Oh the pressure of planning a kid’s birthday party in LA. Should you book The BeatBuds or Lovebug? Have it at an indoor play space or outdoor playground… or maybe at home? Or, gulp, should you just forego the party altogether and give your kid an awesome experience instead? To help you through all the party-planning decisions, we’ve got the birthday guide for Angeleno parents.
Looking for a venue where tots can climb, swing and celebrate—all in a safe, enclosed area, where you're sure to snap some Insta-worthy pics? Discover the newest (and cleanest!) indoor play spaces for your kiddo's next birthday bash, plus see the full list of all of our tried-and-true favorite play spaces.
One of the perks of living in LA? You can host a party outdoors pretty much year-round. These 11 party-worthy parks and playgrounds deliver the goods with plenty of shade, picnic tables and awesome playground equipment.
Turning one whole year is a pretty big deal. If you're looking for a party that's relatively low-maintenance but still memorable, we've got you covered. From a sensory-filled experience at our favorite learning-meets-play center to the ultimate story-time celebration in your own backyard, here are 9 awesome first birthday party ideas.
Ready to forego the big bash and gift your kid an unforgettable experience instead? From dining with their favorite dolls to the VIP treatment at Universal Studios, here are 10 ways to celebrate (no party required), along with all the best perks and freebies that come with being the birthday boy or girl.
Bounce houses are great and little people love pinatas. But how about doing something a bit different for your tot’s next (or first) birthday bash? From a kid-friendly rock concert to a ride on a fire truck, here are 14 kids party activities and entertainment you can only find in LA.
There's something retro and cool about a mini golf party—and kids are sure to love the windmills, castles and more. So go ahead and score a hole in one with a celebration at one of LA's mini golf destinations.
So your little drummer boy (or girl) has graduated from the mommy-and-me type music class, but isn’t quite ready to join a band? Fortunately, Los Angeles has plenty of rockstar-in-training options for the post-nursery rhyme set. Read on for the best group music classes (plus a few bonus activities) for kids ages 3 and up. Rock on!
The original rock-and-roll kids school, which has outposts throughout LA, welcomes kids as young as 3 to their Little Wing class. (And we're not too proud to admit that we had no idea Little Wings referred to a Jimi Hendrix until we Googled it.) The classes are kids only—no grown ups allowed. But the teachers, all rockers themselves, are sure to win your little one over as they learn learn about rhythm, song structure, melody, and dynamics through play. Try a first class free and then pay monthly.
Kid Row's tagline says it all: The antithesis of the boring piano lesson. Founded by a husband and wife team, Kid Row offers private and group lessons, including Little Kid Row, for students ages 3-6. The introductory group lesson teaches future rockers basic musical principles through song, instruments and movement. Each month also includes a "band rehearsal" where kids can jam with their pals. And, of course, there are no recitals here—only a full-on rock concert at the end of the session. (The winter session has already started, but stay tuned for the spring season, starting May 4.)
Kid Row East 2741 Fletcher Dr. Atwater Village
Kid Row West McCabe's Guitar Shop 3101 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica
This music academy has serious street cred—it was founded by Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea (who is also a classically trained trumpet player). While the conservatory offers private lessons on guitar, drums and more to kids ages 5 and up, younger aspiring rockers, ages 4-6, can try out Bang! Zoom. The class gives little ones an intro to music, rhythm and melody through singing, drumming, movement and even early notation (as in reading musical notes).
Check out both Intro to Music Fundamentals (for ages 3-5) and Music Fundamentals (ages 5-7) at this popular music and dance school in Eagle Rock. In the intro class, little ones will learn about pitch, rhythm, instruments and more. Then, by the time they complete the subsequent level, they'll have the experience of composing and improvising their own music. Which makes us a little bit jealous.
With interactive exhibits, recording booths, musical instruments you can play and more, this downtown museums is a must for musicians of all ages. (Added bonus: kids 5 and under are free.) And starting Feb. 1, 2020, Sensory Friendly Saturdays returns, giving little ones with sensory sensitivities a chance to experience the museum with fewer crowds, quieter sound levels and lower lighting,
800 W. Olympic Blvd. Downtown 213-765-6800 Online: grammymuseum.org
Guitar Center
While we can't vouch for every Guitar Center location, we have staked out the Sherman Oaks outpost and the place is a haven for music-loving kids. There's a guitar room where kids can strum away (carefully and with parental supervision, of course). In the back, you'll find the percussion section, which includes electronic and acoustic drums, bongos, congas, djembes and even a gong. The final stop? A visit to the keyboards and nearby lighting section where kids can check out the color-changing displays.
Bounce houses are great and little people love pinatas. But how about doing something a bit different for your tot’s next (or first) birthday bash? From a kid-friendly rock concert to a bubble bonanza, here are the best and most unique way to wow even the most jaded of LA kids (plus their parents, too!).
Sheroes Entertainment: Milo the Unicorn
Rick Gillard
Nothing says over-the-top (in the coolest, most awesome way possible!) like a real-live unicorn at your kid's birthday party. Sheroes Entertainment, a company that provides mythical creatures to the SoCal entertainment industry, can deliver a stunning, sparkling unicorn to your home for photo opps and rides (kids must be at least 3 to ride the unicorn and all riders must be under 225 pounds). Birthday packages include a visit from Milo, Sheroes' beloved "celebrity" unicorn, plus two attendants to lead him during rides or assist in posing him for pics. Kids will also get the chance to feed Milo a few carrots and learn a little about horses (the unicorn's distant cousins) before he is whisked away.
Pssst: Can't afford a private unicorn party? Keep checking Milo the Unicorn's personal website for information about public meet-and-greets!
Cost: $750 and up (not including travel fee, which varies by location).
Going for a classic carnival or circus-inspired theme? Send in the Clowns, an LA-based party company, can help with an assortment of kiddie rides available to rent, including two tiny tot-sized trains and several styles of arcade-style ride-ons (three-person carousels like you see at malls). Or, if you've got the budget, a full-size carousel is also available. All rides (besides the full-size carousel) are recommended for kids under 7.
Cost: $500 and up for two hours. (The full-size carousel is $3,500.)
Once upon a time, slumber parties meant throwing some sleeping bags on the living room floor and calling it a night. Not today. The slumber party business is actually a thing, and companies like Magical Teepees (which has locations in California, Nevada and Arizona) you can plan your child's sleepover as meticulously as if you were planning a wedding (without the 18-month wait). Your slumberers can expect to get individual kid-sized teepees complete with fairy lights, lanterns, sleeping cushions and a variety of themed pillows—plus snack trays, mini shag rugs, and anything else your kid desires to dress up her nighttime soiree (we love the "Unicorn Mania" theme, but there's also a "Camo Nights," "Tropical Jungle," and "Summer Luau", among others.). Magical Teepees also lets you book the perfect sleepover activities, including DIY dreamcatcher kits, pillowcase decorating kits, photo booth props and polaroid cameras.
Cost: $400 for a 4-teepee party; $650 for a 10-teepee party.
Got kids addicted to Fortnite? Get them off the screen and into the real world with a real-life Fornite party! Airballing LA will supply everything you need to get your gamers playing a fresh-air version of the scrappy survival game: That means an armory of Nerf guns, bows & arrows, chalk and smoke bombs, and water balloons—as well as mini trampolines (for bounce attacks!), a human hamster ball (just because), and more than 75 inflatable barriers and obstacles that kids can move around the battlefield. The basic party package also comes with one Fortnite coach to lead the battle. All you need is space big enough to set up the battlefield (public parks work great as long as you get approval from the city first).
Want a music party where Mom and Dad can rock out, too? BeatBuds is like having a a mini rock band come to your home with a full setup and a song lineup that'll get everyone jamming. The LA-based company was founded by two former rock and punk band members who aspired to make a kids' music company that would appeal to parents as much as it does the kids (there'll be no traditional "ABC" songs here). The 55-minute program caters to kids ages 1 to 6, with kids (and parents) invited to jam along using provided percussion and rhythm instruments.
