Lake Balboa

PONY RIDE AND MERRY-GO-ROUND

Photo used under Creative Commons from tiarescott.

Photo taken from Grand View Library.

Right off the 5 freeway in Griffith Park is a great pairing of activities for cowboys and cowgirls.

1. Pony Rides - There are different sized ponies and tracks for kids from 1 years old to 100 pounds. Rides are $3.
2. Griffith Park - Open on the weekends and everyday in the Summer, this merry-go-round features 68 finely crafted horses and a big loud organ.

Pony Rides Yelp Page
Merry-Go-Round Yelp Page
Location

Greystone Mansion Park

Visit Greystone Mansion and Park.

LA Art Walk - Not Child Friendly

In this Blog, I try to showcase places to go and things to do that are not what one would consider kid friendly. Every now and then, I have a bust. LA Art Walk is no place for a kid. I had visions of blocks littered with ART shows, sectioned off streets showcasing the latest artists and musicians, food vendors upon food vendors. No such thing. There was no music, live or otherwise. There were no food trucks. But there was still plenty of skeevy crazies. As time went by though, the situation got a little better. But by the time the LA Art Walk scene started its groove, it was starting to be too late to be out. So while it may be fun for the childless to hop around from bar to art show to bar again, it's not worth taking your kids there.

Go to the Movies for Super Cheap! - North Hollywood

In terms of a cheap deal, the Valley Plaza 6 Regency Theater can't be beat. $3 for a movie! $1.50 on Tuesdays!?!?!?!? $1 hot dogs!?!?! They always have at least one child friendly movie. At the time of this writing they were showing: Happy Feet 2 in 3D (note: extra charge of $2 for 3D movies), The Muppets, and Puss In Boots.

Valley Plaza 6 - North Hollywood
6355 Bellingham Ave.
North Hollywood, CA. 91606
(818) 760-8400

Random Adventures

There are times that I crave an urban adventure. I grab Liamilo, get into the car and go. I shall call these excursions "Random Adventures". Below is a list of Random Adventures I have taken thus far:

Random Adventure 1 - The Photo Shoot
Random Adventure 2 - Track and Field

Bob Baker Marionettes - Downtown

I haven't personally gone to it yet. But it seems interesting.

Marionette Show - $15/ticket

RANDOM ADVENTURE 2 - TRACK & FIELD

ASDF

GREAT YOUTUBE VIDEOS

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Fun with Boxes

Here are some tips on how to get creative with cardboard.

Chinatown

There's lots of fun things to do in Chinatown. 

• Pop some snap poppers
• Teach your kid about Buddha
• Attend a festival
• Browse the endless shops, there's no shortage of weird stuff.

Restaurants:

• Try the Slippery Shrimp at Yang Chow as featured on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate (With Chopsticks) 
• Or a French Dip at Phillipe The Original
• Pho at Pho 87
  
• Have some dim sum and a cocktail bun

Festivals and Events:
Chinese New Year Parade - January 28, 2012
Firecracker Run 5k/10k - February 11 & 12, 2012
Chinatown Summer Nights - 2 Nights During the Summer
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - September 29, 2012

Attend a Local Sporting Event

Exposing your kids to a variety of sports is a great way to pique his/her interest. Check your local High School or Community College website for a list of home games.

Watch a game at Los Angeles Valley College.
[Research with sports departments are particularly popular and energetic]

Football Season: Month - Month
Baseball:
Wrestling:
Water Polo:
Basketball:

Library Story Times

Here is a list of preschool storytimes at Los Angeles Public Libraries. Here's a list and map of all branch locations.

Beach Ideas

Take a big storage bin:

1. You can transport all your things in it
2. You can use it to bring a whole lot of water from the ocean for play reasons
3. You can dig a hole in the sand and pretend it's a pool

Wading Pool - Brand Park

Cool Off....

The Americana - Glendale

Check out this website for event details. A great place to do some shopping and listen to live music and let the little ones run around. Here's Liamilo showing off his soccer skills. And another.

Griffith Park Merry Go Round

Check it out.

