Natural Haunts – Nature p.L.A.y. Halloween Events

Natural Haunts

Nature p.L.A.y. Suggested Halloween Events

"Auld Daddy Darkness creeps frae his hole, Black as a blackamoor, blin' as a mole." - James Ferguson

We’d like to recommend a couple of ways you can enjoy the mysterious, spooky fun of Halloween while surrounded by nature. So don your best costumes that will be sure to scare even the most stoic of oak trees and make your way to one of these natural haunts.

Vista Hermosa:

Halloween Inspired by Nature/Halloween Inspirado por la Naturaleza

Friday, October 30, 6:00 pm/Viernes, 30 de octobre, 6:00 pm

Spiders, pumpkins, and bats, oh my! What do all of these natural things have in common with Halloween? Come celebrate a classic October campfire with Naturalist Judy on the eve of Halloween. Meet at the Grotto/Amphitheater. 1.5 hours
Las arañas, calabazas y murciélagos, oh my! ¿Qué tienen todas estas cosas naturales en común con Halloween? Ven a celebrar una fogata en octubre con Naturalista Judy en la víspera de Halloween. Reunirse en el Anfiteatro / Gruta. 1.5 horas
All programs offered are free of charge.

Kidspace Museum:

Halloween Celebration

Saturday, October 31st 10am – 5pm

Kidspace Children’s Museum is offering $5 admission to all children (14 and under) who come to the Museum in costume on Saturday, October 31. Halloween festivities will include science experiments and art projects using candy, making edible gak, and a costume parade and contest.

Remember, you can always check out our list of parks on the right and go strut your Halloween stuff in some L.A. wilderness. Create your own natural fun!

Todos los programas ofrecidos son gratuitos.

July Nature p.L.A.y. Calendar of Events (part 2)

July

Nature p.L.A.y.

Calendar of Events

(Part 2)

Ahhhh! Summer is in full swing!

Now, the times may call for you to cut back on the summer travel plans but that just means more time for enjoying the abundant nature opportunities Los Angeles provides. You can create a “staycation” with outdoor concerts, festivals, nature walks, or even a local camping trip in the Angeles Forest or the Santa Monica Mountains and Beaches. Los Angeles is your oyster this summer!

LAUSD has cut summer school this year so please check out the LA Department of Parks and Recreation for alternate childcare and summer activities.

* Take action to Save 220 of our CA State Parks from closing by clicking here*

Weekend

Saturday 7/18 Vista Hermosa Natural Park is offering a free ride to King Gillette Ranch with their “Transit to Trails”. This is the perfect place to spend a Saturday with family and friends.  Pack a picnic and take a free trip to the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains from 9am-4pm. *

For a shorter excursion you can head to Franklin Canyon and learn all about “Bugs and Their Adventures” as you join naturalist Dennis “the Bug Man” on a light walk from 10am-12pm. *

Or you can spend the evening at Malibu Lagoon State Beach with the Children’s Nature Institute for their “Tikes on Trails: Moonlight Tidal Walk” from 6:30-8:30pm.

Sunday 7/19 learn all about California Native Plants at Kidspace with Naturalist Dwain Wilson from Wildwood Foundation at 11am and 1pm. Which of those plants and “weeds” that we see all the time are edible? Which can heal our ailments? Let your child unveil these mysteries.* (free with admission)

Week of Monday 7/20 through Friday 7/24

Suggestions for your week:

7/20-7/24 let your 8-11 year old child enjoy the epiphanies at Headwaters Corner‘s “Discovery Nature Camp” Session 2 from 9am-4pm every day. They will “discover the wonders of nature with the aid of scientific tools, hands-on activities, crafts, games and listening to engaging talks by guestspeakers.” It will include a guided hike and fieldtrip. Pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited. Nominal fee. For more info or to register: Mountains Restoration Trust, 818-591-1701 x181

On Wednesday 7/22 Vista Hermosa park is hosting their weekly “Family Campfire Program” from 7-8pm. Go listen to stories and sing songs around the crackling flames in this beautiful park just outside the bustle of downtown.*

On Thursday 7/23 the South Coast Botanical Gardens will be the perfect setting to watch Shakespeare Festival LA perform “Romeo and Juliet”. The gardens are open at 6:15 so that you can enjoy a picnic bef0re the 8pm show begins. Call 213-481-2273 for tickets and information.