Cost: $375 for a 50-55-minute interactive music experience.
Kids love to bang stuff. So why not put their powerful noise-making skills to good use with a drum circle party courtesy of Free to Be Me Drum Circle. Founded by the longtime drummer Sabina Sandoval, Free to Be Me is best known in the South Bay for bringing throngs of strangers together on the beach for magical monthly drum circles. We're talking more than 50 separate drums at work—it's enough to make any drummer sound like a pro just by the sheer power of the group. For birthday parties Sabina will bring as many drums as you want, so that kids and grown-ups alike can sit down and pound away. And it's not just noise: Sabina calls her drum circles "educational rhythmic drumming events," so you can expect her to give a little hands-on instruction on how to rock out before letting everyone have at it.
In any case, you may want to warn the neighbors. Or just invite them!
Pssst: Want to check it out first? Free To Be Me has its public drum circles from 12p.m.-3p.m. on the third Sun. of every month on the sand south of the pier in Hermosa Beach.
Cost: Call or e-mail for prices: 310-944-5475; sabinadrums@gmail.com.
Little swimmers who want to be "part of that world" will flip for these picture-perfect mermaids who come to your party ready for land or water. Sheroes Entertainment's authentic-looking mermaids are so good they're routinely used in film and television. Book a "Mini Mer" party package and you'll get at least one mermaid who will lead your little swimmers in water games and other activities—plus a Red Cross-certified lifeguard to make sure all swimmers stay safe. Don't have a pool? No problem! "Walking Mermaids" are also available. Or, if your little Ariel wants something even more authentic, Sheroes can arrange a beach visit where your little mermaid-hunter can "find" a mermaid at a pre-arranged beach location.
Cost: Starts at $445 (Must be ages 4 and up for water parties; all ages for land parties).
If you've got little ones who love to play with their food, a "Sensory Party" with PlayCreation Kids will get your kids spaghetti-laden, color-smeared, and flour-dusted—all before the birthday cake is cut! OK with the mess? Get those little hands dipped into paint, give them some canvases and let them at it. Or, if you prefer a cleaner experience, there are "non-messy" party options, including bowls of uncooked rice or lentils, pom-poms and beans that your kids can dig their hands into and explore. Craft stations for older kids—as well as music centers with various instruments for kids to play—can also be arranged.
Now's your chance to put your kids in a bubble (at least for a few moments)! Bubblemania will bring zillions of bubbles to your home for kids to marvel at, sit inside of, and create. Master "bubblologists" will show your little bubble-blowers the science behind the soapy orbs then demonstrate some of the coolest bubble masterpieces around—including rainbow bubbles, square bubbles, triangle bubbles, bubbles that bounce, and bubbles inside of bubbles. The indoor portion of the show culminates in a grand finale, wherein every kid gets the chance to be inside a bubble. Then, kids are whisked outside where they get to make their own bubbles using a variety of advanced bubble wands. Indoor-only and outdoor-only parties are available, though the bubble show can only be done indoors.
Cost: $170 and up, depending on the party package.
If it's a first birthday you're celebrating, we love multiple award-winning LoveBug & Me Music and its team of "music educators," who will get your kids singing and dancing with the help of great tunes and fun instruments that even the smallest mini-musicians can master. Your party-goers will gather around for a music circle with personalized songs, dance, instruments, drums, parachute play, games and bubbles—plus optional face painting or glitter tattoos.
What kid (or grown-up!) doesn't wish they could go for a ride-along on a fire truck? Smokey's Fire Trucks, based in Costa Mesa, turns that dream into a reality. Run by two active-duty LA firefighters, Smokey's delivers a real-live (1981 Crown) firetruck—fully equipped with lights, sirens, horns, hoses and authentic fire equipment—to your doorstep, then lets everyone hop on for a ride around the neighborhood. When they get tired of riding around to all those (fake) fires, the little firefighters can try out the working hoses. All kids get a plastic fire hat, and the birthday boy or girl gets a picture book delivered by the firefighters themselves.
