Shake Off the Blahs

We know what happens on the 12 days of Christmas, but what about the 12 days or so of Christmas vacation?

Once your pint-sized true loves have tried out their new toys, seen “Flubber” 10 times and worn out their favorite videos, there’s still an awful lot of time to fill. Homework notwithstanding, we offer 101 suggestions for bored kids and desperate parents, ranging from high-end to cheap to free and from holiday-themed to educational to just plain fun:

1. Celebrate Christmas Victorian-style at Theatre-by-the-Sea’s “A Victorian Christmas & Dickens Festival” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Fisherman’s Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor, Channel Islands Boulevard and Victoria Avenue, Oxnard, with carolers, crafts and readings of works by Charles Dickens. Free. (805) 382-9538.

2. Meet the animals at Pierce Farms in Woodland Hills, Jan. 9, as part of a nature walk sponsored by Nursery Nature Walks’ Nature Adventures for Kids. $5 donation per family. For children ages newborn to 8 years. (310) 364-3591.

3. Count the sugar plum fairies in one of the area productions of “The Nutcracker.” Moscow Ballet, Dec. 23 to 28 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 740-7878 or (213) 365-3500. $20 to $65. The Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Friday-Dec. 24 at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. $18 to $46. (213) 480-3232.

4. Get a clue when the Pacific Symphony’s family series, “String of Clues,” continues Saturday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with “The Christmas Caper.” The program includes Leopold Mozart’s “Toy” Symphony and performances by a hand bell choir. A “musical treasure hunt” takes place in the center lobbies, where kids can meet members of the orchestra. $10 to $12. Performances at 10 a.m. (arrive at 9 a.m. for treasure hunt) and 11:30 a.m. (treasure hunt to follow). (714) 755-5788.

5. Party with the mariachis at La Posada. Fiesta Navidad, featuring Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Ballet Folklorico Ollin at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is the West’s newest holiday tradition: a concert of mariachi music and folklorico dancing commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The Dec. 20 event, co-sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, uses the travel motif to journey through the musical styles of the various regions of Mexico. $15 to $38. 8 p.m. (714) 553-2422.

6. Listen up! Ventriloquist and recording artist Shari Lewis brings her fuzzy friends Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy and a 13-piece orchestra to the Orange County Performing Arts Center for a pair of holiday shows Dec. 18. $6 to $20. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. (714) 556-2787.

7. Sip tea with Madeline at the Glendale Public Library’s “Tea With Madeline.” Children ages 4 and older are invited to hear stories, visit with the storybook character and decorate cookies. Dec. 20, 2 to 3 p.m. 222 E. Harvard St., Glendale. Free. (818) 548-2035.

8. Walk through a life-size gingerbread house at the Regal Biltmore Hotel. Sheets of gingerbread line the inner and outer structure, surrounded by white chocolate and royal icing. On display throughout December. Free. Carolers in traditional Olde English costumes will stroll the public areas of the hotel Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Dec. 22. 506 S. Grand Ave., downtown, (213) 612-1562.

9. Also at the hotel, meet Gerald Charles Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, when he gives a reading of “A Christmas Carol,” at “Tea With Scrooge,” Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Adults, $30; children, $15. (213) 612-1561 for reservations.

10. Visit the North Pole at Santa’s Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park near Lake Arrowhead. California Highway 18, Skyforest. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 4 and weekends only through March 1. Admission: ages 2 and under, free; ages 3 to 59, $12; seniors 60 and over, $8.50. (909) 337-2481.

11. Sport your 3-D glasses for Laserium’s “KBIG 104 Laser Holiday 3-D,” at Griffith Observatory. Daily at 6 p.m., except Mondays and holidays. Ends Jan. 4. Adults, $8; seniors and children ages 5 to 12, $7. Children under 5 not permitted. (818) 901-9405.

12. Watch a procession of lights at the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. From ancient cave themes to galactic space odysseys, festively decorated yachts will commemorate this year’s theme: Holidays--Stone Age Through Space Age. Fritz Coleman is the grand marshal. Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Main Channel, Marina del Rey. Key viewing sites include Fisherman’s Village on Fiji Way, Burton Chase Park on Mindanao Way and the north and south jetties. Free. (310) 305-9545.

13. Take a dip in the icy ocean, otherwise known as a polar bear swim, at Mother’s Beach, Via Marina, Marina del Rey (in front of Cheesecake Factory). Access to beach is free; public parking is $5 by machine after 9 a.m.

14. Romp with the reindeer at the Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park during the winter season only. Open daily, 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Junction of the Ventura and Golden State freeways. Adults, $8.25; children 2 to 12, $3.25. Through Jan. 4. (213) 666-4090.

15. Perk up your ears to the “Sounds of Christmas,” a program including carol arrangements for orchestra and chorus performed by the Conejo Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Youth Symphony Orchestra and ballet selections performed by the Conejo Civic Ballet Company. Saturday, 8 p.m. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Charles E. Probst Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. $24 to $44. (805) 449-2787.

16. Dance the hora at the Conejo Valley Community Hanukkah Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Thousand Oaks Community Center. Also: storytelling, songs and a boutique. 2525 N. Moorpark Road. Free. (818) 879-0880.

17. Don’t be a Scrooge! See the Santa Susana Repertory Company and Gold Coast Performing Arts Assn.’s production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theater. Today, Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 17-20 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday and Dec. 20 and 21 at 2:30 p.m. 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. $16 to $26. (805) 497-2787.

18. Pull some strings and get to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Forum Theater for “A Visit to Santa’s Workshop,” with marionette specialist Jim Gamble and his troupe. Today and Friday at 9:30 and 11 a.m. $5. (805) 493-4348.

19. Practice putting at Golf N’ Stuff Family Fun Park. Miniature golf, bumper boats, little Indy race cars, bumper cars and an arcade. 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk, (562) 868-9956, or 1656 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 778-4100.

20. Learn tricks at Wizardz, a magic club and dinner theater on Universal CityWalk. 1000 Universal Center Drive, Universal City. Sunday-Thursday evenings, $35.95; Friday, $39.95; Sunday matinee, $30.85. Children (all shows), $20.95. (818) 506-0066.

21. See an 8,000-pound elephant perform with the one-ring L.A. Circus. Also clowns, jugglers, a family of trapeze artists, a 7-year-old Hula-Hoop artist and more. Daily shows through Jan. 4. Adults, $10; children under 12, $7. Universal CityWalk. (213) 252-TIXS.

22. Take a spin with Peggy Fleming in “The Memory of All That . . . Gershwin on Ice,” a tribute to the two songwriters brought to life by figure skating. Dec. 18 to 21 at Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. $19 to $64. (213) 252-TIXS or (213) 480-3232. Then practice your own moves at CityWalk’s Ice Skating Rink, open daily through Jan. 4. $6.50 to skate; $2.50 skate rental. Mondays-Thursdays, 5 to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (818) 622-4455.

23. See hundreds of Nativity scenes from around the world on display at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2304 Antonio Ave., Camarillo. Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. $3 adults, $1 children. (805) 484-0530.

24. See the Vatican on Wilshire Boulevard at the Carole and Barry Kaye Museum of Miniatures. You’ll see the exterior of the Vatican, the interior of St. Peters, the tomb of St. Peter and the Sistine Chapel all painstakingly reproduced by Robert and Nina Eckland Dawson in miniature. Exhibit opens Dec. 20 and will become a permanent part of the museum’s “Great Palaces of Europe” collection. Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5900 Wilshire Blvd. Adults, $7.50; senior citizens, $6.50; students 12 to 21, $5; children 3 to 12, $3. (213) 937-6464.

25. Learn about the history, ecology and languages of Africa at “Africa: One Continent, Many Worlds,” at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ends Jan. 4. Adults, $6; children 13 to 18 and seniors, $3.50; children 5 to 12, $2. (213) 763-3466.

