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Fun & Free Things to Do with LA Kids this Weekend: Bug Fair, Sanitation & Shakespeare June 29 - 30

6/27/13 - By Toby B

First, let me reassure you that there is plenty going on this weekend. Bug Fair at Kidspace (creepy crawlies!) Dora and friends taking on the Pirate Piggies (no swiping, Swiper!) Superman's 75th birthday, (he's still every inch the man of steel!). We close the lid on the season of Sanitation Open Houses, and say good morrow! to free Shakespeare in Griffith Park. This weekend you can shake your hips with Elvis*, the Beatles** and Weird Al***, and take in free movies galore.

But that having been said, this is one of those neither/nor weekends. It doesn't quite stand on its own, as it marks the beginning of what is for many a vacation week, but it's too far removed from the actual event to truly merit the "holiday" moniker. (Unless you're in Santa Monica, where June 29 is the new July 4th). No one's going to ask you "what are you doing this weekend?" The question is "what are you doing for the 4th?"

So we're here to help. We've compiled a crackling list of the hottest fireworks displays to keep you in the red, white and boom spirit.  (You know what's better than watching fireworks? Watching fireworks on a boat.)

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks for the weekend ....

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

KidzCity Grand Opening Week - Woodland Hills
The Valley’s newest playspace offers age-appropriate play areas for kids up to 12.

Dora's Pirate Adventure - Rolling Hills Estates
Dora and her friends need your help to find the way to Treasure Island in this live stage show.

Bug Fair at Kidspace  Pasadena
Bugs, bugs, bugs. This weekend at Kidspace kids can learn about bugs, paint with bugs, eat bugs, and maybe even bring a few bugs home.

The Amazing Bubble Man - Santa Monica
You think you know bubbles? Wait 'til you see what the Amazing Bubble Man can do with them.

Monsters University (G) - Hollywood
Find out how Mike and Sully went from rivals to best buds in this prequel from Disney Pixar. (Wondering if it's right for your kids? Check out our parent review!)

Family Amphitheater Performances - West LA
The performances at the Skirball this weekend include the Mariachi Tesoro De San Fernando youth mariachi ensemble on Saturday and Rene’s Marionettes on Sunday. Also at the Skirball: Last Weekends of the Month.  For June, experts from the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens give a hands-on presentation about apes in honor of the newly arrived family of mountain gorillas aboard Noah’s Ark.

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival 2013 - Griffith Park
The Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival opens for the season with She Stoops to Conquer (By Oliver Goldsmith). No, it’s not Shakespeare, but it is free.                                           

SATURDAY JUNE 29

LA Sanitation West LA Yard Open House - West LA
Last chance to get your trash on! It’s the last of the hugely popular Sanitation Yard open houses, this week at the West LA District Yard.

A Faery Hunt Presents Fairy Time in the Enchanted Garden - Palos Verdes Peninsula
Faery Princess Fauni and Faery Godmother Careen with an interactive walkabout in the enchanted gardens of South Coast Botanic Garden.

AMC Theatres Sensory Friendly Films - Participating Locations
Families affected by autism can see a screening of Monsters University (G) in a safe and accepting environment, with the lights up, the sound down, and permission to get up and move.

Free Crafts for Kids - Multiple Locations
Lakeshore Learning helps kids get ready for the 4th with a free noisemaker craft.

"Weird Al" Yankovic Reading & Book Signing: My New Teacher and Me - West LA
He  taught us all to “Eat It”,  he danced “Like A Surgeon;”  now he’s written a kids’ book. Weird Al reads and signs at Children's Book World.

A Red White and Bold Bash - Glendale
TOMS (the shoe folks) host a summer fair at the Americana at Brand, with live music, art, and games.

Celebrate America - Music and Fireworks  Santa Monica
We go through this every year. Santa Monica College holds its fireworks on the Saturday before July 4th.  So if you want to go see them, it’s this weekend. Not on the 4th.  Got it?

Oscars Outdoors  - Hollywood
The Academy of Motion Pictures hosts a screening of Groundhog Day under the stars. The Academy of Motion Pictures hosts a screening of Groundhog Day under the stars. The Academy of Motion Pictures hosts a screening of Groundhog Day under the stars.

Superman Cartoons - Hollywood
It’s a bird!  It’s a plane!  It’s a cartoon! American Cinematheque celebrates Superman’s 75th birthday at the Egyptian Theatre.

Movie on the Lawn - Irvine
Pull up a chair and a blanket for a free screening of Rise of the Guardians (PG) at Orange County Great Park .  (Friday night it’s E.T. The Extraterrestrial (PG)!)

SUNDAY JUNE 30

Lawrence of Arabia (PG) - Hollywood
David Lean’s sweeping epic screens at the Egyptian Theatre.

Sandra Sandia y Los Muchachos Kids Koncert at Theatricum Botanicum -Topanga
Sandra Sandia sings original songs (in Spanish) that combine a mixture of Latin styles and rhythms.

Summer Family Fun Series - The Farmer’s Market
The summer fun at the Farmers Market includes a whirly pop puppet craft, free face painting, and a performance of twisted comedy and magic by Chipper Lowell.

Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks  Leimert Park
The Festival of Masks is based on an important annual rite that takes place in villages in Nigeria and beyond. Make a mask and join in the procession.

Kids Run the Bases - Dodgers Home Game  - Dodger Stadium
It’s the Dodgers vs the Phillies; and kids run the bases and get a free performance shirt.

Zimmer Sunday Family Programs - Mid-Wilshire
The Zimmer celebrates Superman’s birthday with crafts and appearance by the man of steel himself. Kids who come dressed as a superhero get $1 off admission.

LevittLA Summer Concert Series - Children's Concerts in MacArthur Park - Downtown
Aaron Nigel Smith brings an upbeat performance to the Children’s Concerts in MacArthur Park.

Manhattan Beach Summer Concerts in the Park - Manhattan Beach
Elvis may have left the building, but impersonator Scot Bruce plays the part at a free concert in Polliwog Park.

Concerts on the Green - Woodland Hills
Get down and boogie! This week’s free concert at Warner Center Park  is a 70’s Dance & Disco party.

Sierra Madre Concerts in the Park  - Sierra Madre
It’s a Hard Day's Night as a Beatles tribute band plays a free concert in  Memorial Park Bandshell.

As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, we hope you have marvelous time!

* An impersonator.
** A tribute band
*** The real thing!  But don't count on the hip shaking, because he's just reading a story.