Weekend

Saturday 7/25 put on your work boots, slip on those gloves and get ready to get dirty because it’s “Farm Chore Day and Picnic” at Animal Acres Farm Sanctuary! Volunteers are asked to arrive between 9 -10 a.m. and commit to a three hour chore task. Please RSVP to info@animalacres.org if you can join them, so they can make sure they have enough vittles! *

Or head over to Deb’s Park from 1-3pm for “Art and Nature” fun. Artist Patricia González and an Audubon naturalist will lead you on a discovery of the nature of Debs Park through art.*

Sunday 7/26 get your fill of one of the most glamorous creatures in the world, the butterfly, and go visit the “Pavillion of Wings” at the Natural History Museum. They will be gracing the museum until September 7th.

Week of Monday 7/27  through Friday 7/31

Suggestions for your week:

On Tuesday 7/28 families can take a “Walk on the Wild Side”  at Descanso Gardens with foxes and giant tortoises of Africa. Rescue animals, educators and handlers will present an interactive safari of the imagination where you can learn about the habitat and survival techniques of furred, feathered and scaly beasts. Seating is first-come-first-served. $12 members, $10 non-members.

During the week there are various campfire programs to get toasty with! There is, of course the Wednesday campfire at downtown’s Vista Hermosa (See previous week’s schedule). There are also several happening at various state parks. Check the California State Park website and find one that suits your marshmallow-eating, story-hearing, sing-along-singing child’s needs.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions.

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

July Nature p.L.A.y. Calendar of Events (part 1)

July

Nature p.L.A.y.

Calendar of Events

(Part 1)

To see a world in a grain of sand, And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand, An eternity in an hour. – William Blake | Photo by Ilana Gustafson Turner

Ahhhh! Summer is in full swing!

Now, the times may call for you to cut back on the summer travel plans but that just means more time for enjoying the abundant nature opportunities Los Angeles provides. You can create a “staycation” with outdoor concerts, festivals, nature walks, or even a local camping trip in the Angeles Forest or the Santa Monica Mountains and Beaches. Los Angeles is your oyster this summer!

LAUSD has cut summer school this year so please check out the LA Department of Parks and Recreation for alternate childcare and summer activities.

* Take action to Save 220 of our CA State Parks from closing by clicking here*

Weekend

Saturday 7/4 Kidspace is celebrating Independence day with insects, arts and crafts, science discovery and more from 10am-3pm! So, before you head out to watch the explosions in the sky take the family to the museum for some low-to-the-ground bug action. Free with museum admission.

Or you could celebrate by taking the family on a summertime “Family Nature Walk”. Every Saturday Eaton Canyon offer one from 9-11am. Placerita Canyon, which just re-opened their newly remodeled nature center, offers a walk from 11am-12pm then an “Animal Presentation” from 1pm-2pm on Saturdays as well. *

Sunday 7/5 your family can help in a “Special Beach Cleanup” at Cabrillo Beach the day after July 4th festivities! From 8-10:30 am help remove litter to protect our coastal habitats. Call (310) 548-7562 for reservations.* (And if your family really enjoys beach clean-ups I would check out Heal the Bay’s list of on-going “Nothin’ But Sand” clean-ups!)

Then you can stretch those generous but sore muscles with a “Mommy and Me Yoga” class at Franklin Canyon Park from 1-2pm. It’s a beginning level class for children 3-8 years and their families. Bring a pillow, towel, and light blanket.*

Week of Monday 7/6 through Friday 7/10

Suggestions for your week:

On Tuesday 7/7 it is “Family Fun Night” from 7-8:30pm at King Gillette Ranch! Join naturalists for songs, stories, and a nature program. Bring a blanket/chair. Marshmallows, skewers, and weather permitting, a campfire will be provided. Meet at parking lot to left of bridge.*

On Wednesday 7/8 Vista Hermosa park is kicking-off their summer programming with a “Family Campfire Program” from 7-8pm. Go listen to stories and sing songs around the crackling flames in this beautiful park just outside the bustle of downtown.*

On Thursday 7/9 at the South Coast Botanical Garden your child can learn to “Make a Salad” (and eat it too) in the Children’s Discovery Garden from 10am-12pm.*

Weekend

Saturday 7/11 it’s all about “Slime and Scales” for your 3-5 year-old at the Natural History Museum from 10:15-11:15 am. They’ll hear stories, play games, and make a scaly craft to take home in celebration of the slimy and the scaly critters that call the Discovery Center home.*

If it is an 8-12 year-old you are looking to entertain, then take them to Malibu Lagoon State Beach for “Family Field Trip” from 9:30am-12:30pm. They will discover why Malibu Lagoon is home to many living things and why the Malibu Creek watershed is important. There is a fee and pre-registration required: 818-591-1701 x181.

