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Weekend Fun for LA Kids: Apollo 11, Delicious Go Little Tokyo, Comic Con

Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone
Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone
7/18/19 - By Toby B

It's one small step for Mom... one giant leap for the whole family as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon. We look to the skies. We look to the skies some more. We look to the simulated skies. We look to the skies the way they did in the olden times... on a TV screen.

The commemoration reminds us of the boundless possibilities of all we can accomplish. We can get free lollipops and ice cream, and play for half the price. We can watch in awe (and no small degree of jealousy) as the population of Los Angeles decreases by half and San Diego's simultaneously increases by the same measure. (Must be magic.) Despite adversity, we can boldly go where no one has gone before.

Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. So whenever you feel alone, just remember: those kings will always be there to guide you and so will Mommy Poppins.

Take one small step... to keep reading for our most stellar picks for this weekend's fun.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Griffith Observatory Tribute to Apollo's 50th Anniversary

Griffith Park
The weekend's events include a range of talks about our past, present and future on the Moon.   READ MORE

APOLLO 11 - An Immersive 360˚ Adventure

Pasadena
In 1969, man landed on the moon, and You. Are. There! Just time the for the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the lunar surface, an immersive live show brings to life NASA's most daring mission: landing astronauts on the Moon and returning them safely home. READ MORE

San Clemente Ocean Festival

San Clemente
This annual festival, which has its roots in the lifeguard community, features dory boat races, a kids' surfing contest, the great rubber duck race, a "dolphin dash," a fishing derby, a youth pavilion, and more.  READ MORE

Camarillo Fiesta & Street Fair

Camarillo
More than 10,000 people come to Camarillo Old Town each year for this annual tradition. Families can enjoy fun rides including the traditional Ferris wheel and games. Vendors are set up along Ventura Boulevard.  READ MORE

Skirball Family Amphitheater Performances

West LA
A summer favorite at the Skirball returns, offering family-friendly entertainment in the amphitheater. This year’s series features artists who use the power of performance to enliven our city and the people who call LA home.  READ MORE

2024 Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

Griffith Park
All the world's a stage, including Griffith Park. Free Shakespeare returns to Griffith Park for a full summer of theater under the stars. This year the festival puts on one show: As You Like It.   READ MORE

Kiddee Matinees

Hollywood
On Saturdays and Sundays, families can catch a matinee screening of a kid-friendly movie at the New Beverly Cinema.   READ MORE

40 Days of Fun!

Pasadena
Bubble, bubble, toil and ... more bubbles!  Kidspace's 40th birthday celebration nears its close, with tons of bubble fun, including a foam pit to play in!  READ MORE

The Lion King (2019) (PG)

Hollywood
The circle of life comes to a close: Disney's The Lion King finishes its run at the El Capitan. READ MORE

50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Screenings

Beverly Hills
It was one small step for man, one giant leap in watching live tv.   Paley visitors can relive the magic of the moon landing with two days of special screenings pulled from the Paley Archives. READ MORE

San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego
Genre fans of every ilk make the pilgrimage down to San Diego for fandom's ultimate party: San Diego Comic-Con. The 4-day event celebrates comic books, movies, TV, video games, anime, action figures, and cosplay. Fans get to rub shoulders with stars and creators, in intimate panel discussions and presentations in giant halls, on the packed exhibit floor and in autograph sessions. Many come dressed in costume; many more take pictures of the Storm Troopers, Avengers, Star Trek cadets, and Madrigal families in their midst. READ MORE

All Star Comedy Festival

El Segundo
The Old Town Music Hall presents a collection of silent and sound short comedies from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Silent shorts are accompanied live on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ. READ MORE

Apollo 11: First Step Edition (IMAX film)

Exposition Park
The California Science Center's latest IMAX presentation is one giant leap for movies. Timed to the 50th anniversary of NASA’s celebrated Apollo 11 mission, Apollo 11: First Steps Edition is a thrilling cinematic experience that showcases the real-life moments of humankind’s first steps on the Moon.  READ MORE