Cost: Call for pricing. Note: There may be an additional charge for driving distances 30 plus miles from Costa Mesa.
If your birthday girl or boy is a dog-lover, the aptly-named Puppies & Reptiles for Parties will deliver 10 sweet-natured pups for all your guests to enjoy. The party can be set up indoors or out, and as long as there's enough people doing the petting and plenty of warm, cozy laps to crawl into, the doggies will enjoy the shindig as much as the party-goers. Now everybody say, "Awwwwww."
Cost: $225 for the first hour; $90 for every 30 minutes after that.
What, you thought making pancakes was a simple job? Just wait until you see the artistry behind these hot cakes. Party guests can choose from all sorts of fun designs, all of which will make pancakes at home forever pale in comparison. Making these edible works of art takes a little time—and the price tag doesn't exactly make for a cheap breakfast—but it's fun to watch, and way more interesting than cupcakes.
Insider Tip: Check out this Youtube video to see why you need these pancake artists at your next party.
Cost: $275 per hour plus a $250 set up (includes a pancake artist and an assistant). Two-hour minimum.
It doesn't have to be a full-on karaoke party to have a karaoke machine ready and waiting. With a monthly membership with Joymode, a local company that lets you rent the sort of stuff you love but don't want to actually buy, it's an easy rental that can take your party up a notch. Joymode's "Home Karaoke" package includes a microphone, a Singtrix Home Karaoke System, and an LED dome party light to turn your home in to a bona fide disco. Just use your tablet or phone to load karaoke songs and let your little rock stars take the stage.
Good to Know: Joymode also has a backyard movie night package that includes a projector and movie screen; a Wii U rental that comes with Mario games as well as an Outdoor Party Package that includes a tug of war rope, potato sacks, a cotton candy machine and a giant Connect Four board. Party games? Done!
Price: Memberships range from $22 to $29 a month and may be cancelled at any time. Don't want to join as a member? Single-time rentals are available for $65.
If you’re thinking about a last hurrah, a final summer getaway, keep Indianapolis “Indy” in mind. After a short three-hour drive, you’ll wind up in the capital city of Indiana, with loads of museums, parks and state history at your fingertips. Here is our list of the five best activities that are sure to keep the smiles plastered all weekend long.
photo: Indianapolis Children’s Museum
1. Stellar museums around every corner
Did you know that the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the world’s largest with 1.3 million annual visitors? This massive kids paradise has 12 permanent galleries and nearly 1 million square feet—five floors—of interactive learning. Kids can explore the Dinosphere and visit with real paleontologists while learning about dinosaur fossils, ride on an antique carousel, revel in modern Chinese life in the Take Me There: China exhibit, see a 43-foot Chihuly-inspired glass sculpture that looks like fireworks and feel inspired by The Power of Children: Making a Difference exhibit. Don’t forget to visit one of their newer exhibits, Beyond Spaceship Earth, which takes an in-depth peek at a recreation of the International Space Station.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian St.
317-334-4000
Online: childrensmuseum.org/
photo: Go Ape Tree Top Adventure
2. Opportunities to connect with nature
Do you have monkeys in your household that need to burn off energy? Take them to Eagle Creek Park’s Go Ape, an interactive outdoor nature adventure that features five zip lines and over 40 treetop obstacles! The entire family will work up a sweat on the skill course and enjoy time spent in the great outdoors.
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure
5855 Delong Rd.
800-971-8271
online: goape.com
3. Add a little music to your Summer
Indy has a huge music scene and there are multiple venues to see a show (indoors and outdoors). Klipsch Music Center has a fun concert lineup: Brad Paisley, Nickleback, Green Day, Hank Williams Jr., Kings of Leon, Zach Brown Band, John Mayer and more—it might be time to expose the kiddos to their first rock concert.
