SoCal kids & families, Dec. 28-Jan. 4: New Year's Eve celebrations, movies and more
Encourage your children to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this week
Welcome to another edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, 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 have some fun!
‘Noon Year’s Eve’ at Discovery Cube L.A. The younger crowd can party like it’s not quite 2024 in this kid-friendly celebration that includes a live DJ, an apple juice or ginger ale toast and a pair of super-sized balloon drops. Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $22 (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘The Annual One-Time Only New Year’s Eve Musical Revue’ The silliness and sing-alongs come with snacks and beverages in another edition of this long-running family-friendly NYE variety show. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 7 and 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. $24.50-$49.50. santamonicaplayhouse.com
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s ‘NYELA’ Latin music group La Verdad, Bay Area chanteuse La Doña and L.A.-based music and dance troupe Extra Ancestral perform as part of this free, alcohol-free and family-friendly celebration that also features live DJ sets, food trucks and a dazzling 3-D light show projected onto the historic Los Angeles City Hall. Grand Park, 200 N. Spring St., L.A. 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Free. grandparkla.org
‘The Boy and the Heron’ A 12-year-old grieving the loss of his mother follows a talking bird to a magical realm in this animated 2023 fantasy tale from revered filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, with separate screenings in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English. 124 mins. Rated PG-13. gkids.com
‘Winter Lights Holiday Show & Festival’ The annual celebration of all things seasonal and/or scientific returns with an updated holiday musical plus interactive exhibits, fun and games, hands-on arts & crafts and more. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 22 through Jan. 7; showtimes, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. $29 and up (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘Babes in Toyland’ This fairy tale-inspired immersive experience includes performances by Pasadena Civic Ballet plus an interactive dance party, themed photo opportunities, games, food and more. Historic Howard Motor Company Building, 1285 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Various dates and times, thru Jan. 2. $39-$67. storyland-productions.com
‘Migration’ Life as a duck isn’t all it’s quacked up to be in this family friendly 2023 animated tale featuring the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Carol Kane, Danny DeVito and Keegan-Michael Key. 92 mins. Rated PG. Various theaters
‘Dinosaur Encounters’ Tremble in terror — or delight — with this series of educational and interactive performances featuring life-size dinosaur puppets. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; sensory friendly performances, 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. $6 per person plus museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; advanced online tickets recommended). nhm.org
