Homework. Activities. Begging your children to eat. Begging your children NOT to eat. Practice. Sitting on the Soccer field in temperatures only fit for wildlife in Death Valley. Repeat. Weekends getting a little predictable? Try something new! Here are my top 5 picks for some family fun this weekend: 1) Family Festival at the Getty Center ”Chivalry in the Middle Ages” Has your child expressed interest in jousting? Is it hard to keep her or him from diving into giant turkey legs with only their hands? If so, I have the festival for you! The Getty center is doing a free family event this Saturday, September 20th, celebrating Chivalry in the Middle Ages. Activities run from 10-6, including blacksmith demonstrations, plays, storytelling, music, and jousting and medieval combat demonstrations. The event is free but parking is $15, totally worth it for all that medieval revelry. Go and enjoy-the King hath declared it so! 2) Shane’s Inspiration Walk & Roll at Griffith Park If you haven’t been to the lovely Shane’s Inspiration at Griffith Park, you should definitely visit this cool playground made for children of all abilities. This Sunday, September 21st, the organization Shane’s Inspiration is holding the 17th annual Walk-Run-Roll event there, and you are all invited to participate. It’s free to register but you can also use the event to help fundraise for the organization that is helping to bring the joy of play to children of ALL abilities through Social Inclusion. 3) Thousand Oaks Arts Festival Are you feeling culture deprived? Too many days of watching reality TV and playing video games can do that to you. So take this weekend to grab a little creative time and head over to the Thousand Oaks Arts Festival. The Festival takes place on September 20th and 21st at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes from 10 am to 5 pm and will feature art exhibitors, live performances, and children’s hands-on artistic and interactive exhibits. It’s free parking and free admission and you can visit toartsfestival.com for all the details. There’s even wine tasting at The Lakes, and doesn’t a little wine make your kids spontaneous artwork look all that much better? 4) Live Steamers at Griffith Park Remember the TV show “Silver Spoons”? Don’t lie, I know you do. Flash back to the opening where the rich dad rides a tiny little train around the living room and how jealous you were... Your dream (and quite possibly your kids as well) is about to come true. Next door to Travel Town Train Museum in Griffith Park is the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, and on Sundays they let you ride the incredibly detailed mini-trains around a nifty matching track. You can ride for only a $3 suggested donation between 11 am and 3pm, and next door is a picnic area for convenient post ride lunch and kid lunge. It will make you feel like “Rick-EY Schroder” all over again. 5) 22nd Annual Thai Cultural Day Thai Antiques, Thai Silk, Thai Kickboxing, Thai Massage, and children’s activities...wait...THAI MASSAGE? This all sounds pretty fantastic and luckily your family can experience them all and more at the Thai Culture day at Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles. This free event is on Sunday, September 21st, from 11-5 and includes limited free parking (although the Red Line Subway will drop you off right there at Sunset and Vermont with no hassle). A great and culture filled day for all! Plus everyone’s favorite...THAI FOOD! 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.
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You all know that I am always on the lookout for fun and low cost family activities in SoCal, but when I find something that is not only a great event, but helps kids in need as well, I am all over it!
This week on September 18th the La Brea Bakery is partnering with No Kid Hungry and ABC Family stars to help fight childhood hunger in America. So that's about as important as it gets, right? All you have to do is go, pay $25, eat amazing food, have delicious drinks, listen to fun music, and hang out with celebrities like Lea Thompson, Marlee Matlin, Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, D.W. Moffett, and Ryan Lane. Um, COUNT ME IN!!! How does all this eating and shmoozing help our kids? Well, 100% of the money raised will go to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, which is working to ensure that all children get the healthy food they need, every day. Sounds good, but how the heck to they pull that off? 1) Access: Connecting kids to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals. 2) Education: Teaching low-income families to stretch their food budgets so their kids get healthy meals at home. 3) Awareness: Shining a national spotlight on the crisis of childhood hunger in America. Ok, even if there weren't baked goods involved, I would still be interested in supporting this great cause. Additionally, La Brea Bakery, the premier artisan bread brand in the country, is offering one sweet deal to customers of their cafés in Los Angeles and Disneyland to support No Kid Hungry: one dollar from every $4 specially marked two-pack of the bakery’s classic oatmeal-raisin cookies will be donated to the hunger-fighting organization through the month of September. Register and get all the info at: www.nokidhungry.org\LaBreaBakeryNKH. GO! They had me at "bakery"... Laura Nickerson is LA's go-to-mom for cheap and local family activities. Check her out @nickerberger on Twitter giving