Beeman Park in Studio City

Beeman Park. Here's a video of little Liamilo going down a big boy slide.

City Walk at Universal Studios

Heres Liam taking a stroll through City Walk.

Natural History Museum - Los Angeles

Is your kid into dinosaurs? Check out the Natural History Museum at Exposition Park by the LA Coliseum. Tickets are $8, but free on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking = $8.

Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll through the Exposition Rose Garden.

Other Exposition Park Museums:
California Science Center
African American Museum
IMAX

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER

Photo used under Creative Commons from jek in the box.

Photo used under Creative Commons from mooing brontosaurus.

Photo used under Creative Commons from dogwelder.

 The California Science Center is located in Exposition Park next door to the Natural History Museum.  Stop by the Discover rooms in Creative World or World of Life for some hand-on learning.

Admission is FREE, but parking will cost you $10.

Yelp Page
South Los Angeles

PORTO'S BAKERY

Photo used under Creative Commons from sklathill.

Photo used under Creative Commons from star5112.

Photo used under Creative Commons from arnold inuyaki.

If you don't know about it already, Porto's is the bomb! It's cheap, fast, delicious and has a great atmosphere. I can't think of many places that get over 2000 reviews (5000 if you include all 3 locations) on yelp and maintain a 4.5 star rating. My son doesn't eat much and it's a huge struggle to get him to put on the pounds, but Porto's is a great motivator. They have so many things and every single one of them is delicious: Cuban Sandwiches, Desserts, Pastries, Fresh Bread, Smoothies, Espresso, Cakes, etc. If you're a newbie, I suggest you start with a Meat Pie, Potato Ball, Turkey Croissant Sandwich, a couple of Cheese Rolls (sweet marvels of joy), and a Mango Smoothie. If you're at the Burbank Location, head on over to the American Way Thrift Store for some shopping.

Yelp Page
Burbank

MORE THAN WAFFLES

Photo taken from More Than Waffles.

Photo taken from More Than Waffles.

More Than Waffles is likely my favorite American breakfast spot in the Valley. The waffles are fantastic, especially with their amazing homemade strawberry jam (sometimes they run out). Friendly service and kid friendly.

Yelp Page
Encino

LA BREA TAR PITS (PAGE MUSEUM)

Photo used under Creative Commons from Travis S.

Photo used under Creative Commons from heather.

Photo used under Creative Commons from Trebz.

Photo used under Creative Commons from heather.

The George C. Page Museum is located at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. It's worth going once in a while, but I think it's a little too small to make it worth the $11. Click here for events.

FREE day: Free general admission on the first Tuesday of every month except July and August.


Yelp Page
Los Angeles

SANTA MONICA PIER

Photo used under Creative Commons from Oscalito.

Photo used under Creative Commons from Aquafornia.

Photo used under Creative Commons from erules123.

Photo used under Creative Commons from GnosiisMedia.

The Santa Monica Pier is definitely a tourist destination, so expect crowds. There is an Arcade and rides for the kids. There is also a small Aquarium. During the Summer there are weekly FREE Concerts.

Yelp Page
Location

ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET

Photo taken from Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Photo used under Creative Commons from theletterkae.

The World Famous Rose Bowl Flea Market meets every 2nd Sunday of the Month. Click here for a list of the 8 Best Flea Markets in LA according to Citysearch.
 
Yelp Page, Pasadena

OLVERA STREET

Photo used under Creative Commons from xicana_momma.

Photo used under Creative Commons from itsgian.

Photo used under Creative Commons from instafoto.

Olvera Street, located just south of Chinatown, is a lively pedestrian street full of great smells and sounds. Click here for a list of upcoming events.
 
Yelp Page, Los Angeles

KIDS CONSIGNMENT STORES

Picture of Wear It Once, Wear It Twice taken by Marc B.

If you're smart and don't want to pay full price for your baby/toddler's clothes, toys, videos, books, etc, then check out these consignment stores.

Wear it once, Wear it Twice (Yelp Page, Burbank)
Twinkle Twice (Yelp Page, Burbank)

If you're willing to put a little more effort in your search, check out the Thrift Stores, Garage Sales, and LA Kids Consignment.

