In honor of Bookfest this weekend downtown at Grand Park, why don’t you imitate a favorite character from a book? Make like Huck Finn and take a fishing weekend. Be Dr. Doolittle and talk with the animals at the teaching zoo. Explore native American stories at the Satwiwa Center, see a show by Wind in the Willows author, or enter into Alice’s world with the Mad Hatter. Choose your own adventure!

  1. A Taste of Dance
    Does your little one like to move it, move it?  From the Singin’ in the Rain dance, to Pump Fiction’s groovy twist to Kevin Bacon’s Footloose moves, learn iconic steps from your favorite films with a full day of introductory dance lessons. Taste-test a variety of styles for just a buck a lesson!
    Saturday 29th March 11a.m. – 4p.m.
    All Ages, $1/lesson
    Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave.
  2. Bookfest at Grand Park
    Read your heart out at Grand Park. There will be loads of book-ish activities as well as music from Birdie’s Playhouse, the Story Pirates will be telling a Yarrrrrn or two, and there will be tasty snacks and time to play in the fountain.
    Friday 28th March and Saturday 29th March 12p.m. – 5p.m.
    Free for all ages
    Downtown
  3. Celebrate César Chávez
    Head to the Zimmer to honor Latino labor leader César E. Chávez and his life of community organizing and activism with arts & crafts. There will also be a special performance by an Aztec Dance group from East Los Angeles.This program is part of the Family Sunday series, which are drop-in programs that are free with paid admission.
    Sunday 30th March 2p.m. – 4p.m.
    $5-$8 all ages
    Miracle Mile, Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd.
  4. Free Family Festival at The Pacific Asia Museum
    Celebrate the art of calligraphy, from ancient brush work to contemporary interpretations with hands-on crafts, demonstrations and more.
    Sunday 30th March 12p.m. – 4p.m.
    Free for all ages
    Pacific Asia Museum, 46 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena
  5. The Huck Finn Fishing Derby and Campout
    Take part in outdoor family fun however you like – you can spend a night under the stars at the campout, get up early in the morning to catch rainbow trout at the fishing derby or just come hang out and be part of the celebration.
    Trophies are awarded to the top three fisherkids in each age category on Saturday, or the whole family can fish together on Sunday in the Family Fishing Derby.
    Friday 28th March – Sunday 30th March (at various times)
    Ages 3+
    Campsites are $65 which includes fishing derby entry; kids can come fish for $10 each, or everyone can take part in the family fishing for $20 per family of 4.
    611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
  6. Happy Birthday, Little Tramp
    Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp turns 100! If you’ve never seen a Chaplin film with your kids, this is the perfect reason and time to do so. Shorts featuring the beloved character have recently been restored and they’re coming to the big screen at the Aero. With live musical accompaniment!
    Friday 28th March 7:30pm
    $9-11, Ages 4+
    Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica
  7. The Reluctant Dragon
    The Los Angeles Children’s theater presents the West Coast premiere of “The Reluctant Dragon,” a delightful children’s show based on an original story by Kenneth Grahame. The Reluctant Dragon is a charming tale about a shy, peaceful dragon who must overcome stereotypes to be accepted. Performed by professional actors, The Reluctant Dragon explores the themes of bullying, self-confidence, and self-esteem with a positive, empowering message. Filled with magical effects, colorful costumes, and a valuable moral lesson, LACT’s production is a perfect way for children to enjoy a live stage experience in an intimate 50-seat theatrical setting. For more information, please call the box office at (310) 622-4482.
    Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March 11a.m.
    $10-$35, Ages 4+
    The Little Theater, 12420 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica
  8. Mad Hatter Tea Party
    The mad hatter in Wonderland was inspired by the true crazy creations of the age.  Create imaginative hats inspired by milliners and 19th century hats depicted in the Tea and Morphine exhibition at the Hammer, and then partake in a festive tea party. This event kicks off the Hammer Museum’s new Close Encounters series, in which artists encourage families to look closely at art, experiment, and create together.
    Sunday 30th March 11a.m.
    Free, Ages 5+
    Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Westwood
  9. Native American Campfire Stories
    Enjoy the sunset and a roaring campfire while listening to tales of native culture and songs of the Satwiwa.
    Sunday 30th March 6:30p.m. – 8p.m.
    Free for all ages
    Satwiwa Cultural Center, 4126 W Potrero Rd., Newbury Park
  10. Spring Spectacular at The Teaching Zoo
    Swing, Slither or Soar on over to this wild event at America’s Teaching Zoo. Here, everything animals is at your fingertips: watch entertaining animal shows, get a sneak peek behind the scenes, interact with wild animal trainers and their furry friends and don’t miss all the games, food and fun for kids.
    Saturday 29th March 10a.m. – 5p.m.
    $7-$10 all ages
    Moorpark Teaching Zoo, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark

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