  Some of my favorite childhood holiday memories involve getting dressed up in a ridiculously frilly dress and seeing “The Nutcracker” with my parents. The dancing! The glitz! THE FACT THAT THEY TOO WERE WEARING FRILLY SKIRTS! It signified the beginning of Christmas, and it was a tradition that I was looking forward to continuing with my children. But there is one problem…
My boys hate the Nutcracker. Maybe it’s the skirts, or the lack of poop jokes, but I can’t seem to get them excited to attend the classic ballet. So I decided to rethink this tradition and modernize it a bit. Lucky for me I happened to catch that Theatre League’s tour of the musical “Elf,” based on the Will Ferrell movie, was coming to my area and jumped at the opportunity to have a holiday themed night of theatre with my kids. Buddy the Elf is the main character of this perky musical, an orphan who was adopted by elves and raised in the North Pole. The plot is based around his journey to find and endear himself to his human father and family in the not-as-pleasant-as-the-North-Pole city of New York. Merriment and family love ensue, which made it a perfect theme for our holiday adventure. This production was nicely balanced with strong talent that walked the line between energy and believability. Characters like Buddy the Elf would be very easy to overact, but lead actor Daniel Patrick Smith did a good job of finding the realism in a fantastical character. Other cast standouts included the likable Gabrielle Mirabella as the supportive stepmom, Ken Clement as the dry and very witty Santa Claus (thanks for hitting some local references during the show, we appreciated that you had done your homework), and the delightful Michael Fisher as the Store Manager. My boys grinned in delight watching the dancers flipping and turning across the stage, especially when they danced on their knees as the elf characters. Director Sam Scalamoni made a smart choice in encouraging each ensemble member to have a distinct characters in every number, it added depth and fun to the many athletic numbers that could have easily all looked the same. There were moments where it dragged a bit, but overall it held the attention of my 7 and 9-year-old children who live in a world where a 3-minute online video is “too long.” That alone is a giant feat, and if you add in their misty little eyes at the end when Buddy restores the spirit of Christmas, you have a home run. And there weren’t even any poop jokes. So make sure you take your kids to see the tour of “Elf the Musical” when it comes to your town and make it part of your new holiday tradition. It’s a fantastic alternative to the older (and lets face it, tired) Christmas shows, and I promise you and your kids will enjoy it equally. And isn’t that what a holiday tradition is all about? The show is running through Sunday, November 22nd, 2015 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and then continues on tour across the US through January. Tickets and info on “Elf the Musical” can be found at www.elfthemusicalontour.com.
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 I can't take it anymore.
Parents, we all know that weekends with kids are filled taking our kids to their peer's birthday parties, which means we will eat approximately 45 pieces of pizza while desperately trying to make some kind of paté out of mushy goldfish crackers and the one lone crunchy piece of broccoli with ranch on it left in the corner of a dented plastic tray. Then there is the added sport of making awkward conversation with strangers that only see us in sweatpants and ponytails at school drop-off or karate lessons. But that doesn't mean we can't make it somewhat pleasant, or at least not painful. That's where YOU, THE PARTY PLANNER PARENT, NEED TO STEP UP YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS! I can't begin to say how many times I have walked into a house or park, loaded up with a present and a nervous child, and been totally ignored. And my kid, shy and clinging to the leg of aforementioned sweatpants (the clean ones, in honor of the party), totally left to their own devices. Are we just not aware? Or maybe the art of hosting a party has been a little lost between the soccer practices, full time jobs, smartphones, and Facebook? In hopes of making the party experience slightly more pleasant, I'm sharing my tips on basic children's party etiquette for hosts:
In my dream world, you might even have an activity or two for the kids to do like a relay race, piñata, or game. But I'm not asking for Martha Stewart here people. Just say Hello. And serve the damn cake.  Photo by Nate/Flickr Summer Break can be a blast, or it can be an endless stream of separating your children so they don't let loose a stream of kid-crazy in your house. Either way, getting out of the house and doing something fun is always a good idea. Here's what's happening in LA this weekend:  I love the GREAT AMERICAN CAMPOUT, the yearly celebration of pitching a tent and shutting off all of the pingy, dingy, electronic noisemakers in your house. This year it's on June 27th and there are all sorts of events planned that you can check out, or just camp on your own. Register and be part of the fun here. They even have a #Campie hastag for selfies, although that kinda goes against the turning off of pingy thingies... LOWE'S is doing an AVENGERS craft for free at all of their stores on Saturday, June 27th starting at 10 am and if you have superhero-lovin' kids like I do, that's a no-brainer. It's a Captain America Motorcycle they will make, and it's free! Just register online and enjoy.  Who ever thought the LA Sanitation Department would know how to throw a paaaar-ttaaay? Well they do, a RECYCLING PARTY, and it's going to be a blast. It's at the Sanitation Yard in West LA, free, and open from 9-2:30 on Saturday June 27th. Check out their website for details. They will even let you adopt a tree! Pretty much every area of LA has a SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, and if you love the idea of hanging in an outdoor environment with a picnic dinner and amazing tunes, you should be able to find one in your area. In the Woodland Hills area you can catch a Bee Gees cover band at Warner Park on Sunday June 28th starting at 6. But if that's a drive for you, just look up the concerts in your area.  Long Beach is being overtaken by seafarers and mystical creatures at the PIRATE INVASION & MERMAID/FAIRY FESTIVAL.