26. See Woody and Buzz on ice at “Walt Disney’s World on Ice--Toy Story” at area arenas: the Pond of Anaheim, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, Dec. 25 to Jan. 4; Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Jan. 7 to 11; and the L.A. Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, Jan. 14 to 19. $10 to $18.50. Ask about special discounts and Spanish-language performances. (213) 480-3232.

27. Join the throngs for a multicultural holiday event, the 38th annual Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, Dec. 24, 3 to 9 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave. There will be 42 groups performing, based in 19 L.A. County communities, including the L.A. Jewish Symphony, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, the Kultura Philippine Folk Arts dance troupe, the L.A. Zither Orchestra, the Bobby Rodriguez band and more. Free. (213) 974-1396 for detailed information or visit the Web site at https://www.lacountyarts.com

28. Try out different instruments at the L.A. Philharmonic’s “A Winter Celebration,” Saturday at 11 a.m., also at the Music Center. Enjoy music by Gabrieli, Humperdinck and Mozart as well as holiday songs. Pre-concert activities begin at 10 a.m., when children have an opportunity to meet musicians and create arts projects. $6 to $10. (213) 972-7398.

29. Take off to new heights at the Fightertown Jet Simulation Center’s newest location in Old Pasadena. (See Story, Page 28.) 1 Colorado, 35 Hugus Alley, No. 200, Pasadena, (818) 577-9896. Also, 20521 Teresita Way, Lake Forest, (714) 855-0847. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Packages start at $23.95.

30. Tickle yourself silly at Laserama’s “Cartoon Classics,” a laser light show set to music from popular cartoons. Sundays at 3 p.m. at UCLA’s Planetarium, 8224 Mathematical Science Building, UCLA Campus, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. Adults, $5; students and children under 18, $3. Through December. (310) 825-6847.

31. Take advantage of a free matinee by the Santa Monica Symphony, Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Hear music by Beethoven, Katherine Hoover and Tchaikovsky. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Main Street and Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica. Free. (310) 996-3260.

32. Search for Waldo at the “Where’s Waldo Weekend” at Zany Brainy, Dec. 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. Ages 5 and up. Free. 3842 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance. (310) 791-6200.

33. Reflect on what it’s like to be a kid while visiting the San Diego Children’s Museum’s newest offering, “Stories From Home,” a group of theme-related exhibits that feature contemporary artists’ works inspired by their childhoods. Ends March 31. 200 West Island Ave., San Diego. Admission $5 for everyone 2 years and older; children under 2, free. (619) 233-8792.

34. Mold a clay craft and learn how to make homemade clay out of household cornstarch at the “Play Clay Mold Your World” exhibit at the Los Angeles Children’s Museum, 310 N. Main St. Open daily through Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. Programs included with museum admission: $5 per person; children under 2, free. (213) 687-8800.

35. Also at the Children’s Museum, play theater games, including parachute, ball games and imagination games, Dec. 21-23, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Also Dec. 21-23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., make crazy kazoos in the Recycle Art Studio. At the museum Dec. 26-30, the improv company Comedy Sportz performs at noon and 2 p.m. For ages 2-10.

36. Walk with the lighted animals at the San Diego Wild Animal Park’s 10th annual Festival of Lights, Friday through Dec. 23 and Dec. 26-30. The park will sparkle with 100,000 twinkling lights, animal light sculptures in motion, a glowing igloo, animal-shaped silhouettes and glimmering tunnels. Free crafts and games, storytelling and caroling. Daily 4 to 9 p.m. Adults, $7.95; children ages 3 to 11, $3.95. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. (760) 796-5615.

37. Walk out the front door and count five planets visible to the naked eye through early December. From west to east, they are Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn and are most visible around 5:15 p.m., when Mercury sets.

38. Watch classic holiday TV episodes of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (today-Sunday at noon); “Fraggle Rock: The Bells of Fraggle Rock” (Dec. 24 and 26-28 at noon) and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (Dec. 24 and 26-28 at 3 p.m.). Free with admission to the Museum of Television & Radio. Adults, $6; students and seniors, $4; children under 13, $3; members, free. 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 786-1000.

