We know how to keep cool: around the corner, on an excursion, or on a weekend getaway! Photo courtesy of Alpine Slide Big Bear
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Karaoke is one of the fun, interactive activities at World of Barbie. Photo by Matt Matasci
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Legoland image courtesy of Legoland.
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Things To Do in LA this Weekend with Kids: CicLAvia, Festivals, and Camellias

African American Festival. Photo Courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific
African American Festival. Photo Courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific
2/20/20 - By Toby B

After a week that had a decidedly presidential start (punctuated by some delays by presidential motorcades) we're now thinking primarily about the future. As in this weekend, and what we are going to do. 

The answer, of course, is that We. Can. Do. Anything.

Whether you heed the call of the wild or give in to the compulsion to make mayhem, you are sure to see the light.

These boots were made for walking,  (and scooting and biking) and for being perfectly dressed when we do. It's a celebration, so let the good times roll!

Keep reading for picks sure to get your vote...

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Everyone loves therapy horses. Photo courtesy of Abilities Expo
Everyone loves therapy horses. Photo courtesy of Abilities Expo

Things To Do All Weekend

Abilities Expo

Downtown
The Abilities Expo opens up a world of possibilities for adults and kids with disabilities. In addition to a full program addressing adult needs, Abilities Expo presents an abundance of fun, engaging things for kids to do and see. READ MORE

Mardi Gras at the Farmers Market

Fairfax
The market gets decked out in purple, green, and gold for LA's most family-friendly community Mardi Gras celebration.  READ MORE

African-American Festival

Long Beach
The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts its 21st annual African-American Festival, celebrating the rich diversity of African-American and African cultures in a weekend featuring music, dance, storytelling, and historical displays. READ MORE

Camellia Festival

Temple City
The Camellia Festival offers three days of fun inspired by the exquisite blossoms. Held the last weekend in February, the event features a parade and a carnival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors. READ MORE

LEGO Ninjago Days: Master the Elements

Carlsbad
Legoland California Resort invites families to release their inner ninja at LEGO Ninjago Days. This year's event celebrates the opening of the Park’s new LEGO NinjagoTraining Camp The Park’s newest addition features interactive play areas filled with slides, obstacles and Master Wu’s sailing ship, giving guests of all ages the chance to test their balance, agility and strength. The new play area is ADA inclusive so everyone can test their ninja skills. READ MORE

Kiddee Matinees

Hollywood
On Saturdays and Sundays, families can catch a matinee screening of a kid-friendly movie at the New Beverly Cinema.  June's selections tell fantastical tales. READ MORE

Hollywood Cartoon Jamboree

El Segundo
The Old Town Music Hall's winter animation festival runs the gamut of classic cartoon characters and animation superstars. READ MORE

The Call of the Wild (PG)

Hollywood
Jack London's classic story of man and dog comes to life with breathtaking vistas and cutting edge digital effects. The live-action/animation hybrid Call of the Wild screens at the El Capitan. READ MORE
These guys never grow old! Photo courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters
These guys never grow old! Photo courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters

Things To Do Saturday, February 22

Harlem Globetrotters Spread Game Tour (Anaheim)

Anaheim
The world-famous Clown Princes of Basketball make a stop to play their game and whistle Sweet Georgia Brown; the players may change, but the Globetrotters have been delivering exciting basketball, fun ball tricks, and great family comedy for over eighty years. READ MORE

Adventure on Mars

Multiple Locations
The Red Planet inspires Saturday's activities at Lakeshore Learning. READ MORE

Lantern Festival 2023

Costa Mesa
Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival celebrates the Year of the Rabbit. The Lantern Festival marks the return of spring and the reunion of family.  The festivities include music, dance, art making, riddles, and food. READ MORE

Music of the Beatles for Kids

Echo Park
Hey Jude, don't make it bad, take a Beatles song and let parents and kids rock out! The Rock and Roll Playhouse brings the Music of the Beatles for Kids to Echoplex. READ MORE