Klipsch Music Center
12880 E. 146th St.
317-776-8181
Online: livenation.com
photo: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4. It’s a sports lovers paradise
Indy folks seriously love their sports: basketball, baseball, hockey, golf and football. It’s all there and it’s all near downtown. Families come out of the woodwork to attend sporting events all summer long. The internationally known Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an experience like no other — it’s home to the world’s largest single-day sporting event. The track has been hosting the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race for over 100 years. Families love to see The Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race. It’s fast, it’s fun and it’s family-friendly.
5. It’s chock-full of history
In the heart of Indianapolis sits The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District, which is home to two museums, three parks, and 24 acres of monuments, sculptures and fountains (second only to Washington D.C. in size and scope). Families will love wandering around Monument Circle and the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 284-foot neoclassical sculpture that is surrounded by a brick-paved street with loads of shops and restaurants in the center of town. Grab an ice cream and sit on the steps for great people watching and a view of the vibrant city life. You can rent a horse and carriage or a bicycle carrier here and take a ride around the city. This is also the location for several street fairs and family-friendly festivals (Brew Fest is Sept. 2, Monument Circle Oktoberfest is Sept. 15, Monument Circle Art Fair is Oct. 7and Taste of Indy Fall Festival is TBD). Check the calendar for more happenings.
The Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District
1 Monument Circle
317-232-7616
Online: downtownindy.org
photo: Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
Location, location, location
You’ll want to pick a hotel within walking distance to downtown Indy. Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites and the Omni Severin Hotel are great options in terms of location, amenities, dining options and family-friendliness.
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
120 W. Market St.
317-972-0600
Online: hilton.com
Omni Severin Hotel
40 W. Jackson Pl.
317-634-6664
Online: omnihotels.com
Do you have any other ideas for fun kid-friendly places to explore in Indy? Share in the Comments below.
First smiles. First words. First full night’s sleep… we can dream can’t we? Find out what Seattle firsts your newly minted mini needs to do sometime after her splashy scene entrance and before she smashes some cake at her one-year bash.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
1. Meet the Moose. Babies and baseball. Add a few brews in and an M’s win and it sounds like the makings of a great spring day. Don’t forget to hit the Moose Den with your newly minted M’s fan to snap a keepsake pic with the Mariner Moose. Mission complete!
photo: Jolene Hufty
2. Tiptoe through the tulips. A trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-visit for baby’s first spring. That colorful sea of tulips? Best backdrop ever for post-worthy baby pics. Plus, your sidekick can’t get super muddy… yet!
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
3. Dip toes in Puget Sound. All it takes is one gloriously sunny summer day for you and your little squirt to cross this one off the list. No suits needed!
photo: Angela Barton
4. See a kindie rock concert. When you’re born in the land of Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam, rock ‘n’ roll is part of your heritage. Acquaint baby with his or her roots at a Kid’s Rock Series concert at the Mount Baker Club. Start ‘em young!
5. Climb a mountain. Hold on baby, because this one’s really for your parents. Strap on your little bundle, then start your ascent up Little Si. It’s the perfect sized hike for your petit!
photo: Sarah Lenssen
6. Wade in the water. Nothing beats those gleeful giggles and silly splashes of kiddos hanging at the International Fountain. Whether you escort your almost-walker into the deluge or watch with him in utter fascination from the sidelines, this is one that shouldn’t be missed.
photo: Jen Morris
7. Take the plunge. Prepare your little mariner for a life by the sea with some swimming lessons. We’ve got the scoop on the best lessons in the area for those under 12 months.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
8. Stretch your limits. You and your newly minted mini can strike your best “baby poses” together at yoga. We love the baby class at Limber Yoga and 8 Limbs Yoga’s post-natal class which will leave you and your wee one feeling fine.
9. Make new friends. You’re never too young to network! Expand your tiny socialite’s circle at a fabulous parenting group. Both of you can make friends, find support and share your best diaper blowout stories among your parenting tribe.
