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

June

Nature p.L.A.y.

Calendar of Events

(Part 1)

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein | Photo by Ilana Gustafson Turner

As summer approaches & children are released from the daily care of their schools, many parents may suddenly find themselves with restless, energetic children who are craving some outdoor fun. Oh no! What to do? Well, it’s a good thing you’re here. This calendar should provide you with plenty of outdoor activities to keep those little beings happy, healthy, & stimulated! Enjoy this opportunity to bond with each other while communing with nature.

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

Weekend

Saturday 6/6 is the beginning of Leo Carillo State Beach June campfire series. Every Saturday in June from 7-8pm you can join a ranger for a little toasty talk around the flames. Meet at the campground and bring a flashlight.

On your way to Leo Carillo you can stop by Malibu Creek State Park for their regularly scheduled “Fun With Nature” from 12:30 – 2:30pm with games, crafts and exhibits at the nature center. Parking fee.

Sunday 6/7 your 3-8 year old can take the inspiration from the trail and use it to create their very own masterpiece. Sooky Goldman Nature Center is hosting “Hike and Craft” fun from 10am-12pm.*

Week of Monday 6/8 through Friday 6/12

Suggestion for your week:

On Thursday 6/11 the South Coast Botanical Garden is ready to help your kids learn to love “Hummingbirds and Friends”  in their Children’s Discovery Garden from 10am – 12pm. Oh! Wait! Children love hummingbirds! *

Weekend

Saturday 6/13 join the docents at Deb’s Park for a “Family Nature Walk” through their beautiful grounds from 9:30 – 11am. It’s in Spanish and English so tell all your friends and neighbors to bring their families too!*

Or you can spot a Great Blue Heron and learn about their habitat with the  Ballona Wetlands monthly “Freshwater Marsh Tour” from 10 – 11am. Meet at the entrance near Jefferson Blvd and Lincoln. *

Sunday 6/14 celebrate the scaly at Descanso Gardens with their educational program, “Reptile Family: Lizards, Turtles, and Snakes, Oh My!” at 1pm. Free with admission.

On Sunday you could also enjoy beautiful surroundings while tapping your toes at Peter Strauss Ranch as they kick off their warm-weather “Sunday Concerts in the Park” with celtic-inspired group Banshee in the Kitchen.*

Week of Monday 6/15  through Friday 6/19

Suggestion for your week:

Descanso Gardens is offering 6 weeks of “Toddler Treks with Acorn Bear” on either 6 Thursdays or 6 Fridays from 9:30 – 10:30am or 10:30 – 11:30am where your 2-4 year-old can explore the natural world through their senses. $85/child, $75 members, $50 each additional child. Call 818-949-7980 to register.

(Part 2 on its way!)

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

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

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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

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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

Charming Charmlee Wilderness Park

Charmlee Wilderness Park

A charming gem of a park tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains

What an incredible beauty this park is! A few miles along Encinal Canyon Road brings you to the 532 acres of coastal slope wilderness that comprise Charmlee Wilderness park. Hiking trails that meander through oak woodland, meadows, and views of the Pacific are delicate enough for young children yet full of enough flora and fauna to captivate your teen. You can bring a lunch and eat along the trail or at one of their several picnic areas. As Spring rolls along the nature programming is also kicking into full gear. Visit their nature center and join them on a “Buggy Night” or on a  “Wildflower” or “Full Moon” hike.

Trail opening into the meadow and bordered by oak woodland.

Indian Paintbrush greeted us along the trail

The inedible Prickly Cucumber

Mountain Lilac trying to immitate the clouds

Part of the Bluebird recovery project

Phone: (310) 457-7247

Call to reserve a spot in any of their programs.

2577 S. Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265

Park Hours: 8:00 am to Sunset, daily

Nature Center Hours:ﾠSaturdays and Sundays, 10:00 amﾠ-ﾠ12:00 pm,ﾠand 2:00ﾠ- 4:00 pm

website

– Text and photos by 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. December Weekend Guide (part 1)

WDCP Best of LA

Los Angeles in Winter

Two Week December Weekend Guide

Saturday 12/6

There is plenty to do under the stars this evening. Vista Hermosa in Downtown is having their Family Campfire Night! Hear stories, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and enjoy a chilly evening  with fellow community families from 5pm – 6:30pm. *

It’s all about starts at Malibu Creek’s Young Naturalist meeting too! Bring a shoebox and a flashlight along and explore the wonders of Astronomy with experts equipped with telescopes. Pre-registration is required. Call (818) 591-1701 x 181. For ages 8 – 12, from 6pm – 9pm.

If you can’t make it out to Malibu to show your children the night sky,and you don’t want the camfire at Vista Hermosa to obstruct your view you can take them over to Griffith Observatory for their monthly “Star Party” from 2pm-9:45pm. *

Sunday 12/7

Satwiwa Cultural Center is celebrating the coming Winter Solstice with an artist show and sale, Native American storytelling, and music from 10am – 3pm. *

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens in neighboring Claremont is offering a chance for children to make Native American toys using natural materials in their “Toys Grow on Trees” workshop. $18 for children, accompanying adult free.

Saturday 12/13

Franklin Canyon’s Sooky Goldman Nature Center is hosting their monthly “Speak for the Trees!” interactive and entertaining class all about… you guessed it… trees, from 2pm – 4pm, for kids ages “8-88”. *

What happens in the L.A. Zoo at night? Well, children 7 and up can find out for themselves by taking part in the “Zoopendous Night” from 6pm Saturday to 9am Sunday. For a fee of $45 – $55 children will get food, fun, games, animal trivia, and a chance to have the zoo all to themselves. How often do you get the chance to wake up to a howler monkey in Los Angeles? I can say I never have – not even once.

Sunday 12/14

Descanso Gardens is kicking into the holiday spirit with their “Winter Weekend”. Children can meet santa, ride the train, listen to music, make crafts, all while they stroll the beautiful wintery gardens! From open to close. (On Saturday also)

*FREE

-Ilana Gustafson Turner

9/26 – 9/28 WDCP Best of L.A.

9/26-9/28 where do the children play

Best of L.A. Weekend Guide

Help restore a trail on Saturday 9/28 National Public Lands Day

Saturday is National Public Lands Day!

It is a day to give back to all of the natural landscapes that offer our children refuge from the city life throughout the year. Get your family to one of the many scheduled events and plant some natives, remove some invasives, or help repair a trail!

Friday 9/26 take your family on an easy Trail to the Stars at the Upper Las Virgenes park to learn more about our starry skies. 7:30 pm, 2hrs. Meet at the Victory entrance.

Saturday 9/27 is National Public Lands Day! Check out the list of events below and find the one that strikes your fancy. There are plenty to choose from:

Debs Park –  (Highland Park area). Weeding, mulching, seed-seeking, and more from 9am – 12pm. Then, celebrate your hard work by dancing to the sounds of a good old-fashioned string band from 1pm – 4pm!

Malibu Creek State Park – Trail repair and maintenence. Join the Santa Monica Mountains Trail Council from 8:30 am – 2:30pm as they beautify the Regan Ranch. Directions and details at the SMMTC website.

Peter Strauss Ranch – (Agoura Hills) Wetland Restoration in the La Sierra Reserve. Remove invasive plant species from 9am – 12pm. Reservations required, 818-591-1701 x 203.

Paramount Ranch – (Agoura Hills) Join a ranger as you not only restore native plants but learn a little about them as well, from 9am – 11am. Meet at parking kiosk.

Angeles National Forest – (North of La Canada) Help the Treepeople plant native pine seedlings from 10am – 1pm.

Sunday 9/28 head on down to Kidspace for their Farmer Day! Your little sprouts will plant fall seeds and meet friendly farm critters for the price of museum admission.

May you and your family have a nature-filled weekend!

– Ilana Gustafson Turner