Cayton Children's Museum Half Price Admission

Santa Monica
The Cayton's Children's Museum is offering half price admission for a limited time. (That's all the fun for half the price!) READ MORE

Shakespeare by the Sea (Long Beach)

Long Beach
Shakespeare by the Sea presents two nights of free professionally-crafted Shakespeare at Cesar Chavez Park.  First up is Henry V. Shakespeare’s most patriotic and inspiring play tells of a young King Henry V who seeks to unite his beloved England. READ MORE
34,000 Pillows Workshop. Photo courtesy of Diaz Lewis
34,000 Pillows Workshop. Photo courtesy of Diaz Lewis

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Free Lollypop at See's Candy

Multiple Locations
See's Candy celebrates National Lollipop Day with a free lollypop for you! Plus: a new flavor will be revealed on July 20!  Sweet! READ MORE

Go Little Tokyo’s Delicious Little Tokyo 2024

Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo becomes a foodie paradise at the annual Delicious Little Tokyo Festival. Walking tours, hands-on workshops, and free activities make for an entire day of gourmet fun.   READ MORE

Nothin' But Sand Beach Cleanup

Venice
Kids can get involved and help the environment by participating in this monthly beach cleanup. The first event in 2024 is held at Malibu's Zuma Beach. READ MORE

Reading the News: a 34,000 Pillows Workshop

Downtown
Artist collaborative Díaz Lewis leads a workshop to create pillows from recycled clothing and learn about current U.S. immigration issues. READ MORE

Summer Jamz at the Park

Norwalk
Summer Jamz is a free event that brings the community together to enjoy live music, dance, and a time of celebration. The first concert features ReLove in Glazier Park. READ MORE

Meet Me at Reed

Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s outdoor cultural and recreational program features free Saturday events. Guests should bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and food, or enjoy rotating food trucks throughout the season. Pre-concert activities for all ages begin at 3 pm Upcoming: Sept 21: Bruns Collective with Kevin Baché Sept 28:  Eco Friendly Day/Music by Todd Washington (TMax) Trio Rain may affect programming; call for more info during bad weather. READ MORE

Redondo Beach Summer Music Festival 2024

Redondo Beach
The free concerts on Redondo Beach Pier come with an added bonus: the chance to see the sun set over the ocean. Thursday night concerts feature tribute bands. READ MORE

Magic and Mystery at Union Station

Downtown
For those of you who think train stations are magical....Union Station conjures a spellbinding showcase of L.A.’s world-class magicians. For one evening only, guest can enjoy Magic & Mystery at Union Station, featuring a variety of magic styles, from “close magic” to the work of awe-inspiring mentalists and illusionists. READ MORE

Street Food Cinema 2024

Culver City, Eagle Rock
Street Food Cinema goes on adventure with a screening of Up! at the LA Arboret--  squirrel!   READ MORE

Marina Del Rey Summer Concert Series 2024

Marina Del Rey
The Saturday evening concerts at Burton Chace Park feature symphonic sounds and headliners from popular music. The waterfront park makes a lovely setting for a picnic; bring your blanket and low-back chairs and don't forget your jackets (it can get pretty chilly at night!). Performers this year include Houndsmouth, Musiq Soulchild, and Lila Downs. READ MORE

Warner Center's Movies on the Green

Woodland Hills
Dive in!  Warner Center's last movie of the summer is Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. Films are presented on a 30-foot theatrical screen with digital projection, surround sound, and high-resolution digital picture.  Other selections this year include Wish, Elemental, and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom READ MORE

Simi Valley's 2024 Music in the Park

Simi Valley
Simi Valley's summer concert series is held (mostly) in Rancho Simi Community Park.  These summer concerts feature musical styles including country and classic rock. READ MORE

NoHo Summer Nights: Concerts

North Hollywood
Free concerts are held in North Hollywood Park every other Saturday this summer.  READ MORE

CineMalibu: A Butterfly Celebration featuring "Wings of Life"