THRIFT STORES

Here are my Top 3 Thrift Stores based on toys and other kid/baby stuff.
1. Valley Thrift Store (Yelp, Van Nuys)
2. Super Thrift Store (Yelp, North Hollywood)
3. American Way (Yelp, Burbank) Then head over to Porto's.

JAPANESE GARDEN

Photo used under Creative Commons from timwinter79.

The Japanese Garden is hidden away off of Woodley Avenue just south of Victory. It's not exactly a place where the kids can run free, but it's worth the $3/person to come by for a quick visit and relax a little, especially after taking the kids to the nearby Lake Balboa. Click here for more info.

Origami Festival in October. Here's a cool Simple Origami Folding Instructions Website.

Yelp Page
Location - Van Nuys

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

Picture taken from lacitylifeguards.

Los Angeles has many public pools in the Valley Area. Click here for a list of seasonal pools.

Here's a list of a few year round pools.
Van Nuys Sherman Oaks (Location)
Hansen Dam Aquatic Center - Located on the outer limits of the valley, Hansen Dam (pictured above) may just be worth the trip. It's got sand and a pretty cool water slide ride. (Location)
Cleveland High School Pool - Reseda (Location)

FASHION SQUARE MALL PLAYGROUND

[Add Photo]

Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks recently re-did their playground area and it's pretty cool. There's nothing extraordinary about it really, your typical shiny rubber mall playground structures, but it's well designed for safety and children interaction. Also, I've seen a couple of B-List celebrities there.

Location

MEETUP.COM

Meetup.com is a great way to find others who share your interests. And it's a great way to meet new people and families. I strongly encourage it.

PEEKABOO PLAYLAND

Photo taken from Peekaboo Playland.

Photo taken from Peekaboo Playland.

Photo taken from Peekaboo Playland.

Photo taken from Peekaboo Playland.

Located in Eagle Rock, Peekaboo Playland is one of my favorite indoor playgrounds around. It's safe for kids and conducive to parents relaxing (or working on their computers). Keep on the lookout for occasional Groupons. Call ahead in advance to make sure they're not closed for a private party.

Afterwards, you can walk on over to Oinkster and get a Ume Shake, oh yes!

Yelp Page
Location

GUITAR CENTERS

Photo used under Creative Commons from 2litros > raimundo illanes.

Stop by Guitar Center and have your kid knock on some congas and timbales, or strum a bass. Show him how guitars have 6 strings and basses have 4. Mess around with the synths.

Yelp Page - Sherman Oaks
Yelp Page - Northridge
Locations

GETTY CENTER

Photo used under Creative Commons from KHueg.

Photo used under Creative Commons from vlasta2.

Photo used under Creative Commons from ilovemypit.

Photo used under Creative Commons from el diablo robotico.

The Getty is a beautiful LA gem! There's tons of fine art to browse if the kids are asleep or can stay relatively quiet. There's a beautiful lawn to have a picnic. There are lots of events for kids (5 and up) throughout the year. And the kids are always happy to ride the Tram up to the center. Be sure to visit the awesome Family Room.

The Getty is always FREE, but Parking costs $15/car. Parking is FREE after 5pm on Saturdays. Street parking is not possible.

Yelp Page
Location

ICE SKATING

Photo used under Creative Commons under stevendepolo.

Don't underestimate you child's ability to ice skate! There are many other videos like this one of children as young as 2 years old ice skating. There are various locations to take the kids ice skating:

LA Kings Valley Ice Center (Panorama City)
Yelp Page
Location

Iceland Ice Skating Center (Van Nuys)
Yelp Page 
Location

Pickwick Ice (Burbank)
Yelp Page
Location

DOO DAH PARADE

Picture used under Creative Commons from Al Pavangkanan.

Picture used under Creative Commons from Al Pavangkanan.

Picture used under Creative Commons from Al Pavangkanan.

