What’s Happening Highlights: May 26-30

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Dads, Daughters, Hoops and Fun

Father’s Day might be a couple weeks away, but the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks is celebrating early. On Sunday, the team is having a special event for dads and daughters. For the $50 two-ticket package, you can have the exclusive chance to play ball on the Staples court before the game as well as get an ESPN game card, T-shirts and more. For the $40 package, you can get two Sparks tickets, the T-shirts and the ESPN Zone game card. There are also regular tickets for the game (versus the Atlanta Dream), which range from $10-$55.
When: 1 p.m. (Dad & Daughter Day festivities); $5 (game time), Sunday, May 30
Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A.
Contact: 877-44-SPARKS, www.wnba.com/sparks

Totally Gross…And Scientific

Grossology returns to the Discovery Science Center on May 29, and it represents one of more unique museum shows in Southern California. This exploration of the inner workings of the human body includes such “icky interactives” as a “tour du nose,” a “gas attack” pinball game and “burp machine.” They aren’t joking when they call this exhibit, “Grossology.” However, amidst all this grossness are scientific learning experiences, too. On opening day, there also will be free hot dogs while supplies last. Admission to The Cube is $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children 2 and older.
When: 11 a.m. Sat., May 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, through Sept. 12
Where: Discovery Science Center, 2500 Main St., Santa Ana
Contact: 714-542-2823, www.discoverycube.org

The Art Of Knowledge Revealed

Currently up at the Zimmer Children’s Museum is an art exhibit entitled “Show & Tell: The Art of Knowledge.” Fitting in with the museum’s mission to teach people about global citizenship, cultural sensitivity and community responsibility, this exhibit includes an international selection of artists, like Burton Morris, Helene Kudrow Sherman and Paul Frank, addressing the show’s theme of  “knowledge.” The result is a colorful range of artistic moods, from the playful to the profound, with artists sometimes using school objects in their pieces. Admission to the museum’s Bell Family Gallery is free.
When: 9 a.m-5 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sun. now through June 3
Where: Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 100, L.A.
Contact: 323-761-8984, www.zimmershowandtell.org

A Regal Setting for the Prince of Persia

Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the team behind Pirates of the Caribbean, have joined forces again for another summertime blockbuster. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is an action-packed epic adventure based upon the popular video game series. The film, which was directed by Mike Newell (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), stars Jake Gyllenhaal. While it is a Disney film, it’s also rated PG-13, making it probably too intense for young viewers. For those of age, there is a special treat at the El Capitan Theatre – and we’re not talking about the concession stand. The theater will be displaying a collection of costumes and props from the movie. Ticket prices vary.
When: 10 a.m. and 1, 4, 7 and 9:45 p.m. Fri., May 29 through Wednesday, June 16
Where: El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Contact: 800-DISNEY6, http://www.elcapitantickets.com

What’s Happening Highlights: May 19-23

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THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED! The Cinematheque Will Rock – Fraggle Style

The American Cinematheque salutes one of the most iconic American talents of the last 100 years with its Jim Henson Family Day event. Henson, who died on May 16, 1990, was the puppet master behind Sesame Street characters, the Muppets, Fraggle Rock and more. In the Egyptian Theatre’s outdoor courtyard, there will be family activities as well as visits from Henson characters. Inside the cinema, you can watch A Better World: Living In Harmony, a program of environmentally-oriented Henson Studio shorts as well as screenings of Henson shows like Sid The Science Kid and Dinosaur Train. Tickets cost $11 for adults and $9 for students.
When: 10 a.m. Sat. May 22
Where: Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood  Blvd., L.A.
Contact: 323-466-FILM, www.fandango.com/egyptiantheatre_aaofx/theaterpage

Have a Ball

The Pali Blues Soccer Club, which has won back-to-back USL W-League championships, kicks off its new season in a very special way – but the players need your help. At halftime of their exhibition game versus Santa Clarita, the team will attempt to break the current world record of 627 people keeping a ball off the ground “soccer style” for 10 seconds straight. It’s a little different way to get your kicks on a Saturday night. More than just an attempt to set a world record, the Blues also will be collecting soccer balls to donate to needy children. Tickets cost $15.
When: 6 p.m. Sat., May 22
Where: Pacific Palisades Stadium-by-the-Sea, 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades
Contact: 310-264-4649, www.beat627.com