39. See children’s programming from around the world during the International Children’s Festival, a monthlong series, also at the Museum of Television & Radio. Eight themed packages are presented weekends only at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission.

40. Tune into a Re-Creating Radio Workshop. Children ages 9 to 12 are introduced to classic radio programs by reading scripts and operating sound effects. The performance is recorded on an audiocassette and later mailed to each participant. Museum of Television & Radio. Saturday: western theme. Dec. 20: mystery theme. 10 to 11:30 a.m. $5. (310) 786-1014 for required reservations.

41. Make snowballs out of real snow or visit the Great American Petting Zoo at the Farmer’s Market “Snow Land,” Dec. 20 and 21, all day. Corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, (213) 933-9211.

42. Discover a fossil buried in a stone wall among other fascinating antiquities at the new Getty Center opening Dec. 16. Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 1200 Getty Center Drive. Admission free. Parking $5. (310) 440-7300 for mandatory parking reservations. (No reservations needed if you take the bus.)

43. Try getting two tunes out of your head! “It’s a Small World Holiday” adds a multicultural “Jingle Bells” into the mix through Jan. 4, marking the first-ever alteration of the Disneyland attraction. The global landmarks depicted on the exterior facade of the 30-year-old attraction will also be outlined with a display of thousands of colored lights. Other holiday activities include a Christmas Fantasy parade, ice skating on an outdoor rink and strolling carolers. Call for hours. $26 to $36. Parking $7 to $8. Disneyland, 1313 Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. (714) 781-4565.

44. Search for “The Christmas Star.” This planetarium show at the Griffith Observatory re-creates the sky as it would have appeared almost 2,000 years ago at the time of Jesus’ birth and searches for the identity of the star that could have sent the Wise Men, or Magi, on their journey. Daily through Dec. 19 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, with additional shows at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Dec. 20-Jan. 1, shows are at 1:30 and 3 p.m. only. Closed Dec. 25. Adults, $4; $3 for seniors; $2 for children ages 5-12. No one under 5 admitted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park. (213) 664-1191.

45. Catch a free movie. Parents can finish holiday shopping after leaving their children at a screening of this summer’s filmed TV spinoff “Leave It to Beaver,” Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The event is also a toy and food drive, so bring a donation. Warner’s Theatre, 6714 Pacific Blvd., Huntington Park. (213) 585-1155.

46. Check out a doll collection at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art. The museum’s annual Christmas Doll Display features antique and ethnic dolls and toys through Jan. 11. $2 to $6. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; Thursdays until 9 p.m. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, (714) 567-3600.

47. Celebrate Kwanzaa, the nonsecular African American holiday, with entertainment at Valley High School on Dec. 27. The party, which marks the 31st anniversary of the creation of the event, is sponsored by the African Cultural Arts Council of the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art. $5 (or $15 per family). 1:30 to 5 p.m. 1801 S. Greenville St., Santa Ana, (714) 543-7379.

48. Attend one of South Coast Repertory’s holiday plays. “La Posada Magica” is a contemporary fable about a community’s attempts to re-integrate a Latino holiday tradition. In it, a makeshift procession brings a young girl back into her family and rekindles the Christmas spirit she had lost. $16 to $26. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. Sundays through Christmas Eve. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 708-5555. Also at South Coast Rep: “A Christmas Carol” plays through Dec. 24.

49. Keep your eyes open and you might spot the Ghost of Christmas Present. Knott’s Berry Farm’s annual Ghost Town Christmas Crafts Festival through Dec. 24 features elaborate holiday decorations; continuous Christmas shows, including Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”; a Santa’s Workshop; nightly tree-lighting processions; and more than 100 artisans with one-of-a-kind wares. Festival admission $2.50 to $3.50; under 11 free. Park opens at 9 a.m. daily; call for closing times. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 220-5200. (Elsewhere in the park, a Classic Christmas Celebration features sledding on real snow and daily performances Dec. 20 to Jan. 1 of “Snoopy’s Twelve Days of Christmas on Ice.” General park admission $25 to $35.)

