Fun & Free Things to Do with LA Kids this Weekend: Whales, Seuss and Odysseo

2/28/13 - By Toby B

There is no greater star in the children’s literary world than Dr. Seuss (aka Theodor Geisel). His March 2 birthday is honored as National Read Across America Day, and his stories are being read all around town. So grab your well-worn copy of Cat in the Hat and get ready for a wild weekend. Oh the places you'll go... unless you need to take the 405, because they're doing that shut-down-the-freeway thing again (with a cute "keep two lanes open to create false hope" twist).

This is also a big weekend for whales (who are lucky because the 405 closure doesn't affect them). The gentle giants are feted in celebrations at Dana Point and Palos Verdes, and might even get a shout-out at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's anniversary fest.

Also apparently unaffected by the 405 is February, because it done hightailed it outta here, which means it's time for our March Go List! One big recommendation this month is Cavalla: Odysseo (read our review of opening night)!

Read on for our favorite picks for this weekend …

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's 10-Year Anniversary Celebration - Santa Monica
Feed a sea star, eat some cake, and listen to a story read by Ed Begley, Jr. as  the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Dana Point Festival of Whales - Dana Point
For two weekends, Dana Point celebrates whales. Highlights include whale watching, ocean learning labs, live music, a street fair, and a rubber ducky race. A grand parade gets things started Saturday morning.

Cavalia: Odysseo - Burbank
More than 50 horses and 40 human performers bring on Cirque du Soleil style equestrian magic under the big white tent.

The Amazing Bubble Man - Santa Monica
What kid doesn't love bubbles? They love them even more when they're square, fog-filled, or big enough to fit a person inside.

SATURDAY MARCH 2

Whale of a Day - Palos Verdes
The annual festival at Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers face painting, crafts, chalk drawing, stories, and games, and the chance to catch sight of a whale or a dolphin in the waters below.

Cherry Blossom Festival - Palos Verdes
Families can picnic amongst the cherry blossoms while enjoying arts demonstrations and a cherry tree planting ceremony at South Coast Botanic Garden.

Grand Park's Downtown Bookfest - Downtown
Grand Park gets its own book festival, including performances and readings for kids.

Lantern Festival 2013 - Downtown
The Chinese American Museum marks the closing of Chinese New Year festivities with a traditional village street fair; entertainment includes lantern displays, music, acrobatic and lion dance performances, and a spirited glow-in-the-dark silver dragon stage performance.

Stars on Ice - Anaheim
Skating fans are sure to be swept away by this one-night-only performance at the Honda Center featuring some of figure skating’s greatest stars, including Olympic medalists Dorothy Hamill and Joannie Rochette on the ice beside international champions such as Ryan Bradley and Kurt Browning.

Super Seuss-a-Bration - Santa Monica
Santa Monica Library’s Read Across America activities include Annie Banannie's Balloon Comedy Show.

Read Across America Dr. Seuss Party with Alina Celeste - West LA
Alina Celeste helps Children's Book World celebrate Read Across America Day.

The Easter Bunny - Multiple Locations
The Easter Bunny is hopping into participating Children's Place locations to meet and greet kids.

The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle - Malibu
I think I can! I think I can! The classic tale of the Little Engine comes to life onstage, teaching lessons about hard work, determination, and the meaning of true friendship.

Dr. Seuss's Birthday at Lakeshore Learning Stores - Multiple Locations
In addition to the weekly craft project, kids can enjoy Seuss-inspired storytimes and games and crafts.

SUNDAY MARCH 3

Andell Family Sundays - Fruit & Flowers on Fabric - Mid-Wilshire
This month’s family program at LACMA takes its inspiration from the textiles in the Museum’s collections.

Randy Kaplan - Santa Monica
Randy Kaplan comes to McCabe's Guitar Shop, performing songs that tickle the funny bones of children and adults alike.

Meet & Greet with Laura Marano - Burbank
Fans of Disney Channel’s Austin & Ally can meet star Laura Marano at IKEA Burbank. (She’s Ally!)

Peter Yarrow - The Grove
Peter Yarrow (of Peter Paul and Mary) performs and signs his latest book for children at the Barnes & Noble at The Grove.

Target Sundays at CAAM: Women First: A Tribute To Our Women Trailblazers - Exposition Park
You go, girl! The California African American Museum pays tribute to women of color who paved the wave for other women in male-dominated fields. 

Stories in the Afternoon: Paul Klee - Pasadena
The abstract works of Paul Klee provide inspiration for this month’s family program at the Norton Simon Museum.

A Dr. Seuss Sunday - Mid-Wilshire
The Zimmer celebrates Dr. Seuss and his wonderful way with words.

Pretty Little Demons - Hollywood
They financed their debut album with a kickstarter campaign; now this duo performs at Amoeba Music with special guests Exene Cervenka and Brett Anderson, before heading to Austin for SXSW. Oh, and they’re 10 and 12 years old.

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!