What You're Doing This Week: July 1
From science and dance to fireworks and food trucks, there are a number of family-friendly activities across the Southland. Here is what's happening in LA and Orange County this week.
July 1
J.A.M. Session - Bollywood
Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd, East
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 461-367
www.fordtheatres.org
Each summer, more than 100 performing arts and film events are presented at the historic Ford Amphitheatre, located in Los Angeles County Regional Park. Along with offering a rich, culturally diverse event line-up, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission offers the Big!World!Fun! family series with music and dance specifically targeted towards children between the ages of 4 and 12. As part of this series, children of all ages and dance levels can participate in their free J.A.M. Sessions. This week's theme is Bollywood and children will discover Bombay-inspired sounds and movements including Bollywood and Bhangra styles of dance.
July 2
Free Family Night
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 North Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 449-9144
www.kidspacemuseum.org
School is out, but just because it's summer doesn't mean education stops. Children learn in a variety of meaningful ways, particularly when given hands-on, interactive experiences. Kidspace Children's Museum aims to foster a child's growth and development through exploration, investigation, and artistic expression. Through their special summer programming, families will have numerous opportunities to escape the heat while providing an engaging leaning experience. Throughout the summer, the museum will open its doors to the public for a free family night. For specific dates, please refer to the website.
July 3
Inventor's Fair
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 542-2823
www.discoverycube.org
In celebration of the life and accomplishments of genius Leonarda da Vinci, the "Cube" recently debuted the most comprehensive exhibition to date, titled "Da Vinci: The Genius and Da Vinci Jr." The summer-long exhibit features more than 75 life-size machine inventions, 3D renderings of his most prominent Renaissance works, and a detailed analysis of the Mona Lisa. As part of the exhibit, the Discovery Science Center will host an Inventor's Fair -- a weeklong celebration that will include interactive learning stations (like a daily parachute competition), guest speakers, and demonstrations to inspire every child to be an inventor. In the Tinker Studio, children will learn how to use simple household materials in their inventions. During the fair, guests can also enjoy Orange County's favorite food trucks including the Viking Truck and the Flip Truck. The Inventor's Fair is included in the price of admission and will continue through July 7.
July 4
Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay 2013
Newport Dunes
1131 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 729-3863
www.newportdunes.com
Cool off this Fourth of July at one of the largest and picturesque waterfront resorts in Southern California. This year's celebration will span the course of 3 days with a host of family-friendly activities. In addition to the kids' activities, which include carnival games, crafts, face painting, a balloon sculptor, and a snow cone vendor, there will be a chili cook-off, an All-American Food Eating Contest, a Kid's Sundae Eating Contest, live music, and a fireworks spectacular. To register, visit their Eventbrite page.
Related: 87th Annual Americafest Fireworks Show To Light Up Night Sky Over Rose Bowl
July 5
Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com
Set against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills, the country's largest natural amphitheater offers locals and visitors the opportunity to watch musical performances across all genres in a serene setting. One of the venue's summer highlights is there Summer Sounds series of music performances and art workshops for kids and their families. The Hollywood Bowl regularly offers kid-friendly entertainment such as their latest Looney Tunes-inspired live orchestra. The performance will feature classics, such as Duck Amuck, and favorite characters like Tom and Jerry. Two new 3D theatrical animated shorts will be shown.
July 6
The Great and Powerful Oz Tea Series
Gordon Ramsay At The London
1020 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(866) 282-4560
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, the London is known for its luxury and elegance, particularly Gordon Ramsay's restaurant which features a notable afternoon tea. Inspired by Disney's fanciful film about the great wizard, their latest Family-Friendly High Tea Series includes a variety of fine teas, hors d'oeuvres and themed, kid-friendly foods such as Emerald City Miniature Sandwiches & Canapes, Flying Monkey Bites, and Evanora & Theodora's Wickedly Delicious Treats. Children will experience the royal treatment at The London and will receive Oz-inspired gifts to help immerse themselves within the film. The series runs through Aug. 18 and reservations are available between 2 and 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
July 7
Los Angeles Mongol Naadam 2013
Griffith Park, Park Central
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 568-7142
More Info
Celebrated by Mongolians across the globe, Naadam is the most important festival for this community of people, with its history in military parades and sporting competitions. The National Holiday runs from July 11 through July 13, and this festival is a celebration of the 1921 revolution that freed the country of Mongolia. The celebration, which is the largest in Southern California, begins with traditional singing and dancing followed by athletic competition, authentic Mongolian food, children's games, and arts and crafts. This family-friendly event is open to the public and children under the age of 18 are free.
Caryn Bailey is a Southern California-based writer and LA native who can be found writing daily on her lifestyle blog Rockin' Mama or on Twitter @RockinMama.
