08.11.2010 | Theatre Under the Stars

Ready for a night of culture, under the stars? Then be sure to check out Buena Park’s “Civic Theatre Under the Stars” & Tustin’s “Broadway in the Park” happening THIS month.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”  will be playing Friday & Saturday evenings, at 8:15pm, now through August 28th, under the stars at the Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center’s Outdoor Theatre. “Comedy reigns when a thoroughly disarming slave named Pseudolus schemes to gain his freedom by helping his maser’s son get the girl he desires. It’s an accelerating whirl of mixed identities, swinging doors, double takes, double entendres, outrageous puns and gags that will keep you laughing all the way home.”

General Admission is $15, Senior Admission is $13, and Children 12 & under are $11. Tickets can be purchased at the Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center, over the phone at (714)236-3860, or at the box office one hour before each performance. For more information go HERE.

Guys & Dolls” is the 2010 Broadway in the Park production, presented by the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts. Bring your beach chair, grab a blanket & pack a picnic dinner & bring the family along to experience “Broadway in the Park” at Peppertree Park in Old Town Tustin.  The play runs EVERY night Tuesday, August 17th – Wednesday, August 21st. The Box office opens at 5:30pm, Gates open at 6pm (arrive early to ensure a good spot, seating on the lawn is first come first served) & the curtain rises at 8pm.

Adult pre-sale tickets at $14 ($17 at the gate), Students are $12, & Children under 5 are FREE. You can purchase tickets online HERE, at any of THESE Tustin locations, or nightly at the box office.

xoxo, K

08.04.2010 | Dino Day at Muzeo

If you didn’t know already, the dinosaurs are coming to town. Walking with Dinosaurs takes the stage at the Honda Center, August 20th-24th, & the MUZEO is celebrating in a BIG way…

If you (or your kids) are interested in getting up close & personal with a Baby T Rex, or maybe participating in a “dinosaur egg hunt” for prizes (including tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs), be sure to check out MUZEO‘s Dino Day THIS Sunday, August 8th.

Baby T Rex (the biggest, littlest star of Walking with Dinosaurs) will be making an appearance at 12 & 2 pm. Dinosaur Egg Hunts will occur at 12:30 & 2:30 pm. & From 11am – 3pm guests can enjoy face painintg, tattoos, Q & A with MUZEO‘s frog keeper, a live reptile display, Radio Disney and a special presentation on State of the Blues by Michael James Brown at 3pm.

RSVP to this event on Facebook HERE, you’ll be given an extra chance to win 2 ticket to Walking with Dinosaurs (a $158 value).

& While we’re on the subject of the MUZEO, if you haven’t yet, you definitely want to check out their exhibit Frogs a Chorus of Colors before it’s final day Sunday, September 12th. The exhibit includes over 100 LIVE frogs! Want to have an “exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with the zoo keeper, Q & A and an up-close-and-personal frog feeding opportunity? Then check out their special Feed-a-Frog every Tuesday & Saturday. The programs starts promptly at 9am. Tickets for the Feed-a-Frog are $18 on Tuesdays & $22 on Saturdays.

The MUZEO is centrally located in Anaheim, CA. It is open from 10am – 5pm 7 days a week. Tickets are available for $13 for adults & $9 for children. For more information about the MUZEO go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via MUZEO

07.15.2010 | Free admission: hammer museum

This Saturday, July 17th from 11am – 6pm the Hammer Museum & Machine Project invite you to participate in a day-long sound installation by composer Chris Kallmyer. “All visitors will be issued a small bell, which they can wear as they move through the galleries, courtyard, lobby, and other public spaces. Admission to the museum will be FREE of charge to all participants. Additional bell related sound pieces will take place throughout the day, including circulating ice cream carts, animatronic Santa bells in the museum’s coatroom, and an African bell ensemble.”

If you aren’t familiar with the Hammer Museum, it’s a “cutting-edge arts institution that connects the classics and the contemporary through its varied collections, wide-ranging exhibitions, and provocative program.” Located on the UCLA campus, the museum is opened Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (11am – 7pm), Thursdays (11am – 9pm) & Sundays (11am – 5pm). Admission is usually $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ & UCLA Alumni Association Members with ID,  FREE for visitors 17 & under (when accompanied by an adult), & FREE for all visitors on Thursdays.

