Kids Stuff

Kids Stuff

Compiled by Jason Gelt

Reindeer Romp Santa’s Reindeer fly into the L.A. Zoo for Thanksgiving and stay until after the New Year. Kids of all ages can get up close to these creatures, talk to zookeepers, and make their own antlers and holiday crafts. www.lazoo.org. Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive Griffith Park, L.A. Today-next Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with paid zoo admission: Adults $13, seniors 62 and up $10, children 2-12 $8, children under 2 free. (323) 644-4200.

Gold Rush Visitors may experience elation similar to that of the miners of 1849 when they pan for gold at the museum. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. Sat.-next Sun., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with museum admission. $3-$9; 2 and younger, free. (323) 667-2000.

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.

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For the record: An earlier version of this story listed the Reindeer Romp’s prices as adults $10 and children $5.

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Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Jeff Skowron heads the cast in this 12th annual production of Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin’s whimsical holiday musical fable based on the classic Dr. Seuss book. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Today, 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m.; Tue.-Thu., 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. $39-$79. (619) 234-5623.

Santa Claus Visit Santa Claus shares cookies and cocoa with youngsters while reviewing their wish lists. Cameras are welcome. Paley Center for Media, 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. Today, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (310) 786-1000.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The L.A. premiere of the hit holiday musical fable stars John Larroquette as Old Max and Stefan Karl as the Grinch. See www.ticketmaster.com for schedule exceptions. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Today, 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m.; Tue.-Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. $23-$90. (323) 468-1770. (213) 480-3232.

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.

Cinderella: The Musical This interactive musical from Rudie DeCarlo will charm and delight kids of all ages. Audiences help romance bloom between Cinderella and Prince Charming. Birthday and tea parties are available with every performance. www.santamonicaplayhouse.com. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Today, 12:30 and 3 p.m. Adults, $12.50; children, $10.50. (310) 394-9779.

Mrs. Scrooge West of Broadway Theater Company and Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California present this high-energy interactive re-telling of Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Find out what happens when you combine Mrs. Scrooge, mischievous angels, grumpy Christmas ghosts and snow-balls. www.edgemarcenter.org. Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St., Santa Monica. Today, 2 p.m. $15. (310) 672-0855.

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 $8. (310) 440-7300.

Escape Reality Steve Spill and Bozena Sparrow perform classic illusions -- floating, vanishing, sawing, mind reading and a dangerous escape -- 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 and 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.

Bob Baker’s Holiday Spectacular The historic puppet theater presents a winter wonderland marionette musical extravaganza for children of all ages. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today, 2:30 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 p.m. $20. (213) 250-9995.

The Christmas Princess Find out what happens when the beautiful princess doesn’t want to marry the handsome prince in Arthur M. Jolly’s charming holiday play. Comic highlights include a case of mistaken identity, a kingdom on the verge of bankruptcy and an inept jester. www.promenadeplayhouse.com. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. Today, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Adults, $18; children, $15. (310) 656-8070.

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.

Train Rides to Santa’s House Ring in the season with a trip to the North Pole on the Travel Town Railroad, which takes passengers on a ride aboard a miniature train. At the end of the line is Santa’s house, decorated with festive light displays and scenes of winter. www.laparks.org. Travel Town Museum, Griffith Park, 5200 W. Zoo Drive, L.A. Today-Wed., 5-8 p.m. $6. (323) 661-8030.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: A Dramatic Reading Bill Barke visits the Library to present his annual rendition of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” followed by milk and cookies. Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach. Tue., 6:45-7:15 p.m. Free. (310) 318-0675, Ext. 6.

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.

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.

The Princess and the Frog A musical with audience participation for children and their families. Based on the fairy tale about the prince who became a frog. Ages 3-9. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. Sat., 1 p.m. Adults, $12; children, $10. (818) 761-2203.