The Pops Are Tops In Pasadena

The Pasadena POPS celebrates the start of its “Music Under The Stars” series with a special free concert. The POPS’ program, which features an appearance from vocalist Dennis McNeil, includes selections from the Star Wars Suite, Lion King and Pink Panther as well as the works of Duke Ellington and Igor Stravinsky. There will also be performances by Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and The Donald Brinegar Singers, plus the Kidspace folks will have activities for the children.
When: 5:30 p.m. Sat., May 22
Where: Pasadena City Hall-Centennial Square, Holly St. and Garfield Ave., Pasadena
Contact: 626-793-7172, www.PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org

Parent Talk

The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting a parenting seminar entitled “Secure Attachment: Helping Your Child Get the Best Start in Life.” Find workshops hosted by experts, including keynote speaker Sir Richard Bowlby, president for the Centre for Child Mental Health in the U.K., and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed., co-author of Parenting from the Inside Out. Admission is $60 and includes lunch. L.A. Parent readers can use promo code 99666 to receive $10 off.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., June 5
Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A.
Contact: 310-440-4651, www.skirball.org

Check It Out: Animal Scouts

Kids love animals. That means that as parents, we’re often searching for ways to get kids and animals together. Rita Shuster, an L.A. mom of three animal-loving girls, has found a way to bring animal experiences to even more kids in the Southland: She started her own group called Animal Scouts.

The concept is pretty simple: She tracks downs a cool animal experience each month, and parents can sign up to take the “field trip” online. The cost is generally about $8 per person (and possibly a donation of some sort), and parents accompany their children on the experience. The activities range from treks to animal rehabilitation facilities (some of which are not open to the public) to Q&A sessions with animal experts and those who’ve made careers out of working with animals.

“Parents are interested, too,” Shuster says. “It’s about kids getting animal experiences, and it’s another way parents can support kids.”

Kate and Jack meet Shorty Rossi of Pit Boss and his pal, Hercules.

The first Animal Scouts activity was at an alpaca farm, and the next outing is to the California Wildlife Center on June 6. In April, Shorty Rossi, the star of Pit Boss on Animal Planet, paid a visit to the group to talk to the kids about pit bulls and their negative stereotype. Shorty runs a Hollywood talent agency for little people but one of his primary missions is pit bull rescue, which he does through his own organization, Shorty’s Charities. Kids got some one-on-one time with Shorty and Hercules, one of Shorty’s very relaxed co-stars.

Kids got lots of time with the diminuitive star to ask several questions about the breed, what it takes to work with animals and how they might be able to help.

But Shorty is just one of the many folks that Shuster hopes she can connect with children who love animals.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people in the animal community,” she says. “There’s a lot out there once you start looking.”

Travel Near: Lake Arrowhead

I’m not very good at relaxing when I’m on vacation. When I travel, our family itinerary generally leaves little room for, well, the room. But every once in a while, we need to get away someplace where the whole point is to hunker down and kick back.

We recently trekked up to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, located 90 miles east of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains. In the wintertime, Lake Arrowhead’s close proximity to Big Bear makes it a natural spot to escape to the slopes. But in the spring and summer, the area is also a good place to chill out and focus on doing nothing in particular. I cozied up to the 173-room resort’s Spa of the Pines, where I had a workout and lingered in the steam room (the room rate includes access to the workout center and day spa amenities). Despite the cooler mountain temperatures, my husband Steve and the kids spent several hours bouncing between the hot tub and the pool while I lingered over a magazine – something I never have time to do on vacation.

Jack and Kate hit the pool at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

With its Swiss Alps exterior and high-end cabin culture, the Lake Arrowhead area is a bit of an anomoly. The lake is private, so there’s not really any beach access (although the Arrowhead Queen offers tours on the lake). But the Lake Arrowhead Village is walkable and friendly, and the shopping at the outlets, cute coffee houses and quaint shops make it a great place to stroll. We fortified ourselves at the amazing Belgian Waffle Works before venturing out for a morning hike, and we all had a great time serving pellets to the ducks who eagerly hopped off the lake for the handout.

But even if you scarcely desire to have your pampered self leave the resort, you can be perfectly content by staying put. One of the highlights of our visit was dinner at Bin 189, the signature gourmet room at the resort. Its woodsy, upscale interior is very welcoming to families while giving parents the chance to have a grownup meal. Steve spent a good deal of time studying the restaurant’s extensive martini menu, I stuffed myself with fried goat cheese, and the kids got their own special “mocktails.” Executive Chef Jim Lindfors will also create a customized menu in advance for children dealing with food allergies.

There’s even a special menu for the family pooch, who is welcome at the pet-friendly resort, where room rates start at $179 (suites at $309). Doggies receive gift bags with soap as well as luxurious beds – and they can have a scoop of their own ice cream at the mini-bar (for more tips, consult the resort’s “pet concierge”). Then everyone can run off some energy with a guided naturalist hike or check out the evening shows to scope out the constellations, which in addition to relaxing, is tough to do in Los Angeles.

