A native Angeleno, Jackie enjoys revisiting her childhood as a mom and writer for Mommy Poppins. She did a lot of cool stuff as a kid and has newfound respect for her own mom who made that happen without the internet! Today in Los Angeles, some things are gone, some have changed and some, like the grunion, remain exactly the same. In her former life, Jackie was a development executive on the Fox Studios lot where she rounded up writer/director lists and covered screenplays. Mommy Poppins is much more fun. Jackie's kids, Benjamin and Juliet, agree.
Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on
Start this week with some deep breathing. The days leading up to the Fourth of July can be a little bit sleepy. If you are hosting a barbecue, get the kids to help with decorations. If you are going to someone else’s party, bring some home made apple pie chips. Meanwhile, it’s summertime in Los Angeles and there is always plenty to do.
Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on
Summertime is for lazy days and sleeping late. There is nothing quite like staying out on a school night - especially when there is no school the next day. If you’re not a night owl, be sure to check Mommy Poppins’ event calendar. There is plenty to do during the day: toddler sing-a-longs, clubs for kids, and story time at the bookstore. If you are up for resetting the family’s circadian rhythms, here are few ways to enjoy our glorious summer evenings.
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Spend the week doing free stuff and end it with a splurge at the circus. There are lots of cool and interesting things to do in and around LA that don't cost a dime. Local libraries are a great place to start. Many of them host special guest entertainers and educators. While we are highlighting a few things here, don’t forget to check out Mommy Poppins event calendar for a more comprehensive listing of things (free or not) to do this week.
Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on
Sunday June 15 is Fathers' Day; hopefully your kids are hard at work brainstorming ways to make this a special day for him. For help and inspiration check out the card making events at the Robertson Branch library and American Girl Stores. My kids’ dad loves a good outing, but he hates to be in charge of the planning. Give him a list of choices: a day at the museum, a hike out of town, or a picnic in the park and he’ll be thrilled.
The week needn’t be all about dad. There are plenty of other things to do now that school is out - many of them at the local library:
Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on
We hope you're enjoying our new weekday edition of the Mommy Poppins newsletter, now in its second week of sniffing out fun activities that go beyond the weekend.
This week starts a new month and the beginning of summer. School is wrapping up, but there's still plenty to do with the little ones while their siblings hunt for overdue textbooks and add finishing touches to their final homework assignments. It's a good time to catch up on culture. Many local museums offer free admission days the first week of the month. Be sure to check out The Page Museum, The Craft and Folk Art Museum, The Huntington, and The Natural History Museum. And if art isn't your thing, here are 5 more ways to make this week different:
1. Ford Jam - Monday
The Ford Theater on Cahuenga Blvd. has a free international music and movement jam session every Monday at 7pm this summer. Monday's interactive program features al fresco African dance and drumming. Your rhythmic rugrats will end the day on an upbeat beat.
2. LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build- Tuesday
A free opportunity for young master builders to make a mini model and take it home with them while supplies last. Session starts at 5pm. June features a cool jet ski. Ages 6-14.
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Acrobatic Angelenos no longer have to run away to join the circus. Classes offering big fun under the big top are available for all ages and abilities in many neighborhoods in and around town. The lithe and limber and even the physically challenged have multiple options for learning and practicing the circus arts. Classes in clowning, contortion, tight rope walking, high wire flying, and Wushu, can be found in multiple locations.
