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Weekday Picks: Underwater Parks and Something Free Every Day this Week, January 11-15

1/11/16 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

Christmas may be over, but in my house paying for it is not. My family is going to focus on free things to do this week, like drawing in El Segundo or playing at the mall in Century City. The second Tuesday of the month is always free admission at The Autry in Griffith Park. I love this museum because it covers both the myth and reality of Western expansion and never forgets the important role of movies. Currently, costumes from The Hateful Eight are on display.

The Fairfax Branch Library has storytime on Wednesday; why not spend the day at Third and Fairfax? If it doesn’t rain, let the kids run at Pan Pacific Park, followed by something I loved to do as a child and still enjoy with my own kids: perusing the Original Farmer’s Market. While you're there, a free ride on the trolley at the Grove is a treat, too.

One thing worth paying for is the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium’s drop-off class, Microbiologists: Underwater Parks. Two hours for mom to get some exercise on the beach or run to the grocery store, while the kids become educated about our environment and marine science—what's not to love? If this one is already filled, sign up now for the next one on January 25.

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For those who are inclined to spend money on activities this week, Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues at the El Capitan, Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios is at Dodger Stadium and Bob Baker’s Marionettes are still running The Nutcracker (just in case you didn’t catch one in December!).

As always there is plenty of free and not free stuff to do on Mommy Poppins’ Daily Events Calendar and January Go List.

1. Microbiologists: Underwater Parks – Monday
Babysitting with a science component: what could be better? $25 for two hours of instruction that doesn’t require a parent in attendance seems like a great deal to me. But, as promised, we also know a great free option for Monday: Vermont Square Library is gearing up for MLK Day with a free family movie evening celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (with refreshments).
See all Monday events

2. Free Day at The Autry – Tuesday
Yee Haw! No charge for this blast to the past. The kids’ section is not well advertised on the website, but the Imagination Gallery is a great place to introduce young 'uns to our multicultural past, with an interactive scavenger hunt that brings the West to life.
See all Tuesday events

3. Toddler Storytime – Wednesday
Nothing starts the day like a good book in a cozy library (free). But if you prefer your free edu-tainment after dark, head to the Garvey Observatory for a free tour of the night sky.
See all Wednesday events

4. Westfield Playdate – Thursday
Rock out with the Beat Buds at the mall in Century City. Free.
See all Thursday events

5. Kids Drawing Club – Friday
This free, drop-in art class takes place on the third Friday of the month at ESMoA. (Yes, it's already the third Friday of the month!)
See all Friday events

There are always plenty more activities on our Daily Events Calendar and in our monthly GoList. And if you don’t receive our newsletters full of suggestions for family fun, you really should subscribe…it’s free!