It's the 27th and 28th of June at Belmont Pier and has a ton of fairy and pirate free fun. Visit their website for details. Catch me on Twitter @nickerberger or on KHTS AM 1220 @scvbuzz for more local family fun activities.  When is the last time you and your spouse got a little dressed up and did something that didn't require bringing backup Goldfish crackers in your purse? Yep, I figured as much... We all hear about the much revered "Date Night" and how it's supposed to be some kind of magical marriage elixir, made to erase all problems and arguments. Don't get me wrong, it helps. But sometimes just finding the right date creates tension all on it's own (Dinner? Loud bar? Quiet bar? Which movie? The arguments just write themselves.)  You know what I say? Bring on the Broadway, baby!
My husband and I went to see Deaf West Theatre's production of "Spring Awakening" on Sunday and it was by far the best date we had been on in a long time. It helped, of course, that the production was STELLAR. The musical is a teen angst rock opera with lots of sexual confusion and kick-butt music, but what made this production shine was its outstanding creativity and direction. The show used a combination of hearing and deaf actors, and the whole thing was either signed or creatively captioned on the walls with a projector. Having seen that show on Broadway on a previous husband date (that was 2007, not the last time we went out together, although sometimes it feels like it), I was pleasantly surprised by how much more I enjoyed this version. As my hubs and I discussed at intermission, it was so fun to see such creativity and thought put into a musical. It was like watching an all star basketball game, the best all together at once. Notice that we discussed something non-kid related? The acting, singing and movement were mesmerizing and we were both brought to tears several times. Tears that had nothing to do with the day-to-day frustrations of parenting. So why do I say see a musical on your Date Night? Because it (if done right) will inspire you to think about something new and give you a conversation with your spouse that you wouldn't have had otherwise. In that, you will connect like adult humans. Start with this outstanding production, and then keep going to see the arts together. You might even find yourselves holding hands and making direct eye contact. Remember that? Yep, I figured as much... Spring Awakening is running through June 7th at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts and you can get tickets at www.thewallis.org.  Memorial Day Weekend is finally here! Sleep in, play outside, see friends, and rouse your kids long enough to try something new. Here are some of my favorite ideas for family fun in LA this weekend with kids. Topanga Days Topanga A Country Fair in the Mountains: Topanga Days is this Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd to May 25th from 10:00am to 7:00pm at the Topanga Community House Fair Grounds. There’s live music, a Kid’s Zone, Art Walk, local vendors, food and plus old fashioned games like sack races, a baby derby, a bat spinning relay, 3 legged races, and a Monday Morning Parade! Visit www.topangadays.com for details. It's free fun and it has a baby derby. 'Nuff said.  Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Canoga Park Just don't feel complete without a big parade? The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is taking place on Monday, May 25th at 11:00am and there are floats, music, and people all out to celebrate. It’s along Sherman Way from Owensmouth to Mason, ending in a car show. Let the parade complete you. Rubber Ducky Race at Kidspace Pasadena Expect more out of your bath toys? Saturday to Monday, May 23 to 25 you can get in the game at the Rubber Ducky Race in the Kidspace Museum. Purchase a rubber ducky from the Busy Bee Learning Store (while supplies last), decorate it, then join other guests and race your rubber ducky down the Arroyo. Races will run every 30 minutes from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Also enjoy bird-themed activities like egg matching, feather mural creation, and flight-based physics experiments. Visit www.kidspace.org for info on tickets. Put those duckies to WORK!  Valley Greek Festival Northridge Do delectable dolmathes and freshly constructed gyros suit your palate? How about homemade moussaka and juicy souvlaki? These and other Greek delicacies are served up during the annual Valley Greek Festival fundraiser held Saturday through Monday, 5/23-5/25 from 1pm to 9pm. It's at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, and you can get details at www.valleygreekfestival.com and there are tons of activities for the whole family. Admission is just $3 and they offer free parking. Wear your stretchy pants and get your Greek Food on! The Stonez: A Tribute to the Rolling Stones Concert in the Park Thousand Oaks
Monday, May 25th, at 5 pm get (Rolling) STONED! The tribute band is rocking the night away at the Conejo Community Park, 1175 Hendrix Avenue, in Thousand Oaks. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer! Jackets or sweaters are recommended as the weather often cools during the latter part of the event. The Summer Concerts in the Park are well attended; early arrival to obtain prime lawn seating is encouraged. All free and all fun with family. Don't really get STONEZd, however... Share your ideas for fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz.
