Unwired Adventures

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids April 26th - 27th 2008

Stories in the Afternoon: Norton Simon Museum Sunday April 27th, 2 p.m. Go on adventures through tales of dangerous weather and unfamiliar places while you construct your own mysterious landscape in front of Claude Monet's Entrance to the Port of Le Havre. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Map

The 10th Annual Pavilion of Wings takes flight is open until September 1, 2008! Enter a world of free-flying butterflies in this enclosed, lush habitat. More than 30 species — including giant swallowtails, monarchs and the American Painted Lady — flutter throughout the grounds. Separate admission ticketing applies. Members receive FREE tickets.

Celebrating Trees Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, Trees Craft Table, Noon to 3pm, Trees provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, stabilize soils, provide home and food for countless other organisms and add beauty to our world. Tree Tour 1 pm, Meet at the Center Circle, Descanso's horticultural staff offers walking tours of Descanso's trees as a great way to celebrate and learn about the many characteristics and benefits of trees.

Cherry Blossom Festival, Saturday, April 26, 2008, 12 noon to 6:00 pm, Festival highlights include cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a tea ceremony, martial arts, taiko (Japanese drums), odori (Japanese folk dancing), iikebana (flower arrangement) and much more. West Covina Civic Center Courtyard, 1444 West Garvey Ave. West Covina, CA 91793

2007 World Music & Art Festival, Saturday, April 26, 2008, 11am-5pm, is an all-day festival open to the public featuring live music, a drum circle, vendors, games and prizes, a bounce slide, and a silent auction. The festival takes place at Kester Magnet School at 5353 Kester Avenue in Sherman Oaks. 818.989.0740. Free

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids April 11th - 13th 2008

The 1st Annual PWS Festival of Art Art Show will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2008, 10am - 5pm at the beautiful Pasadena Waldorf School campus.

Caterpillar Adoption Days, Through April 19, Every spring, Kidspace presents Caterpillar Adoption Days, a six-week program that invites children to adopt a live caterpillar and take it home to witness its metamorphosis into a beautiful painted lady butterfly.

Wildflowers, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, The season is expected to last to at least mid-May. Overall, it's a great year.

Earth Day Festival, Saturday, April 12, 2008, 11am - 4pm, Eaton Canyon for fun and informative Healthy Earth, Healthy Parks, Healty You! activities. They include Nature Walks, Local Music by Local Talent, Live Animal Presentations, Free Native Plants for Your Garden, Nature Art Show, Recycle Crafts, Healthy Treats & Free Bags and many more. 626-398-5420

Dig It! Archaeology Adventures, Saturday April 12th, 11am-4pm, Children experience archaeology hands-on at the Skirball's dig site, where they learn about the history of the ancient Near East, methods for excavating a site, and the importance of preserving archaeological artifacts - and perhaps find a treasure or two. Programs begin on the hour (weather permitting), with the last beginning at 3pm. No reservations are necessary. Free with paid admission; Children (under 2) free. 

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids March 1st and 2nd, 2008

Pacific Asia Museum, Saturday, Noon-4pm FREE Family Festival, Come enjoy crafts, performances, story telling, fascinating exhibitions and more as the Arts Councils of Pacific Asia Museum celebrate what it means to be a child!

Family Bird Walk, L.A. County Arboretum, Saturday, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., The family bird walk is held on the first Saturday of each month. Meet in front of the rotunda at 8:00 a.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water and binoculars. Naturalist/Recreation Leader Ray Jillson will lead you on a 2 to 4 hour walk through the Arboretum looking for our fine-feathered friends. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Pasadena Cruisin' Old Car Show, Saturday, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Historic car clubs, individual historic car owners and enthusiasts come every Saturday. Annia’s Kitchen - Coffee Shop and Family Restaurant at the El Monte Airport.

Wild Secrets: Caltech Beckman Auditorium, Saturday, 2 p.m. "Galapagos: Evolution at the Speed of Light," a high-definition film, will be presented followed by a live discussion with Caltech scientist Jasper Simon. The effect of El Niño weather patterns on wildlife has been documented worldwide for years, but scientists are now uncovering some startling new facts. $5. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Map

The Highland Avenue Auto Show, Saturday, 9AM - 3PM, A one day event held at Alta Loma High School in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. Spectators Admission and Parking are Free

Griffith Observatory. Since 1935, the Observatory has given tens of millions of visitors the opportunity to become observers. Griffith Observatory offers exciting shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, public telescopes, and observing and astronomy exhibits. Reservations are required.

Dr. Seuss Weekend: Kidspace Museum March 1 and 2. To honor Dr. Seuss' birthday, children are invited to come dressed as their favorite children's book character. Show off your costume at the Stone Hollow Amphitheater at 1:30 p.m. (each day) during a special storytime. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Map

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids February 15th - 17th, 2008

Family Day, Norton Simon Museum, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Experience the art of communicating with the hands and learn the meaning of mudras. Create a work of art inspired by these symbolic Hindu and Buddhist hand gestures. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Map

Madeline and the Bad Hat, Haugh Performing Arts Center, Citrus College, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Musical captures the blithe yet touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelman's unforgettably illustrated series. It traces the adventures of a young Parisian girl who - despite starting off on the wrong foot with a mischievous new neighbor - eventually learns that first impressions aren't everything. Recommended for pre-K through sixth grade. $6. 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora. Map

Geocaching is a treasure hunt for kids of all ages. GPS users can then use the location coordinates from www.geocaching.com to find the caches. Caches are in parks, cities, and all over the world. Eaton Canyon has over a dozen caches with treasures waiting for you to find.

Monrovia Canyon Park hike, Rating: Easy to moderate, The nature center here displays many of the area’s resident flora and fauna. Easy access to a 60' waterfall that flows year-round. Shaded streamside section of lush greenery, spindled white alders and a thick oak canopy.

Calico Clean Up, Saturday, February 16, 2008, 7:00 AM, Join So Cal four-wheel drive enthusiasts in a President’s Day Weekend quest to clean up the trails of Calico! Wait, what’s Calico? Calico ghost town, founded in 1881, is a historic silver mining town 10 miles north of Barstow, California. Many four-wheel drive trails surround the area today and are open for public use. The main objective of this event is to assist the Bureau of Land Management and Discovery Trails in an effort to keep this area open for recreational use by volunteering our time, energy, and vehicles for the day. The funds generated from our raffle will benefit Discovery Trails. Desert Discovery Center, 831 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids February 8th - 10th, 2008

Lazer Vaudeville, Caltech Beckman Auditorium, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, 2 p.m. Show combines the high-tech effects of lasers and black lights with the traditional vaudeville arts of juggling, comedy, and acrobatics. $12 adults; $7 children. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena.

Love Is in the Air!, Los Angeles Natural History Museum, Sunday, February 10, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, A Valentine’s Day Celebration, Throughout the Museum,  Humans aren’t the only ones with “animal attraction”! Join us for fun facts on critter courtship, crafts and activities for the entire family as we kick off Valentine’s Day by discovering the unique ways that animals and insects “fall in love!”

Gold Rush, Autry National Center, Saturday, February 09, 2008, 11am - 1 pm, Uncover the myths and realities of the gold rush through primary sources, and actively investigate the individual stories, struggles, and various journeys associated with this migration. Visitors will be able to explore the diverse groups of people who traveled to California during the gold rush and examine how the gold rush impacted the state’s Native people and ecosystem.

Heart Art, Kidspace Museum, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, 2 p.m. 3 p.m. Pop artist Jim Dine was inspired by everyday things, robes, tools and hearts. In this workshop, children will paint images from their lives using the bright colors typical of the pop-art movement. Classes are 60 minutes and best suited for children age 5 and older. Space is limited. Register online. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Map

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids February 1st - 3rd, 2008

Snow Days at Kidspace, Feb 1-3, 9:30am-5pm, Kidspace offers kids a real winter experience with three days of snow to play in. Other winter-related activities include snowflake crafts and dressing up like a polar explorer. 626.449.9144, Ages: 0-10

The Family Bird Walk is held on the first Saturday of each month. 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Meet in front of the rotunda at 8:00 a.m. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water and binoculars. Naturalist/Recreation Leader Ray Jillson will lead you on a 2 to 4 hour walk through the Arboretum looking for our fine-feathered friends. L.A. County Arboretum. Map

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The miniature train ride has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the FREEDOM TRAIN or the COLONEL GRIFFITH on the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. The track stretches over a mile and takes the rider past pony rides, through a lush green meadow, through an old Western town, and past a Native American village.

Old Town Monrovia's Family Festival street fair - Winter Market, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday January 12th, Street Fair and Certified Farmer's Market, with craft booths, kiddie rides, live music, food and family fun down the middle of Old Town's Myrtle Avenue. Free admission and always plenty of free parking. (626) 357-7442

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids January 25th - 27th, 2008

Pacific Asia Museum Free Day, Jan 25, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Pacific Asia Museum is free to the public the fourth Friday of every month. 626-449-2742

Tales of the Blue Lord, Jan 25-27, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Norton Simon Museum, An intimate exhibition that explores the life and legends of Krishna, one of the most revered deities within the Hindu pantheon. A centerpiece of this installation is a rare 18th-century temple wall from Kerala, India. Adults $8, 18 and under free.

Pasadena Cruisin' Old Car Show, Jan 26, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m., Historic car clubs, individual historic car owners and enthusiasts come every Saturday. Many owners take their cars for a short spin so you can see them in action. Vintage autos must be street-legal, made before 1974 and of collectible interest. There are no registration or entry fees. This is a family-friendly event -- No alcohol, no animals, no engine-revving and no smoking near the vehicles. Annia’s Kitchen (Parking Lot) 4233 N Santa Anita AVE, El Monte. Map

Snow Days at Kidspace, Jan 25-27, 9:30am-5pm, Kidspace offers kids a real winter experience with three days of snow to play in. Other winter-related activities include snowflake crafts and dressing up like a polar explorer. 626.449.9144  Ages: 0-10

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids January 18th - 21st, 2008

Black Holes: Caltech Beckman Auditorium, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 2 p.m. High-definition film explores the strange and terrifying world of the universe's ultimate monster: the black hole. The film shows a journey into space in search of these cosmic killers as they destory entire stars. Film is followed by a discussion with Caltech scientist Steve Draco. $5. Ages 6 and up. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Map

Treasures from the Vault, Natural History Museum, Daily 1/18/08-1/21/08, The museum has selected some of its most remarkable and rarely seen artifacts and specimens to celebrate its 94th year. All are indisputable examples of either nature’s ingenuity of humankind’s imagination, from Amelia Earhart’s 1928 flight log to butterflies that are simultaneously male and female. 213.763.3348

Downtown on Ice, Pershing Square, Daily 1/18/08-1/21/08, A seasonal thrill's in store with open ice skating. Glide under the sun or stars, and enjoy free concerts on weekends. The entrance is at 532 South Olive, across from the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Validated parking at the Pershing Square underground lot is $4-$6, depending on the day and time. 213.847.4970

Noah's Ark Five years in the making and occupying an 8,000–square–foot gallery, Noah's Ark at the Skirball welcomes children and families to take a journey together. Inspired by the ancient flood story, the exhibit features a floor–to–ceiling wooden ark, filled with whimsical animals, in which families can play, build, climb, explore, and collaborate. The experience includes impromptu "happenings" and drop–in craft and storytelling activities. On weekends, informal performances occur throughout the day. Timed tickets, requested in advance, are required. Ongoing Daily except Mon. 800-595-4TIX,

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids November 30th to December 1st, 2007

Out Of Thin Air: Caltech Beckman Auditorium, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, 8 p.m. Magician Bradley Fields combines sleight-of-hand with mime and comedy in this family-oriented magic show. Tickets $25, $20 and $15; $10 youth. Senior rush tickets will go on sale for $10 beginning a half hour before the performance, subject to availability. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Map

58 Tons of Snow: West Covina Civic Center Courtyard, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, West Covina's Winterfest 2007 features arts and crafts, food booths, photos with Santa, and 58 tons of snow including a popular 80-foot sled run and two play areas. For more information call the West Covina Community Services Department at (626) 939-8430. 1444 W. Garvey Ave., West Covina, CA 91793. Map

KITE presents three magical stories, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, 3pm, One story each for the Sun, Moon, and Stars -- created by the KITE company. KITE is "Theatre For Kids By Kids," and is always gentle, kid-friendly, and FUN. Map

Glendale Centre Theatre - California's Family Theatre, Nov 23rd - Dec 23rd, A Christmas Carol – NOW PLAYING! Special Engagement. Spend an uplifting evening with us this holiday season as we present our 43rd annual showing of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Week-end Things To Do With the Kids November 23-25, 2007

Snow in Pasadena, 4- 9 p.m, Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, Holiday festivities include performances, Santa’s arrival, live reindeer, real snow and a tree-lighting ceremony. Kids can play in 30 tons of trucked-in snow on Holly Street between Raymond and Fair Oaks, see live reindeer, ride a holiday train, draw in a kids’ art area and enjoy live music. At 6 p.m., Santa arrives to light the 35-foot Christmas tree in the One Colorado courtyard, accompanied by the Pasadena Tabernacle Children’s chorus. Bring an unwrapped toy or book for the Charles Cherniss Tournament of Toys toy drive, which benefits children throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Children and adults who donate will receive a free photo with Santa. Information 626-546-1066. Colorado Boulevard, between Union, Fair Oaks and DeLacey streets, Pasadena. Map

Pacific Asia Museum is free to the public 10:00 AM, Friday, November 23, 2007. Sponsored by: Pacific Asia Museum Event Location: 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Cost: Free. For information, call: 626-449-2742  Map

Home, Home on the Sleigh, 1pm–4pm, Saturday, November 24, 2007,  The West Los Angeles Children’s Choir sings two of Gene Autry’s favorite songs: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Here Comes Santa Claus. A surprise guest from the North Pole is expected, dressed in a cowboy hat and spurs. 323.667.2000

Eaton Canyon Family Nature Walk, 9:00 AM, Saturday, November 24, 2007, Every Saturday morning, weather permitting, there is a guided walk in Eaton Canyon Natural Area. The walk is geared toward the family, including small children, and everyone is welcome. Walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a hat are recommended. (Dogs not permitted.) The walk is open to the public. Walkers meet in front of the building. Map

Buck-a-Bag Booksale, 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 24, 2007, Get a jump on holiday shopping and escape the malls at the library's booksale. Fill up a paper grocery bag with fiction, non-fiction (especially biographies), paperbacks, and more for just a $1.00. Individual books available, too. Patrons can bring their own bags, or the library can provide them. Cost: Free For information, call: 626-744-7266 Map

Nature Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls, 9:00 AM, Sunday, November 25, 2007, On the fourth Sunday of each month, the public is invited to participate in a hike to Eaton Canyon Falls. The hike is geared toward anyone who's comfortable hiking 3.5 miles at a moderate pace, boulder-hopping, crossing the water several times, and doesn't mind getting wet. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Hiking staffs are optional. Bring a snack for afterward. Reservations requested for groups of 10 or more. Dogs not permitted.  Map