Guest Post- La Brea Tarpits/George C Page Museum

The fabulous Michele, from Fun Orange County Parks recently visited the La Brea Tarpits and George C Page Museum and shares her outing with us.

We visited the Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits near Miracle Mile in Los Angeles as an excursion with extended family. I'd never visited the Page Museum with my kids so I didn't know what to expect besides my recollection of fossils.

The museum itself is nothing spectacular and rather dated. It's a square building with an atrium (koi pond with turtles) in the center. At the entrance, you're routed to your left to follow the great halls around in a clockwise direction until you come out back where you started. My 4yo and 7yo are rather patient and into seeing and reading all the exhibits and it still only took us about 30 minutes to take it all in. Some of the exhibits are downright disturbing for little ones.

The real treasure lies outside the museum's walls in the meandering paths and tar pits outdoors.

We easily spent an hour in Hancock Park. We took a walk out the entrance and across the bridge by the main tar pit. We continued down Wilshire to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art where they had an installation of lampposts on the sidewalk.

The walk through the park back toward the Page Museum was pure, delightful discovery. The kids led the way and found all sorts of tar pits in the lawn and viewed the excavation sites. The little demonstration garden and statues were high points. Don't forget to allow time for the kids to roll down the grassy hills outside the museum entrance.

Parking $7. Adult admission is $7 and kids under 5 are free. Visit the website for more information on admission and hours. The Petersen Automotive Museum is also nearby.

Michele writes about OC playgrounds and play ideas on her Fun Orange County Parks blog

Children's Festival of the Arts

If you are looking for something to do with your kiddos this weekend that is fun and free check out the Hollywood Art's Council Children's Festival of the Arts. It's a free event at the Paramount Film Studios on Sunday August 9th from 12pm to 430pm. There will be family art workshops, face painting, dancing from around the world and much much more. Children's Festival of the Arts Sunday August 9th 12pm to 430pm Paramount Studios 5555 Melrose Avenue Hollywood 90038 For additional info head over here.

Bureau of Sanitation Open House

This might not be your typical outing but I just had to share because I think my son would be all over this. He absolutely goes bonkers on Trash Days. He will usually run to our side gate and oohh and ahh as the garbage truck rolls by. The West Los Angeles District Yard will be hosting an open house where sanitation truck operators will give demos and tours. Your kiddos will also be able to learn all about garbage trucks and recycling. Food and drinks will be offered free of charge as well as trees to take home, Free mulch, Games, Prizes and much more. It's something different and unique and of course Free!! We have a busy day planned out this Saturday or we would definitely be heading to this. Have fun!! You can find more about it here

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Discount

The circus is coming to town (I know I have posted about this before - I'm super excited)!! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus proudly present Zing Zang Zoom, which will be playing the Southern California area from July 8th to August 2nd. I can't wait to take our family! I wanted to share with you an offer that is too good to pass up!! You can purchase a 4 pack of tickets for only $44 by logging onto Ticketmaster and entering the coupon code MOM. You can use the promo code when purchasing tickets at Arena Box Offices, Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter the code in the "MC Promotion Box" on Ticketmaster. A minimum purchase of 4 tickets is required and you can buy additional tickets above 4 for $11 each. Offer is not valid on VIP, Circus Celebrity or Front Row tickets. The offer is good for all dates. Can't wait to see you all there!!

Free Admision to the Autry National Center of the American West

I think by now you have all noticed that I absolutely love discovering beautiful Southern California on almost next to nothing. I love love free things!!! Last week I posted about my family's trip to The Autry National Center of the American West. We had such a great time. I hope you all can visit soon - because your family is going to love it!! I wanted to share with all of you that The Autry offers free admission the second Tuesday of every month!! I hope you can all take advantage and visit this amazing place. You are going to love it!! I promise!! For additional information click here.

Autry National Center of the American West

Last week I had the opportunity to take my kiddos to the Autry National Center of the American West in Los Angeles. It was a place I had been wanting to visit for some time and finally got around to visiting.