It doesn't get quirkier than this! Make sure to bring Tortillas and Marshmallows to throw at the paraders. The Doo Dah Parade is easily the funnest parade I've ever been to. Some examples of paraders include: BBQ & Hibachi Marching Grill Team, The Shopping Cart Drill Team, The Bastard Sons of Lee Marvin, The Men of Leisure Synchronized Nap Team, The Marching Lumberjacks, Claude Rains & the 20-Man Memorial Invisible Man Marching Drill Team, and the Committee for the Right to Bear Arms, a group that marches in precise formations while carrying mannequin arms.

This year the parade will take place on April 28, 2012 on Colorado Blvd (between Altadena and San Gabriel Blvds).

Yelp Page
Location

DESCANSO GARDENS

Photo used under Creative Commons from Eccentric Scholar.

Descanso Gardens ($8/adult) is sort of the poor man's version of Huntington Library and Gardens, but it'll accomplish the same effect of unplugging you from the hustle and bustle.


Yelp Page
Location

NETHERCUTT MUSEUM

Photo used under Creative Commons from tkksummers.

Photo used under Creative Commons from tkksummers.

The Nethercutt Museum is a FREE museum located in the unlikeliest of neighborhoods deep in the San Fernando Valley. It's an amazing collection of really old cars. There is also an old elegant vintage train that one can walk through. The museum is self-guided and open Tuesday through Saturday. There is an even more impressive collection across the street (cars, organ, etc.), but children under 10 are not allowed.

Yelp Page
Location

HIKE WILACRE PARK - AKA "FRYMAN"

Picture taken from my Flickr.

Wilacre Park, in Studio City just south of Ventura Blvd, is a great easy hike if you don't want to have to venture too far off for a quick bit of nature and exercise. It's very kid friendly and there's plenty of people watching to keep you entertained. It's a good spot for celebrity sightings too.

Parking lot is $3 (cash only), but usually full. There is also free parking in nearby streets.

Yelp Page
Location

LOS ENCINOS STATE HISTORIC PARK

I love this park. It's got a lake, a little bit of history and lots of birds. For 25 cents you can buy a bag of seed to feed all sorts of birds: pigeons, ducks, geese, chickens. If you're lucky you might get to see a turtle strolling through the park. Every 3rd Sunday of the month (1-3pm), they have a Living History Day, "an afternoon of traditional children's games, music, a blacksmith, docents in 1870s attire and tours of the historic buildings".

Yelp
Location

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Photo taken from Yelp by Anna T.

Home to over 400 horses, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (located in Burbank) is a great place to get close to some horses. Guests are welcome to walk by the rental horse stalls. If you bring your own apples or carrots, you can even feed the horses. Check the Calendar for upcoming Horse Events.


Yelp Page
Location

ENCINO VELODROME

 Photo used under Creative Commons from Velo Steve.

Tucked away in the corners of Balboa Park is a velodrome. It's not in the best of shape, but it's still fun to see cyclists zip past you at fast speeds.

Yelp Page
Location

CENTRAL GLENDALE LIBRARY - CHILDREN'S SECTION

The Glendale Central Library has probably the best Children's Section of a library that I've been to. It's on the second floor separate from the rest of the library and they're equipped with a great play area loaded with toys. And they have lots of great storytimes including a spanish storytime.

Lego Club - Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. For ages 6+. Thursdays, 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. For ages 3-5.

Mothergoose Storytime (ages 1 to 18 months) - Fridays 10:30 - 11:00am 

Train Time - Fridays 1:00-3:00pm. Enjoy unstructured playing with the library's train and tracks.

Spanish Storytime - Thursdays at 5:00pm 

For other Glendale Library events, check here. 


Yelp Page 
Location

NOAH'S ARK AT THE SKIRBALL MUSEUM

All pictures are from the Skirball Cultural Center. 


Noah's Ark is the very cool kid's section of the Skirball Cultural Center located off the 405 freeway just south of the 101. It's recommended that you buy tickets online (especially on weekends, Thursdays, and holidays) so that they're not sold out. Once the tickets are bought, a time slot will be assigned. Thursdays are FREE, but tickets must be reserved.

Yelp Page
Location