The summer may be over but temperatures keep heating up! If you need a spot to cool off, check out these hotels with day passes or all the spots your kids can splash around town. If you want to keep to dry land, check out these cool things to do around LA—from celebrating Black Girl Magic’s newest book to jumpstarting your pumpkin picking, check out our must-do list below.
photo: iStock
Rebel Girls Celebrate Black Girl Magic
Celebrating Rebel Girls New Book “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Editor Lilly Workneh and CaShawn Thompson will read, discuss, and autograph this magical new book celebrating 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Free! RSVP with Eventbrite. Sat. Event details.
Flutter Immersive Exhibit
“If a museum and a playground had a baby, it would be called Flutter.” Located five minutes from LACMA in Los Angeles, flutter is a completely unique entertainment experience. Throughout a 90 minute private guided tour, you will experience art like never before. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Critter Carnival Adoption Event
You’re invited to Critter Carnial at Annenberg PetSpace to explore all things critters! Meet different types of animals that make wonderful pets including small mammals and reptiles. Learn more about them and how to be sure your home is ready to comfortably host a new family member. While here, visit our ambassador animals at Critter Corner, play fun carnival games, and enjoy some of your favorite carnival style foods. RSVP to attend. Sat. Event details.
Open Main Street: Santa Monica
The two blocks between Hill and Kinney streets will become a pedestrian plaza where the Santa Monica community can safely enjoy al fresco dining, family-friendly activities, and other fun experiences with local businesses. “Sharing an Open Main Street” was initiated by the Main Street Business Improvement Association and Ocean Park Association to support local businesses and community wide recovery. Sat. Event details.
Latin Nights at RUNWAY
Introducing Latin Nights Every Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. through the month of Sep.! Join us on Town Center as we continue our live music series with Latin Nights. Hear tunes from salsa, merengue, cha cha, Rumba, Flamenco and a mix of the finest rhythms of Latin America and Spain. Fri. Event details.
Drive-in Movies at Santa Monica Airport
Iconic movies play on a 64′ screen, and guests can view the movie from either our Drive-In section or new Lawn Box seating. We offer a selection of classic cinema concessions and a rotation of local food trucks with one truck present per evening. Restrooms are available on-site and will be regularly sanitized. Check the website for the exact movies but expect great flicks like The Sandlot and Dirty Dancing to Bridesmaids! Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Hallowe’en Spooktacular
The frightfully fun Hallowe’en Spooktacular returns on September 18! In this hour-long, family friendly boo-sical revue, over one hundred spirited puppets rally to unearth ghastly things on strings. For the first time in thirty years, the Hallowe’en Spooktacular has undergone a full refurbishment. From whirling witches, to the soulful laments of Dracula and Vampira, to a bone-rattling soirée of glow-in-the-dark skeletons in a hidden cabaret, Bob Baker’s Hallowe’en Spooktacular whisks you to the place where imagination lurks. Sat.-Sun. Event details.
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch in Orange County is fun for the entire family. Come out and enjoy the many activities for kids of all ages. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the train station and admission is free. Please note that a gate entrance fee will be charged by the County of Orange for each vehicle that enters Irvine Regional Park. Sat.-Sun. Event details.
Smithsonian Magazine Free Museum Day
Tickets for Smithsonian magazine’s 17th annual Museum Day are now available for download. Museum-goers can head to the Museum Day website to download their ticket. Each ticket grants the ticket holder and one guest free, timed access to any participating museum on Sep. 18. Sat. Event details.
Piñatas: The High Art of Celebration
The Craft in American Center presents Piñatas: The High Art of Celebration, which will focus on handmade piñatas and piñata-based art objects made by artists predominantly based in Southern California. Piñatas, ubiquitous and often the focal point of parties and festive occasions across the U.S., are handcrafted and ephemeral objects that signify happiness, joy, and celebration. This show will explore how they are designed, constructed and executed, and the integral role that they play in modern material culture. Sat.-Sun. Event details.
Pre-Sale Tickets
Carved at Descanso Gardens
For three weeks in Oct., thousands of carved pumpkins will line a 1-mile walk through the Camellia Forest and Oak Grove. Along with pumpkins, there will be exciting new oversized sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials. Pumpkin carving demonstrations, the ever-popular pumpkin house, a hay maze, and themed food and beverage will all help to create a fun harvest festival ambiance. Event details.
Haunt O’ Ween Immersive Halloween Event
An Immersive family friendly playground of Halloween adventures and fun! For 31 days we welcome families to interact and engage with EVERYTHING Halloween has to offer all in one place; pumpkin picking and carving, trick or treating, face painting, performances, games, food trucks and so much more! Event details.
-Andie Huber
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