-Weekend-Whaddup- Feb 7-8.
Games Day @ The Studio City Library
Saturday, February 7
Where: 12511 Moorpark Street Studio City, CA 91604
When: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Who: Kids and their families!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
the Whaddup:
I like to shop for locally grown vegetables and we like to highlight locally grown events… Bring the whole family for LEGOs, Duplos, blocks, puzzles, board games, coloring, and more!
For more info: More Info
(818) 755-7873
American Youth Symphony: Family Music Adventure
Sunday, February 8
Where: UCLA’s Royce Hall 340 Royce Drive Los Angeles, CA 90095
When: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Reserve online
the Whaddup:
LEGACY FEB 8 | ROYCE HALL 2pm – Family Music Adventure RADU PAPONIU, conductor SIMONE PORTER, narrator BLAKE POULIOT, narrator ANGELA BAE, violin Saint-Saëns: Carnival of the Animals; and Introduction et rondo capriccioso J. Strauss: Radetzky March RESERVE NOW! Children of all ages are invited to discover the joy of a live orchestra at this inspiring event. This enriching 45-minute concert and interactive lesson is the perfect way to share the legacy of classical music with your family! Arts & Crafts activities led by First 5 LA follow the performance. Sponsored by First 5 LA
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info
Do Some Traveling with the Harlem Globetrotters
when: Feb 7 at 1 p.m.
where: Exposition Park, Galen Center, 3400 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $23 & up
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Crazy b-ball time! Entertaining young and old alike for almost 90 years, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique and timeless mix of basketball, comedy, athleticism and entertainment to the Galen Center. The Globetrotters’ captivating dribbling and dunking wizardry combines with hilarious antics and fan interaction, all presented by some of the world’s greatest athletes and entertainers.
While it’s a must-see for basketball fans of all ages, this show will delight the entire family, sports nuts or no! The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the Globetrotters in the “Washington Generals Revenge Tour.”
more info: visit website
Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy’s Big Adventure
when: Feb 7 at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
where: Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge
cost: $15-$25
ages: 2-6
the Whaddup:
Your little dino fanatic will want to join Buddy and friends in this fun-filled trip back in time when dinosaurs roamed the earth… and rode in trains! Through interactivity, music and laughter Dinosaur Train Live will have kids up and dancing in the aisles.
more info: visit website
Get Trucking To the Monster Jam Trucks
when: Feb 7 at 7 p.m.
where: Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, Ca
cost: $10-$60
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Kids love trucks. Big trucks. Monster trucks. So take them to see a massive collection of the world’s best monster trucks battling it out in the ultimate event of high-octane speed, racing and destruction! One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed and powerful stunts with the world’s best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle dirt-flying, high-energy fun.
more info: visit website
Thomas & Friends!
Thursday, February 5 through Sunday, April 26
Where: Discovery Cube Los Angeles 11800 Foothill Blvd. Sylmar,
When: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Check website for daily hours
Who: Everyone
How: Buy tickets online or at the door
Cost: Included in museum admission. $10 / Children Under 2 FREE.
Hop on board and discover the engineer within! Travel to the Island of Sodor where imaginations charge full steam ahead in Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails, a hands-on STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles.
For more info: More Info
SUPERHERO SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS COMES ASHORE TO VISIT THE LOS ANGELES ZOO
Where: L.A. Zoo
When: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Included in museum admission
Friday, February 6
Superhero SpongeBob SquarePants comes ashore to make a personal appearance at the Los Angeles Zoo on Friday, February 6, 2015, the very same day that “The SpongeBob Movie – Sponge Out of Water,” from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, opens in theaters. The world’s favorite sea dwelling invertebrate greets visitors and poses for pictures between 11 am and 4 pm at the Zoo’s Eucalyptus Grove.
For more info: www.lazoo.org
FREE Frozen Yogurt at Menchies!
Friday, February 6
Happy Frozen Yogurt Day from Menchies, who wants you to celebrate with free frozen yogurt and toppings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. That’s our kind of celebration – sweet and free!
