SoCal kids & families, March 22-29: Bubblefest, ‘The University of Wonder & Imagination’ 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!
Bubblefest This annual family-friendly festival dedicated to the art and science of bubbles returns with live demonstrations and an all-new laser show plus interactive exhibits, pedal boats, a sensory friendly performance (March 30), two separate family nights (March 29 & April 5) and more. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, thru April 7. Special event pricing, $31 and up (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘Luca’ Released on streaming during the pandemic, this Pixar-animated 2021 fantasy tale about a young lad who’s really a shape-shifting sea monster makes its theatrical debut; with the voices of Jacob Tremblay and Maya Rudolph. 95 mins. Rated PG. Various theaters
‘The University of Wonder & Imagination’ The mysterious Professor Bamberg facilitates this intimate and interactive family-friendly theatrical experience. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24. $20 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.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
‘Cinderella’ Someday her prince will come — and that day is today! — in Storybook Theatre’s family-friendly musical based on the classic fairytale. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays, thru June 1. $15. (323) 851-4839. theatrewest.org
‘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