Participating Theaters, such as Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - 1:00 PM
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - 2:00 PM
BMO Stadium - 5:00 PM
The Watts Towers Campus - 10:00 AM Pick
Main Street El Segundo - 9:00 AM
The Watts Towers Campus - 10:00 AM Pick
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark - 9:00 AM
Participating Theaters, such as Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - 1:00 PM
Irvine Park Railroad - various times
Natural History Museum - various times
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark - 9:00 AM
Runway Playa Vista - 10:00 AM
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark - 9:00 AM
Autry National Center - 1:00 PM
Participating Theaters, such as Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - 1:00 PM
BMO Stadium - 8:00 PM
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark - 9:00 AM
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens - 10:30 AM
Participating Theaters, such as Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE - 1:00 PM
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Fun & Free Events for LA Kids this Weekend: Sand Sculpture, Dinosaur Train, and Cheeky Monkeys: August 11 - 12
So the summer’s about halfway through now and, wait, what? Back to school already? You’ve got to be kidding me! We were just getting started. We’ve only scratched the surface of all those free summer kids movies; we were just setting up our picnics for the many free outdoor concerts, and we're still brushing up our Shakespeare for the different renditions of the Bard in the Park. You can’t send us back now!
Pretty much the only saving grace of back to school is the chance to buy new clothes. (If you’re a kid. If you’re a mom the best thing is everything.) We’ve got some pointers on where to go in LA to for the best combination of style and value. (There’s a fashion show at the Grove this weekend that can give you a few ideas, too).
And if school starts for you and yours next week, I say go out with a bang. Party like it’s the first day of summer. Build a sandcastle, play in the park, ride a choo choo or hunt for faeries, dance like nobody’s watching, and take your Shakespeare with a dose of Wookie. It ain’t over til it’s over, and this summer has just begun!
Keep reading for our favorite picks for this weekend...
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
ALL WEEKEND
80th Annual Great Sand Sculpture Contest - Long Beach
Sand artisans make museum-worthy sculptures in this weekend’s competition at Granada Beach
Mary Poppins - Downtown
You’ve flown a kite, (and maybe swept a chimney or two); now it’s time for the main event: supernanny Mary Poppins lands at the Ahmanson Theatre for a three week run.
Disney Pixar's Brave (PG) - Hollywood
This is your last chance to catch Disney’s newest princess Merida at the El Capitan Theatre. (Brave ends its run this weekend to make way for the classic Cinderella.)
Garden Concerts for Kids - West Los Angeles
It doesn’t get much better than free! Kids can enjoy all the Getty has to offer, including the magnificent grounds and artistic inspiration, and top it off with a free concert featuring Mommy Poppins favorite Randy Kaplan, and David Tobocman & Friends.
Lowes Build and Grow - Multiple Locations
These projects are so cute it’s hard to believe they’re free. This week at Lowe's kids can build their own Shrek dragon ride.
Family Amphitheater Performances - West Los Angeles
The Skirball Cultural Center continues with its excellent line up of family entertainers. This weekend it presents Chinese Lion Dance (Saturday) and the critically-acclaimed Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band (Sunday).
SATURDAY AUGUST 11
Dinosaur Train Day - Downtown
The Natural History Museum celebrates PBS Kids’ Dinosaur Train with a day of special activities, and a visit from Buddy himself!
Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu - Downtown
Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu brings its trademark thunderous, hip-shaking, theatrical take on Hawai’ian dance to Grand Performances at California Plaza.
Back-To-School Saturday with Teen Vogue - The Grove
Not feeling the back-to-school love? Teen Vogue helps young shoppers get inspired with a fashion show and more at the Grove.
14th Annual Summer Festival on the Courtyard: Japanese American Olympics - Downtown
Kids inspired by the Olympics can take part in this Japanese-American infused event at the Japanese American National Museum, with basketball, origami, and even rock-paper-scissors!
Big!World!Fun! La Santa Cecilia - Hollywood
La Santa Cecilia combines musical influences such as South American cumbia, bossa nova, and tango, Afro-Cuban percussion, Mexican norteño and rock to deliver a fun fiesta-like performance that leaves crowds mesmerized. Pre-show activities include making Metepec clay sun ornaments.
Andrew & Polly Mini-Concert - West Los Angeles
Children's Book World presents a free mini concert with Andrew and Polly.
Street Food Cinema - Downtown
Down the rabbit hole with you! Alice in Wonderland screens in Exposition Park.
Oscars Outdoors - Hollywood
Go Back to the Future with Marty McFly: it is your density.
SUNDAY AUGUST 12
David Tobocman - Topanga
David Tobocman has a very busy weekend! In addition to appearing at the Getty, he celebrates his record release with a concert at the Theatricum Botanicum.
Family Flicks: The Incredible Mr. Limpet (G) - Westwood
Mild-mannered Don Knotts becomes a hero fish in this classic film screening at the Hammer Museum.
Hammer Kids: School’s Out, But Books Are In - Westwood
Kids are encouraged to keep summer alive by writing short books about their summers.
Latino Arts and Culture Family Day - California's Designing Women - Griffith Park
The Autry celebrates the artistic contributions of Latina women in California.
3 Cheeky Monkeys Guest Appreciation Day! Play Day at the Park - Rancho Park
Sure, it’s nice to look at the toys in a store but the real fun is in the playing! Westside Pavilion’s 3 Cheeky Monkeys brings some waycool toys to Cheviot Hills Park for a giant playdate in the park.
Sunday Funday at Romp - Hollywood
Parents can check out fun birthday party resources while the kids have fun at indoor playspace Romp. Seriously, they have a miniature horse and a pot bellied pig, what more do you need to know?
LevittLA Summer Concert Series - Children's Concerts - Downtown
Head on over to MacArthur Park for the high-energy, interactive, circus arts, clown extravaganza that is the Funky Punks!
Family Summer Concert Series - Palos Verdes Peninsula
Are you always peering behind trees to find the hidden faeries? The fine folks from A Faery Hunt lead kids on a magical adventure in the lovely South Coast Botanic Garden.
As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have an awe-inspiring weekend!