Sunday 7/12 the Friends of the Ballona Wetlands are offering their once-a-month “Salt Water Marsh Tour” from 1-3pm. “Learn about our coastal ecosystem and explore the wonders of nature right in the middle of urban Los Angeles.” Meet in the parking lot behind Gordon’s Market at 303 Culver Blvd, Playa del Rey.*

On Sunday you could also head to the Satwiwa Cultural Center to listen to the stories and soothing flute music from Bill “Elk Whistle” Neal under the stars from 7:30-9pm. Bring a flashlight.*

Week of Monday 7/13  through Friday 7/17

Suggestions for your week:

On Thursday 7/16 you can listen to some swing jazz while surrounded by the beautiful Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens from 7-9pm. $8 adults; $6 students & seniors (65+); $4 children (3-12 yrs.) Garden Members and children under 3yrs., admitted free – so, become a member!

On Friday 7/17 it’s “Twilight Night: Dino Night” at Kidspace! “Kids and families go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Kids can make a fossil and go on a fossil hunt, also make a cool dinosaur mask. Play the Stegosaurs Stomp, get a dino tattoo and have a roaring good time! BBQ dinners will be available for purchase.” Admission to event $5.

(Part 2 on its way!)

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions.

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

May Nature P.L.A.Y. Calendar of Events

*********************************************************************************************************

Say goodbye to Where do the Children Play L.A. and Say hello to:

Nature P.L.A.Y.

Nature Places for Los Angeles Youth

*********************************************************************************************************

May

Nature p.L.A.y.

Calendar of Events

"It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility." - Rachel Carson | Photo by Ilana Gustafson Turner

This month’s calendar may be a week late (sorry folks) but it is certainly filled with more outdoor activities than there are lizards on a hot dirt trail! Mother’s Day you have your choice of two concerts, two brunches, and plenty of nature, and Children’s Nature Institute’s  proves that “Kid’s Rock”  just as much as their moms with their music and nature festival. So, whether you’re a kid, a mom, or just someone who loves them, there is plenty to do outside with the family – so, stop reading this and – GO PLAY!

Weekend

Friday 5/8 you can take your toddler on a night walk with the Children’s Nature Institute from 7:30 – 9:00pm. This “Tykes on Trails Moonlight Hike” is geared toward young “naturalists” who still know how to engage their senses to notice the tiniest sound, smell or sight that one might encounter along the Temescal Canyon Trail. Strollers are okay and remember to dress for the cooler evening temps. $20 – Make your reservation on-line.

Saturday 5/9 you can learn all about trees at Sooky Goldman Amphitheater in Franklin Canyon Park with the delightful and informative “Speak for the Trees!” program from 2-4pm. For all ages!

**See Sunday’s listings for more Saturday fun.

Sunday 5/10 is Mother’s Day! There are so many ways to celebrate being a mom and spend some time in nature with the kids this weekend:

What a better way to remember this day than by planting a tree you can visit in years to come? Treepeople is hosting a “Mother’s Day Park Planting” in Sylmar from 9am – 12pm. Reserve a space on-line.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is having a “Mother’s Day Garden Luncheon” from 11am – 3pm. Call 310-456-8432 to make a reservation. There is a fee.

South Coast Botanical Garden is having a “Mother’s Day Concert” from 2 – 4pm. Take a picnic and enjoy being serenaded by the Palos Verdes Symphony while surrounded by your family.

**Kidspace knows how to combine what a Mother wants and what will keep a child entertained with their “Mother’s Day Festival”. Your little elf can create natural facial scrubs, masks and soaps, cards and frames just for you! There will also offer chair massages for those worn out mama muscles. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal on the lawn! From 10am – 3pm on BOTH Saturday and Sunday.

** For a bit pricier option ($45/person, $38/members, $15/child) you can enjoy a “Mother’s Day Brunch” right in the middle of a rose garden at the beautiful Descanso Gardens. Make your reservation by calling 818-790-3663. You can also enjoy a concert for the price of admission, with or without purchasing the brunch at 1pm. This event is on BOTH Saturday and Sunday.