daily tips at #buzzLA, on KHTS AM 1220's SCV Buzz, or on CTV's The Buzz on Channel 3. School is going at full speed, and even though you may still not fully understand the Common Core (What are “arrays”? Why are they now a thing?), you can at least hang with your family someplace fun while you figure it out. Here are my top 5 picks for some family fun this weekend: 1) BART AT THE BOWL “The SIIMPPP-SOONSSS”. The iconic music of the hit show is going to be featured at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend and it’s a great chance to take your whole family to the this well-known venue while the summer is still rolling. Friday-Sunday night, September 12-14th, you can experience Springfield in Hollywood by listening to some great music with scenes from the show playing along on the big screen. Special bonus? Surprise guests and a fireworks finale. Find info on tickets and here. Go, or you'll say "Doh!" (NO I DIDN'T! Yep, I did.) 2) COUNTRY FAIRE AT THE ADAMSON HOUSE Because the Valley is basically as sweltering as having a hot flash in the desert right now, it might be a good idea to head towards the cooler Malibu area for some outdoor fun. The gorgeous Adamson House is hosting a free Country Faire on Sunday, September 14th, from noon to 5pm and it’s got entertainment for young and old alike. Art Exhibits, live music, food trucks, plus kids activities are all set to go in honor of the Adamson House’s 85th anniversary. So go and enjoy some beauty and fun in the cooler air. Click here for info. 3) LA PARENT MAGAZINE PARTY AT THE AMERICANA The Americana at Brand in Glendale always has fantastic Kid’s Club activities, but this week the activities go above and beyond because LA Parent Magazine is throwing a party! The festivities are from 11-1 on Tuesday, September 16th on The Green and will have live music, face painting, gift bags, prizes, and...wait for it...Sprinkles Cupcakes, Cookies & Ice Cream. Yep, you had us at Sprinkles. All free, all fun, just head on over! Details are at www.americanaatbrand.com. Sprinkles. Cupcakes. Shall I go on? 4) OVARIAN CANCER RUN AT CBS RADFORD Whether or not you are a serious runner (not me) or more of a gentle stroller (me), odds are good that your kids love to run-even if it’s just running away from you when it’s time for a bath. So why not let them run like crazy and do a Kiddie K in the name of a good cause? The Ovarian Cancer Run is being held on Sunday, September 14th, at CBS Radford and they are raising money for Ovarian Cancer research and education. There are full runs for the adults if you are so inspired, but the Kiddie K is at 9:15 and only costs $5 per child under 11. Visit their website to register in advance an remember to hydrate those little ones. Go and have some fun running! Or watching your children run while you sip an iced latte!
It’s Grandparents Day! I’m not sure that I fully understand what that means as far as execution is concerned, but I do know that GRANDPARENTS ROCK! So take them out for some fun grandparently activities. 1) Do you like Taramosalata, Octapodaki, and ...Tina Fey? You might be just Greek enough for the LA Greekfest. It’s Friday, September 5th, through Sunday, September 7th, and tickets are under $5, with completely free admission on Friday. It’s a little bit of a drive to Central LA at 1324 S. Normandie Ave, but worth it for the copious parking and the chance to party like Nia Vardalos at her wedding reception. 2) What woman hasn’t dreamed of having seven handy men waiting on her hand and foot? What about trading in for..one bat? Ok, maybe the reality of that is marginally uncomfortable to imagine, but there is a lot of fun to be had in a theatrical version of that story, especially when it’s free. This Saturday, September 6th, you can see free Fairy Tales in the Park at Foxfield Park in Westlake Village at 11:30 am. This is super fun theatre for your little ones, and this week’s show is “Snow White and the One Bat”. You are free to bring your own seven men if you like. And remember, sharing is caring. 3) We ALL want to “let it go” on Frozen, well, everyone except for your kids. They will stay in the frozen zone until they leave home and fall in love with a cuddly and short dude with a big orange nose. So why not just give in to it and take your little cuties to the Frozen Sing-a-long at the El Capitan? This is your last weekend to cart your kids to Hollywood (try the subway, another great and low cost bit of entertainment) in their shiny blue dress and matted blond wig. Just do it. There will be another movie to obsess about...someday... 4) We all know that wearing something from Lululemon when dropping off your kids at school is pretty much a standard uniform, but why not get some actual exercise in those stretchy pants? Lululemon at the Calabasas Commons is offering an in store yoga class from 9:30-10:30 for free on Sunday, September 7th. So go, and use those attractive yet supportive pants! 5) If you have children with disabilities, there’s a fantastic chance for you to join up with other families at Brandon’s Village playground at Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas. This is a fully-accessible playground and the group Brandon’s Buddies will be meeting up on Saturday, September 6th, from 11-1 for Integrated Play, Arts and Crafts, and Entertainment. You can visit www.kenproject.com for info and a calendar of events. It’s free fun at the park that children and families of all abilities to enjoy-that’s MY kind of “Buddies”!