The Autry National Center of the American West is located inside of Griffith Park and across from the Los Angeles Zoo. We loved the museum from first sight. The grounds are absolutely beautiful!! We started our excursion by taking a stroll through the upper level exhibits. The kids loved looking at the different cowboy costumes!!

The upper level of the museum is interesting and great to look at - but it can't compare to the ground floor- a.k.a- The Family Discovery Gallery- or kid heaven!! There is an outside area that your kiddos will love. There is an actual stagecoach that you and your kids can climb on and a recreated setting of gold rush country. My kiddos loved it and did not want to leave. They ran around for quite some time.

After exploring the outside area we headed to the Family Discovery Gallery which was the highlight of our excursion. In this special gallery, families step back in time to discover what life was like for the See family, a Chinese American family in the 1930s. You will explore the family’s antique store, restaurant, and home. This was the coolest little exhibit I have ever explored with my family. I could not tear the kids apart from the restaurant and home section. They played for at least an hour in the restaurant section. They loved "cooking and serving us". It was also a blast to play house with them inside the replica California Bungalow. We had so much fun and I'm sure your kiddos will too.

We finished our excursion with lunch at the Golden Spur Cafe. I usually don't like to recommend museum cafe's because they are usually quite pricey- but the Golden Spur Cafe is the exception. The food was fantastic and the prices were unbelievably reasonable. I think my lunch with drink was around $6.00 and the kids meals(which are huge by the way!!) were $4.00. The kids shared a meal and I think the total for an amazing lunch was $11.00- not bad at all!!

After lunch I let the kids run wild and burn off some energy by running around in the gorgeous field adjacent to the museum. You could bring a picnic and your kids would love to eat and run around the field.

I can't rave enough about this fantastic place. If you have never been - make sure to visit soon.

Autry National Center of the American West

700 Western Heritage Way

Los Angeles, CA, 90027-1462

T. 323.667.2000

F. 323.660.5721

Admission

$9.00 for Adults

$5.00 for students (13-18) and seniors

(60+)$5.00 Adult Students (18 and over with ID)

$3.00 for children (3-12)

Free for children under 3

For additional information click here

Target Free Family Saturday @ Japanese American Museum

Here is one more reason why I will always shop at Target over their competitors- Target Free Family days at the local museums. They are great and allow us to visit these wonderful museums without having to pay a penny. It's a great way to spend a day with the family and not have to spend any money. I would say that it's crucial at this time. Target has brought another Free Family Day at the Japanese American National Museum. Generously sponsored by Target, these special Saturdays are filled with fun activities giving families unique ways to learn, play, and grow together. The Free Family Saturdays are held on the second Saturday of the month. I hope you can all take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!! I know I sure will!! Here is a list of the upcoming events- Saturday, Apr 11, 2009 Family Festivals Target Free Family Saturday: What's Cooking? FREE ALL DAY! Celebrate shared traditions and family fun cooking demonstration, activities and workshops within the Asian American community. Keeping checking back for program schedule! All day craft activities:

• Decorate your own apron for when things get messy.
• Roll a candle that looks like a tasty bite of sushi!
• Careful when you’re cookin’! Design a fun potholder to get a handle on hot stuff in the kitchen.
• Test your chopstick chops by trying our chopstick challenge!