10. Take in a flick. Bring your future film buff to a kid-friendly matinee on a rainy Seattle day. Because that sweet window, where the wee one sleeps while you watch, only stays open for so long. Catch the latest blockbuster during Mommy and Me times at the Cinemark Lincoln Square in Bellevue while you can!
11. Meet some animals. Old MacDonald and his animal friends are all the rage in your little bundle’s world. That’s why the Woodland Park Zoo’s Walkin’ and Rollin’ class made our list. Your mini me gets to hang with the biggest “stars” in town, while you bond with other parents over sleepless nights and diaper duty.
photo: Allison Sutcliffe
12. Make music at the symphony. Put attending a Tiny Tots concert at the Seattle Symphony on baby’s list of memorable, must-do firsts. Linda and Lisa bring music to life, even for the tiniest audience members.
photo: Tracey Marshall Photography
13. Take a ferry ride. Before she turns one, your little eco baby needs to take her first ride on Seattle’s most unique form of public transportation. It’s all about the journey with this one!
photo: Elizabeth LaFever
14. Follow the lead. Check out other cool Seattle families and compare notes. These favorite PNW ‘gramers will help lead the way!
Kids love trucks. Big trucks, small trucks and even high-octane monster trucks. And there’s a good reason why. These beasts on wheels are an engine-revving, dirt-churning, car-crushin’, high-flying blast for truck lovers of all ages. Race through our guide to where to see, hear, smell, touch, and even ride in monster trucks!
Washington State Spring Fair: April 16-19, 2015
During the Washington State Spring Fair, kids (and adults) can experience the thrill of riding in a real tricked-out monster truck. A pro monster truck driver will take you for a white-knuckled spin in Zombie Tracker – performing stunts with YOU in the truck. Afterwards, everyone gets a photo opp with Zombie Tracker (and hopefully you won’t be as green as the truck). Rides available April 16, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; April 17, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; and April 18, noon-4 p.m. Rides cost $7 (cash) per person.
Monster Truck Show: In addition to riding in monster trucks, you and your crew can watch monster trucks battle it out in heart-stopping races and freestyle on April 17 – showing off amazing stunts. Different trucks join the circuit each year – look out for Bounty Hunter, Knucklehead, Enforcer and Double Trouble (owned by identical twin brothers from Gig Harbor). Psst! Be sure to stick around after the show for the terrific fireworks display.
Pit Party: Get up close and personal with monster trucks and meet their drivers (maybe score an autograph too). The Motorsport Mayhem Pit Party takes place before the Monster Truck Show and is exclusive to ticket holders. It’s like going backstage at a rock concert – but here it's the trucks that are the stars.
Good to Know: If your kiddo is a real gearhead, check out the rest of the Washington State Spring Fair’s Motorsport Mayhem event, including SLAMFEST Demolition Derbies and Auto Alley.
Washington State Spring Fair
Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, Wa 98371
425-228-6336
Online: thefair.com
photo: Helen Walker Green
Good to Know
Monster truck shows are LOUD, so make sure your kiddies have ear protection (highly recommended for grownups too). Ear plugs are fine, but we’ve found ear muffs work best for kids as they don’t fall off so easily. Psst! If you forget to bring a pair, most shows have them for sale near the concession stands.
What is your family’s favorite monster truck experience? Tell us about it in the Comments below.
Ready to jam? Dress your kiddos up like the rockstars they imagine themselves to be. From John Lennon to The Strokes, kids’ tee designs stage a shout-out to your favorite acts. Flip through our style book to discover star-struck options that will have your tyke saying, “I’m with the band.”
The Strokes
Drum up some fun with a concert tee from The Strokes. Perfect for girls and boys -- they'll dig the record striped style -- it's an instant classic, like the band itself.
The city’s kindie rock concert scene exhaled last month after a jam-packed summer. This month, the fun is back in a major way as the leaves begin to fall on those green open spaces where you rocked out al fresco. Check out these six great kids’ music shows happening all over the city — on land and on water — this October!
