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.

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.

Secrets of Circles Circles are everywhere in the form of wheels, clocks, doorknobs, tortillas and Frisbees. This exciting new exhibit celebrates the math, science and beauty of such a simple shape and helps children and adults alike 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.

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.

Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party Audiences help Alice set a topsy-turvy Wonderland aright in this zany Rudie-DeCarlo musical comedy. www.santamonicaplayhouse.com. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Los Angeles. Today, 12:30 and 3 p.m. Adults $12.50, children $10.50. (310) 394-9779.

Hinamatsuri: Celebrating Japanese Girl’s Day Celebrate the arrival of spring with this traditional family festival in honor of young girls. Stroll through the newly re-dedicated James Irvine Japanese Garden, enjoy a tea ceremony and Japanese music, and view an elaborate display of traditional Hina Dolls. Pre-registration is required. Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., L.A. Today, 1-3 p.m. $20. (213) 628-2725, Ext. 133.

Earthworm Ensemble Celebrate the release of this family music act’s latest CD at a special all-ages concert. Composed of some of L.A.’s best folk and country artists, including I See Hawks In L.A., Mike Stinson, and the Chapin Sisters, the band’s lively sound pleases kids and adults alike. The Echo, 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. Today, 2 p.m. $5. (213) 413-8200.

The Pajama Game Children’s Theater Group of Southern Ca. present a rousing rendition of the classic Broadway musical, featuring a cast of talented young performers. Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell. Music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village. Today, 2 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m. $15. (818) 508-3003.

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.

Charlotte’s Web This classic tale about friendship, acceptance and coping with the realities of life unfolds in the barnyard, where timid Wilbur the pig develops a friendship with Charlotte, a spider who spins a most amazing web. www.nineoclockplayers.com. Nine O’clock Players, 1367 N. St. Andrews Place, L.A. Today, next Sun. 2 p.m. $12. (323) 469-1970.

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 everything from skating sombreros to dancing cactuses. www.bobbakermarionettes.com. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today, 2:30 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 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.

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.

Roger Day The whimsical and witty Parent’s Choice Gold winning musician will have kids dancing in the aisles with songs from his new CD, “Why Does Gray Matter? And Other Brainy Songs for Kids.” Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Fri., 9:30 and 11 a.m. $9. (805) 449-2787.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Riverside’s non-profit Children’s Theatre presents a rousing rendition of the 1991 Disney musical based on the classic fairy tale. A tale of romance and intrigue centered around the troubled Beast and the object of his affections, the beautiful young Belle. www.riversidechildrenstheatre.org. Ramona High School, 7675 Magnolia Ave,, Los Angeles. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 7 p.m. Advance $10, door $12. (951) 313-0101.

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 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.

Hammer Kids: The Science of Saving Daylight Kids will learn to be scientific time experts, writing and delivering imaginative lectures on where the missing hour goes during daylight savings. Led by UCLA astronomer Kevin Hainline. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Next Sun., noon. Free. (310) 443-7000.