Week of Monday 5/11 through Friday 5/15

Suggestion for your week:

The passionate and knowledgeable docents at Whittier Narrows Natural Area offer school tours of their beautiful native gardens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am – 12pm. You have to make a reservation ahead of time though by calling 626-525-5523. So, if you are a teacher – take your class! If you are a parent – tell your child’s school! See why the Friends of Whittier Narrows are fighting to protect this oasis of native wildlife for yourself!

Weekend

Saturday 5/16 learn how Runyon Canyon was formed, moved, and changed on a “Geology Walk” from 9:30 – 11:30am. Meet at the Mullholland and Desmond Estates entrance. *

Sunday 5/17 “Kid’s Rock” in Griffith Park with the Children’s Nature Institute’s fun-filled concert and nature fair that will make your kids boogie under the trees! At the Old Zoo in Griffith Park from 3:30 – 7pm. $15/person or you can purchase a $50 family package, good for 2 adults and 2 children.

On Sunday you could also rock out with some “Bugs, Lizards, Etc” as the docents of Charmlee Wilderness Area lead you on walk where your child just might encounter a few carabidae or a southern alligator lizard! From 12 – 2pm, $4 parking.

Week of Monday 5/18  through Friday 5/22

Suggestion for your week:

Do you feel like you want to be adventurous with your child but either you don’t know where to go (although that’s impossible if you’re reading this blog!) or you have no other parents with whom you can share the adventure? Well, check out the Mommy Adventure Club! They have a weekly newsletter with various group outings in the city to take yourself – and your little one and siblings, grandparents, nannies, and all are invited to join along. They offer a Green Adventure Guide for outdoor outings as well as trips to museums, the farmer’s market, eateries, city tours, and more. Sign up for their newsletter and meet some other adventurous moms and kids!

Weekend

Saturday 5/23 spend the day at the historic and beautiful Placerita Canyon! From 11am – 12pm you can explore the grounds on a “Family Nature Walk”, bring a picnic and chow down under the oaks from 12 – 1pm, then head over to the nature center for the “Animal Presentation” from 1 – 2pm where you’ll meet some pretty awesome creatures!

Sunday 5/24 Malibu Lagoon State Beach will be hosting their regularly scheduled “Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents” from 10 – 11am. They are cool as sea cucumbers and provide binoculars for those of you who don’t have them!

Week of Monday 5/25 through Friday 5/29

Suggestion for your week:

Well, Monday is Memorial Day and you may be wondering how to keep your vacationing child entertained but avoid the crowds. While all of Los Angeles heads to the beach I suggest you take your children the opposite direction and head East into the Angeles National Forest. It will be less crowded and you can still enjoy a picnic or stroll along one of the many stunning trails and you won’t have to clean the sand out of the most unlikely places when you’re done! You’ll need to display an Adventure Pass so either purchase one for the day or the year. You can do so online or at a ranger station.

Weekend

Saturday 5/30 get to know the arroyo a little better and head to Eaton Canyon for their weekly occurring “Family Nature Walk” from 9 – 11am.*

Sunday 5/31 head to the Conejo Valley Botanical Gardens! Every Sunday they offer activities, lessons, and fun at their “Kid’s Adventure Garden” from 11am – 3pm.*

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

April Nature p.L.A.y. Calendar of Events (part 2)

*********************************************************************************************************

Say goodbye to Where do the Children Play L.A. and Say hello to:

Nature P.L.A.Y.

Nature Places for Los Angeles Youth

*********************************************************************************************************

April

Nature p.L.A.y.

Calendar of Events

(Part 2)

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." -Native American Proverb

Earth day is on April 22nd and it is a chance to connect your children to the idea of stewardship of the planet. Children, I believe, have a natural affinity toward the outdoors but they must be shown by the example of adults how to care for it. There are plenty of opportunities to share the wonder and the fragility of our Earth with your children this month, from a Whale Fesitval to park restoration. Have a beautiful Earth Day!

Weekend

Saturday 4/18 is the beginning of National Park Week (4/18 – 4/26). Now, I know this is not L.A. specific, but I think our National Parks have the invaluable ability to turn anyone into a nature-lover upon fist sight. The highlight of the week is Jr. Ranger Day on 4/25 at National Parks across the State of California. Plan a school or community or family trip!

Local fun is abundant on Saturday as well:

Kidspace is celebrating the culmination of their 13th annual caterpillar adoption with a Butterfly Release! There will be games, activities and live music. The museum opens at 10am the release happens at 2pm.