Be sure to check out their Hammer Kids Programs. Sunday, July 18th is a Dream House Workshop featuring Ellen Seiden, Sunday, August 15th is a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie screening, Sunday August 22nd is a Musical & Written Phrases Workshop featuring Brendan Carn.

xoxo, K
image via the Hammer Museum

07.07.2010 | summer at the skirball

The kids are home from summer, & slowly but surely you’re running out of “things to do.” Don’t you worry… we’ve got the perfect day trip, if you don’t mind venturing outside the “Orange County bubble.”

Located just up the “road,” right off the 405 (if you want to get specific), the Skirball Cultural Center is one museum that is definitely worth the drive. In recent years the Skirball has “established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic Jewish cultural institutions.” Featuring changing exhibitions, engaging music, theater, comedy, film, family literary programs & an interactive family destination inspired by the Noah’s Ark story – I can pretty much guarantee that once you visit the Skirball, you’ll be busy planning your next visit.

This summer the Skirball Cultural Center has a lot up their sleeve when it comes to families & children…

* Noah’s Ark: Inside a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals, you and your family will play, build, climb, explore, make music, make friends, and more. Conduct a storm, help construct the ark, and bask in the glow of a beautiful rainbow. Mingle with hundreds of fancifully handcrafted animals—from cuddly companions to life-sized puppets—all crafted from recycled materials and everyday objects, including bottle caps, bicycle parts, baseball mitts, croquet balls, mop heads, and rear-view mirrors.

* Drop-in Art Studio: drop in anytime during regular museum hours (everyday through September 5th, except Mondays) & unleach your creativity. The Skirball’s drop-in art studio will feature a rotating menu of unique take-home projects-incorporating recycled materials and other fanciful resources-that focus on exploring, reimagining, and enhancing the world around us.

* Dig It! Archeological Adventures: drop in anytime during regular museum hours (Thursday – Sunday during the summer) & experience the history of the ancient Near East hands-on at the Skirball’s outdoor simulated archaeological dig. Participants will learn methods of excavating a site and the importance of preserving archaeological artifacts.

Plus, check out all of these Family Amphitheater Performances happening this summer:

* Masanga Marimbam, Saturday, July 10, noon and 2:00 pm: Enjoy Masanga Marimba, a marimba ensemble that combines both Latin and African traditions to create an upbeat, danceable sound that is unique and irresistible.

* We Tell Stories, Sunday, July 11, noon and 2:00 pm: Don’t miss We Tell Stories as they bring folktales, myths, and literature from around the world to life by actively involving audiences in storytelling and improvisation.

* Kinetic Theory, Saturday, July 17, noon and 2:00 pm & Saturday, August 21, noon and 2:00 pm: Join us under the Skirball big top for a one-of-a-kind theatrical performance by Kinetic Theory. The troupe explores and expands the boundaries of physical and circus theatre with performances that will captivate all.

* Family Dance Jam, Sunday, July 18, noon and 2:00 pm: Move and groove with Ilaan Egeland Mazzini as she gets the whole family dancing. Audience members will make a deeper connection with each other and their bodies in a fun and playful way.

* Jessica Fichot, Saturday, July 24, noon and 2:00 pm: Experience the music of Jessica Fichot as she takes you on a journey that encompasses the French chanson tradition, gypsy jazz, Chinese and Latin American folk music, and the classic American repertoire, all interpreted through her wonderful imagination.

* Wildlife On Wheels (WOW), Sunday, July 25, noon and 2:00 pm & Saturday, August 28, noon and 2:00 pm: Rub wings, scales, and claws with animals from around the world as Noah’s Ark comes to life with Wildlife on Wheels. WOW shares a variety of exotic animals from the scaly to the furry and discusses the role these animals play in their natural habitats.

* Catch Me Bird, Saturday, July 31, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Nehara Kalev and C. Derrick Jones excite audiences with high-velocity dance, theater, and aerobatics. This amazing action-packed performance invites audience members to help create a communal tour de force.

* Kutturan Chamoru Performers, Sunday, August 1, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Come see this wonderful troupe as they perform traditional songs, chants, and dance from the Pacific Island Micronesian Region.