Malibu
CineMalibu presents "Wings of Life," a stunning celebration of life, showcasing the unsung heroes of our planet - butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and bats. This 2013 film is rated G. READ MORE

Star Party: 50th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing

Agoura Hills
Alas, you won't be able to see our Moon during this star party. But as an alternative, how about the moons... of Jupiter! READ MORE

Old Pasadena Summer Cinema

Pasadena
The free summer movie series closes out with screenings of Zootopia and Nacho Libre. READ MORE
Yoga for Little Travelers. Photo courtesy of Hammer Museum
Yoga for Little Travelers. Photo courtesy of Hammer Museum

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Family Flicks at the Hammer

Westwood
UCLA's Hammer Museum presents a free family screening each month.  October's film Microcosmos takes a closeup look at the hidden world of insects and other tiny creatures.  READ MORE

DreamWorks Trolls Afternoon Tea Party

Pasadena
Hug time!  The Langham Huntington Hotel hosts a Dreamworks Trolls-themed AfternoonTea. READ MORE

Kids Run the Bases - Dodgers Home Game

Echo Park
Kids ages 5-14 get to run the bases after most daytime Dodger home games on Sundays.    READ MORE

Fowler Families: Yoga for Little Travelers

Westwood
Little yogis and their families are invited to pack their bags and go on a whimsical journey to Guatemala during this year’s final yoga session.  READ MORE

They Called Us Enemy—Conversation and Signing with George Takei

Little Tokyo
George Takei visits The Japanese American National Museum for a brief conversation about the graphic novel They Called Us Enemy. The book is Takei’s firsthand account of years behind barbed wire at an American concentration camp during World War II.  READ MORE

Silents Under the Stars

Agoura Hills
The tradition of classic silent films screening under the stars with live musical accompaniment continues in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Harold Lloyd is in Hot Water in August's film when his mother-in-law accompanies Lloyd and his wife on a drive in their new automobile.  Note: Paramount Ranch currently has limited access due to construction, so the 37th edition of “Silents Under the Stars” takes place at the nearby King Gillette Ranch READ MORE

Cinespia (Ford Theatres)

Hollywood
Welcome, young Skywalker, I have been expecting you. The original Star Wars trilogy ends with Return of the Jedi. READ MORE

POSTPONED Faery Hunt Family Series

Redondo Beach
UPDATE:  Now where did those faeries go?  All Faery Hunt events for March and April are postponed.​ READ MORE

Junior Ranger Adventures

Calabasas
Kids can explore the Santa Monica Mountains with a ranger and earn a junior ranger badge. On a short walk, participants learn how to hike safely, identify plants and animals, and use their senses to explore the world around us. Free junior ranger activity books are available. READ MORE

Yorba Linda Concerts in the Park

Yorba Linda
Music fans can pack a picnic basket for the Yorba Linda summer concert series in Hurless Barton Park Amphitheater.  New this year: food trucks! READ MORE

Concerts on the Green 2024

Woodland Hills
The summer concert series at Warner Center Park returns for the 2024 season.  Swifties can unite at the penultimate concert, featuring Taylor Swift tribute Blank Space. READ MORE

Agoura Hills Summer Concerts in the Park

Agoura Hills
The Agoura Hills free summer concerts are held mostly in Chumash Park. Highlights throughout the summer include tribute bands, a concert/jazz band, and a patriotic laser show! READ MORE

2024 Summer Concerts in the Park at Conejo Community Park

Thousand Oaks
It may get a little chilly in the evenings, but the music at Conejo Community Park is hot!  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Griffith Park - site of the Old Zoo
Kidspace Children's Museum
See's Candy - Participating Locations
Little Tokyo Various Locations, including Japanese Village Plaza
Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA)
Two locations, including: Gerdes Park
Reed Park, just north of Miles Memorial Playhouse
Rotating locations, including the Autry Museum
Old Pasadena - Multiple Locations, including One Colorado
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center