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. The Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and even though the thought of staying in, watching movie marathons, and burying your face in a bag of something that hasn’t got any natural ingredients whatsoever sounds perfect, you might want to aim a little higher. Here are my top 5 picks for some family fun this weekend: 1) Ok FOODIES! This one is for you...this weekend is the Los Angeles Times event “The TASTE” at Paramount Studios and if you are a food lover you will not want to miss this one. The event is going all weekend Friday the 29th - Sunday the 31st, and has a variety of events that all involve copious amounts of delicious food and drink. Now, how does this involve the smaller-sized person part of “Family Fun”? Well, you can bring your kids! What?? My vote for the best event for little ones is the Sunday Brunch, where the food will be great but the visitors might be less indulgent with the “adult beverages” if you know what I mean (although they are still part of the deal, of course). How much? Well, tickets are $100. I know-not the low price I usually try to find for you. BUT...kids are only $5 each! So when you think about that it’s not so bad for a really spectacular event. Click here for the link to tickets and more. Insider tip? Wear stretchy pants. If you throw on your maternity jeans, your secret is still safe with me. 2) I am a sucker for a good Concert in the Park, and this one will not only entertain your whole family, but might even flash you back to your formative years. It’s the Labor Day concert “Led Zepagain: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin” at the Conejo Community Park on Monday, September 1st at 5pm and is sure to be a blast. Bring your own picnic, blanket, and chairs and you might want to get there a little early to get a spot. Website on the band is www.zepagain.com for more info. It’s a great way to say goodbye to summer with your family. 3) We are so lucky to live in Southern California with it’s warm but beautiful weather. So why not enjoy some of it’s finest spots like Malibu with your kids? This Saturday August 31st at 10 am you can join up for a free ranger led nature walk with your 2-7 year olds at Rocky Oaks Park, 107 Kanan Dume Rd., Malibu, Ca. It’s one of those great activities that are simple and inexpensive, but give your kids outdoor time where they actually learn something. 4) I’m sure you have seen many amazing things in your life. But have you seen a Rhinoceros UP CLOSE? Didn’t think so.. but here is your chance. Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays at 1pm (ahem, reminder this weekend is a holiday) you can pay a small extra fee to get hang out with Randa the Indian Rhino at the LA Zoo. Visit the website for more info on how to get your kids to think you are the coolest parent on the planet. Remember, good parents don’t let their kids grow up with seeing a rhino up close. 5) Feel the music and love at the Rhythm and Joy Festival at Warner Park this Saturday August 30th from 10a.m.-8:30 p.m. in Woodland Hills. Rejuvenate your body, soul and spirit at this day-long festival that is focused on transformational music, sustainable living and the creative arts. There will be wide range of performers, speakers, workshops and other attractions (like a children’s pavilion, a fashion show and parades), and it’s FREE! I feel the music in THAT. After a long week of school and work, it’s easy to plop in front of the TV and roost for the weekend. But there are tons of things you can do that are not too exhausting and really fun. Here are my top 5 picks for some family fun this weekend: 1) There is something really great about seeing a stand-up comedian and laughing until your sides hurt, but usually the jokes are made for grown-ups. Sometimes even I feel a little young for them, so I never imagined bringing my kids to see a stand-up comedian without providing some kind of earplugs and a self-bleeper. BUT, this looks really fun: the 2 Milk Minimum Showcase with host Michael Rayner from Sesame Street and performances by 10 and 11 year old comedians. It’s Saturday, August 23rd, at 4:30 pm at Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant in NoHo and is part of the Burbank Comedy Festival, and you can call 818.693.6478 for details. 2) If you haven’t seen Frozen yet...well, you probably don’t have or know anyone under the age of 10. BUT, now’s your chance-and for free! Its the Warner park Movie on the Green. Saturday, August 23rd, at dusk you can enjoy the hot weather with the coolest movie of the summer-Frozen. It’s at Warner Center Park on Topanga Blvd, which has plenty of room to run around and enjoy a picnic beforehand. Bring a blanket and chairs, and your earplugs for those of you totally over the songs. 3) We adults go to the gym and work out, but do our kids get that same chance? They do now! This Friday, August 22nd, at 11 am, you can take your kids to the Malibu Lagoon State Beach for a free physical fitness obstacle course. It’s $12 to park, but worth it to get your kids up and running around. 4) The final Summer Sun Sets Concert is here and you don’t want to miss it! August 24th at 6pm at the Calabasas Lake behind the Tennis and Swim center, catch The Section Quartet. They are featuring New West Symphony’s Lauren Chipman as they present this electrifying rock and roll show! You can visit cityofcalabasas.com for details. As always, byobcpds. Bring your own blankets, chairs, picnics, and dancing shoes. 5) All parents get pretty tired by the end of the day. Generally at the time the kids are just getting revved up. So, I came across an article that has fun games to play when you are feeling tired and it made me giggle, as well as giving me some great ideas. Here are a few games to play with your kids when you are exhausted: T-shirt road map: Put on a cheap tee and have your kids draw a road on the back of it, then drive toy cars on it while you lay on your tummy. Mom is queen: You are the queen on the throne and the kids bring you fake tea, slippers, etc. I like this one the best, for obvious reasons. What’s on Mommy’s back?: They put toys on your back while you lie down with your eyes shut and guess what they are. Hilarious and useful. Visit this article for more ideas. You can always get more LA Kids Activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger and checking out the hashtag #buzzLA. Also check out my show “The Buzz” at www.cityofcalabasas.com or on Channel 3 in the West Valley, and "SCV Buzz" on KHTS AM 1220 in Santa Clarita. I’ll be back next week with more fun family activities! Here are my Top 5 picks for some Family Fun this weekend: 1) Summer break for your kids (we all know it’s for your kids, because it sure isn’t a break for you) is almost over, so why not celebrate with a Pool Party? Friday August 15th from 4-8pm head over to the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center for a free open swim, music, games, and prizes! for info call Raine at 818.222.2782. Your kids will have a blast! And in the end, isn’t that what summer break is all about? YOU can sleep in September...
