Fun & Free Activities for LA Kids this Weekend: CicLAvia, Fun Run, and Abbot Kinney Festival: Oct 6 -7

10/3/12 - By Toby B

Okay, gods of Carma: we get it. We Angelenos are at your mercy. At your word the roads close and we’re glued where we stand. Now in your benevolence you have released us, and allowed us to pursue the infinite sources of entertainment within our reach. And there is a lot going on this weekend.  A lot. (You would think it’s a holiday weekend or something, but it’s not. Maybe in other places it is, but here it’s a run-of-the-mill, random, not-a-holiday weekend. With so much to do).

But I think you’ve taken it a little too far, my friends. Now, instead of being stuck at home, you want us to be in half a dozen different places at the same time. We’ve got the folksy fun of  Folk Festival Weekend at Underwood Farms in Moorpark, the playfully spooky Pumpkinliner in Fillmore, the Aquarium Kids Fun Run and Southeast Asia Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, the Angel Festival  in Sierra Madre, the Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival at LACMA, and Abbot Kinney Festival and Discover Marina del Rey Day on the West side. (Seriously, festivals in the Marina and Venice on the same day, who thought of that? Oh, that’s right, you did, {cough} Carmaggedon {cough}. Thanks for that).

And CicLAvia?  The event that winds its way through the city, a giant street party incorporating landmarks such as Exposition Park, Little Tokyo, MacArthur Park, Chinatown and the grand opening of downtown’s Grand Park… and all of it done without automotive interference? Oh Carma gods, now you’re just toying with us.  What are you trying to tell us? Do we need our cars?  Are we better off without them..?

To be continued next weekend, as the Space Shuttle Endeavour winds its way through surface streets en route to its new home at the California Science Center. Is it a plane? A car? Or something else entirely… stay tuned!

Keep reading for our favorite picks for this weekend!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND
Frankenweenie (PG) - Hollywood
There’s nothing like a tale of a boy and his (re-animated) dog. Tim Burton’s latest feature debuts in dynamic 3D at the El Capitan Theatre.

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival - Mid-Wilshire
LACMA plays host to the LA International Children’s Film Festival, with over 100 (mostly short) films for kids from around the world. Except for the opening night screening of Mighty Ducks, no tickets are needed. Just show up!

Pumpkinliner - Fillmore
Spooksters can ride a vintage train to the Pumpkin Patch where Jolly Jumps, a carousel, arts & crafts booths, face painting, and the perfect pumpkin await.

Folk Festival Weekend at Underwood Farms -Moorpark
Bring your banjo and pluck along, or sit back and listen to the sounds of folk, old-time or Bluegrass as Underwood Family Farms continues its Fall Harvest Festival.

LA Korean Festival  - Los Angeles
Korean culture and heritage take center stage at this four day fest.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 6

Angel Festival  - Sierra Madre
Fans of angels gather to celebrate the mystical beings at Sierra Madre’s Memorial Park.

Disney Store Halloween Dress Rehearsal Party - Multiple Locations
Kids can work the kinks out of their costumes and get in the Halloween spirit at the Disney Store’s Halloween Dress Rehearsal party. The newly redesigned location in Costa Mesa is even celebrating its Grand Opening at the same time, with characters from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Southeast Asia Day - Long Beach
Families can dive into the culture of Southeast Asia at this day-long festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific, featuring live performances of music and dance and demonstrations of cultural crafts. 

Aquarium Kids Fun Run - Long Beach
Who needs a marathon? Kids can get moving at this one-mile run starting at the Aquarium of the Pacific. (Runners get free entry into the Aquarium, too!)

14th Annual Latino Heritage Parade and Jamaica - Pasadena
Families can celebrate Latino Heritage at this free parade and community fair.

Global Cardboard Challenge at the Skirball - West LA
Remember that kid who built an arcade out of cardboard? He’s the inspiration behind this cardboard construction extravaganza at the Skirball. Come be creative.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 7

Abbot Kinney Festival - Venice
Abbot Kinney Blvd. overflows with vendors, performers, and tons of food. The Kidsquad offers endless sources of amusement, including bouncy houses, a climbing wall, crafts galore, and kid-friendly musicians.

Discover Marina del Rey Day - Marina del Rey
The Marina provides a beautiful backdrop to this annual kid-centric festival at Burton Chace Park.

CicLAvia - Los Angeles
These boots were made for walking. Or biking. Or riding in a stroller. Whatevs. Explore Los Angeles without your car, enjoying additional hotspots on CicLAvia’s new route.

Target Sundays at CAAM: Celebrating Healthy Living - Downtown
One of CicLAvia’s new hubs is at Exposition Park. Why not check out the free activities at the California African American Museum!

Active Arts at The Music Center: Drum Downtown - Downtown
The drums are calling you! Another CicLAvia hub is at the newly opened Grand Park, which marks the occasion with Remo Rhythm Ride - a fun-filled lively drumming experience.

Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day - Downtown
Show some creepy crawlies a little love at this annual event at the Natural History Museum.

Kids Flea Market - Pasadena
Budding entrepreneurs can get a taste of commerce at Kidspace Children's Museum kid-run flea market, selling gently used or home-made goods.

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - Pasadena
Autumn brings to a close the Chinese Culture Sundays at the Pacific Asia Museum.Celebrate with crafts, performances and free refreshments.

Velveteen Rabbit - Topanga
The children's classic comes to life via Creative Playground’s immersive interactive performance at Theatricum Botanicum.

As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whether you walk, run or drive, we hope you have a spectacular time this weekend!

photo: by Gary Leonard (c) CicLAvia