50. Take in a new version of “Peter Pan.” The Geffen Playhouse’s current production “Peter and Wendy” is a feast for young eyes with Karen Kandel playing all the roles in this adaptation of the J.M. Barrie 1911 novel. Kandel shares the stage with Japanese bunraku puppets. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 La Conte Ave., Westwood. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Also Dec. 24 at 2 p.m.; dark Dec. 25. Ends Dec. 28. $17.50-$37.50. (310) 208-5454.

51. Check out works by young artists. The fifth annual “Billboard Project,” an exhibition of winners in the citywide competition for youths ages 5-17, opens Jan. 8 at the Children’s Gallery at the Junior Arts Center, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Contest theme: “Imagine a Great City . . . What I Love About L.A.” Ends Feb. 6. Free. (213) 485-4474.

52. Enjoy Christmas lights on the water at the Belmont Pier’s annual Christmas Light Cruise Friday through Dec. 23. Mondays-Thursdays, 7 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays, 5:30 and 8 p.m. Belmont Pier, Ocean and Termino boulevards, Long Beach. Adults, $15; children under 16 and seniors, $10. Reservations required. (562) 434-6781.

53. Watch a procession of lavishly decorated boats. Newport Harbor’s annual Boat Parade began almost 90 years ago as the Tournament of Lights; this year, as many as 150 boats set the harbor ablaze with lights and color. Spectators can view the parade from a number of public access points. Free. Dec. 17-23 at 6:30 p.m. (714) 729-4400.

54. Marvel at antique dollhouses at Angel’s Attic. The museum also features miniatures and antique toys. Thursday-Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Adults, $6.50; seniors, $4.50; children under 12, $3.50. Tea is served by reservation, $7.50 per person. 516 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 394-8331.

55. Experience an extravaganza. “The Glory of Christmas,” a nativity featuring hundreds of performers, flying angels and animals including sheep, goats and camels, takes place through Dec. 30 at Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. Tue.-Sun., 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.; beginning Dec. 20: daily, 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Dark Dec. 24-25. $15-$30. (714) 54-GLORY.

56. Hang on to a caboose at Travel Town, an outdoor transportation museum in Griffith Park. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Ventura and Golden State freeways, (213) 662-5874.

57. Grab your sketchbook and head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for some inspiration. The museum is a great introduction to the art world. Pick up one of the museum’s guides for families as you go in. Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Adults, $6; students and seniors, $4; members and children under 12, free. 250 S. Grand Ave. (213) 626-6222.

58. Wax nostalgic for Hollywood stars from yesteryear to last year during a self-guided tour of the Movieland Wax Museum, which has more than 100 vignettes featuring figures of about 300 movie and TV stars from the days of silent films to the present. Little Richard’s likeness was recently unveiled. Daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. $6.95 to $12.95. 7711 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, (714) 522-1155. L.A. County has its own wax museum, too, the Hollywood Wax Museum, 6767 Hollywood Blvd. Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m. to midnight; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to2 a.m. $6.95 to $8.95. Children under 6, free. (213) 462-5991.

59. Check out old toys at Nixon’s place. Right now there’s an exhibit of Victorian gifts including dollhouses, pull toys and tricycles at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace called “Christmas Past: Old Toys and Timeless Cheer From Your House to the White House.” Also on view are holiday trees from around the world, including one with the name of every American serviceman from Orange County who lost his life in the Vietnam War. $2 to $5.95. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Jan. 4. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 993-5075.

60. See Titanic! No, not that Titanic, an 18-foot replica at the Los Angeles Maritime Musuem. Kids can learn about sailing, knots and historical ships. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $1; children, free. Berth 84, near 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro. (310) 548-7618.

61. Ride ‘em, cowboy! Visit the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, 4700 Heritage Way, adjacent to the Los Angeles Zoo. The museum’s current exhibition, “Patterns of Progress: Quilts in the Machine Age,” includes traditional handmade quilts and contemporary pieces, period sewing machines, photographs and other artifacts. Through Jan. 25. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults, $7.50; senior citizens and students, $5; children 2 to 12, $3. (213) 667-2000.

62. Stop and smell the roses. The 127-acre Arboretum of Los Angeles is filled with native birds and plants and, for movie buffs, the lake from which Humphrey Bogart pulled the “African Queen” in the 1951 film. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adults $5; seniors and students, $3; children, $1. (626) 447-8207.

63. Experience turbulence in a wind tunnel and the shock of a temblor in an “earthquake room” at “Forces of Nature,” a hands-on exhibit at the Children’s Museum of La Habra. Earthquakes, tornadoes and floods are among the most severe events affecting our planet; learn why they happen, if we can predict them and how we can protect ourselves. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Through Jan. 25. $4. Under 2, free. 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra, (562) 905-9793.

64. Watch dinosaurs dance. The children’s song and dance show “Dynamite the Dinosaur Christmas Show” will be staged at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave. The production is meant for ages 5 to 12. $8; $5 ages 12 and under. (805) 581-9940.

65. Blow bubbles at Launch Pad’s fifth annual Bubble Festival. “Bubbleologist” Tom Noddy will create bubble art as he gives the audience lessons in surface area and air pressure. After the show, guests can make secret bubble solution and freeze bubbles with dry ice. Dec. 27 and 28 with performances at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. both days. $3.50 for members and $6.50 for nonmembers, which includes admission to Launch Pad. Reservations required. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crystal Court, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. Reservations required. (714) 546-2061.

66. Get in the spirit at “Yuletidings!” a holiday program that celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Road Theatre at the Lankershim Arts Center, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Ends Dec. 21. $12. (818) 761-8838.

67. Have fun without the crowds and expense of the bigger theme parks. Adventure City is a two-acre theme park just for kids. $2.95 to $9.95, depending on the number of rides selected. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1238 Beach Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 236-9300.

68. Sing a song at the Santa Paula Theater Center’s production of “A Christmas Memory,” a collection of holiday readings, carols and sing-alongs. Show times: Saturdays at 2:30 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Dec. 28. 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula. The program will include a reading of “ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children. (805) 525-4645.

69. Watch a 3-D “Nutcracker.” Now playing at the Edwards Imax Theatre is “The Imax Nutcracker,” a 37-minute version of the story of 8-year-old Clara and her hand-carved utensil using 3-D cinematography. $7 and $8. Edwards 21 Megaplex, Irvine Entertainment Center, 65 Fortune, Irvine, (714) 450-4900.

70. See a teapot, short and stout at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. The museum is closing at the end of December so this could be your last chance. “Tantalizing Teapots: The Felicitous Union of Form and Content” has dozens of teapots in every shape, size and color. Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 5814 Wilshire Blvd. (213) 937-5544.

71. Experience “Flubber” in a different form. The live holiday stage show featuring many other Disney characters has performances today, Friday and Sunday at the Alex Theatre, 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. $10-$15. (800) DISNEY6.

72. Take a walk. Charlie Cooke will lead a Winter Solstice Walk in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, speaking about plants and the winters of the Chumash Indians. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 21. Free. (818) 597-9192, Ext. 201.

73. Where does food come from? Find out at Centennial Farm, a replica of a working farm complete with animals and year-round crop displays designed for children 5 to 8. Free tours 9 and 11 a.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 708-1619.

74. Make Mexican handicrafts at the Southwest Museum’s annual Holiday Celebration, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dancing, music, storytelling and free museum admission. 234 Museum Drive, (213) 221-2164.

75. Drive a Model T at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The new May Family Discovery Center has interactive exhibits geared to children 6 to 16 that teach science using parts of a car. Included with museum admission. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults, $7.50; senior citizens and students, $5; children, 5 to 12, $3. (213) 930-CARS.

76. Learn to play chess free with the Los Angeles African American Chess Club at the William Grant Still Arts Center. Ongoing classes are every Tuesday night, and beginner sessions start the first Tuesday of the month. For youths 7 and older. William Grant Still Arts Center, 2520 S. West View St., (213) 734-1164.

