Fun & Free Things to Do with LA Kids this Weekend: National Dance Day, Dragon Boats and Malibu Arts, July 26 - 27

Submitted by Toby B on

Whatever you do this weekend, DON'T GET OUT OF TOWN!   There’s another one of those Carmeggedon, Carpocalyse things happening, and they’re calling it … the Century Crunch. I know, I know, it doesn’t have much gloom and doom sound to it, but it’s right at the airport.  They’re knocking down a bridge, road improvements yadda yadda traffic nightmare. And probably zombies. Just stay home, play in your backyard, or if you have to, venture downtown. (They have toys.)

Think you're safe if you're heading to San Diego for Comic Con? Ha! You and half a billion other people!  Do they even have enough oxygen for all those people?  No,  you'd better stay right here in the beautiful City of Angels. And what a weekend it will be!  We have National Dance Day, the circus, and the OC Fair, Dragon Boats and Malibu Arts and Summer Fest at Venice Beach. Kids can build sand castles, run like heroes, cheer for cowfolk, boo the bullies and sing with Cinderella.  Best weekend ever!

Or you could always go to New York.

Keep reading for our conveniently located in LA picks for this weekend ....

Fish Printing Craft for Kids

Submitted by Ally Noel on

If you are taking a vacation that involves fishing this summer, fish printing is a great way to preserve a couple of fun family vacation memories. Fish Printing, or Gyotaku, is a traditional Japanese art dating from the mid-1800s. Think of it like a pre-Instagram way of recording the size of your catch. In these days of digital media; however, it has evolved into a bit more of an art form. We had the good fortune to learn a bit more about it on vacation in Cape Cod. I wasn't sure how my 2.5 year old daughter would react to painting a fish, but she loved it. Luckily, if she hadn't we had a fake fish on hand to work with too. You can also use this method to create one-of-a-kind t-shirts, a great DIY vacation souvenirs ( I mean, who needs another tie-dye shirt!)

Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day, The Lightning Thief Musical, Harry Potter Party July 26-27

Stephanie Ogozalek's picture Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on

It's looking like a lovely mid-summer weekend and there are lots of fun and FREE things to do together as a family. Try classic outdoor games at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Family Field Day, work up a sweat at the Get Up & Go Family Adventure Race on Staten Island or hit the Scholastic Store in Soho for a magical Harry Potter birthday party.

Two of our top picks of the month take place this weekend and they're both FREE. Enjoy an eclectic lineup of music and dance performances at Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day and catch Theatreworks USA's brand-new musicalization of The Lightning Thief in the West Village.

However you spend the weekend, remember to share photos of your family's adventures on social media for a chance to win great prizes in our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE. If you need playtime inspiration, we have hundreds of ideas in our SUMMER OF PLAY GUIDE.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

Family-Friendly Events on the East End, Hamptons and North Fork, July 25, 26 & 27

Erica Jackson's picture Submitted by Erica Jackson on

Summer in the Hamptons and the North Fork is in full swing with more than a few family-friendly events happening, from Shakespeare in the Park to a Carnival. We've come up with 10 must-attend events during the weekend of July 25-27.

Be sure to check out our Long Island Calendar for more kid-friendly activities, as well as our Hamptons and North Fork Guide. And don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you can receive our roundup of fun things to do delivered directly to your inbox.

Mostly Fun & Free Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend July 26-27: Railroad Days, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Bug Hike & More!

Submitted by Sasha Muzzarelli on

New Jersey offers up plenty of reasons to get going and get outdoors this July weekend! Check out the spectacular QuikCheck Festival of Ballooning with hot air balloons filling the sky, sample delicious Italian eats (zeppole anyone?) at the St. Ann’s Italian Festival in Hoboken, get up close and personal with insects during A Bug’s Life at Tenafly Nature Center or explore historical train models during Railroad Days at Historic Cold Spring Village. And if you’re up for a nighttime adventure, reserve your spot for an Evening Campfire & Hike at Valley Crest Preserve – s’mores included! Also, you can check out the full list of weekend activities on our Event Calendar and don't miss our Summer of Play Guide with 100s of ideas for a fun, playful, and tech-free summer!

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort Costa Rica for a Pura Vida Family Vacation

Anna Fader's picture Submitted by Anna Fader on

If Costa Rica has a national catchphrase it's pura vida, literally “pure life” or, colloquially, “being happy.” It's at the heart of what makes Costa Rica such a special destination, a place where being in balance with nature, eating fresh, delicious and healthy foods, and in general relaxing and enjoying the simple pleasures of life are taken very seriously. I was recently invited to Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, a resort 30 minutes from Liberia airport on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, that exudes pura vida from every pore. Before I tell you more about Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, I have to warn you that I am very biased about this resort. It's not that I have a special connection with the resort or got special treatment, but Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is so exactly my style I felt like someone had gone inside my head and designed the resort out of my dreams. But I don't think it's just me. There is so much to love about this place, I think you will feel as passionately about it as I do.

Summer Road Races and Triathlons for Kids in Fairfield County

Submitted by Susan Isaak on

Every weekend, in cities and towns across Fairfield County, you’ll find kids competing in road races and triathlons. And why not? Racing is a great way to get outdoors and keep kids busy, focused and fit. A beautiful summer morning is even better when you spend it watching your child cross a finish line past a crowd of cheering people. Most races are tied to a charity, so in addition to fitness, you have the chance to help others while teaching your kids about the importance of raising money and awareness for a particular cause. Your child doesn't have to be a future track star, either. In most cases, the distances are short enough to hop right into a race without training, especially for the youngest kids. There are plenty of opportunities for more serious athletes to try longer distances, too. No matter what, nothing beats that smile of finishing something very challenging. Here's a list of races that you and the family can participate in this summer.

New Chuck Jones Exhibit: Kids Can Learn About the Bugs Bunny Creator & Make Their Own Animations at the Museum of the Moving Image

Alina Adams's picture Submitted by Alina Adams on

There are some repetitive, simple-minded animated shows that you can't wait for your kids to outgrow. (I'm not going to name names... there are just so many!) And then there are classics you can't wait to share with your children. That's how I feel about the old Looney Tunes cartoons—they were so creative and crazy and kooky, and great fun for audiences of all ages. (Many of the jokes I only get now as an adult!) There's really nothing like them on TV these days (or rather, nothing appropriate for young kids—my children are still a few years away from Robot Chicken).

Whether your kids are already big fans of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, et al, or you're introducing them to the Looney Tunes gang for the first time, the Museum of the Moving Image's brand-new exhibit What’s Up, Doc? The Animation Art of Chuck Jones is really inspiring, especially for young artists. Not only do kids learn about the genius behind these iconic characters, on Saturdays, children ages 7 and up can drop in to the museum's Studio to make their own animated shorts.

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