Ruthie’s Origami Corner: Fold an origami candy bowl! 12:00 – 3:00 PM Kidding Around the Kitchen: Parents and children’s drop in cooking workshops featuring the famous “rainbow stir fry” dish 12:30 & 2:30 Fugetsu-Do Sweet Shop: Mochi demonstration and tasting 1:00 & 3:00 Sushi Chef Institute: Sushi making demonstration and tasting Kidding Around The Kitchen: It is such a common problem in today's world that families rarely get to eat together anymore. Kidding around the Kitchen shows that families can make and eat food together without a lot of fuss or a huge time commitment. The family food demo helps families with tips on smarter shopping, fun recipe ideas, advice on how to incorporate healthier choices when possible and advice on how to delegate tasks in an age-appropriate way. This family food demo is a “how to” get everyone involved in the family meal. Kidding around the Kitchen is for families that have full plates in life as well as wanting a full plate of food to enjoy together. It's about time well spent. Saturday, May 9, 2009 Family Festivals Target Free Family Saturday: Aloha! * FREE ALL DAY Enjoy a day of family fun that explores shared traditions within the Asian American community. May’s theme is Hawai‘i. Keeping checking back for more program schedule! Generously sponsored by Target, these special Saturdays are filled with fun activities giving families unique ways to learn, play, and grow together. Saturday, Jun 13, 2009 Family Festivals Target Free Family Saturday: Try This On For Size! FREE ALL DAY Delight in a day of family fun that explores clothing and costumes within the Asian American community. Generously sponsored by Target. Saturday, Jul 11, 2009 Family Festivals Target Free Family Saturday: Books Galore! FREE ALL DAY Come explore the wonderful world of Asian American and Japanese American books with us. Generously sponsored by Target. Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 Family Festivals Summer Festival on the Courtyard Celebrate summer at the National Museum with a day of fun activities and performances for the entire family. Keep checking here for more program information

Universal Studios Special Offer for SoCal Residents

I was tipped off today that ZIP Codes 90000 – 93599 can buy an annual pass to Universal and receive a free 1-day ticket. The offer is good for any of the annual passes, including the buy-a-day get the year free pass. They must be purchased on-line and processed at the park by April 30th.

Universal Studios is almost done with the newly rebuilt backlot. There are some fun experiences along the tram route in the mean time, including the reopening of the collapsing bridge! We'll be taking the kiddos again before the summer season.

Sesame Street Presents the Body @ Hollywood & Highland

My kids absolutely love Sesame Street and when I read about this coming to town I was super excited. We had the opportunity to visit when the exhibit came through the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana and my kiddos loved it!! Sesame Street Presents The Body is a great hands on learning experience for your kiddos. It's geared for kids 2-8 but your toddler might get a kick out of it if he or she loves Sesame Street. My kids loved shopping and learning about fuel for the body in Mr. Hooper's store and romping around in Grover's obstacle course. It is a fantastic experience in my opinion and you will probably have to tear your kiddos apart when it's time to go home. I would plan on at least staying an hour. I would say that an ideal visit would be an hour and a half. The exhibit is located inside Hollywood & Highland on the second level. The exhibit is currently running until April 26th every Friday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The experience will be open on the following weekdays- Mar 25-26, April 8-9, 15-16. Admission is $10 per child and includes one adult admission. Each additional adult is $5.00. You can find a $2.00 coupon at Ralphs stores in the Los Angeles City Area. It's a great deal with the coupons because a family of 4 could have enjoy the experience for $16.00 Sesame Street Presents the Body Hollywood & Highland Center 6801 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles 90028 For additional info click here

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum is one place that your kiddos will enjoy. It's located in Griffith Park and is a must if you have little railroad enthusiasts. There are train exhibits that everyone will enjoy and every Sunday the museum operates 7½" gauge model trains for the general public free of charge from 11 am - 3 pm (weather permitting). except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. The gate is open from 10:45 am to 3 pm. Train rides begin at 11 am. The museum is home to Walt Disney's Barn. It's the actual barn that was in Mr. Disney's backyard in Holmby Hills, California. The barn is where Walt , who was a member of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum had his workshop and ran the switches for his home railroad. The barn is open on the third Sunday of each month and features displays of Disney, LALS and railroad related memorabilia. Guided tours are provided by members of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. The museum and railroad are open every Sunday weather permitting from 11am to 3pm and admission and train rides are FREE of charge. For additional information click here Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

