Jacqueline Stansbury

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.

Latest posts by Jacqueline

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Scientific Exploration, Planets, and Safe Smarts, May 18-22

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 05/18/2015 - 4:20am

Having just concluded the fourth grade science fair, I have a hypothesis that kids really enjoy science… especially if it involves a rubber hand and a hammer. This week, children can pursue scientific investigation with LEGO at the library in Studio City. Junior marine biologists will want to know that the grunion continue to run at a fishy festival on Tuesday, and young physicists can peruse the planets at both the Garvey Observatory and Vista Hermosa Park.

For parents, Patty Fitzgerald of Safely Ever After brings Safe Smarts to the Westchester Public Library. I’ve seen Patty speak several times on the topic of keeping our children safe and informed, and have always been impressed by her practical and down-to-earth approach. But wait; there's more! Read on for our top picks this week.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Free Movies, Music, & National Bike Week, May 11-15

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 05/11/2015 - 4:39am

These days there is a lot of pressure to drive less and bike, walk, or take public transportation. While I am all for the worthy principles behind this, as a mom, the thought of my kids pedaling through our crazy LA traffic is terrifying. However, sooner or later, bike they must. This week brings an opportunity to brush up on safety tips regarding pedestrian and bike awareness.

The LA Phil performs free downtown this week, Big Hero 6 screens for free in Pasadena, and Häagen-Dazs is giving away free cones if you are in the mood for ice cream. Parents still figuring out the school thing may want to check out the Kindergarten Admissions Panel at the Beverly Hills Public Library. All this, plus the following outings are favorites on our Event Calendar this week.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Fiesta, Disney Channel, & Grunion Running, May 4-8

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 2:26am

While the significance of Cinco de Mayo is indeed obscure, any holiday centered on the consumption of Mexican food and piñata festivities is okay by me. Mix up a batch of guacamole, and let the kids press some homemade tortillas. Grown-ups can get some special treats at Duff's Cakemix's P.S. I Made This Cinco-DIY-Mayo event, which involves crafting and margaritas, or the whole family can celebrate the day wandering Olvera Street. Save your late night, though, for Wednesday May 6, when the grunion run by moonlight at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Read on for more of our picks for the week.

First Step Nursery School: Westside Preschool and Pre-K, No Potty Training Required

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 3:48pm

Choosing a school: it's that big parenting decision that just keeps coming back every few years. As my daughter Juliet wraps up her final year of elementary school, I find myself thinking about her first school, her preschool, and I feel grateful that we got that one right. The five years we spent at First Step Nursery School have left an indelible mark on her life, and on mine as a parent.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Castles, Trains, and Stories, April 27-May 1

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 2:48am

This is a week filled with all those things that send a child’s imagination soaring: castles, trains, and stories. Kids can craft cardboard castles (say that ten times fast) at the Arroyo Seco Library, and celebrate 75 years of trains at the Pasadena Model Railroad Club’s spring open house. Then throw the family in the car and head north for the 16th annual Ojai Storytelling Festival, where yarns get spun, and orators celebrate journeys around the globe from Africa to Ireland. Wherever you find yourself at the end of the week, there's a half-price frappucino waiting with your name on it.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Earth Day Plants, Primates, and Pets! April 20-24

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 04/20/2015 - 6:00am

Walk off last week's no-cost desserts at The Arboretum or Descanso Gardens, both of which have free days this Tuesday. A nature promenade is also a good way to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22.

Pottery Barn Kids has a craft and story, and Disney’s latest nature film, Monkey Kingdom, screens all week at the El Capitan. The theater itself is magnificent, and the Wildlife Learning Center brings live exotic animals for the pre-show. Teens will also want to hit El Capitan this week for the Ultimate Marvel Marathon, though tickets are steep and it is a school night. On Wednesday, when we wish our planet (and my husband) a happy birthday, why not give pause to our local concern and review ways to reduce water usage during the drought?

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Star Wars, Ice Cream, and Cupcakes, April 13-17

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 4:02am

It almost doesn’t seem fair that the kids are all back in school when there are free desserts available. Ben & Jerry are giving away their annual cone, and Sprinkles is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with free cupcakes. But wait, there’s more. The Autry and the Japanese American National Museum both have free days this week. There’s a Star Wars convention in Anaheim and kids under age six are free; everybody else pays the big bucks, but Luke and Leia (Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher) will be there so it’s worth it.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Science, Superheroes, Happy BDAY MDR! April 6-10

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Mon, 04/06/2015 - 4:31am

Passover continues this week, and many of us are still out of school. The Discovery Science Center's Bubblefest is ongoing, and a trip to The Cube in Orange County or the new one in Los Angeles is definitely a great spring break outing.

For those interested in marking a mid-century birthday, Marina Del Rey turns 50 this year and celebrates this Friday through Sunday. Opening Day at Dodger Stadium is on Monday; tickets are limited so check before heading to Elysian Park. And it’s the first Tuesday of the month, so you can enjoy a FREE day at the Tar Pits. Read on for our favorite five outings this week, and check out our Event Calendar for even more options.