During the glory days (in our opinion) of animation, you had to wait until Saturday morning to get your fill of cartoon fun. Now, tech-savvy kids have access to what seems like an unlimited number of shows, and—luckily for you—the cult-favorites are available too. From wascally wabbits to Thundercats, Ho!, here are nine classic cartoon series perfect for streaming with your little people.
What’s your favorite classic cartoon? Share with us in a Comment below!
— Gabby Cullen
Parents and their little Padawans are preparing for the seventh installment of the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens, with increasing excitement. But what’s a good Jedi to do with all that waiting time? Happily, from chocolate Death Stars to movie marathons to lightsaber lessons, there’s lots going on in Los Angeles to keep little Lukes and Leias occupied until December 18.
photo: courtesy of Faith and Flower Los Angeles
Force Friendly Desserts at Faith and Flower
Who knew the Dark side could be so delicious? The chefs, and Star Wars megafans, at Faith and Flower created an off the menu dessert tray full of Star Wars related treats including a chocolate Death Star bon bon, and frozen block of chocolate carbonite, a white chocolate miniature Millennium Falcon, and more. Parents take caution; the absinthe light saber lollipop is for you alone (but it almost makes the pre-quels watchable!). These treats are available dine in or to go.
Faith and Flower
705 W 9th St.
Downtown LA
Online: faithandflowerla.com
photo: Jamie B. via yelp
Lego Store at the Glendale Galleria
Of course you could drive two hours plus down to Legoland, but closer to home, The Lego Store at the Glendale Galleria is also prepping for the big day. Check out the huge display of all the Lego Star Wars sets including the new (and hard to find,ahem, Santa) Force Awakens sets. But you won’t have to buy anything to partake in the fun. Star Wars theme window displays are going up as you read this, and building demos are in the works for every weekend leading up to the premiere. A quick call to the store on a Friday afternoon will let you know what sets are being demoed and at what time.
2130 Glendale Galleria
Glendale
Online: stores.lego.com
photo: Courtesy of SwordPlay LA
SwordPlay LA Fencing Academy
Do you have a light saber obsessed kiddo on your hands? Enroll them in Sword Play LA’s Jedi Academy where they will learn the basics of fencing along with the art and science of becoming a true Jedi. Prediction: Kids are going to go gaga for new bad guy Kilo Ren’s three-pronged light saber, which should make these classes even more popular. Classes and time vary. And it’s not too soon to start thinking about winter vacation—they have a week long Jedi Camp that is sure to fill up fast.
Sword Play LA
Locations in Burbank and Granada Hills
Online: swordplayla.com
photo: Rui Pereria via flickr
Rebel, Droid and Sith Prints at Grauman’s
Harrison Ford has come a long way since his blaster toting days in the original Star Wars movies. But he’s back and better than ever, reprising his role as the one and only Han Solo. Take the kiddos to check out Han’s footprints at Grauman’s. And don’t forget C3PO and R2D2; their droid prints are there, too. Looming just a few “feet” away are Darth Vader’s boot prints– always keeping a watchful eye on those Rebels. Keep your eyes peeled for Vader, Ren and Storm Troopers, who like to patrol the Walk of Stars, taking pictures with tourists (and local kids who can’t resist).
TCL Chinese Theaters
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
photo: Leah Singer
Disneyland—Season of the Force
Season of the Force is the new Star Wars themed interactive experience that promises to keep young Jedi’s entertained until Disneyland’s future Star Wars land opens. Check out the Jedi Training academy show, the new HyperSpace Mountain, Star Tours and the interactive Star Wars launch bay. You can truly get your Star Wars on, right down to choosing your lunch from the Dark or Light Side menus. And don’t forget the BB8 sipper cup! We got every detail on the best ways to go with kids in our inside scoop, which you can read right here.
photo: Mooshu via flickr
Pre-Order Your Tickets at Historic El Captian Theatre
Seeing The Force Awakens is of course the big event, but combine it with a live Light Saber show and a peek at original costumes and props from the movie and you’ve got yourself an out of this galaxy experience. From storm trooper costumes to a working BB8, you’ll feel like you’ve walked right into the movie. And you can pick your seats online, so you can skip out to the potty with the little ones without having to climb over anyone. It’s totally going to happen at least once, since the movie runs for 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the El Captian Theater
December 18 – February 7
6838 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood
Online: ElCapitanTheatre.com
photo: Meghan Rose
A Star Wars Galactic Experience at LA Live
The weekend before the movie opens, you can use the Force to battle your opponents, build a TIE Fighter with LEGO Master Builders, journey through Star Wars history, and much more. Get your young Jedi or mini-Sith Lord dressed up and head over to this celebration of galactic proportions.
