The LA County Fair!

Farm animals, fried twinkies, and carnival rides, yes.  But the county fair, also, has a California heritage square, doll-making, and moving dinosaurs!

LA County Fair
Pomona
Open Wednesdays-Sundays until October 4
Find various promotions for discounts here.
Under 5 is free!

For directions and more info, click here.

Garden Concerts at the Getty Center

LOS ANGELES–The J. Paul Getty Museum presents Garden Concerts for Kids this August, a free outdoor music series for kids and their families in the Getty Center's Central Garden featuring some of the best children's musical artists from across the nation.

Garden Concerts for Kids kicks off this summer with Milkshake on August 7 & 8.  Led by alt-pop and rock veterans Lisa Mathews and Mike Gehl, Milkshake is a band on a mission: to create great rock music for kids. Milkshake's lively attitude and lyrically lighthearted songs have won fans of all ages and will get you dancing with their authentic rock-and-roll spirit.

The following weekend, August 14 & 15, Elizabeth Mitchell and Family take you on a joyous musical adventure with vibrant reinterpretations of cherished American folk and rock songs from the new album Sunny Day. Joined by her husband Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey, Mitchell's lovely vocals and breathtaking arrangements bring a fresh sound to the classics we thought we knew so well.

Closing out the season on August 21 & 22, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family bring charm and heart to their alt-country music for children and families. Accompanied by her husband Johnny Irion and kids, Guthrie continues the song-making tradition forged by her grandfather Woody and father Arlo, presenting thoughtful, playful music inspired by folk traditions, as well as bright new compositions.

The Garden Concerts for Kids are held in the Central Garden at the Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, from 4-5:30 p.m.   Admission is free, and no reservations are required.  Parking is $15.  For more information visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

LA Times Festival of Books

April 24 & 25
UCLA

We've been going to this festival since before Rachel was born. It's a wonderful free event for the whole family (need to pay for parking, though). Fox Home Entertainment will have Michael Damian (Young & the Restless), the director of Flicka 2, at their booth on Saturday. Flicka 2 is the modern version of the story of a girl and her horse. Hilda the Talking Goat will, also, be at the Read Aloud booth. They will be using cutting edge animation to allow Hilda to interact live with children and families.

Target has a chldren's stage and some of the highlights this year are:

Saturday
10:00 AM: The Fresh Beat Band
10:40 AM: Caitlin Sanchez - Voice of Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer
12:20 PM: Jade-Lianna Peters - Voice of Kai-Ian from Nickelodeon’s Ni Hao, Kai-Ian
12:40 PM: Bernadette Peters - Author of Stella is a Star!
2:40 PM: Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver - Authors of Hank Zipzer: A Brand-New Me! #17
3:25 PM: Shawn and Marlon Wayans - Authors of Sneaker Madness
5:10 PM: Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Sunday
10:00 AM: The Fresh Beat Band
12:00 PM: Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary - Author of Puff the Magic Dragon
12:55 PM: Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete - My Brother Charlie
1:40 PM: Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players
2:55 PM: Robin Preiss Glasser - Illustrator of Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire!

I've noticed a difference in the children's lineup this year. They used to have music going all day, but this year there is more storytelling. Maybe there's a desire to get back to books? I'm wondering if this will make a difference in the "camp-outs" in the children's section. In years past, it was super crowded and you'd have to go an hour before to snag a good seat. However, as we all know, children are not about to sit for an hour even if it's to wait for their favorite star. Perhaps this will cut down on the crowds in that area.

As for parking, get there when the festival opens. Structure 2 off of Hilgard is a good spot.

For more info, go here.