Kids Stuff

Kids Stuff

Compiled by Jason Gelt Dig It! Archaeology Adventures Slip on an archaeologist’s vest and experience the ancient Near East at a simulated outdoor archaeological dig and field laboratory. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Sat.-next Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. (310) 440-4500.

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 new exhibit celebrates the math, science and beauty of such a simple shape and helps children and adults 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, 11 a.m. Adults $8, children 12 and younger $6. (310) 828-7519.

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. Today, noon-2 p.m. Free. (310) 443-7000.

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.

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.

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. Today, 2 p.m. Free. (310) 440-7300.

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 -- 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.

Fiesta! Kicking off Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s 50th anniversary, this string puppet extravaganza features skating sombreros and dancing cactuses. www.bobbakermarionettes.com. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today, 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.

Andrew Clements Join the popular middle-grade author for a discussion and book signing of his new book, “Keepers of the School: We the Children.” The suspenseful tale follows young history buff Benjamin Pratt as he starts studies at a new school. www.childrensbookworld.com. Children’s Book World, 10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Mon., 10:30 a.m. Free. (310) 559-2665.

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.

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.

Saturday Explorer Series: Fandango sin Fronteras The weekly afternoon series offers a great opportunity for parents to share first-class art with their kids. Fandango sin Fronteras presents the traditional Jarana music of Veracruz, Mexico, with an L.A. twist. 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A. Sat., 1 p.m. $5. (213) 745-6516.

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. Book and lyrics by Lloyd J. Schwartz and David Wechter. 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.

The Better To Bite You With Louise Reichlin & Dancers perform an interactive dance/multimedia program for families and children based on the timeless tale of Little Red Riding Hood. The work was inspired by new technology in computer X-rays and used in the production. www.LA. The Edye Second Space, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Adults $15, children $10. (213) 385-1171.

Alice in Wonderland Story Hour An afternoon of Alice stories from guest readers, plus an exhibit of Alice art from some of today’s best illustrators. www.everypicture.com. Every Picture Tells a Story, 1311-C Montana Ave., Santa Monica. Next Sun., 4 p.m. Free. (310) 451-2700.