What’s Happening Highlights: May 12-16

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Bugs And Butterflies

This weekend, the Natural History Museum will be all about bugs and butterflies. The museum will be hosting its 24th annual Bug Fair. More than 60 vendors will be showcasing their collections of crawling critters and various museum experts will be on hand sharing their entomological acumen. Outside the museum, you can stroll through the Pavilion of Wings and have up-close encounters with beautiful butterflies. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for youths 13-17 and $2 for children 5-12, while the Pavilion of Wings’ admission is $3 for adults, $2 for youths and $1 for children.
When: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. May 15-16
Where: Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A.
Contact: 213-763-DINO, www.nhm.org

Hip To the Hops

As a way of celebrating their current exhibit, “FROGS: A Chorus of Colors,” Anaheim’s MUZEO is throwing a special “All Things Frogs” event on Saturday. It will be a day of froggy crafts, face-painting, games and prizes as well as a checking out the Froggy Tatoo Parlor. Visitors can also watch live reptile and amphibian presentations. As an added bonus, if you pay for one child’s admission ($9 for kids 12 and younger), you will receive an adult general admission for free.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., May 15
Where: MUZEO, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim
Contact: 714-95-MUZEO, www.muzeo.org

Big Fun In Little Tokyo

Saturday is the 27th annual Children’s Day Celebration, which takes place at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo. The day begins with some athletic activities: a Chibi-K: Kids Fun Run (for 4- to 12-year-olds) takes off at 8 a.m. It is followed by a San Tai San 3 on 3 basketball tournament at 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., it’s the free Asian Pacific Arts & Crafts Faire, featuring an array of vendors as well as Pan-Asian performers. You can also sign up for some of the cultural workshops happening during the day too. The workshops cost $25-$30 and the Run costs $25 and pre-registration is recommended (the basketball tournament is already closed for registration but spectators can still enjoy the action).
When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., May 15
Where: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., L.A.
Contact: 213-628-2725 ext. 128, www.jaccc.org

What’s Happening Highlights: May 5-9

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A Mom-umental Event

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the bucolic splendor of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, which will host its 12th annual Momentum Place. It’s an eye-opening afternoon of modern dance, acrobatics, juggling and performance art that is all said to be family friendly as well. The performers from the Dream World Cirque, Eye of Newt Circus and the Art Nouveau Dancers are scheduled to appear. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for kids 12 and younger. Picnickers are welcome and cushions are recommended for the bench seating at this outdoor amphitheatre.
When: 2 p.m., Sun., May 9
Where: Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga
Contact: 310-455-2322, www.theatricum.com

A Shakti Saturday

This weekend marks the conclusion of the 24th Street Theatre’s Saturday Explorer Series. In case you haven’t been traveling along with the theatrical explorers, the Series has made stops in Mexico, Brazil and the world of hip-hop. They will wrap up their cultural globe-trotting with a performance by the Shakti Dance Company. This L.A.-based troupe will share the sounds and dances of India, particularly the traditional Bharata Natyam style. Tickets cost $5.
When: 1 p.m. Sat., May 8
Where: 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A.
Contact: 213-745-6516, theatre@24thstreet.org

All Aboard For National Train Day

Saturday’s National Train Day will be celebrated with a free festival takes place in downtown Los Angeles at Union Station, quite naturally. You can check out displays of train equipment, model trains and various Amtrak exhibits.  The special Railroad Bracero exhibit will showcase Hispanic contributions to the American railroad system. Whether you love riding the rails or not, you can certainly enjoy a performance by the USC marching band as well as Playhouse Disney favorites Choo-Choo Soul (appropriately enough).
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., May 8
Where: Union Station, 800 North Alameda St., L.A.
Contact: www.nationaltrainday.com

Food Court: Take Mom Downtown

Deciding where to fete Mom with a feast can be a beast.

When my mom comes for a visit, there is rarely a spot in the Southland that she doesn’t love. But when I ask her where she’d like to spend a special day, her answer is often a surprising “Downtown L.A.”