Here are my top 5 picks for cheap/local LA fun this weekend:  Canine Classic Dog Walk and Festival Calabasas Kids and dogs are a natural fit, and there is a super fun, free festival coming your way this weekend, the Canine Classic Dog Walk & Festival. It’s Sunday, April 26th from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the Juan Bautista de Anza Park in Calabasas. There will be a two mile walk through Calabasas and will include rover rest stops with plenty of water, food and fun for pets of all kinds and their human companions. For more information and to register, visit their website or call 818-880-2993. There’s also a Dogway Runway competition and My Pet’s Got Talent show, plus more doggie fun for the non-performing pet types. RailFest Fillmore Do you like trains? Wait, WHAT? Your kids love them too? Actually, that isn’t shocking at all. Good thing it’s RailFest this weekend and you can all have a crazy good time. Saturday April 25th, and Sunday April 26th between 9 am and 5 pm at Central Park in Fillmore you can see Model Train Displays, Frontier Gunfighters, Arts and Crafts, Speeder Rides, and more. Plus all sorts of train ride are available, you can get the schedule and prices here. You will be shocked-at how much fun you can have!  Touch a Truck Santa Anita If Trucks are more your style, there’s a chance to actually allow your kids to climb all over them; The Truck Adventures Fest benefiting Make a Wish LA. It’s Saturday, April 25th from 9 am to 3pm at the Santa Anita Racetrack, Gate 3. Tickets are only $15 per person and there will be tons of different trucks and vehicles available for your kids to investigate. Tickets and info here. Fun and a great cause, plus your kids will thing you are incredible. Good stuff. Science Fest Agoura Hills If you love science, or just watch The Big Bang Theory religiously, you will want to take your kids to a smarty pants science event that they will love. The Science Fest is taking place at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills this Saturday, April 25th, from 10am to 4 pm. Its filled with free fun for all ages, including talks, hands-on demonstrations, live animal displays, and a chance to chat with actual scientists. And it’s free! I believe that scientifically, that makes it a great idea.  Trail to the Stars Calabasas
If you haven’t taken advantage of the incredible Upper Las Virgines Canyon Open Space Preserve, here’s a great way to get motivated. Take the Trail to the Stars on Friday, April 24th at 8:00pm and enjoy a guided ½ mile hike to a viewing platform. Meet at the Victory Blvd Entrance Trailhead and don’t forget to dress to be outdoors. Look up, and encourage your kids to turn off their screens and do the same. Share your ideas for fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz. Hi all you incredible families out there, this week I am blown away by all the events in SoCal! Instead of my usual top 5 list, I'm just going to throw out some of the events I am attending this weekend in hopes you will join me. Because, I'm living life on the edge. Of sanity... Here is my first stop with kids, a Block Party with generationOn at Fox Studios. Disney stars will be there, plus a chance for my kids to engage in activities that will hopefully inspire them to volunteer. And Transformers. My kids are going to go bonkers for this!  Next stop? The ClubMomMe Spring Event in Fullerton! This is a huge festival for Mommies and Mommies-to-Be. Between the pampering, info, vendors, and panels (one of which I'm speaking on), you can't have a bad time. It's physically impossible.  Throw in a Baby Shower and a Birthday Party, and that's MY weekend! If you still need some ideas I have a few for you:
Seriously, it's an incredible weekend to get out and experience whatever kind of fun you are up for. Even if it involves the chaps (still don't want to know...) Get more fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz.  Did you know you could fill up an entire weekend with nagging? Well, as proven by my house, you can. Try to avoid it by getting out of the house with your kids and doing something that you don't have to show off your spectacular nagging skills to get them to do. Here are my top 5 pics for cheap/nag-free family fun in LA this weekend:  Earth Day Celebration Calabasas I LOVE being outside on a beautiful evening. Picture it; the sun is shining, trees gently swaying in the wind, bugs gently nipping at your arms... We should celebrate our beautiful environment, so it's a good thing there’s an Earth Day Celebration coming up! The event is taking place on Saturday, April 11th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Las Virgenes Creek site on Agoura Rd. (behind the Starbucks). The free event has exhibitors from all over LA and Ventura Counties and will have something fun for everyone. For more info contact Alex Farassati at (818) 224-1680. Take the chance to help our planet and get inspired to enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Although it would be nice if the bug did their nipping a little MORE gently….  