SoCal kids & families, March 14-21: Cesar Chavez Family Day, ‘Girls in STEM Days,’ ‘Mary Poppins’ 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!
‘Mary Poppins’ Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke star in Disney’s 1964 fantasy musical based on the P.L. Travers books about a magical British nanny. El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Friday-Thursday, March 15 thru 21, with a special fan event at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17. $12; fan event, $22. (800) 347-6396. elcapitantheatre.com
‘Seussical Jr.’ The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant and many other beloved characters from the writings of Dr. Seuss share the stage in this youth theater production from Backyard Playhouse. Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 15-17. $15. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘Carnival of the Animals’ Saint-Saëns’ beloved children’s classic is brought to life through the magic of puppetry in this Pacific Symphony presentation. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16. $15-$79. (714) 755-5799. pacificsymphony.org
‘Girls in STEM Days’ Young women from ages eight to 18 can network with representatives from local STEM-based organizations in this weekend offering that also includes lectures, panel discussions, live DJs and more. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Included with museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free). nhm.org
The Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival This outdoor event exploring connections between science and the arts includes interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, live performances and more. Segerstrom Center’s Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Staurday, March 16. Free. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Polyglot Theatre’s ‘Paper Planet’ Arts & crafts and children’s theatre collide in this immersive, interactive and family-friendly theatrical experience. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theatre, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16; 11 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17. $20. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Cesar Chavez Family Day The annual celebration honoring the activist and labor leader features live music and dance performances, art-making opportunities, gardening workshops, storytelling, etc.; plus, acclaimed Chicana muralist Margaret Garcia will be on hand to sign copies of her latest catalog. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Free. lapca.org
Butterfly Pavilion This exhibit featuring hundreds of butterflies flitting about in an outdoor netted enclosure returns for another season. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, March 17 through Aug. 25 (museum closed the first Tuesday of each month). $8 plus with museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free). nhm.org
‘iLuminate’ Dancers perform on a darkened stage in customized LED-laden suits in this family friendly stage spectacular. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17. $39-$69. (562) 916-8500. cerritoscenter.com
‘Dining with the Sultan at Charles White Elementary School’ LACMA serves up a kid-sized companion to the exhibit “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting.” 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
‘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