Fun & Free Things to Do with LA Kids this Weekend: Lights, Camera, Purim! Feb 23- 24

2/21/13 - By Toby B

It’s party time in LA this weekend. The Oscars only come once a year, and in this company town, we’re all celebrating! Folks are dressing in elaborate costumes, going on wild and wacky rides and indulging in a total carnival atmosphere. On the other hand, it’s Purim. So folks are dressing in elaborate costumes, going on wild and wacky rides and indulging in a total carnival atmosphere. (Paparazzi optional.)

You know what they say: it’s raining, it’s Purim. If this Purim (or any other day) is finds you seeking shelter from inclement elements, Mommy Poppins has you covered. Check out our roundup of free indoor rainy day activities, for hotspots sure to keep your kiddies entertained and raindrop-free.

Read on for our favorite picks for this weekend …

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Pasadena Civic Ballet presents Peter Pan - San Gabriel
Peter and Wendy (and of course Tinker Bell!) go on a magical journey to Neverland.

African-American Festival - Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its 11th annual African-American Festival, celebrating the rich diversity of African-American and African cultures.

Last Weekends of the Month at the Skirball - West LA
George Washington shares tales of his presidential days.

Purim Carnival - Tarzana
Temple Judea hosts the biggest Purim Carnival in the Valley, with rides, games, crafts, a show, food, and shopping.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23

Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration - Orange
All aboard the train… at 1996 prices! Irvine Park Railroad celebrates its 17th anniversary with train rides, panning for gold, carnival games, and bounce houses.

Erth's Dinosaur Petting Zoo - Santa Monica
Kids can get up close and personal with their favorite dinosaurs, as the ancient beasts come to life in a fun, educational, and imaginative performance at the Broad Stage.

Lawrence of Arabia - Santa Monica
If ever a film was meant to be seen on the big screen, it’s the sweeping epic Lawrence of Arabia.  Leave the little ones at home, but watch your older kids jaws drop in awe.

Engineer's Week - Santa Ana
Discovery Science Center wraps up Engineer’s Week with the Egg Drop Competition. Kids build an Egg Transport Vehicle at home, to keep their egg safe as it is dropped from various heights.

Lowes Build and Grow - Multiple Locations
Kids build their own Monster Jam Grave Diggers in this week’s free project at Lowes.

Safety Safari - Griffith Park
Smokey the Bear says play it safe: come to the LA Zoo to learn safety tips.

World City at The Music Center: Step Afrika! - Downtown
World City features the Washington, DC-based Step Afrika!, the world’s first professional dance company devoted to stepping.

Haugh Saturday Series for Kids - Glendora
Think you know about the Three Little Pigs? Well, you haven’t heard the Wolf’s side of the story yet.

The Octopus Challenge - Pasadena
Kids can learn all about our eight-armed friends in a fun screening at CalTech.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24

Happy Hats - Mid-Wilshire
The Zimmer’s Purim celebration includes a Happy Hat craft, decorating fun hats for children hospitalized with serious illnesses.

Kids in the Courtyard: Purim Party - Westwood
Fowler Museum’s Purim celebration invites visitors to dress up like royalty, eat hamantashen, and rattle handmade noisemakers as they listen to the tale of the courageous Queen Esther.

Drawing Robot - West LA
Move over HAL; robots are getting an upgrade! Kids can build robots that can draw at the reDiscover Center.

Wise Purim Carnival - West LA
Families are invited to the Stephen S Wise Temple for a full-scale carnival and plenty of costumed revelry in celebration of Purim.

Movie Magic - Agoura Hills
Get in the Oscars mood with an easy-paced walk through film history at Paramount Ranch.

Purim Carnival - Beverly Hills
Temple Emanuel's Purim carnival rocks Beverly Hills every year, with a DJ, carnival rides, a petting zoo, a Kiddie Korner for preschoolers, a dunk tank, face painting, a bungee run, and traditional Purim treats (In N Out and Jamba Juice!).

Palisades Purim in Australia - Pacific Palisades
Chabad of the Palisades celebrates the 13th in its series of Purim Around the World Celebrations - this year placing the festivities in Australia.  

As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, (and whomever you voted for in your Oscar pool) we hope you have marvelous time. You're all winners in our book!