December 12 & 13 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
LA Live
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Downtown
Online: lalive.com
AMC Theater Star Wars Marathon
AMC theaters are running a Star Wars Marathon starting with Episode 1 and ending with a screening of The Force Awakens. Now, we’re talking about 15 solid hours of movies and breaks, so it’s best for the older kids. Although it is possible with younger ones, that’s a lot of screen time and you might want to do the viewing in shifts. Mom and Padawan number 1 go to one show, Dad and Padawan 2 go to the next, and then you can compare favorite parts when you take a break to get ready for the new one. It’s definitely worth if you don’t know your light saber from your land cruiser, and need to get up to speed on all things Jedi.
Locations, showtimes and information online at amctheaters.com
Star Wars fans big and small—what did we miss? Tell us how you’ll be spending your time between now and the premiere of The Force Awakens in the comments below.
—Christina Fiedler
If you’ve got a little Jedi who can’t stop waving around that light saber, and you’d like to channel all that swordplay into something a little safer than beheading teddy (or younger siblings), then a fencing class is just the thing. After a class at the new Silverlake Fencing Club kids will be thrusting and parrying with the best of them (and they won’t even realize the amazing exercise they’re getting, you sneaky parent).
Perhaps you’ve never considered fencing as a sport for your kids, but it may be time to! It’s amazing exercise, for the brain as well as the body. If your young athletes are serious about other sports, fencing will complement and hone skills. And for lots of kids who haven’t yet found the sport that they “click” with, fencing, with the cool gear and epic battles, could be the activity to turn them from spectator to future Olympian. To learn more about this lesser known sport, we went to the expert, Silverlake Fencing’s founder and main teacher, Coach Karolyn Szot (she’s the one in the middle, in the photo below).
Why do you think fencing is a great sport for kids?
Coach Karolyn: There really isn’t another sport quite like fencing. When participating in any activity, kids should come to the decision that they are passionate about it. Fencing is a personal sport and it is dependent not only on physical ability but also your mental state. It is more a game of strategy than strength, and you don’t have to be the most macho kid in gym class to dominate at the sport.
By starting the sport of fencing at a young age, it will help to develop skills such as discipline, coordination, and the ability to think on your feet. It teaches kids to use their bodies as well as minds to analyze an opponent’s moves and respond in a coordinated way.
How/why did you start fencing?
Coach Karolyn: I saw the movie the Parent Trap when I was young and loved the fencing scene! I enrolled in a fencing summer camp at a local YMCA and fell love with the sport, and then found a local fencing club. My fencing club really inspired me to compete in local competitions that grew into qualifying for the Junior Olympics, Nationals, North American Cups, and then a World Cup tournament. Ultimately, that led to my recruitment to Northwestern University’s Division I fencing team. (So, think of fencing as an investment towards college scholarships!)
What do you like about teaching kids, and introducing them to the sport?
Coach Karolyn: You can always tell when a child is going to be a great at fencer because they have both determination and enthusiasm; I love seeing how a kid’s face lights up when they hold a foil in their hand for the first time. When there is someone who at first is scared, I love to give them the encouragement they need by showing them a secret move to try or taking them aside to work on perfecting a move so they become more confident. Sometimes all it takes is watching an exciting fencing bout and then everyone wants to get up and try it out. Kids are the best to teach!
What’s the Sword Called?
In modern fencing, you can use a foil, epée or saber. Here, your kids will learn on using a foil. The target area is the torso, and kids wear a white suit, chest plate, full mask and glove. All equipment is provided in the class, though you may want to get your child their own glove (and they’re going to beg you for their own foil, guaranteed).