Cost: $21/adults; $14 /children (cheaper for subscribers)
The kindie music scene’s finest purveyors of classic punk rock will shake the floor of the Leonard Nemoy Thalia at Symphony Space this month with their brand of original CBGB-style American punk. It’s time to dig deep in your drawer and dust off that tattered Ramones T-shirt, because this is the family rock show you’ve been waiting for all your life, dad.
Cost: $18/adults; $13/children (cheaper for members)
Bluegrass sounds best in the fall, when visions of hay bales and the scent of pumpkins spice dominate family life. Join the city’s best Americana kid’s band for a celebration of all things crisp, cool and autumnal this month.
Cost: $21/adults; $14 children (cheaper for subscribers)
Alastair Moock is a master songwriter in the Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger tradition, infusing plenty of humor into story songs both joyful and melancholy. And, like his stylistic forefathers, Moock is also adept at charming pre-song banter, drawing chuckles out of audience members of any age. His sincerity, songs and style is timeless and when he brings his authentic American folk music to town, it’s a concert (or two, in this case!) that should not be skipped.
When: Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m. (Boarding at 9:30 a.m.)
Where: Circle Line Kids Cruises — Pier 83, Midtown West
Cost: $29/adults; $20/children; free for children under two
Act like a tourist for once and spend 75 minutes at sea on this clever Halloween Costume Ball cruise in New York Harbor. Baze and his Silly Friends will play sets of sharp pop-rock as you and your kids take in the Statue of Liberty while dressed in your Halloween finest. Also on board this floating party? A strolling magician.
Join the Deedle Deedle Dees frontman as he returns to the annual Sugar Sweets Festival in Brooklyn. You’ll hear curious songs about the history of the borough and the characters who’ve helped to shape the city, and be energized by Miller’s abundant and obvious passion for his hometown. Plus, of course, you can sample some of the city’s tastiest sweets and baked goods! There’s no way this isn’t a great time!
Where: New York Public Library — Throg’s Neck Branch, The Bronx.
Cost: Free
Now this is a unique opportunity! Take your little kids out to enjoy a rare midweek afternoon of puppet-making and music with Grammy nominated kindie all-stars The Pop Ups. You’ll enjoy hearing some of newest tunes from the terrific Brooklyn-based electro-pop duo in the context of making puppets with the band and then use them in a skit that your kids and The Pop Ups will write together. Do not miss this one!
*Want to see a ‘traditional’ full-length Pop Ups concert, too? You’re in luck, as the band has just booked two: Sat., Oct. 11 at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Skating Rink and Sat., Oct. 17 at the South Street Seaport.
What’s all the noise? Music fuels the soul and feeds the mind. Kiddos boogie and bop while boosting brain power, learning patience, building up that elephantine memory, developing social skills, and fostering their creativity. Not to mention, they look pretty darn cute, shaking that diapered tush and lisping along to their favorite tune. This performer-filled town has melodic options for every mini musician – from your first class with baby, to mini rock stars in training, to veritable virtuosos in the making. Here are our favorite places for bringing a little do re mi into your wee one’s day.
Kindermusik
Every baby can make music, as soon as they can sit up, so Kindermusik is great introduction for every mini Mozart. And we do mean every – classes start for babies at 4 months old. Choose from multiple offerings weekly of either Kindermusik Village (ages 4-18 months) or Tiny Dancers (ages 14 to 30 months).
Ladybug Music
Our 2013 Totally Awesome Award Winner draws fans for its eclectic program that mingles bitty babes to pre-K for percussion jams, chanting world melodies and rhythmic movement.
Bonus: You can download their funky fresh playlists on iTunes to keep the music going at home. Locations: Studio City, Hollywood, Santa Monica Online: ladybugmusic.com
Little Movers & Shakers
This Totally Awesome Award Winner is a big favorite for simple reasons: the mixed-age classes of infants to 5 year olds means you can bring all your little tots to the same class, and the way they incorporate singing and storytelling means it keeps all those ages entertained. A sprinkling of percussion instruments, mixed with props and dance create a no-stress environment for grownups to lead the way for their charges. Classes are offered in 10-week sessions.