Chumash Day Powwow Malibu Malibu is always a gorgeous place to visit (or live), and this weekend there is a super cool Powwow going on that just adds to the appeal. The 17th Annual Chumash Day Powwow will celebrate Native Americans from all over the country, representing hundreds of tribes who will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. Native American food, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies, and dances will be a part of the event on both days. The event is Saturday, April 11th from 11am to 7 pm, and Sunday, April 12th, from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission and parking are free. Please note it’s a non-competitive Powwow, so if you were thinking of placing any side bets, you’re out of luck.  Star Party Moorpark When is the last time you slowed down with your family and looked up at the stars? The VCAS is hosting a Family Friendly Star Party for ages 6 and up this Saturday, April 11th at 8pm at the Moorpark College Observatory. The outdoor event features a slide show of the stars and planets, then gives you the opportunity to see them for yourself through telescopes. It's free with a $2 suggested donation and you can get the info here. Go, and enjoy the stars of the non-celebrity variety (it is LA after all, sometimes there are more of those kind of stars floating around.)  Blast-off to Summer Block Party Pacific Palisades Summer is coming, regardless of whether we actually had a winter or not. So get in the zone at the Pacific Palisades Blast-off to Summer Block Party. Sunday, April 12th from 11am-3pm swing by Antioch Street between Sunset and Via de la Paz in the Palisades for this free event. Activities include music, science, magic, games, plus info on summer camps and activities. You can view the flyer here. They also have free Beachy Cream Ice Cream. Free Ice Cream. Suddenly summer looks a whole lot more inviting!  Brandon's Buddies Calabasas
Have you heard about Brandon’s Buddies? Well, if you haven’t make sure you get to know them at one of their monthly playdates at the Brandon’s Village Universal Playground at Gates Canyon Park. This special needs focused playdate features integrated play for kids of all abilities, and takes place this Saturday, April 11th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event features crafts, entertainment and treats. You do need to RSVP by calling Dina Kaplan at 818.222. 8118 and you can get more info on the KEN Project here. So go and enjoy our beautiful local park with a super cool group of families! Get more fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz.  This weekend is full of great LA activities, so there are no excuses for sitting in the house, peep juice running down your chin, and zoning out on the Sound of Music for the 900th time. Wherever you are and whatever you celebrate, get out and have fun with your kids! Here are my top 5 cheap/local family activities for your weekend:  Easter at Underwood Family Farms Moorpark Easter and animals go together like, well, you know, stuff that goes together well! Seriously, this is one of the best ways to explore all the fun of the farm with a cool egg hunt, animals, Easter Story Labyrinth, wagon rides, and more. It’s only $6 and kids under 2 are free (with additional fees for some of the activities) but that’s not bad for a full day of fun in the gorgeous farm setting. Details are on their website. They even have a Chicken Show. A Chicken Show. I hear rehearsals for it are really challenging…and don’t get me started on the casting process…  Thai Festival Hollywood If you are wanting a change of pace, try the Thai New Year Festival! Sunday, April 5th, head down to Hollywood Blvd (The Red Line Subway is a great option for stress-free transportation) for Thai culture at it’s best. Food, Vendors, Fruit Carving, Thai Boxing Events, Entertainment, and more. Visit their website for info. They had me at “food.” Be A Restorationist For A Day Calabasas Are you and your kids wanting to give our environment a little attention? Are you inspired to do more? Well, if you are I have a great event coming up, the Cold Creek Preserve Habitat Restoration. The Be a Restorationist for a Day event is taking place on Saturday, April 4th from 8:45am to 12:15pm at the Cold Creek Valley Preserve in conjunction with the Mountains Restoration Trust and TreePeople. Dress for dirt and sun, and get ready to plant native plants, tend to newly planted ones, and get rid of non-native weeds. You need to register in advance at this website. Getting your kids excited about weeding? That's a gift that keeps on giving...  Topanga Egg Hunt Topanga Got a taste of the egg hunts and thirsting for more? Lucky for you, the Topanga Egg Hunt is coming up and you can fill your basket with a load of fun. Saturday, April 4th, at 10 am swing by the Topanga Community Club for Egg Games, Egg relays and hunt, crafts, Crazy Easter Bonnet contest and of course an appearance by the Big Bunny himself. This is also a great event for your kids, if they have been wandering around your backyard aimlessly, collecting rocks in a basket and looking forlorn.  Blood Moon Everywhere
