  |
Previous
|
Sunday Update
May 24 It was a lovely holiday weekend...which means we're even more traumatized when reality strikes on Tuesday! We hope our weekly suggestions for mid-week fun help a little. Free Museum Days El Pueblo De Los Angeles & Olvera Street...with babies & toddlers? Yes, it can be done! My family and I were crazy enough to visit twice this weekend. We finally succeeded Sunday in experiencing the very nicely planned marketing smorgasbord Chiristmas Carol Train Tour . (To find out why we went twice, read our Twitter page) This is a wonderful free to low cost destination. After spending two days in a row downtown at Union Station and Olvera Street, here's what I learned! Why go? The historic heart of the city, Union Station, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, and Olvera Street are the perfect destination for a vibrant adventure with out of town guests or during your own stay-cation. It boasts a working transportation hub housed in an architectural gem, some of the city's oldest and most famous eating destinations, a significant collection of museums and historic structures in a central location, and a quirky Mexican shopping district. Union Station and Olvera Street are bright, bustling and teaming with L.A. flavor. If you love architecture and history, people watching, touristy chotzky shopping, and authentic travel experiences, get down there! Can I really bring the kids? Don't let downtown L.A. scare you off! Union Station and Olvera Street lie at the northern edge of Downtown L.A., adjacent to Chinatown, the 101 and 110 freeways, and close to Dodger Stadium. This part of town has all the grittiness, noise, and casts of characters you would find in any major urban center. But, the general area is safe, busy, and easy to navigate with children. Tips Take the Metro: even if you ride a short distance;parking can be stressful and expensive Bring the usuals: stroller, hat, sunblock, snacks, water. No convenient place to get these. Changing & Nursing: exit Union Station on the south side into the beautiful courtyard, which is usually empty in comparison to the station and other outdoor areas. Money.Moolah.Dinero.: Bring cash! Toddler Friendly Sites To See Union Station: Explore the train platforms, Metro Station, and bus depots. Wheels... Fountains: Exit the south side of Union Station, walk towards the Metropolitan Water District bldg. Plaza Firehouse Museum: Old fire fighting equipment Phillipe's: Sawdust on the floors, communal tables, and funny upstairs dining rooms at this L.A. institution. As Huell Howser says..."Are you one of the five people in Los Angeles who hasn't been to Philipe's?" Stroller Report We took our stroller SUV, the BOB Duallie. Easy to navigate through all spaces except Olvera Street. You can make it, but you'll fight the crowds. We didn't feel too bad skipping the rows of toys, candy, and souvenirs. Don't even try to keep your stroller with you at Phillipe's, where you'll be carrying trays- park it at the door. Also... Pacific Asia Museum Free the 4th Friday of Each Month "Pacific Asia Museum is one of only four institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum’s mission is to further cultural awareness and understanding through the arts." If you can't make it this week, there are two other events to check out at this outstanding destination: Free Family Festival, "Puppets", June 6 Anime Film Festival, starts June 11 Need more ideas? Free Museum Days Special Storytime Events Storytime at Storyopolis Every Tuesday at 11:30am, Thursday at 12:30pm "We feature our own Storytime readers, sometimes with surprise guests, who entertain children with tales of fun and delight." Magic of Tony Daniels Wednesday, May 27, 6:30pm "Tony Daniels is coming back to the Venice Library with his dazzling new show of magic, humor and fun. Come and join us for a fun-filled evening." Ice Cream Family Night Wednesday, May 27, 6:30-7:30 PM Will & Ariel Durant branch. "Celebrate the invention of the first ice-cream freezer with a little ice-cream science and a little ice cream!" New Parks to Play In: Pocket Parks Two of my favorite "pocket parks" (yes, that is the official term)! With their small sizes and low traffic, they tend to be cleaner and quieter than the larger, more popular playgrounds. The only drawback? NO BATHROOMS! Stop ahead of time, bring your little potty in the car just in case, and you'll be all set. Woodbridge Park, Tujunga Village Briarwood Park, South of Mulholland off of Beverly Glen  Site and Contents (c) Mommy Adventure Club 2007-2009. All rights reserved. blog comments powered by Disqus |
Books We LoveMember LoginWelcome! Follow Us On 
SearchGear |