Where: Check your local Menchies for participation
When: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Who: The whole family!
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: More Info
Dig It! Archaeology Adventures @ Skirball
Saturday, February 7 through Sunday, February 8
Where: Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
When: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Who: The whole family
How: Drop in anytime during regular Museum weekend hours, weather permitting only. Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Included in Museum Admission
the Whaddup:
There’s so much to see and do at the Skirball’s simulated outdoor archaeological dig and field laboratory! Slip on an archaeologist’s vest, sift and sort through sand to find hidden ancient artifacts, weigh and examine your findings, analyze clues, and work with archaeology staff to piece together the puzzles found in a Near Eastern Iron Age town.
For more info: More Info
Williams-Sonoma Cooking for Kids!
Junior Chef: Kids Cooking Class “Asian Dumplings” @ Williams-Sonoma Sherman Oaks
Saturday, February 7
Where: Sherman Oaks Fashion Square 14006 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Suitable for ages 9-13
How: Call (818) 906-2787 to make a reservation
Cost: Free!
the Whaddup:
Learn how easy and fun it is to make Asian dumplings. We’ll have the fillings ready, and you’ll scoop them into wonton wrappers and seal. Then the instructor will cook your dumplings two different ways—steaming and panfrying—so you can discover which you like best!
For more info: More Info
-Weekend-Whaddup-Holidazed
Bah, Merry Grinchmas, Ho Ho Ho
when: Dec 20 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
where: Universal Studios, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, Ca
cost: $76-$92
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Grinchmas is here ’til the end of the year! Anyone with a case of the bah-humbugs (or the bored vacation bugs) should hop over to Grinchmas at Universal Studios features photo ops with Grinch and his dog Max, story time with Cindy Lou-Who, cookie and ornament decorating at Universal Plaza, and the chance to stand beneath the 60-foot Grinchmas tree. Then join the Whos as they sing and dance through Who-ville during the Studio Tour Backlot Grinchmas Who-bilation.
And don’t forget this makes a great gift, for buy the day, and get 2015 admission to Universal Studios for free!
more info:
visit website
My, What A Great Show You Have (Little Red)
when: every Saturday at 1 p.m.
where: Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles
cost: $10-$12
ages: 3-9
the Whaddup:
“Little Red Riding Hood” is Storybook Theatre’s award-winning musical retelling of the famous fairy tale. There is a Granny at the Pianny, a funny wolf, and an adorable Little Riding Hood. Lots of audience participation as Little Red Riding Hood goes through the woods to Granny’s house. Fun for the whole family.
Saturdays at 1 p.m. through March 7.
more info:
visit website
Join the Critter Club To Meet Cretaceous Critters
when: Dec 20 at 10 a.m. & 11 a.m.
where: Exposition Park, Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles
cost: $5-$12
ages: 3-5
the Whaddup:
Come and roar like a Tyrannosaurus and stomp like a Triceratops! Learn all about dinosaurs and their friends from the Cretaceous. Make a dino-mite craft and meet some other critters that walked alongside these giant animals.
The Saturday class is free with paid Museum admission. No reservations required, but tickets are very limited, so arrive early.
more info:
visit website
Kids Holiday Cookie Decorating Party
when: Dec 20 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
where: SusieCakes , 13029 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, Ca
cost: Free
ages: 2-12
the Whaddup:
Celebrate the season with a complimentary holiday cookie decorating event- the sweetest way to spend the holidays. Space is limited. Email CelebrationSTC@susiecakes.com or call 818.659.2253 to reserve your spot today!
more info:
visit website
Walk in the Chumash World
when: Dec 20
where: Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
On this easy 1-mile walk, discover how the Chumash Native Americans were able to create a sustainable way of life so long ago. What lessons can we learn from them and apply in our lives today?
more info:
visit website
We Love a Parade… a Boat Parade
when: Dec 17, 2014 – Dec 21 at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
where: Orange County, Newport Beach Harbor, 309 Palm St., Newport Beach, Ca
cost: Free
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
Fun fact: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – the nation’s longest running lighted holiday boat parade – turns 106 this year.
