It’s like the middle child. Often ignored and overlooked. Sandwiched between the beginning and the middle is Tuesday; one of the best things about it is that it’s not Monday. It doesn’t even have the mid-week nicknames that Wednesday boasts (if you’d boast about being “Hump Day”). But… the week is in full swing and getting into a groove is way easier. And if you find you still have some time to spare, fill in a few spots with some of these swell suggestions.
Movie Mania for Minis
El Capitan Theatre
Wow them with a visit to Hollywood’s historic El Capitan, which holds their Tiny Tots screenings every Tuesday at 10:00 am. What they do is leave the lights on a little bit and turn the sound down, so it’s not too dark or too loud for your new-to-the movies kiddo. The Little Mermaid is playing through mid October; visit the theater’s website to see what is coming up (next up is now-classic The Nightmare Before Christmas.)
6838 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood
Online: elcapitan.go.com
Twist Like a Pretzel
Zooga Yoga
Little ones can curl and contort during several Tuesday offerings at Zooga Yoga. The kid-centric studio in holds drop-in classes ranging from morning Sign & Sing (for 6 weeks to 2 years), afternoon ballet (for the preschool to kindergarten set) and later afternoon family yoga (for ages 6+). Online sign up is a snap, or call to reserve your spot.
4311 Overland Ave. in Culver City
Phone: (310) 839-6642
Online: zoogayoga.com
Heartbeat House
Tiny tutus twirl at Heartbeat House in Atwater Village for mid-morning toddler ballet with the 2-3 year old set. Drop in for only $15 or save on a 4-week series. After a graceful workout, stroll over to one of our favorite neighborhood sweet shops, Sweets for the Soul, for midday refreshments.
3141 Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village
Phone: (323) 669-2821
Online: heartbeathouse.net
Get Crafty
Giggles N’Hugs
Hosted by Giggles N’Hugs in The Canyon, this Story Time will inspire your mini Monet to create fun art projects as part of the adventure. The weekly event combines a new book each week with goofy entertainment, sing-a-longs and music.
6600 Canyon Blvd.in Canoga Park
Online: westfield.com/topanga
Make Meaning
Throw their imagination gears into overdrive at Make Meaning at The Oaks Mall, where a series of Mommy & Me Mini Mornings include multi-media art activities, sometimes inspired by favorite picture books or seasonally themed, all lead by trained ‘creativity coaches.’
196 W. Hillcrest in Thousand Oaks
Phone: (805) 852-1107
Online: makemeaning.com/thousandoaks
Descanso Gardens
One of the most inviting and family-friendly gardens around, Descanso Gardens hosts Little Owls Reading Nest for kiddies 2 and up. Nature-themed stories spring to life in this beautiful setting; then keep their engines revving on the Gardens’ scale-replica Enchanted Railroad boarding nearby on select sunny days. Little Owls is free with Garden admission; train rides are extra and subject to schedule changes. We recommend that you call ahead to avoid disappointment.
1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge
Phone: (818) 949-4200
Online: descansogardens.org
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
Mini marine biologists will love getting their little hands wet when they feed the sea stars at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30, visitors can support Heal the Bay’s mission of preserving a healthy ocean then head upstairs to Rusty’s Surf Ranch for a meal on the house (with proof of Aquarium admission). Call to confirm feeding times.
Under the Boardwalk at the pier in Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 393-6149
Online: healthebay.org
Dragonfly DuLou
All ages get in on the action at Dragonfly DuLou in Los Feliz. In addition to their daily Music Together schedule, on Tuesdays co-ed drop-in ballet is choreographed in successive 45-minute intervals between 2:45 -5 pm, including Tutu Tots (2-3 years), Baby Ballerinas (3-4) and Pre-Ballet (5-7).
2066 Hillhurst Ave. in Los Feliz
Phone: (323) 665-8448
Online: dragonflydulou.com
Music Stars & Masters
Movement goes hand in hand with banging and strumming during Music’n’Me at Music Stars & Masters at the Westside Pavilion. Early nappers, no worry – classes meet to suit the needs of every baby Bach, from 10 months to 4 years. Check the website for Westfield Topanga times, as well.
10800 W. Pico in West LA
Phone: (310) 470-1400
Online: musicstarsandmasters.com
Kids Clubs Galore
You can do more than shop at the mall! Tuesdays are all about entertaining future consumers with free kid-centric variety, ranging from magic to puppet and marionette shows, gross-out insects to juggling and live musical acts. Check out your fave promenade for full details. (And at Americana, free food is part of the deal!)
Waterside Marina Del Rey
Online: shopwaterside.com
The Americana at Brand
Online: americanaatbrand.com
The Commons at Calabasas
Online: shopcommons.com
Soak Up a Little Culture
Many kiddie culture centers boast monthly free admission on select Tuesdays – morning, noon and night: with a little ingenuity, a lot of cooperation and (unfortunately) a normal day’s driving in LAlaland, you could hit each one! Visit individual websites for specific dates and hours.
Natural History Museum (1st Tuesday)
Online: nhm.org
La Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum (1st Tuesday)
Online: tarpits.org
Kidspace (1st Tuesday)
Online: kidspacemuseum.org
Autry Museum (2nd Tuesday)
Online: theautry.org
LA Arboretum (3rd Tuesday)
Online: arboretum.org
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Tuesday?
– Kim Orchen Cooper
Photos courtesy of The Americana at Brand website, Zooga Yoga website, Descansco Gardens website, Jason Lander via Creative Commons, Kidspace Children’s Museum and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium facebook page.
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