5 Great Movies That Will Make Your Kids Want To Fence:
The Princess Bride
The Empire Strikes Back
The Parent Trap
The Adventures of Robin Hood
The Mark of Zorro
En Garde
Want to see a little sword fighting in action? Check it out by dropping into the Silverlake Flea Market on the second Saturday of any month. There you can watch a variety of fencing demonstrations (watch Coach Karolyn take on other expert fencers, or kids from class show off their skills, or even see kids working out with the adults). The current kids class takes place on Thursday evenings at 5 p.m., and runs for 8 week sessions. The first class is free, then the 8 week session is $178. Kids can also take a private class or get together a couple of friends to take a class together; Coach Karolyn will schedule times with you.
This beginner class introduces footwork, conditioning, basic techniques and skills, bouting tactics, etiquette and sportsmanship. Students will also dive into point practice and blade drills. It’s for kids 7-10. She also offers classes for bigger kids, and adults, too. Because admit it, you’ve always wanted to say, “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You kill my father. Prepare to die.”
Silverlake Fencing
Studio A Dance
2306 Hyperion Ave.
Silverlake
908-309-1294
Email: silverlakefencing@gmail.com
Online: silverlakefencing.com
Are you Team Inigo or Team Westley? Tell us your favorite fencing story in the comment section.
—Meghan Rose
all images courtesy of Silverlake Fencing, except The Princess Bride image ©20th Century Fox.
If your little Jedi masters have a penchant for sword fighting that’s not quenched with sticks or pool noodles, consider enrolling them in a fencing class. Whether your little fighter’s goal is weekend fencing or training for the Olympics, check out these four studios around Portland.
photo: Aimee Rivers via Flickr
Northwest Fencing Center
Looking for training for this classic sport in a modernized setting? At this studio, through age-appropriate games and drills, young fencers will progress at their own rate, with classes beginning at age six. A highlight for parents is their Family-Friendly Space, with free Wi-fi, a children’s playroom, and space to observe classes and relax. Sign up for a class or a camp, or bring your swashbucklers to NFC for a musketeer-themed birthday they won’t forget.
4905 SW Western Ave.
Beaverton
503-277-2237
Online: nwfencing.org
Oregon Fencing Alliance
This fencing center is home to Olympic gold medalist Mariel Zagunis and US Women’s Olympic Sabre Coach Ed Korfanty. Whether you are going for fun, or to train your way to the Olympics or a college scholarship one day, OFA has you covered. Take a summer camp or plan your next birthday party here to test it out. If you can’t attend a Learn to Fence camp, you can sign up for an individualized Learn to Fence package. They start fencers as young as six years old.
6699 SW Oleson Rd.
503-467-9891
Online: oregonfencing.org
photo: PDX Fencing by Mrs. Yoko Oishi via Facebook
PDX Fencing
Home of the 2013 World Champion and the 2014 Jr. World Cup Bronze Medalist, PDX Fencing was founded in 2008 by Olympic Coach Charles Randall and his wife Claire. Specializing in saber fencing, they have created a strong fencing community with several options for classes and Learn-to-Fence Summer camps, starting at age seven. Plan a birthday celebration (or corporate teambuilding for mom or dad!) to explore fencing. They also have a coach on hand who is a native speaker if you’d like a party hosted in Spanish. Another fantastic feature – they teach wheelchair fencing beginning at age eight.
Arctic Business Park Bldg. E
5645 SW Arctic Dr.
Beaverton
503-644-7739
Online: pdxfencing.net
Studio of American Fencing
Founded in 1985 by Fencing Master Len Carnighan, the Studio of American Fencing strives for a positive environment for all their fencing students. They feature raised fencing strips, electrical scoring equipment, individual and group instruction, and an armory. A small studio, what they lack in space and features they make up for in heart. They have open floor time available almost every day. Classes begin at age 7.
4048 NE 42nd Ave.
503-249-2884
Online: saf.pair.com
Insider info: Classes generally start at 6-7 years old. They’ll jump into a fencing class and begin with a foil, which is the lightest weight sword and will practice aiming with the point and for the torso. After mastering this, they move up to the saber, which aims for parts from the waist up, and is a thrusting weapon so they can bring all their Jedi aspirations to life.
Are you considering fencing classes for your little ones? Let us know in the comments below!
