Kids Stuff

Kids Stuff

Compiled by Jason Gelt Kids Adventure Garden Children learn about the beauty and wonder of nature. Features include a tree house, a dinosaur garden, a zoo garden, and more. Docents are available. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 1175 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks. Today, next Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. (805) 494-7630.

Secrets of Circles Circles are everywhere in the form of wheels, clocks, doorknobs, tortillas and Frisbees. This exciting new exhibit celebrates the math, science and beauty of such a simple shape and helps children and adults alike to uncover the secrets of the many circles in the world. www.discoverycube.org. Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Today, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; next Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $12.95, children $9.95. (714) 542-2823.

A Wrinkle in Time The imaginative stage adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved science fantasy novel follows awkward adolescent Meg Murry and her brother Charles Wallace as they search for their missing father. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Today, next Sun. 11 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. Adults $8, children 12 and younger $6. (310) 828-7519.

Shark Sundays at Heal the Bay Learn all about the ocean’s most misunderstood predator at this weekly celebration of sharks, featuring fun feedings, films, craft projects and more. Visitors also get a chance to see sharks in action in the aquarium’s tank, including horns and swells. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. Today, next Sun. 12:30-5 p.m. $2-$5. (310) 393-6149.

And Awaaay We Go to Wonderland A musical journey to rescue the dying fairy-tale world by solving the necessary riddles, predicting the future, traveling through time and experiencing a language mini-lesson. Appropriate for all ages. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Today, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Adults $12.50, children $10.50. (310) 394-9779.

The Ant and the Grasshopper Los Angeles Children’s Theater presents a dramatization of Aesop’s fable about the virtues of a balanced life retold in a colorful, modern insect setting. The Black Box Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. Sat.-next Sun., 1 p.m. $10. (310) 622-4462.

Art Odyssey for Families Guided tours through galleries and art activities for ages 5 and older. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Sat.-next Sun., 2 p.m. Free, advance tickets required. Parking is $15. (310) 440-7300.

Escape Reality Steve Spill and Bozena Sparrow perform classic illusions with sketch comedy, drama, romance and audience participation. Suitable for the whole family. Magicopolis, 1418 4th St., Santa Monica. Today, 2 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $22-$27. (310) 451-2241.

Giggle Gaggle and Detention Span Stand-up, improv and sketch comedy by young performers. Presented by Joy Theatre. Raven Playhouse, 5233 N. Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat.-next Sun., 2 and 5 p.m. $8. (818) 505-9355.

Fiesta! Kicking off Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s 50th anniversary, this string puppet extravaganza features everything from skating sombreros to dancing cactuses. www.bobbakermarionettes.com. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today, 2:30 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 2:30 p.m. Adults and children $20, seniors $15. (213) 250-9995.

Comedy Improv for Kids by Kids Performers ages 5 to 13. L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre, 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Today, next Sun. 3:30 p.m. $7. (818) 784-1868.

Discovery Labs Learn about marine science through art, stories and hands-on activities. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro. Wed., 3-5 p.m. $1-$5. (310) 548-7562.

Paws to Read Children can practice their reading skills by reading to the most nonjudgmental audience of all: a dog. This event is open to young readers up to age 12. Advanced registration is suggested as participation is limited by time and dog availability. www.spcaLA.com. Hermosa Beach Library , 550 Pier Ave., Los Angeles. Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. (310) 379-8475.

Kids’ Drum Circle Children and parents can beat on provided drums. Remo Percussion Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood. Sat., 11-11:45 a.m. Free. (818) 982-0461.

Charlotte’s Web Wilbur the pig is destined to become tomorrow’s bacon until a spider with amazing skills hatches a plan in this fun stage adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved children’s fable about love and friendship. A Kentwood Kids production. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., L.A. Sat., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. $10. (310) 645-5156.

The Emperor’s New Clothes Presented by Storybook Theatre, this interactive musical is based on the classic fairy tale about two weavers, a king and a very special suit of invisible clothes. www.theatrewest.org. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Sat., 1 p.m. Adults $12, children $10. (818) 761-2203.

South Coast Storytellers World legends and myths. Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Sat., 1:30 p.m. Free with $5 museum admission; 16 and younger, free. (714) 480-1520.

Hammer Kids: Travel Town In this collaborative workshop participants will channel esteemed travel writers like Bill Bryson and Pico Iyer to create informational guides to Los Angeles’ best locales. www.hammer.ucla.edu. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Next Sun., noon-2 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

Sones de Mexico This free family concert features a toe-tapping performance from this joyful folk ensemble. Sones de Mexico present traditional Mexican songs, dances, legends, and myths. www.getty.edu. Fleischman Theater at the Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Next Sun., 2 p.m. Free. (310) 440-7300.