SoCal kids & families, Jan. 18-25: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, native plants 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!
‘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
‘Soul’ A middle school teacher and aspiring jazz musician (voice of Jamie Foxx) undertakes a fantastical journey in Pixar’s animated 2020 tale. With Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Angela Bassett, et al. 100 mins. Rated PG. disney.com
‘Pinkalicious’ Morgan-Wixson’s young-persons theater program stages this musical based on Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann’s popular children’s book about a little girl who loves the color pink perhaps a bit too much. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 11 a.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Jan. 20 thru Feb. 4. $12, $15. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
Seed Planting Gabrielino Tongva artist Lazaro Arvizu will discuss the varieties of, and uses for, native plants of the Los Angeles basin, followed by hands-on activities. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. Included with museum admission ($7-$12; 2 and under, free; free on Thursdays); children must be accompanied by an adult. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show’ Family-friendly show based on Eric Carle’s children’s books. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Various times, Nov. 25 thru Jan. 21. $30-$65. (818) 508-4200. hungrycaterpillarshow.com
‘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
‘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