—Stacy Coplin
For the lovers of “Why?” OMSI’s newest exhibit is perfect for them. The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! goes beyond wowing your little ones and gives them a little scientific 411 to Ripley’s famous discoveries. Your tots can compare themselves to an animatronic replica of the world’s tallest man or find Bumblebee from Transformers and see exactly what makes his gears churn. Intrigued? Read on to discover more about this interactive exhibit.
photo: Anna Doogan
Going Beyond the Wow Factor
Seeking “the odd, the unusual, and the unexplained” since 1918, Robert Ripley traveled to over 200 countries in 35 years, gathering incredible stories and interesting artifacts from around the world. Today, his collections are housed in over 32 museums all around the world, dazzling audiences with exhibits that must be seen to be believed.
This newest exhibit from Ripley Entertainment Inc., demonstrates the “how” beyond Ripley’s fascinating and peculiar discoveries. Visitors of all ages will find their curiosity satisfied as they explore a room of Perceptions and Illusions to the wild Gallery of the Unexpected. They’ll also be able to witness how advanced technologies and tools can unravel and explain the mysteries of our world.
photo: Anna Doogan
The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has an eyeful of curiosities to check out, but here are a few that you and your little explorers won’t want to miss:
Learn about extreme biology and see how your height measures up against the towering skeleton of the extinct Elephant Bird. Then, check out the enormous Bumblebee transformer made out of used car parts. For real eye-opening amazement, watch daring footage of actual sword swallowers and learn about their precise techniques.
Head to the Gallery of the Unexpected, where you can peek through a microscope to observe incredible sculptures that fit on the head of a pin, before cruising by a Rolls Royce made out of over one million matchsticks. Don’t miss the portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. made out of postage stamps, or the Justin Bieber created from candy! It’s no science how those are made, but your little one will love the quirky aspect of it.
photo: Anna Doogan
Ready for a more hands on experience? Let your young adventurers investigate and explore the interactive parts of The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Don’t leave these things off of your agenda:
Climb up into a giant Chippendale chair that was built for one of the world’s tallest people. Explore the science of height while testing the “How Tall Will I Be?” computer activity. You can even measure yourself with a giant ruler next to the animated likeness of Robert Wadlow, a man who grew to be almost nine feet tall. (Be sure to stick around for a few minutes to see him stand to his full size before sitting down again).
Then, crawl through the open jaws and into the body of a life-sized Titanoba replica—the largest species of snake that ever lived.
Visit the Weird World area to touch a real meteorite and examine dinosaur fossils. Visit the Perceptions and Illusions room to create colorful silhouette art with your body, or test your skill at unlocking and opening the perplexing Mystery Gate. Finally, finish your visit by posing for a great family photo inside the jaws of an enormous Megalodon shark (that’s one for the holiday cards).
photo: Anna Doogan
Some of the more eye-popping displays in the exhibit can be a bit startling, including a collection of shrunken heads, a calf with two faces and large animal skeletons. Know your little science lover’s temperament and keep an eye out for the displays you may want to steer away from.
When: May 21-Sept. 7
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $9.50/youth (3-13) and seniors (63 and up); $13/adults; FREE/members and children under 2
Parking: $5
1945 SE Water Ave.
503-797-4000
Online: omsi.edu/ripleys-believe-it-or-not
Have you checked out The Science of Ripley’s Believe it Or Not!? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
—Anna Doogan
Cheaper than apples, tougher than eggs—those are just two reasons why the rusty trusty potato makes the perfect plaything. From building a veggie-powered battery to running a potato relay race, these 10 games star the dependable spud.
Pairs of players stand back to back holding a potato between their backs. They must go through an obstacle course without dropping the potato. Then the potato is passed to the next pair.
Stage a short running race in which all racers must balance a potato on their heads. If it drops, you’re out of the race!
Players hold a spoon in each hand. Balance a potato in one spoon while the other remains empty. Pair up try to knock your opponent’s potato off the spoon without losing your own potato.
Cover a playing field with potatoes. At the signal, the potatoes must be collected and put into a pail or bowl using only a spoon. The winner is the person who collects the most potatoes.
Who can make the longest potato peel?
Fill a tub filled with water and a sack of washed potatoes. Who can fish out the most potatoes within 2 minutes using only their mouths?
A large potato is cut into several little pieces. Try to put the potato back together using toothpicks.
Go through an obstacle course balancing a potato on a spoon.
Learn about the basics of battery science and use potatoes to make a simple battery to power a small light and a buzzer.