For some, this is the final weekend of Summer Break. Good, bad, or ugly, you should go out in style! Try some of these fun events for kids this weekend: 1) There is a great program at the Will geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga called the Family Fundays, and this week, it’s bug-tastic! Sunday August 10th at 10:30 am you can experience the musical stylings of Love Bug and Me, kids music with a variety of styles and world rhythms. Tickets are $10 for everyone over the age of 2. Visit www.theatricum.com for details. Your little love bugs will love these Love bugs! That is, if you love bugs... 2) You have to make sure you have caught some of the amazing Summer Sunsets concerts, like the upcoming Latin Music group Octavio Figueroa y La Combinacion’. This free concert is on August 10th starting at 6pm at the Calabasas Lake. Bring a picnic, chairs or a blanket, and your latin groove. You can even pre-order food at the Atmosphere Cafe by calling 818 222-0226. It’s so fun you may even find yourself dancing and singing along. Go ahead, nobody will judge you. 3) What??? You haven’t taken your kids to the fair yet? Me neither...but we SHOULD. This is the last weekend for the Ventura County Fair and it’s full of fun fair stuff like animals, rides, entertainment, and really fattening food. Plus there are fireworks every night! Admission is 8-12$ and you can check out their site for hours and directions at www.venturacountyfair.com. Go and feel proud of yourself. 4) The Ford Amphitheatre has some super cool summer entertainment that you might want to catch before it’s over. This week is Big!World!Fun! travels to Cambodia. It’s August 9th at 10 am and only $5 for adults and free for kids. Beautiful classical dance and music, plus lush costumes that make the show a dazzler for all ages. It’s a Saturday morning “to-do”. Because face it, you probably don’t get to sleep in anyways. 5) It’s time to party in the Bu, Malibu that is. Since summer is still a little toasty, head over to the Malibu Country Mart on Sunday, August 10th, from noon-3 for a Malibu Summer Block Party in the cool seaside air. Kids activities, food, fun, and a calypso band! Sounds like a party to me. You say “Calypso”, and I’m partying. You can always get more LA Kids Activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger and checking out the hashtag #buzzLA. Also check out my show “The Buzz” at www.cityofcalabasas.com or on Channel 3 in the West Valley. I’ll be back next week with more fun family activities! To all my fellow overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, and undershaven Mommies out there, as I mentioned in last week's blog I am launching my new radio version of "The Buzz" at KHTS AM 1220. We leaped onto the air waves this week and I have a blog link for you if you are in the SCV area with some really fun ideas for your family. To check it out click here: SCV BUZZ But my Valley mommies, I haven't left you hanging. Here is this week's episode of "The Buzz" that features the amazingly well hidden Salvation Army Camp in the Santa Monica Mountains, plus some family fun for you too.I'll be back next week with more family activity ideas for both areas! In the meantime check me out on twitter @nickerberger or on Facebook at SCV Buzz. Now, go have some fun with your kids, wouldja?As all of you moms know, there are weeks that just have too much going on to accomplish everything on your to do list. Unfortunately this week I am sidelined by the launch of my new radio show “SCV Buzz” on KHTS AM 1220 and am unable to do my full blog. I promise I won’t leave you totally high and dry-watch this week’s episode of “The Buzz” on CTV to give you some great ideas for family fun in the Valley this weekend. You can always get more LA Kids Activities by following me on Twitter @nickerberger and checking out the hashtag #buzzLA. Also check out my show “The Buzz” at www.cityofcalabasas.com or on Channel 3 in the West Valley. I’ll be back hopefully next week with more fun family activities-thanks for understanding fellow mommies! |
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
November 2015
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