment sale in Southern California you’ll find everything you need for your kids (newborn through pre-teen!): clothes, toys, shoes, strollers, games, puzzles, DVDs, bikes, outdoor play equipment, maternity, furniture, women’s purses and so much more!!! Prices are amazing – up to 75% off retail prices. All items have been inspected so you’ll find good, high quality items. And it’s easy to shop – all clothing is hung by size and gender and all toys and equipment are grouped by category. Shop here once and you’ll never pay full retail again!
Public sale:
Thursday, March 19, 9am-7pm
Friday, March 20, 9am-7pm (we’re also have 10,000 new items from 50 more consignors on Friday morning)
Saturday, March 21, 9am-7pm
Sunday, March 22, 9am-5pm 50% off most items
Location:
Westfield Promenade Mall
Lower Level (former Dicks Sporting Goods store)
6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(in the mall with the AMC Movie theater, 2 Macy’s, Ruth Chris’ restaurant. Enter on the lower level near the Ruth Chris)
Get added to the email list to find out all about all our other locations: Valencia, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, and Torrance.
Do you have items you want to sell? You probably have $500 sitting in your closet! You can participate in upcoming sales. Read about what you can consign and how it works – you prepare it, drop it off to us and we do all the work!
Started 11 years ago as a tiny sale in Kristin Nelson’s driveway, this sale has now grown to 4 locations and has helped over 6000 families save 1,000,000+ items from landfills, earn money on high quality items that get used for such a short amount of time, and made children’s items affordable for thousands of Los Angeles families!
Kristin Nelson
www.lakidsconsignment.com
www.scvkidsconsignment.com
www.facebook.com/lakidsconsignment
Coldwater Canyon Park / Fryman / Tree People
The Hike
A hike will take you on a loop consisting of both dirt and asphalt (mostly dirt) from a parking lot south of Ventura Blvd. It’s off of Laurel Canyon at Fryman Avenue… or from the juncture where Mulholland meets Coldwater Cyn. I like starting at the bottom, not only because it’s closer to my home but because I’d rather hike up and then down rather than down and up. The parking lot at Laurel and Fryman does charge a few dollars. Bring cash or change. The Tree People parking lot at the top is free of charge. Depending on what you drive it could cost a dollar in gas to get up Coldwater, so you make the choice.
For the littlest ones, you may want a jog stroller for this hike or be comfortable wearing them in a backpack or on your shoulders. The hills do get steep and there is a bit of elevation gain, about 500 feet over the course of the loop. Keep your eyes open for critters, birds of all shapes and sizes and reptiles on the three mile trail. My bigger kid could do it without whining at 4 years old, your results may vary.
This place is dog friendly but keep it on a leash and bring bags. Personal Rant: Not everyone knows your dog is safe and I’ve seen otherwise friendly dogs go after mountain bikers (me). Some dogs are friendly and wouldn’t think of biting, some do (me). An apology from the owner doesn’t make up for getting bitten. Additional Rant: Social Trails, which is what trail builders call those bits of trail created by users finding their own path are not sustainable and tend to erode quickly and can ruin the trail. Stay on designated trails. Rant Off.
Mountain Bikers use this area. Some are good and some aren’t. Just like dogs. I’ve never been bitten by a Mt. Biker but there is a first time for everything. As a cyclist I’m offering a bit of advice, when one is riding up from behind you or approaching from the front, your best bet is just to keep your line and hold your kids hand so they don’t do anything erratic.
From the parking lot at Fryman Canyon you’ll climb a steep hill on what’s called the Betty B. Dearing Trail. One of the nice things about this trail as a whole is that there is quite a bit of shade while you are climbing and benches to stop at if little legs need a rest. Always bring water, even though there’s shade this can be a hot trail. Remind your kids to drink often. Mine likes to carry her own water, it gives her a feeling of accomplishment and teaches her responsibility.
People are friendly on the trail so if you feel like you need directions ask someone who looks like they know where they’re going. It is a busy trail and you won’t go more than a minute without seeing another hiker. As long as you stick to the wide and widely used trail you shouldn’t have a problem. Eventually you’ll head downhill and the dirt ends at Iridell Road. You can either turn around and go back the way you came or follow the paved road passed George Clooney’s house all the way down to where it T’s with Fryman. There you’ll make a left and head back to your car at the lot.
Along with the main trail there are off-shoots that you can explore if you have some extra time.
Along with hiking there is also an area where Tree People does clinics and shares information with the public on a variety of environmental topics. They have educational displays my kids enjoyed. After wildfires clear the land of scrub and brush, the folks at Tree People will help to restore what was lost. There are opportunities to volunteer at their facility, to work with Tree People in your own community to plant trees and learn about forestry.
A couple of years ago in my little chunk of Studio City we had a tree planting with the help of Tree People. They have a program called Citizen Forester where you can help them to bring trees to your own neck of the woods. That’s what my neighbor did. She worked with them and got it done, with the help of many volunteers including myself and my older one. She named the tree near our house Rosie.
Just the other day they were back doing maintenance, clearing out grass and weeds from around the base of the trees we had planted, laying down fresh mulch and gave them a good watering.
Coldwater Canyon Park and Tree People is a great resource, it’s an island of wilderness so close to everything Studio City has to offer. Go get it.
Recent Comments