Stand in a circle and start the music. The person with the potato tosses it to the person to their right. Continue tossing to the right around the circle until the leader stops the music. The person holding the potato when the music stops has the “hot potato,” and is out of the game.
We know your kids probably have a million birthday parties to go to this year, but this one won’t require a last minute stop at the toy store and some recycled wrapping paper. In honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday, the Folger Theater is throwing the Bard an awesome bash on Sunday, and the entire family invited! Here’s a look at the kid-friendliest festivities (happening April 19) the fete has to offer, including the one thing no good shindig should be without…cake!
Photo: Teresa Wood via Folger Shakespeare Library
Challenge the Jugglers and Jesters
These talented entertainers will have your children mesmerized in seconds. From atop their throne (aka your lap), they can clap their approval just like Queen Elizabeth I would have during Shakespeare’s time.
Ohh and Ahh at the Sword Fighting Demos
On guard! Your kids will be enthralled by the practiced sword fighters and their handy work. They’ll love the difficult moves, so be sure to remind them that these techniques should not be attempted at home!
Photo: ChesterSimpson.com via Folger Shakespeare Library
Meet The Lady of the Hour (aka Queen Elizabeth I)
Speaking of Queen Elizabeth I, she and all of her finery will make an appearance as Shakespeare’s artistic patron. Don’t let her puffy sleeves and shiny crown fool you; Queen Elizabeth I was an incredibly strong historical figure, and played a very important role in theater during her reign.
Photo: ChesterSimpson.com via Folger Shakespeare Library
Pen Your John Hancock…with a Quill!
Even if kiddo is still struggling to spell his or her name, quill writing can be a great way to make handwriting fun. Afterwards, buy them their own quill to use at home, and you might have a little Shakespeare on your hands.
Nosh on Birthday Cake on the Folger Front Lawn
Shakespeare may not be present to blow out the candles, but he still gets an honorary birthday cake. Your kiddos might need a little sugar after all of the day’s excitement!
When: April 19, 10 am-5 pm
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol St. SE. (Capitol South)
202-544-4600
Will you celebrate the bard’s birthday? Tell us n the comments section below.
–Kelly Ann Jacobson
Inspired by a certain trick-or-treating dancing bear who once jetéd her way up and down the block, this collection of combo costume ideas will surely get your kid an extra piece of candy from impressed neighbors. Out-of-the-bag Halloween costumes are so last year. Give these a go this fright night and be the talk of the playground.
1. Ballerina Bear – The costume that started this story is adorable from top to bottom in combining girly childhood favorites teddy bears, tutus, and tiaras.
2. Vampire Bunny – The well read among your neighbors may get the James Howe Bunnicula reference, but most will likely just laugh-in-terror at the fangs, floppy ears, and bloodied carrots.
3. Sir Princess-A-Lot – Girls too often get pigeonholed into dainty medieval roles, but not this year! Raid your little boy’s toy chest, then mash-up the traditional pastel-clad princess garb with a shield, sword, and cape.
4. French Mer-Maid – The mythical creature from the sea meets 20th-century servant girl in this curiously odd costume. When a feather duster and white doily apron is paired with a classic mermaid costume, many laughs will follow! Helpful tip: don’t Google “French Maid Costume” with your kids around, trust us!
5. Piglets in a Blanket – A delicious costume idea for twin babies. A pair of Piglet suits and a comfy tan blanket is more than appetizing this Halloween. Pass the mustard!
6. Steampunk Rocker – A mohawk and a monocle, and a tattered Ramones tee and a top hat — there are countless possibilities with this hip combination costume.
7. Harry Potter Pirate – With his famous wand in one hand — the one without a hook, of course — and a patch on one eye under those circular specs, your little Harry Potter Pirate will be the hit at the Gryffind-Argh Halloween party!
8. Zombie Potter – How could Harry Potter ever get cooler? Make him join the legion of the walking dead! Traditional Potter garb combines with classic zombie accents to frighten and delight.
9. Harry the Friendly Ghost – White sheet, round glasses, lightening bolt and a scarf make this the easiest combo costume ever, and a clever take on the traditional Harry Potter look!
What’s the wildest combo costume you’ve ever seen? Share your clever costume ideas in a comment below.
— Jeff Bogle