5202 Zoo Drive Los Angeles, California 90027

Free- Art Odyssey @ The Getty Villa Malibu

I love to be out with my family on the weekends and I usually try to squeeze something in during the week. The only problem is that it can get expensive. I'm always on the lookout for fun and free things to do with my kids. I found something that I think everyone in your family will enjoy. The Getty Villa in Malibu is hosting Art Odyssey every Saturday and Sunday through the end of the year at 2pm. Admission to the Getty Villa is free and the only thing that you will have to pay for is $10.00 for parking. The Odyssey as you can imagine is also free. The Art Odyssey is a 45 minute gallery program that includes a tour, an art lesson and lots of family time. The program is geared for children 5 years and up. Sign up at the Tour Meeting Place outside the Museum Store beginning 15 minutes before the start of the event. A professional gallery teacher will lead you and a small group of other families into the galleries to explore a group of artworks on a specific theme. You might learn about a day in the life of a hero, meet the gods and goddesses of the ancient world, go on an odyssey with Hercules (the Greek Herakles), or learn about the daily lives of the ancient Romans. Then you'll use what you see as inspiration for a fun hands-on activities such as art, writing, or drama projects. After your Art Odyssey, your gallery teacher will suggest other family-friendly ways to explore the collection, so that your and your family can have a great day at the Villa. Admission to the The Getty Villa is free but you will need an advanced ticket. To get your hands on one of these tickets and for additional information click here.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art- Free Admission on MLK

I'm all about doing free things. I'm sure you all are too!! If you are looking for something to do on Monday to celebrate Dr. King's birthday why not try a visit to the LACMA(Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Thanks to a generous contribution from Target(one more reason why I love Target- they are sponsors of several local museums),visitors of all ages are invited to a free day at the museum featuring live performances, tours, and self-guided activities. The museum will be having special performances and family friendly activities. Make sure to check out the children's special audio tour designed specifically with your little ones in mind. I hope you can enjoy a day at the museum and remember that free admission at the LACMA will be held every holiday Monday. Enjoy!! Portraits at LACMA Monday, January 19 | 12–8 pm | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Enjoy free admission all day with activities from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Discover the varied portraits in LACMA's collection—from ancient to contemporary—through gallery activities and tours and take in a live music performance by Musicàntica on the plaza. P.S. You still have time to enter the giveaway- just leave a comment!!

Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line

This past Saturday our family had the opportunity to take a little excursion to San Pedro and ride a red car. What is a red car you might be wondering? Well let me tell you- For sixty years, the Los Angeles area was served by a vast network of electric railway lines operated by the Pacific Electric Railway. Affectionately known as “Red Cars”, the Pacific Electric’s trolleys and interurban cars blanketed the Los Angeles area on more than 1000 miles of rail lines. The last remnant of the system was abandoned in 1961. Forty-two years later, a small piece of the system has been resurrected in San Pedro, as the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line. We first spent some time at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum which I will be posting about tomorrow and soon after started our ride on one of the historic red cars. The one and a half mile route connects the cruise ship terminal with the maritime museum and ports o'call village. We rode the train from the start of the route to the end of the route and back again. The kids had so much fun. The conductor gave them their very own conductor hats and coloring book that they were both thrilled with. It's a great little adventure for the little ones. Parking is plentiful and free next to the maritime museum and in the ports o'call village. Children 6 and under are free and adult fare is $1.00 with unlimited rides all day. The red car operates Friday through Monday from noon to 9pm. P.S. Make sure to make a pit stop at the Fanfare at the San Pedro Gateway. It's a great water show- kind of like a smaller version of the Bellagio water fountain show and also a stop at the cruise center to view the big cruise ships. Your kids will love it!! We had a great time and I know your family will also!! For additional information click here

Star Eco Science Center- A Great Zoo Alternative in LA

If you are looking for something to do with your kids off the beaten path in LA- Look no further you have found it at the Star Eco Science Center. It's a great non-profit wildlife rescue and educational rescue that gives abandoned or illegal exotic animals a new home. The tours usually last about an hour and give your kiddos hands on experiences with some of the reptiles. There is also a cool little show, fantastic information about the environment and ecosystems. It's a great place to teach your little ones about great wildlife and the best part is that you won't have to travel far-only to Culver City. The Star Eco Science Center is open to the public year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm and Friday from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is $8.00 for Adults, Children $6.00, Seniors $7.00 and infants in strollers are free. For additional information click here Star Eco Science Center 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 842-8040

Children's Theater in Los Angeles-Saturday Scene at the Geffen Playhouse

If you are looking to expose your little ones to live theater- you have to check out The Geffen Playhouse Saturday Scene. On Select Saturdays between September and May The Geffen Playhouse will showcase children's theater classics and world class music. The shows are geared for children of all ages. All shows start at 11am sharp. On Saturday Sept 27 The Playhouse will be offering a preview of the upcoming season with a family fun day. Sample the incredible showcase of live theater and musical entertainment. No need to pack a snack, they will take care of everything, even much needed coffee for mom and dad. You can also subscribe for the season at this event. For a list of shows and for additional information and tickets click here.