The parade is free to watch and features over 100 decorated and lighted boats making their way along a 14-mile parade route through scenic Newport Harbor. Boats ranging from kayaks to yachts will be decorated to the parade’s “Deck the Hulls with Bows of Jolly” theme in lights, sounds, and holiday decor.
Dress warm and bring a thermos of cocoa – it gets chilly!
more info:
visit website
The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along
Friday, December 19, 2014
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Music Center
FREE, tickets required*
LOCATION
135 N Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For directions, click here>
Reindeer Romp (at the LA Zoo)
The reindeer have landed!
The girls are back in town – Jingle, Belle, Noel and Velvet – for Reindeer Romp! These real reindeer have made the L.A. Zoo their home for the holidays and are on view daily through January 4. On weekends, enjoy a flurry of seasonal flourishes – with holiday craft projects for the kids and specially made presents for some of our animals. In addition, Santa will be on hand for visits and photos weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through December 21. (Photos with Santa available for a fee.)
Event Schedule/Lineup:
Daily:
Reindeer in Eucalyptus Grove
This holiday season for the very first time, the Los Angeles Zoo changes stripes from a daytime adventure to a dazzling winter wonderland known as “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS”, which electrifies guests as it transforms the Zoo’s enchanting environment into a series of awe-inspiring animal escapades rendered in led lights, lasers, 3D projections, spectacular sets and interactive displays.
Open nightly from Friday, November 28, 2014, to Sunday, January 4, 2015, 6 to 10 pm (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), this magical new experience is destined to become a wondrous, “don’t-miss” holiday tradition.
An ideal family outing, meet-up with friends or date night, “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS”‘ self-guided 60- to 90-minute tour through select areas of the Zoo (while the animals themselves are asleep) introduces guests to a clever troop of animated LED “monkeys” commandeering an electrical power source hidden in an unusual holiday tree. They swing through the entry plaza to guide an illuminated power line toward a giant electrical “outlet,” attempting to plug it in. Will they succeed? YES! The Zoo lights up, and guests follow the “monkeys” as they encounter an illuminated “Reggie the alligator,” an origami “rhino,” singing “elephants,” and a party of musical pink “flamingos” fronted by their DJ leader, to name a few. Along the way, “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS” offers the only opportunity in Los Angeles to see real reindeer, lit by elegant “chandeliers,” (“L.A. ZOO LIGHTS”‘ sole live animals), plus weekend-only visits with Santa Claus, perched atop a throne seemingly carved from ice, and an unexpected Hollywood ending featuring a red carpet bustling with paparazzi “animals.” Other special effects range from 3-D holiday-themed animations projected onto a group of palm trees and a “bird” who flies to a nest filled with golden disco balls, to freeway-driving “animals” on their way to the “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS” opening against a backdrop of Los Angeles landmarks and a group of giant “bullfrogs” made from 3,750 water bottles lit from within, plus much more. Among the evening’s sights are giant floating snowflakes, glittering light tunnels, animal cutouts and icicle lights. Although the Department of Water and Power’s wildly popular Holiday Light Festival is a bygone Griffith Park holiday tradition, and while “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS” is a completely different, well, animal, it pays homage to the Festival with a nostalgic nod to the past by featuring some classic pieces, including the Hollywood sign, the downtown LA skyline and City Hall. Steaming hot chocolate and other holiday treats and goodies for sale are also part of the fun.
Daytime visitors to the Zoo can see the reindeer during regular hours, which are 10 am to 5 pm, along with a flurry of seasonal festivities and yuletide flourishes, plus weekend visits by Santa Claus.