* Aaron Nigel Smith, Saturday, August 7, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Enjoy this performance from award-winning children’s artist Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving with his hip, original songs that are both inspiring and fun.

* Hug Trees, Sunday, August 8, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Hear singer-songwriter Tom Freund and friends bring a jazzy and rootsy vibe to songs that encourage children and families to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and be kind to our planet.

* Antics Performance, Saturday, August 14, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Join Antics Performance for a unique urban dance performance. Experience popping, locking, break dance, and hip-hop dance from one of L.A.’s best.

* Rhythm Child, Sunday, August 15, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Get your body moving with Rhythm Child as they lead families in a participatory drum circle creating sounds, beats, and fun for all ages.

* Los Pinguos, Sunday, August 22, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Listen as Los Pinguos brings an infectious mix of Latin rhythms performed with Spanish guitars, Cuban Tres, box-drum, and harmonizing vocals.

* Chinese Lion Dance, Sunday, August 29, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Let the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Association Lion Dance Team chase away evil spirits and bring you good fortune as they perform the traditional Chinese Lion Dance.

* Taiko Center of Los Angeles, Saturday, September 4, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: Experience one of Japan’s oldest musical traditions! Join the Taiko Center of Los Angeles, one of L.A.’s top taiko drum groups, as they share their crowd-pleasing rhythms.

* Chinese Mask Changing, Sunday, September 5, 12:00 and 2:00 pm: See the magic of world-renowned Chinese Opera Face Change as it wows both young and old.

The Skirball Cultural Center is open Tuesday – Friday, 12-5pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am – 5pm, and is closed on Mondays. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ and full-time students, $5 for children 2-12 & FREE for children 2 and under. In additions, ALL exhibitions are FREE to the public on Thursdays.

* Noah’s Ark at the Skirball often sells out in advance for visits on Thursdays and on weekends. Same-day, walk-up tickets to Noah’s Ark are subject to availability. Walk-up tickets are typically available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Advance tickets are recommended for weekends, free Thursdays, and during school holidays for all Noah’s Ark visitors, including Members. To ensure a safe and pleasant visitor experience, all Noah’s Ark ticketholders are assigned an entry time, permitting up to two hours in the Noah’s galleries.Go to tickets.skirball.org or call (877) SCC-4TIX or (877) 722-4849 to purchase your tickets in advance and to guarantee your preferred date and entry time. Admission for the Noah’s Ark exhibit is the same cost at the rest of the Museum (and is also FREE on Thursdays), & includes admission to all exhibitions.

xoxo, K
image via Skirball Cultural Center

06.10.2010 | Sid the Science Kid at Pretend City

Don’t miss this month’s Way to Play Day at Pretend City with Sid the Science Kid. Sid HIMSELF will be on hand from TOMORROW, Friday June 11th from 10am – 2pm, for a very exciting day. Tons of special activities are planned including:

* VIP viewings of a BRAND NEW Sid the Science Kid episode titled “No School Singalong Special” – this episode will not air until June 21st, so this special event invites your kids to see it first!
* “I’m looking for my friends” sing-along parade with Sid
* Photos with Sid
* Prize giveaways from Sid the Science Kid and Pretend City Children’s Museum
* Special activities with Sid and much more

But wait, there’s more. As always, on Way to Play days Pretend City offers a 2-for-1 admission coupon, so this is a great opportunity to take advantage of all the fabulous & fun offering of Pretend City, without paying the big bucks. Just print out this handy-dandy coupon & your are all set.

xoxo, K

images via Pretend City

05.28.2010 | Grossology

The latest & greatest (at least in the eyes of my children) exhibit to come to the Discovery Science Center will be open starting this Saturday, May 29th – Sunday, September 12th, Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body. Based on the best-selling book Grossology, you & your kiddos can explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk through several “Icky Interactives” including: taking a “Tour du Nose,” investigate Indigestion, exploring body odor & more!