Geffen Playhouse and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater 10886 Le Conte Ave. Los Angeles, California 90024

click here for door to door directions

Travel Town Museum Revisited

One of my favorite places to visit is Griffith Park. I love so many of it's attractions and it's natural beauty. I would have to say that many fun times were spent at the Travel Town Museum. If you love trains or your little ones love trains this is a must stop. It's an outdoor museum with many locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars and cabooses on display. There is a train ride that circles around the museum and is a must if you are going to visit. Train Rides are $2.50 for adults and children. There are also Public Play Days on the first Sunday of the month from 1 to 4pm where kids can play with the museum's 400 wooden piece Thomas set. There are also docent guided tours every 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the month. Tours start at 11am. Admission and parking is free!! I Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874

The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day.

Raging Waters Season Passes

Summer is right around the corner and that means that the local water parks are open for fun!! Raging Waters in San Dimas is open for the summer season and are offering an incredible deal. You can get two season passes for only $99.00. Each additional season pass is just $49.50. Admission for one day is 34.99- so basically for a little more than one day's admission you get the whole season for Free!! For additional information click here.

Olvera Street

In honor of Cinco de May- I wanted to blog about one of my favorite places in Los Angeles, La Plazita Olvera or Olvera Street. I have great memories of this LA treasure. My parents both came to the States at a young age and yearned for a piece of back home. We visited Olvera Street often on Sundays to have dinner and listen to Mariachis playing in the plaza.

Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles. It's also known as El Pueblo Historical Monument. Olvera Street is fantastic place to visit as a family. It's rich history and buildings make it a perfect family day trip. The colorful village features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican Style Plaza Area. On the weekends you can enjoy live traditional Mexican music and dancing.

The Marketplace area is home to many shops where you can find anything from traditional Mexican attire to a comal(tortilla warmer). My kids love taking in all of the beautiful colors and smells from the various shops and restaurants. Make sure to come hungry, as the food is fantastic!!! You will find the best flautas(taquitos) in town here and I can't remember the name of the restaurant but it lies directly across from the plaza has the best tamales and champurrado(Mexican Hot Chocolate) in town.

Make sure to stop at El Pueblo's Visitor Center for a brochure or better yet, Las Angelitas, El Pueblo's Docent Organization provide free tours to groups Wed-Sun from 10am to noon.I love this place and I know your family will too!!

Olvera Street is open everyday from 10am to 7pm and is free to the public.

El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historic Park

845 N. Alameda Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012
For more information:(213) 680-2525

Free Admission to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

atI love free things, well really I don't know anyone who doesn't. My son is crazy about dinosaurs and I've been meaning to take him to the Natural History Museum . I was looking around their website for info when I came upon this deal. If you've been meaning to visit the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County make sure to set the first Tuesday of the month aside. Admission is free the first Tuesday of the month.

1st Thursday Art Walk- Laguna Beach

My kids love going for long walks in Laguna Beach. They also love taking in all of the different art work displayed at the many galleries the city has to offer. Well I just recently discovered that the two can blend together at Artwalk- Laguna Beach. Artwalk takes place the 1st Thursday of every month. There are over 40 participating galleries and it sounds like a fun night. This would be perfect in the summer months. The ArtWalk is held from 6-9pm. There is a free shuttle to participating gallery locations starting at 6:15 p.m. at the Laguna Art Museum (corner PCH and Cliff Dr.) and Bluebird Center (1590 S. Coast Highway) Shuttles run until 8:45 p.m. For additional information: info@firstthursdaysartwalk.com or call (949) 683-6871