Why? As locals we often see only its less attractive side, the inconvenient and overpriced parking and the sense that downtown feels like it’s a world away sometimes. But as a veteran shopper, my mom sees another side: Bargains. She spends hours trolling the costume jewelry shops, the endless fabric stores and the clothing marts that are packed with all sorts of goodies, from handbags and suitcases to her primary obsession: shoes. There are bead stores, craft stores, bedding stores, junk stores, leather stores…

She often won’t take the time to eat, but the rest of us demand good grub after a day sifting through cheap sunglasses in Santee Alley. So if you want to plan a successful day out in downtown L.A., consider cashing in on the shopping bargains then splurging on a great brunch. The Downtown Center Business Improvement District compiled this mouth-watering video as well as this annual list of top brunch spots:

Mother’s Day Brunch at Café Pinot. Dine al fresco on the olive tree-lined patio or in the  dining room with large windows and natural light. Menu highlights include salmon cobb salad, ricotta pancakes with strawberry confit and Fuji apple crumble with cinnamon ice cream. Three-course menu; $35.50 adults, $15 for kids 12 and under.

Bottomless Mimosas at Ciudad. Get this exclusive deal by mentioning DowntownLA.com: bottomless mimosas for $4.50 for mom. Prix fixe menu highlights include mango, avocado and Greek yogurt salad with wildflower honey and Marcona almonds; mini brie and spot prawn quesadillas; artichoke and goat cheese quiche; and chimichurri roasted prime rib. All moms receive a packet of heirloom lettuce organic seeds from Earthbound Farms. Three-course menu; $39.

Mom’s Day Off at Grand Café. Salute your family’s favorite chef with a champagne buffet at Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Menu items include carving of beef baron, shrimp caesar salad and traditional fish and chips as well as a decadent dessert station featuring dolce de leche flan or tiramisu parfait. All mothers receive a gift. $31.50; all inclusive, including a glass of champagne.

Checkers Downtown Brunch: Moms Eat Free. No matter what mom chooses to eat at Checkers Downtown, it’s free on Mother’s Day.The menu includes buttermilk pancakes filled with strawberries, blueberries or bananas and walnuts; open-faced fried egg sandwich on grilled sourdough with prosciutto, stewed tomatoes and arugula; Maine lobster risotto; and grilled Colorado Lamb Loin with ranch Gordo heirloom bean ragout. Prices range from $9-$31.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Kendall’s. This classic brasserie with contemporary flourishes serves brasserie cuisine with inspired seafood dishes and updated French favorites. Mother’s Day menu highlights include Maine lobster bisque, classic croquet monsieur, Alsacienne tart flambé, and strawberry pistachio sable Breton with pistachio cream and red rose coulis. Buffet; $35 adults, $15 for kids under 12.

Mother’s Day Brunch in Smeraldi’s. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel is offering a lavish affair for Mother’s Day at its restaurant, Smeraldi’s, featuring made-to-order brunch entrees, fresh seafood, chef-attended carving stations, an assortment of fruit and salads, a selection of Biltmore desserts and champagne. $49 adults, $25 kids.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Rendezvous Court. If mom prefers something a little lighter than brunch, then try elegant tea in the Rendezvous Court at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It includes a selection of assorted tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and jam, desserts, choice of tea and champagne. $35 adults, $25 kids.

Mother’s Day at the Blue Ribbon Garden Walt Disney Concert Hall. Celebrate mom in Walt Disney Concert Hall’s beautiful one-acre garden 34 feet above Hope Street. Dine among flowering trees and views of the city. Menu highlights include crispy crab cakes, caramelized onion-pear tarts, smoked salmon crêpes, stuffed French toast and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom. Two seatings: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm; buffet; $58 adults, $15 for kids under 12.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Patina. Savor contemporary French cuisine at the Michelin-starred Patina and enjoy a selection of wines from around the world. Three-course menu; $49 adults, $29 for kids 12 and under.

Family-style Brunch at The Restaurant at The Standard. Enjoy a prix-fixe Mother’s Day brunch at The Standard. Toast mom with a choice of “ma”tini or “mom”osa, and enjoy a generous spread for the table: berry “mezze,” Greek yogurt with ricotta and honey; Farmer’s Market veg & cheese scramble; mom’s kickass fried chicken, waffles and grain mustard-maple; smoked salmon “flat bread;” Meyer lemon-crème fraiche; home fries, redbliss potatoes and caramelized onion; and bottomless buttermilk pancakes. $30 per person.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion. This special three-course Mother’s Day menu comes with a bonus – moms receive a $20 gift card to use on their next visit. The restaurant features Hawaiian fusion cuisine: Yamaguchi Sushi and a menu featuring a selection of fresh fish, delicious appetizers and intriguing entrées, combined with signature cocktails and a cutting-edge wine list. $30-$49 adults; $12.95 kids.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Zucca. For a Mother’s Day celebration with Italian fare, treat mom to Zucca Ristorante and enjoy handmade roasted pumpkin tortellini with butter and sage, Italian frittata and poached eggs over Fontina cheese bruschetta. Three-course menu; $35 adults; $15 for kids 12 and under.