Adult admissions to the Discovery Science Center are $12.95 & children (ages 3-17) are $9.95 & can be purchased HERE. & Before you plan your trip, I’d suggest you check the Discovery Science Center‘s daily field trip schedule HERE, to help you anticipate when the museum will be less busy.

xoxo, K
image via Discovery Science Center

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

05.17.2010 | “When I Grow Up” Celebration

What does your child want to be when they grow up? Come find out at Pretend City during their “When I Grow Up” Celebration, this Tuesday, May 18th from 10am – 2pm. Museum guests will have the opportunity to interact with real-life professionals ranging from an Angels Baseball legend and celebrity chef to firefighters and ballerinas.  To find out more, go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Pretend City

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

04.27.2010 | Rocket Launch 2010

Hope you’ve got a couple of 2-liter plastic soda bottles laying around… because this Saturday, May 1st, is the Discovery Science Center’s annual Rocket Launch competition at The Boeing Company’s Huntington Beach site. This FREE competition is a challenge “to design, build, and launch a rocket made from a 2-liter plastic soda bottle. Using a combination of pressurized air & water for propulsion, the rockets launch and deploy a parachute. The competition will consist of creating and launching a rocket that will have the greatest time aloft.The person with the longest “hang time” in the air will be invited to attend a real rocket launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base!”

Besides rocket launching, students will have the opportunity to meet some of the astronauts, scientists & engineers  who have made a career of building rockets, spacecrafts and airplanes. Registration for the event begins at 8:30am (although you can pre-register online HERE), the competition begins at 9am & concludes at 2pm. For more information go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Discovery Science Center’s

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

04.23.2010 | Newport Beach Film Festival

If you’re looking for something to do, check out the Newport Beach Film Festival, which will be featuring films & popping popcorn until Thursday, April 29th. To check the ENTIRE film schedule go HERE, for a list of daily “spotlighted” films & parties go HERE, & to buy tickets for the whole shibang go HERE. & Don’t worry, there is a film for everyone at this festival. Besides the featured films, there’s a whole slew of Action Sports Films, Art, Architecture & Design Films, Documentaries, Collegiate Films, & dozens of Shorts.

If you are looking for a film (or two) that you think the whole family might enjoy, check out these movies featured in the family series:

* Looking for Jackie Chan, Saturday, April 24th at 12pm
* “Shorts for Shorties,” a collection of animated, family-friendly “short” films for children ages 6 and up (ranging in length from 2 minutes & 43 seconds to 15 minutes), Saturday, April 24th at 1pm
* Jack & the Beanstalk, Saturday, April 24th at 2:30pm
* “Teen Shorts, Tween Shorts, On the Big Screen Shorts,” a collection of animated & real “short” films geared to children ages10 and up (ranging in length from 6 – 20 minutes), Saturday, April 24th at 3pm
* Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale, Saturday, April 24th at 5:15pm
* World Peace and other 4th Grade Achievements, Sunday, April 25th at 12pm
* Flicka 2, Sunday, April 25th at 1pm
* The Kings of Appletown, Sunday, April 25th at 3pm
* The FREE Youth Film Showcase presented by Volcom will feature 14 “shorts” (all under 10 minutes) created by filmmakers 1 years & younger, Sunday, April 25th 4:30pm at the Edwards Island 6

Happy movie going!

xoxo, K
image via Newport Beach Film Festival

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

04.22.2010 | Princess Bean’s Messy World

There are tons of family-friendly arts & culture events happening around Orange County these days (including The Boxcar Children this weekend at the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre) but, if you’re willing to do just a wee bit of driving (seriously, Venice is NOT that far & it’s ALWAYS a fun experience), then you’ve got to check out Princess Bean’s Messy World. I have to admit I haven’t seen the  “award winning rock and roll musical about a different kind of princess, that deliver an empowering message of self acceptance and celebration for girls (and boys and moms too!) of all ages: ‘I’m me, I’m me, who else would I be?’”, but after checking out their website I’m definitely planning on catching one of their final shows. & With pre-purchase tickets being just $10, you can’t go wrong! Tickets are still available for shows on the upcoming Saturdays: April 24th at 1pm, May 1st at 1 & 3:30pm, and May 1st at a time TBA.

If you happen to go check out the play (& seriously, based just on the appearance of the website, what little girl wouldn’t love this play? Even the website glitters!), please let us know what you think. I’d love a “firsthand account!”

xoxo, K
image via Princess Bean’s Messy World.

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

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