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Fun & Free Activities for LA Kids this Weekend: Tall Ships, Malibu Surfing, and Brazilian Day, Sept 8 - 9

9/6/12 - By Toby B

I have a confession to make. You know how the last few weeks I've been complaining about the end of summer and the incomprehensibly early start of school? Finally last week I gave in. I relented. Labor Day came and went, and even I had to admit it was time to go back to school. But then I realized...

... no one in my house is in school yet. We're still at the pre-school phase. In other words: September, Shmeptember, it's all the same to us. Which brings me to a new complaint:  what about us? Where’s the love for those of us too young to mark the passage of time by semesters?

Someone must have heard my whining musing, because this week we can point you towards events that even our youngest fans can enjoy.  There’s a G-rated movie, an outdoor concert series just for kids, and the grand opening of a Disney Store designed for the under 2 set. And in honor of Grandparents Day, there are special events that juniors can share with their favorite seniors.

There are still plenty of events for the rest of you big kids: East Hollywood Artcycle, Brazilian Day in LA, Tchaikovsky served up with fireworks,  a surfing competition in Malibu,  festivals of lobsters and tall ships, even Batman and Robin’s stage debut. So get out there and live it up this weekend, but please be quiet when you do: we're taking a nap.

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival - Dana  Point
Families can get their sea legs touring tall ships, visiting living history encampments and listening to sea chanteys. Enroll in Cap’n Jack’s School for Scallywags and learn to walk, talk, and sing like a pirate. (Hint: start with aaaaaarrrr!)

Malibu Surfing Association's MSA Classic - Malibu
Surf's up in Malibu! More than 300 invited athletes representing surfing clubs from around the world compete at First Point, one of surfing’s legendary waves.

Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings (G) - Hollywood
I do believe in fairies! Tinker Bell and her Pixie Hollow friends are back in a new adventure at El Capitan Theatre.

Festival of Children - Costa Mesa
The fun, free shows at South Coast Plaza this weekend include Wonders of Wildlife, Newport Dance Theatre, OC Mariachis, and the Happy Hoofers.

Original Lobster Festival - Long Beach
The Crustacean is King at this annual Lobster Festival. Come hungry.

Batman Live - Anaheim
The heroes (and villains) from the DC Comics classic come to life in this dynamic stage show at the Honda Center.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8

Wake Up with the Waves: Willie Aaron and Fab Harmony - Santa Monica
Move over, Twilight Dance; it’s the little kids’ time to rock! Santa Monica Pier’s free weekly concerts for kids start up with a fun interactive performance from Willie Aaron.

Brazilian Day in LA - Hancock Park / Mid-Wilshire
The authentic Rio-Style Brazilian Parade is the highlight of this day-long festival celebrating Brazilian culture. 

Family Fun Fest - Redondo Beach
The South Bay Galleria invites families to celebrate Back-to-School with booths, entertainment, giveaways, and hands-on activities.

Grand Opening of the First Disney Baby Store - Glendale
There’s a new member of the Disney Store family: Disney Baby Store at The Americana at Brand. Word has it Winnie the Pooh is on the guest list for the grand opening. The first 100 babies get free Disney Baby Mickey Mouse ears.

Drumtime Drum Circle - Pasadena
September is all about kids at One Colorado. This Sunday John Lacques leads a drum circle for percussionists young and old -- no experience needed.

East Hollywood ArtCycle - East Hollywood
This grass-roots street fair features art, live music, a variety of bicycle tours, and collaborative street art projects. Young kids can experience the joys of biking in a safely roped off area.

Latin American Parade & Festival - Long Beach
Long Beach celebrates Latin American culture with a lively parade and festival. Everyone can join in by following the parade at its end.

Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks - Hollywood
Tchaikovsky. Fireworks.Hollywood Bowl. ‘nuff said.

Olivia and the Fairy Princesses Party - La Verne
Kids can join Olivia for a special party with dress up and storytime.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9

Creepy Crawly Creature Feature - Culver City
It’s all about bugs at STAR Eco Station.

Grandparents Day: The Princess and the Pirate Puppet Show & Workshop - Santa Ana
In honor of Grandparents' Day,  the Bowers Museum presents a special puppet show with pirates and a princess and a puppet-making workshop.

National Grandparents Day: Sharing Stories - Mid-Wilshire
Zimmer Children's Museum celebrates Grandparents' Day by sharing stories and making storybooks.

As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do, we wish an awesome weekend to all our readers, young and old!