SoCal kids & families, Dec. 7-14: 123 Andrés, ‘Dinosaur Encounters’ and more
SoCal kids & families, Dec. 7-14: 123 Andrés, ‘Dinosaur Encounters’ 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.
And be sure to check out SoCal Holidays Shows 2023, our supersized roundup of “Christmas Carols,” “Nutcrackers,” Messiahs and other seasonal fare on offer in LA and OC in the coming days and weeks — updated weekly!
‘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
‘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, Dec. 8 thru 23. $39-$67. storyland-productions.com
‘Pirates vs. Leprechauns’ The Wayward Artist presents Craig Holland’s kid-friendly fantasy musical. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 8 thru 17 (relaxed performance for children under 4 and anyone with special needs, 2 p.m. Dec. 9). $20, $30. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org
Cartoon Club A holiday-themed edition of this recurring celebration of all things animation features a treasure trove of rare and classic shorts. New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $10. thenewbev.com
Holiday Family Faire Live performances, storytelling, etc., plus caroling and an outdoor screening of 1992’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (separate admission). Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. $10; $20; family four-pack, $50; ages 4 and under, free. “Muppets” movie and caroling, 5 p.m., $20, $25. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com
123 Andrés The Latin Grammy-winning husband-and-wife duo will have the wee ones bopping along to catchy pop-folk tunes sung in Spanish and English. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Regular performances: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10; sensory friendly: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; American Sign Language: 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec 10. $20 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Hanukkah Festival This family-friendly celebration of the Festival of Lights features klezmer rockers Mostly Kosher plus storytelling, arts & crafts and more. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. $13-$18; younger than 2, free; advance reservations closed, limited walk-up tickets available. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
‘Holidays Around the World’ This outdoor event includes performances by Mariachi Los Santaneros, Reverb Tap Company, Gospel Voices of OC Youth Choir, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, et al., plus arts and crafts and more. Segerstrom Center’s Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free; reservations required; limited seating, so bringing your own folding chairs is recommended. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular’ Broadway veterans George Salazar, Lesli Margherita, et al., light up the stage in this show for ages 6 and up. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Various showtimes, Dec. 14-17 and 19-23. $39 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Science of Gingerbread’ Gingerbread houses crafted by everyday folks will be on display in this annual event that also includes cookie decorating, weekend visits with Santa, holiday photo stations and more. Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. Nov. 18 thru Dec. 31. Open daily. $16-$18; ages 2 and under, free. discoverycube.org
Also at Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Nov. 18 thru Jan. 7. Open daily. Regular museum admission: $17-$22; ages 2 and under, free. discoverycube.org