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For The Kids
There is no shortage of things to do with your children in and around LA. Whether you are looking for sports, cultural events, folksy festivals, or anything else, LA has so much to offer for adventurous families! So, why not get out of the house this weekend and enjoy all that our city, and surrounding areas, have to offer?
This page offers a few suggestions. Please feel free to send along your own favorites!
Put Art in Your Heart: 
Many children, feel very fortunate after they have been able to spend time with programs Jeanna Marie Pillips offers at Put Art in Your Heart. A lot of fortunate children have participated in "Miss Jeanna's" musical theater programs for a couple of years now, and have followed her from her initial, temporary location to the wonderful, light-filled space at Olympic and Sepulveda. Whether they were shy or slightly hesitant, All eventually have shrugged off any qualms shortly after they start her pre-school program, at Put Art in Your Heart. If you've got young children, they'll benefit from the extra care and attention they'll get when they spend time with Miss Jeanna. http://www.putartinyourheart.com/
Rockreation: Indoor rock-climbing fun is available at Rockreation, practically right in 
our own neighborhood. Plenty of interesting and activities are offered for kids, including classes and instruction, and a five-day "Reach Camp" (held in half-day sessions). It's a great place to have your child's birthday party! Located at 11866 La Grange (cross street is Bundy), 310-207-7199. Website: http://www.rockreation.com/
Historic Santa Paula Airport: This is so much fun! You won't believe it til you go, just 
trust me- On the First Sunday of every month (with some exceptions around holidays, so check ahead), the Santa Paula Airport hosts a special event that is free and open to the public. Vintage aircraft are displayed and private hangars are open for anyone who wants to "talk shop" with plane owners. You are free to walk around this little airport; planes take off right in front of you as you and your kids stand on the tarmac! Kids love it, and adults will enjoy the history lesson. There is a tiny, shaded picnic spot at the west end of the runway. (The airport also has a restaurant and coffee shop.) http://www.amszp.org/
Huntington Gardens: Take your kids to the marvelous Huntington Gardens for a memorable afternoon. Experience the special Children's Garden with its Fog Grotto, 
Rainbow Room, Magnetic Sand and beautifully landscaped great outdoors, where it's possible to wander practically for the entire day without repeating your steps. It's a bit of a drive, about an hour to San Marino, but worth the effort. 626-405-2100 http://www.huntington.org/
Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax: We know of families who have made the OFM a tradition (they go every Friday night to start their weekend off right). Despite its name, the OFM is so much more than a place to buy produce. This is a permanent 
market, semi-enclosed with roofing and winter gas heaters. There are dozens of hot food stands, live music on the weekends and the atmosphere can't be beat. This isn't carnival food either. Try award-winning Mexican food at Loteria Mexican Kitchen (Stall #322) or The French Crepe Company (across from Loteria). Beer and wine available. This is a fun place to meet a date or take your family out for an inexpensive lunch or dinner. Adjacent to the Grove Shopping Plaza (a free Trolley shuttles you and the kids between the OFM and the Grove - and don't forget the Grove itself, with its many shops and cheesy but spectacular music-synchronized fountain.
Westwood Blvd.The Hammer Museum: If the thought of braving traffic to visit MOCA or LACMA leaves you cold, takeyour kids to the Hammer Museum instead! The Hammer features works by up-and-coming artists and it also houses the marvelous Armand Hammer Collection. The Hammer is never hectic and full of tourists - it's almost like having your own private art gallery. You and your children will get to explore works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Daumier, Rembrandt, Gauguin, Monet, Titian, Mary Cassat, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargeant and many other artists, including rotating exhibits from the 
Hammer's renowned contemporary program. On top of that, on Thursdays, the Hammer is free for all visitors. Located at
10899 Wilshire Blvd (corner of )Parking is available in the museum's garage. The Hammer also has a terrific gift shop: You can find all sorts of creative and unusual gifts and books for children (never make another trip to Toys R Us!) (corner of )Parking is available in the museum's garage. The Hammer also has a terrific gift shop: You can find all sorts of creative and unusual gifts and books for children (never make another trip to Toys R Us!)http://www.hammer.ucla.edu/
UCLA Botanical Garden: Spend an hour wandering along garden paths at the lushly planted Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. This hidden, enchanting retreat is one of our neighborhood's best-kept secrets. Kids will love searching for koi and turtles that 
gather near the bridges. Adults can marvel at the incredible number and variety of tropical and semi-tropical specimens. Escape from the sun, and the ever-present cityscape, without leaving your own neighborhood! Located across from UCLA Hospital (on Tiverton, cross street is Le Conte). Metered street parking is available near the entrance to the garden.
Beverlywood Swim School: Founded in 1951, the Beverlywood Swim School bills itself as being 'one of the finest and oldest schools in the nation,' with some third-generation and even fourth-generation students! The school offers one-on-one swimming lessons 
with progress based on each individual student. Infants three weeks old, all the way through adults, are taught at Beverlywood Swim School. The teaching approach used is called the Crystal Scarborough methodology utilizing fins and floateez, - giving children both confidence and strength; 2612 South Robertson, just north of the Robertson exit off the 10. 310-838-4088; http://www.swimbiss.com/
Art Adventures for Families at the Getty: A short jaunt to the Getty Museum makes a great outing for children. Younger children especially enjoy the kids' activity 
room, where the stimulating themes change periodically. The gardens and lawn give them a chance to stretch their legs. Weekends offer one-hour tours for children (ages 5 and up) and adults to enjoy together. The tours feature a fun, activity-filled vist to the galleries. Offered in English and Spanish. Check with the museum for times. http://www.getty.edu/.