77. Tour the 17th annual Black Doll Show “Black Dolls: Past to Present” at the William Grant Still Arts Center beginning Sunday with an opening reception from 3 to 7 p.m. and a performance by Gary Jones’ Blackstreet USA Puppet Theatre. Free. Ends March 1. (213) 734-1164.

78. Attend Family Hanukkah Day at My Jewish Discovery Place Children’s Museum, Dec. 25, noon to 4 p.m., with entertainment, food and storytelling. Members, $15 per family; nonmembers, $20 per family. 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., (213) 857-0072.

79. Las Posadas, take three. The annual Mexican Christmas celebration on Olvera Street includes a candlelight procession and sing-along, pin~ata-breaking and more. Daily, 7 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 16-24. E-10 Olvera St. at the Avila Adobe. Free. (213) 628-3562.

80. Count the floats in the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena or on Channels 5 or 34. Carol Burnett is grand marshal.

81. Ride a pony for an hour at Lakewood Pony Rides and Petting Farm. Lakewood Equestrian Center, 11369 E. Carson St., Lakewood. Pony rides, petting farm. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Petting zoo admission, 50 cents; $1 for entire family. Pony rides, $2. (562) 860-1108 or (818) 350-3049.

82. Be a Hollywood tourist for a day and try your hands for a good fit at Mann’s Chinese Theater, 6925 Hollywood Blvd. Then check out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pierce Brosnan (007) is the latest inductee. Hollywood Boulevard.

83. Build your own instrument at the “Making Sounds Making Music” family workshop. Sunday, noon to 1:30 p.m., Junior Arts Center, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Free. (213) 473-4269.

84. Be amazed by collectible toys, including “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” action figures and model kits at the Toyrific Antique & Collectible Toy Show Sunday at the Pasadena Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Admission from 9 to 11 a.m. is free; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., adults, $5; children 6 to 12, $2; children 6 and under, free. (626) 793-2122.

85. Jiggle like a jellyfish, learn how plankton floats and listen to stories at the Cabrillo Marina Aquarium Saturday. “Jiggling Jellies Plankton Patrol,” 9 to 11:30 a.m., is a class for families to learn about the drifters and wanderers of the ocean. 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro. Reservations required. $12. Also at the aquarium on Saturday is a tide pool walk from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for all ages. The education staff will provide a brief slide show and then guide participants out to the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge for the walk. $1 per person. Reservations required only for groups of nine or more. (310) 548-7562.

86. Cook sugary goodies at the Sugar Plums and Sweet Delights Holiday Treats Class at Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop, Dec. 19, 4 to 5 p.m. Sweets for Christmas and Hanukkah will be decorated and wrapped for holiday gift-giving. Ages 5 to 10. Preregistration required. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne, (909) 599-4558.

87. Last chance to see “Paquito’s Christmas,” a musical about a young boy’s heartbreak over his father’s broken promise. Starring 10-year-old Ivan Lopez Ayala as Paquito and Placido Domingo’s 10-year-old grandson, Dominic Domingo, as Paquito’s best friend. Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St. between 5th and 6th streets. Adults, $15; children, $10. (213) 485-1681.

88. Feast your eyes on the colorful dresses of Peru at “Colors of the Highlands,” an exhibition of women’s clothing and accessories from the Andean region of Peru also at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Ends Feb. 28. Exhibition hours daily. (213) 485-1681.

89. Find out “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Friday at 6 p.m. at Lumpy Gravy, 7311 Beverly Blvd. The evening includes a reading of the children’s tale and a menu for kids of “roast beast burgers,” “Ish’s dish which is not fish,” “Cindy Lou Who’s grilled cheese sandwiches” and other treats inspired by the book. An additional performance at 10 p.m. for adults will feature musical accompaniment by L.A. band Zen Gecko. Proceeds to benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Suggested donation: $5 per person. No reservations required. (213) 934-9400.

