SoCal kids & families, Feb. 15-22: Golden Dragon Parade, ‘Alice’s Wonderland,’ whale watching 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!
‘Alice’s Wonderland’ Lewis Carroll’s classic fantasy tale gets a pop, hip-hop and video game-themed update in this new kid-friendly musical. South Coast Rep, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Opening night, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays thru Feb. 25. $30-$48. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
42nd Annual Black History Parade and Festival The legacy of baseball legend and Dodger great Jackie Robinson, No. 42 himself and Pasadena’s favorite son, is celebrated in this year’s edition of the annual event. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, and travels south on Fair Oaks Ave. from Mountain View St. in Pasadena to Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, where the festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Free. cityofpasadena.net
Whale of a Weekend The Santa Monica Pier is your destination for all things cetacean with this two-day event marking the start of the Pacific gray whales’ annual northern migration. Activities include whale watching, animal feeding demonstrations and storytelling. Heal the Bay Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 17-18. $10, $12; ages 12 and under, free (must be accompanied by paying adult). healthebay.org
‘Cinderella’ Storybook Theatre’s family-friendly musical based on the classic fairytale returns. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays, thru June 1. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
The 125th Golden Dragon Parade Gung Hay Fat Choy! Celebrate the Lunar New Year — coincidentally, the Year of the Dragon — with a new edition of this always lively procession featuring local music and dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, VIPs in classic cars and much, much more; presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. Parade route: North on Hill St. from Ord. St. to Bernard St., then south on Broadway from Bernard to Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Chinatown, downtown L.A. (parking will be severely limited, so using public transportation or rideshare is strongly recommended). 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Free. lachinesechamber.org
Raffi The veteran children’s entertainer behind such classic bops “Baby Beluga” returns to SoCal. The Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Sold out. (877) 677-4386. laorpheum.com
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ The national tour of the Tony-winning musical based on the animated 1994 tale roars into Orange County. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Special matinee, 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, thru Feb. 25. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Dining with the Sultan at Charles White Elementary School’ The Los Angeles County Museum of Art serves up a kid-sized companion to its current exhibit “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting” exploring the place of food in Islamic art and culture. Also included: monthly hands-on arts & crafts workshops (RSVP required). Charles White Elementary School, 2401 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, through Aug. 10. Free. lacma.org
‘Grumpy Monkey, The Musical’ Your simian protagonist and his pals seek adventure in this world-premiere, kid-friendly musical comedy based on the children’s book; presented by Pasadena Playhouse. Porticos Art Space 2033 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, extended thru March 10. $32. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Solar System Encounter’ and ‘Artemis Adventures’ 3 … 2 … 1 … lift off! The universe awaits in these two kid-friendly interactive exhibits focused on astronomy and space exploration. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Open daily. $17-$2; ages 2 and under, free. discoverycube.org
‘Magic Strings’ Bob Baker’s classic family-friendly puppet show gets a multimedia-enhanced makeover that explores the history of the beloved local institution. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various showtimes, Jan. 20 thru April 7. $25; under age 2, free. bobbakermarionettetheater.com