SoCal kids & families, Nov. 9-16: Live shows, movies, arts & crafts, ice skating and more
Encourage your children — and perhaps your own inner child — to continue to learn and grow with our curated list of fun and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this week
Welcome to the inaugural edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
Let’s play!
Ice at Santa Monica Get your glide on at this holiday-themed outdoor attraction that features skating demos, hour-long sessions, live DJs, costumed helpers to assist the kiddos and more. 1324 5th St. at Arizona Ave., Santa Monica. Open daily, Nov. 9 through Jan. 15. Skate rental, $20; lockers, socks, mittens, $5. iceatsantamonica.com
The Jewish Dog Roy Abramsohn stars in this Holocaust-themed fable adapted from the Asher Kravitz novel told from the perspective of a Jewish family’s beloved pet; for ages 10 and older. The Wallis’ Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 9 thru 19; added 2:30 p.m. performance Sat., Nov. 18. $29, $39. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
Night Games Bundle up the kids for this immersive and interactive celebration of indie games, the gamers who love them and the developers who develop them. The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 6 to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 10-11. Free. musiccenter.org
The Wonderful Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Friends The hunny-lovin’ bear and his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood take the stage in this tune-filled youth theater production for ages 5 and up. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 10 thru 19. $10-$23. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
Veterans Day Celebration This family friendly offering includes pop-up exhibits, live music, and art-making activities inspired by the current OCMA exhibition “Alice Neel: Feels Like Home.” Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. 1 to 4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 11. Free; no reservations required. (714) 780-2130. ocma.art
Source of Ancient Mexico with Martin Espino The master musician and instrument maker introduces listeners of all ages to the songs and sounds of Mesoamerica in his interactive presentation. Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 12. $5. (562) 437-1689. molaa.org
Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert The 20-member ensemble Orquesta Folclórica performs Michael Giacchino’s musical score to accompany a screening of the animated 2017 fantasy tale about a young Mexican boy who finds himself transported to the mystical Land of the Dead. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 6 p.m. Mon., Nov. 13. $29-$69; VIP package, $144. (562) 916-8500. cerritoscenter.com
Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza Mickey Mouse, Spider-Man, Doc McStuffins, et al. caper and cavort in this stage spectacular for ages seven and under. Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 6 p.m. Wed., Nov. 15. $62-$37. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
Holiday Ice Rink — Pershing Square DTLA gets into the act with the return of this outdoor pop-up attraction featuring hour-long sessions, live local DJs and more, plus the park’s annual holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m. on opening night. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., downtown L.A. Open daily, various hours and times, Nov. 16 through Jan. 7. Skate rental, $20; helpers, $6; lockers, socks, mittens, $5. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
The Addams Family They’re creepy and they’re kooky in this young-persons theater production of the hit musical based on the work of cartoonist Charles Addams. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Various dates and times thru Nov. 26. $16-$25. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
Spider Pavilion Arachnophobes need not apply! This close-up encounter with those creepy, crawly critters closes up shop for the season on Nov. 26. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. Closed the first Tuesday each month. $8, plus general admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended. nhm.org
Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie Your young’uns’ favorite canine heroes suit up for this animated 2023 adventure based on the kids TV series. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 95 mins. Rated PG. pawpatrol.movie
Papyrus Scroll Making Family Workshop Youngsters can try their hand at creating scrolls in this arts & craft opportunity inspired by a new exhibit exploring the ancient tome known as the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades. 11 a.m. Sat., Nov. 11, Dec. 2 & 16, Jan. 13 & 27. Free; advance museum reservations required. getty.edu
Aladdin, the Princess and the Magic Lamp Storybook Theatre presents a kid-friendly take on the classic adventure from the Middle Eastern folktale collection “One Thousand and One Nights.” Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays thru Jan. 13; no shows Dec. 23 and 30. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org