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.

New Boeing Rocket Lab opens at Discovery Science Center

From the Discovery Science Center:

Boeing Rocket Lab: Grand Opening July 2 @ 1:00pm

Blast off with Discovery Science Center as they celebrate the opening of Boeing Rocket Lab- the first exhibit inside the giant cube! Be the first to experience a simulated rocket launch INSIDE the Cube when it opens to the public at 1:00pm. It’s a must-do to kick-off your family's Fourth of July weekend!

It’s out of this world fun at Discovery Science Center’s new, permanent, exhibit, Boeing Rocket Lab. Discover your inner astronaut.  Boeing Rocket Lab is designed for kids (and kids at heart) who love all things space, and want to learn about the science of space, rockets, and engineering.

Activities Include:

Blast Off Zone
Lifted high inside DSC’s giant 8,000-square foot cube hangs a real Delta Rocket RS-68 booster engine – set to simulate its own launch! The Boeing RS-68, developed by Rockedyne in 1995, is a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen powered rocket engine that is used in the Delta IV launch vehicle family.

Once inside the Cube, look up into the booster engine and press the launch button to trigger the countdown: 3… 2… 1… BLAST OFF! Surrounded by video screens, blasts of fog, and state-of-the-art sound effects, prepare to experience a rocket launch like you never thought possible.

Nozzle Chamber
When a rocket launches, where does the cloud of smoke come from and how does it help the rocket leave the ground? In order to launch, a rocket engine throws a mass of gas out in one direction in order to get a reaction in the opposite direction… up.

In the Nozzle Chamber, experiment with the size of a nozzle opening in a combustion chamber, simulating the acceleration of gases as they leave a rocket. Manipulate the size of the opening to change the force of the gases, thereby increasing or decreasing the thrust of a rocket.

Rocket Fuel Station
At the Rocket Fuel Station, learn about the chemistry behind different kinds of rocket fuels used by the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). Find out why the Delta IV RS-68 booster engine uses a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen – and what happens when they combine.

Then, use your knowledge to answer a series of questions. Each correct answer initiates part of the launch sequence. Can your knowledge carry you all the way through to blast off?

Rocket Launch Station
Now that you’ve fueled up, time for the launch! At the Rocket Launch Station, launch your imagination to new heights as you learn about propulsion and launch compressed air and water rockets on a controlled path.

Experiment with the rockets to discover the optimal ratio of water to air and compete against one another to see whose rocket can launch the highest! Watch out... you may get wet!

4th of July shows!

Celebrate the 4th at these local firework displays. All fireworks begin at 9pm.

Queen Mary
view from any shoreline in Long Beach or San Pedro

Veteran's Stadium
5000 Lew Davis Drive, Long Beach
$10 adults, $7 kids (5-11) and seniors, under 5 free
Buy tickets until 5pm on July 4 at LB Fire Station #19, 3559 Clark Ave. or at the stadium after 4:30pm
Demonstration by the LB Police K-9 and Helicopter divisions
Live band
No ice chests/coolers allowed
Gates open at 5pm, entertainment starts at 6pm
Parking $5

Joint Forces Training Base
11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos
Gates open at 4pm
Free admission and parking
Adults must show ID/children without ID must be with parents
Arrive by 7:30pm to gain entry
Food court, vendor fair, kids fun zone
Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged
No alcohol, dogs, fireworks, or motor homes

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way

Celebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families will be able to witness the ambiance of the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the City of Long Beach fireworks display. 

The Aquarium will be open until 10:00 p.m. with admission for everyone just $11.95 after 5:00 p.m.

For an additional cost, enjoy a buffet BBQ on the Front Lawn from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Please note that seating for the BBQ is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended. (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

Harbor Cruise
100 Aquarium Way Dock #2
562.432.4900 
Join Harbor Breeze Cruises for a spectacular fireworks display from the water
in beautiful Rainbow Harbor

Twilight Trilogy at the Pike

I know alot of moms like these movies.  Put the kids to bed and stay out all night with your favorite vampire (or werewolf)!
 
The Twilight Trilogy

One night only, Tuesday, June 29^th, see all 3 films for one price at Cinemark Movie Theatres!  Twilight at 7:15pm, New Moon at 9:30pm and Eclipse at 12:01am!!!

Sea World discount!

From McDonald's:

Adults at Kid's Price and Kids FREE
One free kid per paying adult (limit six)
Kids are 3-9 years old
Buy online at SeaWorldSanDiego.com with promo code: SWCMcDonaldsLA10
Offer valid 5/17/10-9/30/10

Check out their new show for 2010: Blue Horizons!
Dolphins fly, birds dive, and spirits leap in Blue Horizons, a visionary, brand-new show from Sea World where sea meets sky...meets spectacular.

Free family activities at the Getty

The Getty Center and the Getty Villa are offering many family-friendly events this summer.

At the Getty Center, join Family Art Stops and get up close and personal with a single work of art in a half-hour gallery experience geared for families with children ages 5 and up. All summer long, Family Art Stops is offered Tuesday-Friday at 2pm and again at 2:30. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk 30 minutes before the program begins. Art Adventures for Families is a one-hour, fun- and activity-filled gallery experience geared for families with children ages 5 and up, offered Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk at 1:30pm. The Center also offers Family Art Lab every weekend from 11am-3:30pm, a drop-in art workshop designed to exercise the imagination. Don’t miss the Family Room, open all day long for drop-in hands-on activities highlighting the Getty Center’s collection.

In August, the Getty Center’s Central Garden fills with music every weekend from 4-5pm, with the Garden Concerts for Kids, free performances by some of the best children’s music performers around.

Getty Villa

At the Getty Villa, embark on an Art Odyssey for Families Thursdays and Fridays at 12pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. The Art Odyssey is a 45-minute activity-filled journey through the galleries for families with children ages 5 and older. Sign up at the Tour Meeting Place 15 minutes before the tour begins. The Art Odyssey is also offered in Spanish.

The Villa also offers ArtQuest!, a family drop-in program, weekends from 11am-4pm. Parents and children can play the Mysteries of Ancient Art game in the galleries and do fun art-making activities in the Outer Peristyle, such as mosaic-making and painting in the style of fresco. The Family Forum is also open all day for drop-in hands-on play and engagement for young and old.

Admission to the Getty Center and Getty Villa is always free. Parking is $15. Advance, timed tickets are required

Daddy and Me Day

Isn't this the cutest thing ever?

Saturday, June 19th - Three fun, Father/Child activities!

Portrait @ Vangie Ogg Studio
12-12:45pm :: Stop by Vangie Ogg Photography (and Pixie Toys) for a quick and fun Daddy & Me portrait shoot. Your 4x6 Professional photo will be delivered in person at Averyboo Arts around 2pm. 3930 Atlantic Ave • (562) 715-1692

Drum Circle @ Jammin' Music
1:00-1:30pm :: Enjoy this time to connect & nurture your bond through music. 3972 Atlantic Ave • (562) 490-0222

Craft @ Averyboo Arts
1:40-2:10pm :: You & your child will decorate a frame to house your special Vangie Ogg photograph. A variety of materials will be available; light refreshments served.
3908 Atlantic Ave • (562) 912-4800

only $40 per Father/Child pair; additional child $9
Must Pre-register with Averyboo Arts, call (562) 912-4800