90. Celebrate Hanukkah with Craig ‘n’ Co. You can in your pajamas to the “Hanukkah Pajamika Family Concert With Craig ‘n’ Co” at the Skirball Cultural Center, Dec. 25. This event will feature art activities, storytelling, songs and Hanukkah treats beginning at 4 p.m. Concert with Craig Taubman (5 p.m.) will feature music from his recording, “My Newish Jewish Discovery.” 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Adults, $10; children under 12, $5. Advanced registration required. (213) 660-TKTS. Craig ‘n’ Co. will also give a performance as part of the third annual Hanukkah Concert, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Thirteen area children’s choirs will also perform. Tickets $18, $35 and $125 (includes post-performance dinner at the Centre Cafe with performers). (714) 740-7878 or (213) 480-3232.

91. Sing along to Handel’s “Messiah” with the Pasadena Lyric Opera, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. Eliot Auditorium, 2184 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena. Adults, $15; seniors, $12; students, $10. (888) OPERA-4-U for reservations.

92. Catch some ice hockey action as the Long Beach Ice Dogs face off against Indianapolis on Wednesday; San Antonio, Dec. 21; Utah, Dec. 26; Orlando, Dec. 27; San Antonio, Dec. 31. $10 to $16. Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. (562) 423-3647.

93. Have a ball at the 21st annual Kwanzaa Gwaride Festival, Dec. 25-28, 10 a.m. till dusk in Leimert Park with jazz, blues, reggae, rap, hip-hop and choir music, dance, arts and crafts booths, poetry and food from West Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, Belize and Ethiopia, as well as traditional American soul food. On Dec. 27, 9 a.m. to noon, there will be a procession to usher in the new year of Ujamaa, from Adams and Crenshaw boulevards to Leimert Park. (213) 965-0935.

94. Go bird-watching. Oak Canyon Nature Center is a family nature center with a bird-watching deck as well as hands-on exhibits, live animal and insect displays and hiking trails. Free. Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, (714) 998-8380.

95. Sway to the rhythms of the islands at “Hula Halau O’ Kamuela Elua,” a Hawaiian holiday mele and hula concert at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Dance, music and a holiday boutique Saturday at 3 p.m., free admission. Performance at 6:30 p.m., $35 at the door. 1855 Main St., Santa Monica, (818) 771-7238.

96. Meet Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” in one of three formats. Pasadena Knightsbridge’s adaptation of Alcott’s tale runs through Jan. 25: Fridays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. $10 to $15. 35 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, (626) 440-0821. You can also find “Little Women” at the Arts Council Center, 482 Greenmeadow Drive, Thousand Oaks, presented by Xanadu Theatre Co. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m. Ends Dec. 21. $10. (805) 381-2747. Shelley Long is Jo, and Nancy Cartwright--the voice of TV’s Bart Simpson--plays Beth in California Artists Radio Theatre’s production of “Little Women” at the Cinegrill, Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Dec. 20 and 21, 1:30 p.m. $15; ages 8 to 12, free. (213) 683-3422.

97. Have a few laughs when the L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre’s Kids Repertory Group presents comedy based on audience suggestions. Sunday, 3:30 p.m. $7. 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 784-1868.

98. Buy, sell and trade your Beanie Babies. The Southern California Beanie Baby Club’s holiday trade and boutique is Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Countryside Inn, 325 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 549-0300, and Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 540-7000. Admission $2 for each show.

99. Bounce like Tigger at the newest Club Disney location in West Covina opening Dec. 20. Jungle gyms, game rooms, carousel, mazes and more. 1581 Eastland Center Drive, West Covina. Tuesdays-Sundays. $8 per person. (626) 938-1480.

100. Brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills with the “Vertical Skills Improvement Program” at Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Big Bear Lake. Lessons for levels six through nine are free on weekends with a paid lift ticket. (909) 585-2517.

101. Scale a rock at the Uprising Rock Climbing Center. Classes for every age and ability. $15 to $40. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. (888) CLIMB-ON.

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Benjamin Epstein, Rodney Bosch and Jim Fowler contributed to this report.

* MORE FAMILY STORIES: Pages 28-30.