Admission to “L.A. ZOO LIGHTS” is $13 for adults/seniors and $11 for children ages 2 to 12; tickets for GLAZA members are $12 for adults/seniors and $10 for children ages 2 to 12; children under age two 2 are free. Purchase tickets online to attend during the first two weeks (Nov 28 – Dec 11) for the online-only Early Bird Rate of $8 each.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free parking is available. For additional information, contact (323) 644-6042 or visit www.lazoo.org
ICE Downtown Santa Monica
when: through January 19
where: 5th and Arizona, 1324 5th St., Santa Monica, Ca
cost: $15
ages: 2 & up
the Whaddup:
It’s probably the most fun ice rink in town- it’s definitely the most popular and the one where it’s easiest to spend the morning strolling on the beach and the afternoon ice skating and sipping hot chocolate! ICE is back. The 8,000 square foot rink is perfect for kids 7 & up, while the Tot Spot mini enclosed kids rink is available for kids 6 & under. Ice skates are available for rental in children sizes 10-4.
ICE Bites Café offers snacks and classes are available through the The Randy Gardner School of Skating.
more info:
visit website
Glide Over to Downtown On Ice
when: daily through January 19
where: Downtown, Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles, Ca
cost: $9
ages: 4 & up
the Whaddup:
Get your glide on for the holidays – it’s LA’s biggest outdoor rink and it’s right in the heart of the city. Framed by towering trees and skyscrapers, it’s become a traditional holiday go-to for good times and family skating fun. Prices are $9 for one hour on the rink, and $3 to rent skates. Check hours before you go, they vary by day & date.
more info:
visit website
CHILL at the Queen Mary
when: Through 1/11/15 at Various times
where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, Ca
cost: $24.99-$34.99
ages: All Ages
the Whaddup:
The iconic Queen Mary presents CHILL, an experience that will bring cheer, enchantment and cold temps to Southern Cal.
The only event of its kind on the West Coast, CHILL is a super fun holiday event. There’s the Ice Kingdom, with holiday-inspired scenes, made from more than two million pounds of sparkling ice, fill a 13,000 square-foot Igloo. For the adventurous there is Ice Tubing, where you grab an oversized tube and race down a slide made completely of ice. Of course there’s a great big skating rink and even a Holiday Village where you can decorate gingerbread houses and visiting Santa, listen to holiday carolers and enjoying the dazzling decorations along Candy Lane.
Tip: When they say cold temps, they’re not kidding. Freezing cold. Icy cold. The cold we don’t won clothes for here in LA. So beg, borrow or buy some warm togs – you’ll need ‘em. Even under the giant coats they provide.
more info:
visit website
Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition returns for 8-weeks of outdoor ice skating, themed nights, and special performances at The Rink in Downtown Burbank. The fun begins Friday, November 28 and runs through January 19, 2015.
Transforming the corner of N 3rd Street and E Orange Grove Avenue into a magical winter wonderland, skaters of all ages will enjoy 90-minute sessions on the ice with friends and family.
A great way to celebrate the holidays, The Rink in Downtown Burbank is just steps away from hundreds of shops and restaurants decked out for the holiday season, making it a joyful family outing and memorable getaway. Admission is $10.00, skate rentals are $3.00, and Bobby the Seal rentals are $6.00. Season passes are available for $139 through November 20, and $159 afterwards. Passes are valid for unlimited skating every day from Friday, November 28 through January 19, 2015.
Special events at The Rink in Downtown Burbank include:
Ugly Sweater Mondays, ’80s Night Wednesdays, and Thursday Night Fever, where skaters are encouraged to get into the spirit, dress up, and have fun on the ice from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The Mayor’s Tree-lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 PM– stop by and skate before and after event!
Santa Claus will be making an appearance on Saturday, December 13, and kids of all ages are invited to skate with the big man himself from 12 noon to 1:30 PM.
The Rink will be filled with Santas and Elves during Skating Santas Night, an event where everyone is welcome to arrive in costume on Saturday, December 20 from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
Performances by the Los Angeles Ice Theater are scheduled for every Saturday in December at 5:45 PM.
For those wanting to brush up on their skating skills, classes by professional instructors from Pickwick Gardens Ice Skating Rink are offered starting Saturday, December 20 at 9:00 AM and 9:25 AM, and for adults on Tuesdays at 7:50 PM.
All season, the KCET Community Kiosk will be on-site giving Rink attendees the opportunity to play an active part in KCET’s 50th anniversary. The interactive kiosk visually displays historical KCET touch points, and prompts community members to answer the question: “How do you envision a better state?” Visitors are encouraged to participate in this unique community experience.
On Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, be sure to visit Downtown Burbank’s weekly Farmer’s Market in the parking lot behind the Community Services building.
Group Sales
10% group discount for parties of ten or more. Please pay in one transaction in advance (recommended) or at time of session. Waivers may also be completed prior to skating. For further information, please contact therinkindowntownburbank@gmail.com or 818-806-8551.
– See more at: http://dtnbur.com/event/the-rink-in-dtn-bur-2/#sthash.thd1wJ18.dpuf
Best Burger/Fries?
To some, finding a great hamburger and fries is a hobby… to others it’s a lifelong pursuit. I have found many that I’ve loved… many more that I liked… it’s been my favorite food for as long as I can remember. It’s not just a great burger, but a great burger and fries together that makes a great burger joint.
I’m want to know what your favorite burgers are here in Studio City.
Give me your list.
Go!
Living in a Discount World
In days of yore people walked uphill both ways to school in the snow while clipping coupons from the Sunday paper to save a few dollars. Social Media and coupon sites in general have really opened things up, nowadays we have tons of options from Groupon and Living Social, to Coupon Clipper and Amazon Local. Amazon just jumped into the game and I have a feeling they’ll make a big splash. And the list goes on and on. And on and on. Digital discounts are out there for the taking.
As a parent in Studio City there is a huge variety of things to do in way of classes, camps and options for “event” birthday parties. Every birthday party seems like it’s an event. Truthfully, I prefer simplicity and my goal for this year is to begin to make things easier for myself and my family by getting back to basics. Tangent, why do people write truthfully? Was I lying before I wrote it? No. Digress, there’s a lot to sift through and the expenses can add up quickly. If you have more than one kid double or triple it, or utilize what’s around you to shop around and save.
Tennis, golf, gymnastics, Dance (hip hop, ballet, tap), art, musical theater and the list goes on. It seems like we/everyone signs their kids up for everything. Most classes offer a free trial but that doesn’t give your kid enough to really warm up to something. Think you’ve got the next Tiger or Michelle Kwan, you can’t trust the coaches to be honest. Their salary depends on filling up classes with hopefuls. It can take a few whiles to see if your kid likes it, and even longer to see if they’re good. Would little Skylar rather play with bugs than a basketball? Is science their thing, art their calling or sports the goal? My older girl has gone to two different gymnastics camps, for half of the regular price. Not a small thing is that now we know which camp best suits her. Saving pennies is great and a worthwhile goal, even better is using them right.
Groupon and Living Social are two of my favorites, but there are up and comers that should be watched. And if that’s not enough ways to save money, try Plum, Certifikid or Zulily. Zulily is my wife’s personal favorite. Many a time a brown van has graced our street on her behest. You can get daily emails from these folks, it makes shopping for the whole family a point and click endeavor and birthdays easy to take care of from your desk or smart phone.
A personal favorite of mine and something that’s saved me hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the years is the Amazon App. And not for the obvious reason. Go shopping, open the app, and point the camera at the bar code on whatever you’re buying. Zap it. Price-Match! I don’t do this for a can of soup but if it’s something I don’t want to wait for, something I want or need now. Match it and save!
I’ve had mixed experiences with Amazon, I’m one of their prime customers and for years I’ve had great service until recently. They dropped the ball over the holidays and my wife ended up without her “big” gift. Their fault entirely. And while they picked up the “extra” charge I had paid for expedited shipping, it didn’t make up for it.
Share your ideas below on how to save!
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