Author Event: Helena Ku Rhee & Pascal Campion Launch Party & Signing

West LA
Author Helena Ku Rhee and illustrator Pascal Campion visit Children's Book World to celebrate the publication of their new picture book, The Paper Kingdom. READ MORE

Monster Jam (Anaheim)

Anaheim
Monster trucks smash, crash, and battle their way through Angel Stadium.  READ MORE

CANCELED: Clay Creations

West LA
UPDATE: This event has been canceled. "This event has been canceled as part of Getty’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)."   Getty visitors can get fired up about clay in this hands-on family workshop and discover how artists transform earth and water into the beautiful ceramics on view at the Getty Center. READ MORE

Family Night Hike

Arcadia
Families are invited to experience the Arboretum at night, on a program that begins with a storytelling session, followed by a hike through the gardens with interactive botanical explorations along the route. READ MORE
See a Capoeira Demonstration at the Afro-Latinx Festival. Photo courtesy of MOLAA
See a Capoeira Demonstration at the Afro-Latinx Festival. Photo courtesy of MOLAA

Things To Do Sunday, February 23

CicLAvia -South LA

South Central, Florence-Firestone and Watts
CicLAvia opens up the streets in South LA for a 6.2 mile route along Vermont from Century to Exposition. CicLAvia is derived from a Spanish term for "bike path" and its goal is to turn LA into one big bike path, if just for a few hours. READ MORE

MOLAA Afro-Latinx Festival

Long Beach
MOLAA celebrates the cultural diversity of the Americas and the African influence in Latin America. Experience a mixture of customs from African and Mestizo peoples in the Americas including live performances, cultural exhibitions, local vendors, food, and more. READ MORE

Academy Family Day: "Black Panther"

Hollywood
The Academy invites families with children ages 8-17 to attend a “Heroes and Sheroes” Costume Design Workshop followed by a screening of Black Panther. During the workshop, children get to draw, design, and create their own superhero costumes using fabric and other materials. READ MORE

Family Studio Workshop: Color Experiments

Downtown
Inspired by Nicolas Party’s brilliant hues, participants can experiment with complementary and contrasting colors to create vibrant self-portraits using Party’s signature medium, pastel, and paint pens. This month’s Family Studio Workshop is led by local artist Chole Pang. READ MORE

826LA@Hammer: Monster Mayhem: A Game-Making Workshop

Westwood
Your help is needed in inventing monster-themed games. Participants create puzzles and board games, write the rules, and try their best to win. But beware: monsters cheat!  READ MORE

South Bay Kids' Mega Babka-llah Bake

Lomita
Children from around the South Bay are invited to mix, shape, and braid challah dough. And for double the yum, this year's project includes making chocolate babka. READ MORE

Los Angeles Quinceanera Expo

Pomona
Quinceanera Magazine Expo features top-line vendors and professionals showcasing the latest trends on gowns, dresses, makeup and hair, tuxedos, decorations, photography, and more for special occasions. READ MORE

Temporarily Canceled: Reed Park Pop-up Programs

Santa Monica
UPDATE:  The Reed Park Pop-ups are canceled at least through March. Why give them a toy when you know they just want the box?  Reed Park offers  interactive play with recycled materials. READ MORE

POSTPONED Faery Hunt Family Series

Redondo Beach
UPDATE:  Now where did those faeries go?  All Faery Hunt events for March and April are postponed.​ READ MORE

Animate Space with Debbie Allen Dance Academy DADA Ensemble

Exposition Park
Visitors to the California African American Museum this Sunday get a bonus: a free performance by the Debbie Allen Dance Academy DADA Ensemble, of dances inspired by the exhibit Cross Colours: Black Fashion in the 20th Century and Hip Hop music. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Los Angeles Convention Center - West Hall A
Original Los Angeles Farmers Market
Lakeshore Learning Store - All Locations
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Multiple Hubs
Linwood Dunn Theater At Academy's Pickford Center For Motion Picture Study ,
Reed Park, just north of Miles Memorial Playhouse
The California African American Museum