Itinerary: Abracadabra

Magic . . . it’s the stuff of spells and a few bad pop songs. But if you’ve ever seen a live magic show, you know that there’s nothing like it. Objects appear and disappear, and even if your rational brain knows that things are not as they appear, it still gets a buzz off the illusion. This weekend, check out some places that’ll make you say, “Hey . . . waitaminute. . . .”

Thursday

Lots of youngsters are enthralled with magic these days because of the books about young wizard Harry Potter. At the La Habra Branch Library (221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, [562] 694-0078), a magician’s show will draw on elements from the book during a free 45-minute kids’ program, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Friday

Everyone who is anyone in magic circles knows about the Magic Castle (7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. [323] 851-3313), but you also have to know someone in that circle to get in. The 1908 Victorian-style mansion in the Hollywood Hills is a private club for members of the Academy of Magical Arts. You don’t have to be able to pull a bunny from a hat to join--but it helps. Members, however, can give out guest passes, which is how the outside world gets to witness the amazing tricks of the trade in the three showrooms. Scheduled to perform this weekend: Barry Price, Allan Hayden, Bruce Cervon and Brian Gillis.

If you don’t know any magicians but really want to go, you might try checking in Thursday night at the Hollywood Hills Magic Hotel (7025 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. $59 to $119 per night. [323] 851-0800). First thing in the morning, the staff can make reservations at the nearby castle, depending on availability.

If the experience is particularly inspiring, swing by Hollywood Magic (6614 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. [323] 464-5610), to gear up with books and supplies for full castle membership.

Saturday

Puppets aren’t usually considered magic, but they are when Steve Meltzer gets his hands on them. The owner of the Santa Monica Puppet and Magic Center (1255 2nd St., Santa Monica. Show, $6.50. [310] 656-0483) stages “Puppetolio” each Saturday at 1, 3 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 3 p.m. It’s a variety show that includes marionettes, ventriloquism and a few illusions. Even if you miss the show, there’s a magic shop for the hobbyist.

Then, at nearby Magicopolis, catch “Seeing Is Believing?” (in the Abracadabra Theatre, 1418 4th St., Santa Monica. Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $20. Ends Jan. 30. [310] 451-2241.)

Scott and Jenny Alexander’s show is a mix of classic illusions and pop culture. Open only 16 months, the venue has a post-industrial look and most of its shows are family-friendly.

Sunday

Who needs to go Las Vegas? Well, gamblers maybe. But if you want to see Siegfried and Roy, the illusionists who’ve been selling out shows at Cesar’s Palace for decades, go no farther than the California Science Center (Exposition Park, [213] 744-2014).

In the Imax film “Siegfried and Roy: The Magic Box,” the master magicians are larger than life--and in 3-D. The film retells the story of how the men met and created their successful magic show and of their efforts to save rare white tigers and lions. The movie shows at 10 a.m., 4:15 and 8:30 p.m. on weekends, and is also screening at Edwards Imax Theaters in Irvine, Valencia and Ontario.