Malibu Creek State Park is having their regularly scheduled Fun With Nature from 12:30 – 2:30pm with games, crafts and exhibits at the nature center. Parking fee.

Sunday 4/19 join the Sierra Club as they celebrate John Muir’s birthday with a hike in Topanga State Park. There are several hikes that will converge at Trippet Ranch for a picnic party from 12 – 1pm in celebration of this important naturalist. A family hike takes off from Dead Horse at 10am and is 3 hours round trip. Bring water, lunch, and your best birthday hat! Information 310-559-3126.*

There is another celebration happening on Sunday.  In honor of our beloved cetacean friends, the 13th annual Whale Festival will take place at beautiful Leo Carillo State Park in northern Malibu from 10am – 4pm.  Live entertainment, whale-watching stations, arts and crafts, music and food are all a part of the day’s events.  Experienced naturalists will be on hand to help participants spot and identify gray whales and bottlenose dolphin right from the beach!  Parking $10 or free for schools with pre-arranged reservations. For more information contact: (805) 488-1827 x106 or malibuinterp@gmail.com or visit the website http://www.malibuinterp.com.

Week of Monday 4/20 through Friday 4/24

Suggestion for your week:

On 4/23 Children’s Nature Institute is having a Garden Planting and Watering Party at Fern Canyon Trail in Griffith Park from 10am – 12pm. Come celebrate Earth Day by caring for this very special garden that was created by children with CNI in the fall to help restore the fire-destroyed trail.  There is a $10 suggested donation. All ages are welcome.

On 4/24 share the splendor of the spring night sky with your child at Charmlee Wilderness Park from 7:30 – 9:30pm.

Weekend

Saturday 4/25 the California State Parks Foundation is celebrating Earth Day by offering opportunities to clean and restore some local parks. Ballona Wetlands, Rio De Los Angeles State Historic Park, and Malibu Creek State Park are some of the beautiful places where your family can offer some helping hands from 9am – 1pm.*

Sunday 4/26 there is yet another chance to celebrate Earth Day! Star Eco Station in Culver City will be having a celebration especially designed for children with music, games, environmental heroes, and more in honor of the Earth from 10am -4pm.

On Sunday you could also celebrate our beautiful Earth by admiring it’s feathered friends. There will be Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents at Malibu Lagoon State Park from 10- 11am. They provide the binoculars!

Week of Monday 4/27  through Friday 5/1

Suggestion for your week:

Descanso Gardens is in full Spring gear! Wisteria, lilacs, irises, and tulips are just some of the flowers now making a showing. There is always something to do at Descanso from “fossil” digs to nature strolls to train rides. You can also enjoy a cup of tea as you watch the Koi swim merrily through the pond in the Japanese garden. Or you can take in the soothing smells of the blooming lilac garden. There is a lot to do so plan to make a day of it!

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

WDCP Best of L.A. December Weekend Guide Part 2

WDCP Best of L.A.

Mount Waterman in the Angeles National Forest has skiing

Two Week December Weekend Guide Part 2

December 20th – 31st

There is all kinds of wintery fun to be had in Los Angeles this time of year! In addition to the calendar below you and your children can also…

Ski or take lessons at Mt Waterman . Where is it? Well, right here in our Angeles National Forest! About a 45 minute drive up Highway 2.

and

Ice Skate on Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles!

See links for more information

Saturday 12/20

Malibu Creek State Park is offering a little “Fun With Nature” in the form of crafts, exhibits, and games on the beautiful grounds of their visitor’s center from 12:30pm – 2:30pm.*

Sunday 12/21

The Conejo Valley Botanical Garden will have the usual Sunday fun at their “Kid’s Adventure Garden” from 11am – 3pm where your children can play in the treehouse, wander the “zoo garden”, and there is usually a fun craft or two!*

SPECIAL EVENT 12/26 – 12/31

Snowdays at Kidspace!

Every day there is a different fun-filled activity! Dancing, cooking, sculpting,  crafts and more. See the calendar below and just try to chose a day – you may have to go to them all. They even have a special “Noon Years Eve” celebration just for the little mortals!

Friday, December 26
Holiday Day Camp

Kids ages 4-7 will enjoy a half-day of Kidspace Day Camp from 9am – 1pm, participating in arts and crafts, games, Museum exploration and more. Registration is online at kidspacemuseum.org

Saturday, December 27
Ice Sculpting from 11am – 1pm

Free with Museum admission!  Watch a professional artist melt and carve a block of ice into a beautiful ice sculpture in the Kidspace Courtyard.

Sunday, December 28
Radio Disney from 11am – 1pm

Free with Museum admission! Jam with the Radio Disney 1110 AM Road Crew as they deejay a dance party at Kidspace.  Play games, win prizes, and hang out listening to your favorite music.

Monday, December 29
Puck’s Apprentice at 10am and 2pm

Mix, bake and decorate holiday cookies alongside professional chefs from Wolfgang Puck. Morning session is for ages 3-5, afternoon session is for ages 6-10. Must be accompanied by an adult; registration is online at kidspacemuseum.org.

Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve at 12pm

A Kidspace tradition! Celebrate the “noon” year with your little ones with a countdown celebration in the amphitheater at 12pm that includes streamers, music and sparkling cider. Free with Museum admission.

Sunday 12/28

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is having a special hour-long “Beach and Wetlands Birdwatching” excursion just for young children and their parents from 10am -11am. It’s never too early to develop a passion for the creatures of these important local ecosystems and have some fun too!*

May your holidays be filled with many moments of joy and peace for your family! We’ll see you in the new year!

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

WDCP Best of L.A. – November 17th – 30th

WDCP Best of L.A.

November 17th – 30th

Animal Acres will be hosting their Celebration for Turkeys on November 22nd

Our hearts go out to all the families who have lost their homes in the recent fires.

Week of Monday, November 17th – November 21st

Tuesday 11/18 bring your teens to learn a little more about reptiles and amphibians from an L.A. Zoo expert. As part of the Chautauqua Series, Ian Recchio will share his scaly-creature knowledge at Temescal Gateway park from 7:30 – 9pm. Call for info 310-858-7272 x115. Meet at Woodland Hall.*

Wednesday 11/19 take a “Walk on the Wild Side” with the San Gabriel Mountains Heritage Association through Marshall Canyon in La Verne at 9am and learn more about the beautiful Sycamore-filled canyon. Check the link for a map and meeting location.*

Thursday 11/20 spend a little time at Marsh Park in the Elysian Valley area of Los Angeles.  You can learn more about the natural infiltration systems of the LA River Greenway as your child enjoys the nature-themed children’s play area.*

Friday 11/21 it is a perfect time to see the camellias which are in bloom at Descanso Gardens! Your child will also enjoy spying on the koi fish in the Japanese Tea Garden, or riding on the train along the “Enchanted Railroad”. It is always a good time at these beautiful gardens!

Weekend

Saturday 11/22 Placerita Canyon is beginning a Jr Rangers program on the 4th Saturday of every month  from 9:30-11am. There will be a new topic covered every month! Contact Frank Hoffman (661) 259-7721 for more info.*

There is also a “Celebration for Turkeys” at Animal Acres Animal Sanctuary from 12-4pm. You will get a tour of the farm where you’ll meet the cows, pigs, and other creatures of the sanctuary. There will then be a “Feed the Turkey” ceremony followed by a Vegan Thanksgiving Feast! Cost is $35 per person (children under 3 free) and you must reserve because last year sold out!

Sunday 11/23 Malibu Lagoon State Park is leading a Birdwalk for Young Children and Parents from 10-11am. No binnoculars? No problem! They will provide them!*

There is also another Family Birdwalk in Spanish (ON SAT 11/22) at beautiful Deb’s Park in Highland Park from 8:30-10:30am. They hold their family walks on a regular basis, so check their website for dates.*

Week of Monday, November 24th through November 28th

Happy Thanksgiving!

Because of the holidays there are not too many events this week, so please check my “links” on the right for park suggestions and my “tips” section for activity ideas!

Friday 11/28 is a big shopping day, which is fun for parents but can bore the brains out of a child. Kidspace is here to help! They are offering a Holiday Day Camp from 9am – 5pm for children ages 4 – 7 years. Your child will be entertained with games, crafts, and gardens! They have two sessions 9am-1pm ($60), 1pm-5pm ($60) or the Full Day ($110). Purchase tickets at their website.

Weekend

Saturday 11/29 Deb’s Park Audubon Center will offer a chance for children to explore “Art and Nature” from 9am – 12pm and then dance under the trees to the Old Time String Band from 1-4pm.*

Sunday 11/30 Vista Hermosa Park in downtown LA will host their weekly “Sundays with a Naturalist” program from 1-3pm where your child can learn something new about nature every weekend and maybe even take home a project!*

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner