The OPEN Daily » Family Fun

Beethoven Elementary invites you to a FREE Popsicle Playdate this Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10am

john — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:27:52 +0000

PopsiclePlaydate You’re Invited to the Second Annual Popsicle Playdate at Beethoven Street Elementary School. This free event is open to all and especially welcomes the new incoming kindergarten families. A great way to connect with other Beethoven community families and kids.

Come out this SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 from 10AM to 12Noon to Beethoven Elementary at 3711 Beethoven Street, Mar Vista.

Download the flyer here.

Westfield Culver City WFamily Back to School Bash

james — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:29:07 +0000

Westfield Culver City wraps up the summer with more WFamily Fun, a full day of activities, entertainment, and giveaways, including your favorite family movies, a “Back to Cool” fashion show showcasing the hottest new trends for fall, and a family-friendly game challenge for kids of all ages, hosted by Radio Disney. The fun doesn’t stop there – day-long activities including a photo booth, t-shirt stations and for every $250 spent with a participating family retailer, you will receive a $25 Westfield Gift Card plus enter to win a Wii game system and family pack.

Saturday August 21st, 10am-6pm

Westfield Culver City
6000 Sepulveda Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90230

Tween Star Jonathan Morgan Heit Hosts NextAid and KidTribe Community Event

john — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:05:42 +0000

Jonathan Morgan Heit (Valentine’s Day, Bedtimes Stories, Date Night) and other young talent including: Mishon Ratliff (Lincoln Heights), Katelyn Tarver (Big Time Rush), Savannah Paige Rae (Parenthood), Allisyn Ashley Arm (Sonny with a Chance), Brittany Curran (Men of a Certain Age), Ryan Ochoa (iCarly), Raymond Ochoa (Hank), Stefanie Scott (Ivan Reitman Project), singers Sarah McMullan, Madisen Hill, and more TBC. Colin Ford (Dog Days of Summer, Supernatural) will DJ.

Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, NextAid, and international fitness and self-esteem program, KidTribe, host a unique, community event and fundraiser. Funds raised go towards building Women and Girls’ Health Resource Centers in Sierra Leone and Namibia. This special day of “edutainment” will raise awareness of the plight of young women and girls in developing countries.

When: August 7, 2010, 2pm – 5pm (Media call time 1pm, arrivals 2pm)

Where: At the historic Jim Henson Company lot (originally the Charlie Chaplin Studio and more recently the A&M Studio) at 1416 La Brea Blvd, Los Angeles 90028.

Contact: Susan von Seggern, 213-840-0077, susan@susanvonseggern.com

The minimum donation for entry is $15 per child or $50 for a family of four. Proceeds will go towards building Women and Girls’ Health Resource Centers in Sierra Leone and Namibia.

To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit NextAid www.nextaid.org/donation.htm. For more information, please visit the FACEBOOK Page or email events@nextaid.org or call (424-298-8451),

Mar Vista Farmers’ Market Turns FOUR

james — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:37:12 +0000

The Mar Vista Farmers’ Market is turning 4 and you are invited to the party! Music by Danny Moynahan Trio, Leftover Cuties and Guy Fluffner Memorial. Hoola Hooping WU-Shu (acrobatic Kung-Fu) face painting And a heck of a good time! This Sunday from 9am to 2pm, Venice Blvd at Grand View in Mar Vista.

As a small birthday treat vote for the Mar Vista Farmers’ Market as America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market: Go to www.farmland.org/vote. Type in Mar Vista Farmers Market. Click “Vote”.

Meet the Pedal Patch Community

james — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:50:02 +0000

Drop by the MVCC Green Booth at the Mar Vista Farmers Market on Sunday July 18th to meet Pedal Patch Community (PPC), a community supported, social enterprise that helps build healthy, sustainable communities one patch at a time through the application of urban agriculture.

Bring your kids to the booth! PPC will be bringing veggie seeds to give to them and demonstration plants so they can learn about what we can all grow in our own gardens. Watch this video of children in a learning garden PPC helped create at New School West preschool.

Next Iron Chef Hosts Kids Food Adventure at Whole Foods Market

james — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:46:52 +0000

Whole Foods Market is hosting the Kids Food Adventure with Chef Jehangir Mehta, star of The Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef, on Saturday, 7/24. Chef Meta will lead kids and their parents on a fun journey through the store to discover delicious new, healthy foods. Children will then help Chef Mehta in a creative hands-on cooking experience. The event costs $20 per child and parent pair. Space is limited to 20 pairs, and parents must attend the event. To RSVP, please email sparr.marketing@wholefoods.com.

“Summer of Color” Arrives on Westside Beaches

james — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:25:21 +0000

You may have noticed the vibrant murals covering the lifeguard towers on Westside beaches. Welcome to the Summer of Color!

Over 100 lifeguard towers from San Pedro to Leo Carrillo have been transformed into works of art as part of the largest public art project in the U.S. — with the participation of 6,000 children and 2,500 adult volunteers.

The project was conceived by Portraits of Hope, a non-profit organization that combines major public art projects with creative therapy for physically and mentally disabled children. Read more.

16th Annual Culver City Music Festival Begins July 8th

donna — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:41:07 +0000

This year marks the 16th annual Culver City Music Festival, presented by the Culver City Redevelopment Agency. There will be 8 weeks of free concerts every Thursday night from 7pm-9pm beginning July 8th thru August 26th. Musical styles include Swing, Salsa, Zydeco, Blues, Rock, and more. The shows are in the Culver City City Hall Courtyard. You can arrive as early as 4:30pm. Parking is free underneath City Hall. Additional parking is free for the first two hours in designated structures. City Hall is located at 9770 Culver Blvd  (the corner of Culver Boulevard and Duquesne Avenue) in Downtown Culver City.

Free Summer Concerts in Marina del Rey

sarah — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:35:45 +0000

This popular series of free outdoor concerts is held in one of the most spectacular waterfront settings in Los Angeles, Burton W. Chace Park 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey CA 90292. Concerts take place on select Thursdays and Saturdays starting July 8th and each will begin at 7 p.m. Read more about the performers here on Marina del Rey’s website.

Target Arts & Wonder Free Family Event July 16 -18

sarah — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:35:09 +0000

Target is sponsoring free or reduced-price admission at many museum and performing arts venues all over the country on July 16 – 18, 2010. Check out the activities in LA by visiting Target’s website and choosing our city from the pull-down menu.

4th Of July Celebrations All Over The Westside

sarah — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:01:16 +0000

Culver City’s fireworks show takes place at Culver City High School. Gates open at 5pm, fireworks start at 9pm.

Marina del Rey does a spectacular fireworks show which can be seen from Burton Chace Park, starts at 9pm.

Santa Monica 4th of July parade on Main Street, beginning at 9:30am.

Westchester holds their annual parade on the campus of Loyola Marymount University and it starts at Noon.

Pacific Palisades has a parade AND fireworks! Parade starts at 2pm and fireworks start at 9pm. See their website for all fees and location details.

Special note for the fireworks shows: please plan to get there early to get a good seat.

New Summer Classes At reDiscover Center Added!

sarah — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:45:42 +0000

Inspired by our event with Gever Tulley, reDiscover is holding afternoon classes in August. We’ll have real tools and materials with projects inspired by inventors, artists and your child. We will build and design projects big and small, with solid materials and real tools. Each week is a collaboration inspired by inventors, artists and YOUR child!

August 2 – 27, 3-5:30pm, Weekly or Daily, for kids ages 5 – 11.

Session #1 Aug 2 – Aug 6 GO SOLAR   — Session #2 Aug 9 – Aug 13 WEARABLE   — Session #3 Aug 16 – Aug 20 TINKERING   — Session #4 Aug 23 – Aug 27 CARPENTRY/TINKERING

Price: $150 per week or $30 per day – visit reDiscover’s website to sign up: reDiscoverCenter.org.

PLUS — Drop-In Art will continue on Saturdays throughout the summer — 10am – 1pm — $5 per project — closed July 3rd.

Paul Frank Pet Toy Launch Party At The Healthy Spot in West Hollywood 6/27

sarah — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:45:22 +0000

Bring the family (and bring the family dog with you) to The Healthy Spot in West Hollywood this Sunday, June 27th from 12 – 4pm for the launch of the new pet toy line from Paul Frank. Prize giveaways, goody bags, vegetarian catered food for humans, pet photographer on site to take pictures of attendees and their pets — and pet adoptions through ThumpingTails.org where each adopted dog will receive a Free Paul Frank collar and leash set. Hot dog!

Summer Yoga for Kids and Adults

sarah — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:38:52 +0000

Please join me for some yoga! This Summer, there will be kids and family classes at ReDiscover, outdoor morning classes at Palms Recreation Center and evening adult classes at Mar Vista Recreation Center. Come connect to your own heart, the community and the earth. I have affordable classes for all ages. You can see my full schedule at LifeMovesThrough.com. Email any questions to lifemovesthrough@gmail.com. Namasté!

Early 4th of July Fireworks at Santa Monica College 6/26

sarah — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:45:09 +0000

Saturday, June 26th from 5-10pm Celebrate America on the campus of Santa Monica College. Fireworks and food trucks! Read all the details on the Santa Monica College website.

Downtown Walking Tours Of Santa Monica

donna — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:41:45 +0000

The Santa Moncia Conservancy offers $10 walking tours of Downtown Santa Monica on Saturday mornings at 10am. SMC says in approximately two hours and six blocks, the walk traverses more than 130 years of Santa Monica history, from its Wild West frontier beginnings to the sophisticated metropolis of today. You’ll learn about the civic leaders whose vision built the growing city, and experience downtown’s diverse architectural heritage, including: The 1875 Rapp Saloon, opened the year the city was founded, The Majestic Theatre, later the Mayfair, the city’s first theater built to showcase the nascent film industry, The Keller Block, a splendid example of Romanesque Revival architecture.  The Builders Exchange, a restored Churrigueresque/Spanish Revival building, with intact decorative interiors. - The Bay Cities Guaranty Building, the city’s first skyscraper, a soaring Art Deco landmark with its signature clock tower. - The El Miro theater, an exuberant Art Deco/Streamline Moderne creation that became the centerpiece for the revitalization of the old mall into the Third Street Promenade.

Andell Family Sundays At LACMA

donna — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:43:39 +0000

Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers programs designed especially for families on Sundays from 12:30 to 3:30. Right now you can check out LACMA’s new collection of art from the Pacific Islands. You can make your own art in artist-led workshops and learn to hula dance. These programs are free to members and are included in general admission for non-members. Visit LACMA’s website for their full summer schedule.

Family Art Stops At The Getty Center

donna — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:41:44 +0000

Do you have an artist in the making? Now through September 3, 2010, The Getty Center has Family Art Stops Tuesday through Sunday at 2:00pm and 2:30pm. A gallery teacher will lead you to a family-friendly work of art. There, you and your family get a playful introduction to art. Look and learn together as you participate in fun activities such as puzzles, drawing, role-plays, even an artistic version of Mad Libs. Activities and works of art change frequently, making each visit a new experience. It’s free but you need to sign up 30 minutes prior to start time at the the Museum Information Desk

Better With A Buddy 6/19

sarah — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:35:02 +0000

FoundAnimals presents: Better With A Buddy, June 19th from 9am – 2pm. Adopt 1 pet and get 1/2 off the adoption fees. Adopt 2 pets and FoundAnimals will pay for the second! Read all the details and find an LA Animal Services location near you by clicking here.

2010 Rodeo Drive Concours D’Elegance

donna — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:41:07 +0000

Looking for something to do on Father’s Day? Why not take Dad to The 2010 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance , Sunday, June 20, 2010. It’s presented by the Rodeo Drive Committee in association with the City of Beverly Hills. The event will celebrate 75 years of Jaguar and will be themed ‘A DIFFERENT ROAD.’ This is your chance to see Classic Cars 1925 1948, Pre-1975 American Cars, Muscle Cars, Sports Cars, European Cars, Woodys, Hot Rods, Customs, Race Cars, Vintage Motorcycles and special interest vehicles from throughout Southern California and the Western United States.

Rikshaw Design Trunk Show at Patio Culture on Abbot Kinney 6/15

sarah — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:45:58 +0000

Gorgeous Hand Block Prints for YOU and your bohemian baby! Join Merritt Loughran owner of mml pr and Karla Stevens owner of Patio Culture (both Venice based business owners) for the FIRST EVER IN LA Rikshaw Design Trunk Show. Tuesday, June 15th – 10am to 7pm – Patio Culture, 1612 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291.

You will find children’s bedding, children’s clothing and accessories and gorgeous summer weight women’s kurtas. Log onto www.rikshawdesign.com and check out the current collection! Call 3107020702 if you have any questions or want to make an appt. Friends, families – everyone welcome!

Monsters And Miracles Family Sleepover At The Skirball

donna — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:41:39 +0000

Bring your sleeping bags and pajamas to an overnight getaway at the Skirball Saturday, June 26, 6:00p.m. and ending Sunday, June 27, 9:00 a.m.  A night of family fun inspired by the exhibition Monsters and Miracles: A Journey through Jewish Picture Books. Check out Curious George, Shrek, Max from Where the Wild Things Are and other featured characters as you tour the gallery after hours, make art, enjoy dinner, hear bedtime stories, and fall asleep aboard Noah’s Ark at the Skirball. Wake up to a continental breakfast and more storybook adventures!  Advance registration required.

Dodgers Invite Families To The 7th Annual Father’s Day Catch On June 20

donna — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:01:33 +0000

The Los Angeles Dodgers are inviting families on to the field at Dodger Stadium for the seventh annual Father’s Day Catch on June 20. The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is free and provides families with the opportunity to play catch at Dodger Stadium in celebration of Father’s Day. Dodger partner Farmer John is donating Dodger dogs for the occasion, Sparkletts will provide water bottles and Coca Cola will supply PowerAde. Fans can park for free at Dodger Stadium on Father’s Day. The Sunset Gate opens at 10 a.m. and families enter through the center field gates. Music, merchandise, the Dodger Ticket truck and Dodger fan clubs will be on site for the event. The first 3,000 fans in attendance will get a complimentary Dodger dog.

MomPod: Get Stuff Done 6/16

sarah — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:55:31 +0000

Mothercraft Coaching presents MomPod: Part Meetup, Part Business Building, Wednesday, June 16th at the Treehouse Social Club from 10-11:30am. The Treehouse is a very hip indoor playplace so moms, you can bring your kids, too. Price: $20 for a mom and a tyke + $5 for each additional tyke.

Read all about the MomPod and this month’s topic: techniques for how to properly break down and conquer any project or task that has been eluding you on the MotherCraft website.

Afternoon Tea At InterContinental Los Angeles Century City: A Review

sarah — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:59:31 +0000

Looking for a lovely way to spend an afternoon? Do you love a tea service as much as I do? Then you’ve got to check out the Hotel Intercontinental in Century City. Tucked away off the lobby bar is the “tea nook” where the hotel serves their version of this British tradition.

Afternoon tea is more than just finger sandwiches and scones at the Intercontinental. It starts with a large selection of leaf teas, including some organic choices and flowering teas, which are really delightful to watch unfold in their clear glass tea pots. The day the hotel staff invited me to sample the service, I chose a beautiful jasmine flower for my tea, that bloomed white inside the pot and was very soothing.

Then comes the food: tea sandwiches include a grilled vegetable wrap, smoked salmon on pumpernickel, curried egg salad on wheat, and crab salad on a mini scone. They were all very tasty, although the bread was a tad dried out. The pastries are very pretty to look at for the brief moments before you dive in to eat them and include mini cakes, chocolate tarts, petite fours and macaroons that are out of this world. They throw in some lemon cake and zucchini bread for good measure, and then come the scones. They are lighter and more like biscuits than the type of scone that you might be used to, but they are nonetheless delicious. Especially when you add a little clotted cream and jam on top.

As if this weren’t already enough to keep you from eating dinner that night, the tea service culminates with a little show: flaming crepe suzette or bananas foster, made tableside.

I’ve sampled Afternoon Tea at a few hotels around Los Angeles and they can range in price from $35/person to $60/person, but the Intercontinental offers a bargain at $23/person. Affordable luxury. I highly recommend it.

Afternoon Tea is served at the Hotel Intercontinental in Century City Thursdays through Sundays from 2:30pm – 6pm. For reservations, please call 310-284-6520.

~ Sarah