Bonus: Freebie alert – siblings under 9 months of age are free. Location: Sherman Oaks Online: littlemoversandshakers.com
Melodies and Me
Tiny toes tap to all sorts of songs, guided by an award-winning Kids’ MusicRound curriculum. Begin with baby (classes are for kids ages 0-5) to build basics of musical competence; kiddies learn to croon in tune and keep a beat with high energy music, movement and by playing percussion instruments. Caution: it might get loud. Bonus: Free previews and flexible make-up policy are music to our ears! Location: Burbank Online:melodiesandme.com
Rock Stars in Training
Begin the head-banging early: sweet shredders from newborn up to 4 years jam with real live band instruments — including keyboards, guitar, banjo and fiddle. The beat goes on with rock and pop songs; little ones learn pitch and tone from authentic card-carrying rock musicians.
Bonus: Form your own band and the teachers can come to you. Location: Classes in Westwood & Sherman Oaks Website:rockstarsintraining.com
Toddle Tunes
Too tiny to talk, but not to play tunes: wee ones discover musical sounds and instruments before they can even pronounce their names. Your future concert violinist or rock drummer learns the ropes with classically-trained and well-known musicians.
Bonus: From ‘pre-adagio’ newborns to ‘maestro’ preschoolers and ‘kids rock’ big kids, everyone can get a feel for performing, without having to practice! Location: West LA Website:toddletunes.com
Moo Moo Musica
Venice’s nonstop global dance party now rocks Culver City, too. Pint-sized peaceniks learn about world culture through songs and music in languages from Spanish to Swahili, complete with maracas, bongos and parachutes to keep them energized and on their feet. Best beats for crawlers and toddlers.
Bonus: No pre-registration is required, and you can drop in for one class, or sign up for a bundle (and save a bundle). Locations: Venice, Culver City Online:moomoomusica.com
Play Music
Mid-city’s ever-popular Play mixes it up with all ages, jamming with music & movement together. 6 months to 4 years will rock it with classes, CDs and take-home fun to keep the party going all week long.
Bonus: Mini melody makers become members at Play. (Hello drop-in Messy Art, on those non-music days…) Location: Mid-Wilshire Website:play-notes.com
World Citizen Baby
It’s never too early to build global awareness (can your kiddo Skype before he can speak?) and babies bop to the beat at this drum circle/sing-a-long. Conflicting nap schedules got you down? Wrangle your play pals for your own group immersion in multilingual melodies. Older kiddies can scale up to learning real instruments too: World Citizen Baby also offers private lessons in guitar, flute and voice.
Bonus: Get started with a free trial class. Locations: Miracle Mile, Culver City and Atwater Village. Online:worldcitizenbaby.com
Beyond Bopping – Music Lessons for Littles
Cornerstone Music Conservatory
From 10 months to 4.5 years old, mini-maestros begin with the basics of finger play and rhythmic beats. Curious kiddos over 4 can try their Harmony Road program, which is parent-and-child group piano instruction. Private instruction on virtually any instruments is also available, including Suzuki method violin.
Bonus: Flexible scheduling includes Saturday classes, so everyone can take part. Location: West LA Online:cornerstonemusicconservatory.org
Green Brooms Music Academy
Here’s “real music for real people,” with small group voice lessons focusing on vocal technique for ages 5 and up. Young strummers over 6 learn their licks on either acoustic or electric guitars. Laid-back recitals for family and friends nip performance anxiety in the bud.
Bonus: Private instruction is available on everything from upright bass to ukulele. Locations: Santa Monica and Pasadena Online:greenbrooms.com
School of Rock
Check, 1-2-3, check. Whoa, little too much reverb. Aspiring rockers of 7 and up take it to the next level in Rock 101, a performance–based approach teaching the basics in both weekly private lessons and band rehearsals.
Bonus: Prepare for a rock concert that’ll blow you away at the end of class. Locations: San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and West LA Online:schoolofrock.com
