SoCal kids & families, March 29-April 4: Easter happenings, Blessing of the Animals 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!
‘Spring Fling Featuring Big Bunny’ Sure, the little ones can get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny (for an additional fee). But there will also be education stations, animal feedings, storytelling, musical performances and much, much more. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 29-31. $17-$22; under age 2, free. lazoo.org
‘Queen of Katwe’ Mira Nair’s inspirational fact-based 2016 drama, about a young Ugandan girl (Madina Nalwanga) who discovers she has the makings of a chess champion, is presented in an accessible screening for the neurodiverse featuring open captioning, dimmer lighting and a lowered volume. Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo also star. Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30. $5. academymuseum.org
Blessing of the Animals All creatures great and small, and their owners, are welcome at the return of this beloved annual ceremony first held on Olvera Street in 1930. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown L.A. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Free. olveraevents.com
8th Annual NY Dog Film Festival Cute and cuddly canines cavort in a collection of short films. The Frida Cinema, Calle Cuatro Plaza, 305 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. Noon Saturday, March 30; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31st. $8.75. thefridacinema.org
6th Annual NY Cat Film Festival Not to be outdone, fierce and frisky felines frolic in a different collection of short films. The Frida Cinema, Calle Cuatro Plaza, 305 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30; noon Sunday, March 31st. $8.75. thefridacinema.org
Family Easter Celebration The Bob Baker Marionettes are just one of the attractions at this early-morning event that also includes photos with the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, a petting zoo, arts & crafts, complimentary refreshments and more. Forest Lawn Glendale, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, March 31. Free. forestlawn.com
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
‘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
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 thru Aug. 25 (museum closed the first Tuesday of each month). $8 plus with museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free). nhm.org