Blood Moon sound cool? And, a little gross? It just means a Lunar Eclipse and it's something you can watch with your kids for a cool stay-at-home event. The Total Lunar Eclipse is taking place on Saturday morning, April 4th, at 4:58 am (yep, that's early) which is a serious deal. Seriously. Because it’s a total eclipse of the moon. So. Hard. Not. To. Sing. It’s a TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON. If you don't bust out some Bonnie Tyler references on this, you are gone to me. Share your ideas for fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz.  It’s SPRING BREAK! Well, for some of you. Others go next week. And some have a year round thing where they get off every 2nd Thursday for the rest of the year causing global chaos and parental madness. But whatever your schedule, there’s always a weekend, and always some fun and low cost ways to enjoy it with your kids. Here are my top 5 LA picks:  Leonis Adobe Spring Event Calabasas You can’t go wrong with an egg hunt this weekend, and although there are a ton of them all around LA, I would never forgive myself if I didn’t mention the Leonis Adobe Spring Event. It’s taking place on Saturday, March 28th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Leonis Adobe Museum and will have all the fun features of the museum like live animals, ranch activities, crafts, and music, plus an egg hunt at 2pm! It’s $4 per person and you can visit their website for details. It’s fun, cheap, and enclosed so your little ones can’t get far. A Valley Must-Do.  Bookfest at Grand Park Downtown LA Book lovers, unite! There’s an event at Grand Park that will cause you to jump for actual joy. Bookfest at Grand Park in Los Angeles is free and has an incredible lineup of book related fun. Activities include poem writing, book swaps, story circles, bookmaking, and of course some of Artizen Lab's (the online platform sponsoring the event) top ideas out for all to try. Explore a crowd-sourced exhibit of photos and take your own with at The Community Camera; create your own five-word poem and add it to an installation in Grand Park at Fill the Well; paint with others and let your brushstrokes blend into one large sheet music that'll be interpreted and played in the moment by musicians at Los Angeles Sheet Music. You can get the details on their website. *Actual Joy Included  Calabasas USTA Men’s Pro Tennis Championships Kids Day Calabasas Love tennis? Or just love watching the pros do all the work while you sip a fizzy drink? Either way the adult tennis fun gives way to a cool kid’s event on Saturday, March 28th, from 1:30-3:00 pm at the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center. Your kids can participate in drills and games in a carnival atmosphere, plus enjoy a Q & A with a Pro Circuit Player. It’s a free event that also gets you into the day session semi-finals and you can get the details here. An event the whole family can enjoy-with or without fizzy drink.  Sundays in the Park Simi Valley So there are a zillion things to do on Saturday, but what about the poor, neglected Sunday afternoon? Give Sunday some sugar by attending the Sundays in the Park event in Simi at the Whizin Center for Continuing Education, Brandeis-Bardin Campus. Sunday, March 29th, between noon and 4pm you can play on the rock climbing wall, ropes tower, archery, games and sports, and more. It’s $5 for anyone 4 and over and everyone else is free. Visit here for tickets and details. Basically it’s a giant, well-attended playground for all ages. I think that’s perfect for a Sunday!  Getty Family Spring Festival Sepulveda Pass
If you are looking for a Westside gathering that the whole family will enjoy, consider the Getty Family Spring Festival, aiming to celebrate play in all of it’s forms. It’s Saturday, March 28th, from 10am-6pm at the Getty Center in the Sepulveda Pass and is free (besides parking) to attend. Storytelling and music mix with pattycake, cat’s cradle, hopscotch, chess, cards, board games, pick up sticks, ping pong and even a Getty-wide scavenger hunt are all part of the festivities. Visit www.getty.edu for details. If you are brave enough to take the 405, you will be rewarded, I promise. Share your ideas for fun family activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger, catching the SCV Buzz on KHTS AM 1220, or watching CTV’s The Buzz. |
AuthorLaura Nickerson, Queen of cheap and local family activities, Momblogger of 2, Host of CTV's The Buzz and KHTS AM 1220's SCV Buzz, visit #buzzLA for daily tips. Archives
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