A Monster Birthday Party for Your Little Monsters

Godzilla was born on the silver screen April 30, 1954. Although Godzilla’s official 33rd birthday isn’t until next Thursday, the Los Angeles Children’s Museum will be in full birthday throttle all weekend to celebrate the great monster’s special day.

Clips from Godzilla movies will be shown continuously during museum hours in the Ethnic L.A. space. And if you remember some rather hair-raising scenes in these classic films--scenes that might not be appropriate for tender minds--rest assured the museum staff has personally screened the films and picked scenes that will not have young kids shrieking in horror. Many are from films made after Godzilla had become a more likeable character.

Continuing in the spirit, the staff has rounded up a collection of Godzilla toys for children to play with. In the television studio exhibit, there will be large placards of the monster so that when kids “broadcast” the news this weekend, they can include picture stories on the big guy’s day.

There will be walk-up workshops both days focusing on “monster wear” during which children can make masks and body ornaments that are monster-inspired. And, at 3 p.m. both days, they can wear their creations for a Godzilla parade through the museum space. Each day at 3:30 p.m. they can make green monster cookies--the refrigerator kind. This workshop requires sign-up as you enter the museum.

The museum is at 310 N. Main St. in downtown Los Angeles; (213) 687-8801. Admission is $3. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday.