Nothing beats the Universal Studios tour for its sheer Hollywood/thrill ride power. The tour now includes King Kong 3-D and a knife-wielding, dead-body carrying Psycho. But if the $74, Southern California resident ticket price is a little too steep, try these other studio tours that won’t break the bank.

Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour

An intimate group of 12 is as big as it gets for the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour, where you will ride on electric carts that take you into the studio lot, for a very exclusive tour through back-lots streets, sound stages, sets and craft shops. Currently the Warner Bros. Museum, accessible only during the VIP tour, is offering a special exhibit celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Television. Explore at your leisure motion-picture memorabilia from past and present. Currently the Museum is featuring exhibits from blockbuster movies including Inception, The Dark Knight, the Harry Potter films and much more. Tours depart continuously Monday through Friday 8:20am – 4:00pm

Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour

3400 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91522; (818) 977-8687
Mondays-Fridays
2 ½ hour tours begin at 8:20 a.m. and run every 20 min. thereafter until the last tour at 4 p.m.
Ages: 8 and up
Cost: $48/person
Website

Sony Pictures Studios Walking Tour

Across town from Universal Studios and Warner Bros., in Culver City, you can walk the lot where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land, the place where the agents from “Men In Black” battled aliens from outer space and Spider-Man catapulted from skyscraper to skyscraper.  Time your tour right and get in to see a taping of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.  The Sony Studios Walking Tour is the least expensive of the three, at $33 per person.  Ages 12 and up.

Sony Pictures Studios Walking Tour

10202 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 90232; (323) 520-8687
Mondays-Fridays
9:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm (call for availability)
Ages: 12 and up
Cost: $33/person
Website

Check out these hot spots on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Want to check out some stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Start at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where you can marvel at the Chinese Imperial architecture while your kids get a kick out of placing their hands and feet in the cement impressions of Hollywood heavyweights like Marilyn Monroe, George Clooney and the Harry Potter cast. Then segue to the stars in the sidewalks. Your little fairy fans will have to wait awhile until Tinkerbell actually schedules a date to accept her star on the Walk of Fame (which we’ve learned has already been offered to her) but take a leisurely stroll directly to these locations to see some other famous stars your kids will recognize, and some Hollywood legends just for the parents.

If you are diligent, you may catch an actual Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrity star ceremony. Check with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce HERE for up-to-date Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 464-8111

Dr. Seuss
6600 Hollywood Blvd.

Mickey Mouse
6925 Hollywood Blvd.

Lassie
6368 Hollywood Blvd.

Snow White
6910 Hollywood Blvd.

Bugs Bunny
7007 Hollywood Blvd.

Donald Duck
6840 Hollywood Blvd.

Marilyn Monroe
6774 Hollywood Blvd.

Tom Cruise
6912 Hollywood Blvd.

Elizabeth Taylor
6336 Hollywood Blvd.

Frank Sinatra
1600 Vine Street

Fred Astaire
6756 Hollywood Blvd.

Gary Cooper
6243 Hollywood Blvd.

Grace Kelly
6329 Hollywood Blvd.

Greta Garbo
6901 Hollywood Blvd.

Walt Disney
7021 Hollywood Blvd.

Hurray for Hollywood!
Best Locations for Hollywood Sign Photo-Ops

You’ve lived in L.A. for how long now and how many really good photos do you have of the Hollywood sign?  Last  year this city icon almost lost its pristine perch on Cahuenga Peak until the Trust for Public Land ensured the open space surrounding it would be preserved for wildlife and in the process protected from hillside development. It’s safe to say that this ever-present symbol presiding on its hillside throne is even more so ever-ready for its close up. 

Whether you and your kids plan to keep photos in an album for posterity or throw on Santa hats for a Christmas-card worthy shot that says to your out-of-town friends, “Yes, we live here and you don’t,” here are a few of L.A. Kid Stuff’s favorite spots for your kids’ very own VIP vogueing session with this L.A. icon.

Griffith Park Observatory

The Griffith Park Observatory is probably the highest point you’ll be able to get a good view of the Hollywood sign. Our sentimental favorite photo-op spot is anywhere along the fence near the old snack shop, but the patio area of the new Café at the End of the World and of course the roof of the Observatory provides nice views as well.

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
General Information Line: 213-473-0800

Beachwood Drive in Hollywood

We wonder how many would-be movie stars or struggling actors live along Beachwood Drive, where the street seems to lead right to “Hollywood.” On this road, you’ll see the Hollywood sign staring straight at you in its unimpeded glory. The best view from the street is on Beachwood Drive just north of Cheremoya Avenue. Find a parking spot, watch out for traffic, and pose away.

Turn north onto Beachwood Drive from Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. Beachwood is between N. Gower Street and N. Bronson Avenue.

Lake Hollywood Park/Lookout Point

At first glance this park nestled at the foot of Hollywood Hills will make you do a double take and wonder if it’s a green screen projecting the Hollywood Sign so perfectly behind it. The park is one of the best places offering both an unobstructed view of the sign and a setting in which to enjoy it for an extended period of time. Lake Hollywood Park is an L.A. City public park that is clearly marked “Not a dog park,” though expect to see the canine loving population of the area frequenting it with their furry friends. It’s family friendly too, with a fenced playground for the little ones.

If you go around the park to the top of the street above it, there’s a viewpoint where you can park and get a photo of the sign from a higher point. But the park is clearly the place to be.

Lake Hollywood Park
3160 Canyon Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 666-5046

LA Kids Consignment Spring 2011 Sale

157 W. Providencia Ave., Burbank, 91502; (818) 693-3183
Friday-Sunday, March 4-6, 2011
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages: For familes with kids 0-15
Cost: FREE admission
Website

550 families are contributing over 60,000 amazing new and gently-used kids’ items to this semi-annual sale. Come and find great bargains on kids clothes (sizes 0-16), toys, shoes, strollers, books, DVDs, games, puzzles, maternity, furniture and so much more! Items are 50-70% off retail. Entrance is free.

L.A. Kid Stuff, Things to Do, Events, Activities this week:
Monday, February 21 – Sunday, February 27, 2011

LACMA Target Free Holiday Monday

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Monday, February 21, 2011
12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE (tickets required, obtain at museum box office)

Pre-school Storytime

Los Angeles Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, 90071; (213) 228-7000
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ages: 3-5
Cost: FREE

Celebrate African-American Heritage Month!

Encino-Tarzana Library
18231 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, 91356; (818) 343-1983
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Tykes on Trails

Children’s Nature Institute
Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills (Click through for directions)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ages: 2-4 years old
Cost: $20/child $10/each additional child (reservations required HERE)

Creative Expressions: Art, Puppets, and more!

Will & Ariel Durant
7140 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90046; (323) 876-2741
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Nature Reflections: Impressionistic Paintings by the Second Graders of Ivanhoe School – Art Show

Monkeyhouse Toys
2874 Rowena Ave., Los Angeles, 90039
Opening Reception Saturday, February 26, 2011
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Art Show runs February 26 – March 13, 2011
Check website for hours
Ages: All
Cost: FREE to see artwork

Kids Rhythm Club

REMO Percussion Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon. North Hollywood 91605
(1/2 block North of Sherman Way)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
9:30 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Age: 2-12 (but all are welcome; parents must stay with children)
Cost: FREE

Get Well Soon Stories

KLOS Story Theater
Los Angeles Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, 90071; (213) 228-7000
Saturday, February 26, 2011
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Harlem Globetrotters “4 Times the Fun”

STAPLES Center
1111 E Figueroa St, Los Angeles, 90015; (800) 745-3000
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Noon
Ages: ALL
Cost: Tickets start at $16.00

Imagination Movers

Nokia Theatre – L.A. Live
777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Saturday, February 26, 2011
2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost:$19.50-$49.50

Fashion Runway – Andell Family Sundays

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
North Piazza
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Sunday, February 27, 2011
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE (no reservations)

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration – Special Story Times

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Throughout the day
Museum Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $10; kids under age 1 FREE

Egg Concert

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Sunday, February 27, 2011
1:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $10; kids under age 1 FREE

ONGOING THIS WEEK AND BEYOND

The Music Boat – Family Music Program

The Green Bean
5060 Eagle Rock Blvd., L.A., 90041
Wednesdays, February 9-March 30, 2011
4 p.m. – 4:35 p.m.
Ages: 6 and under
Cost: $12 per family (2 adults & 2 kids)

Drop-In Workshops

reDiscover
12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, 90066; (310) 393-3636
Saturdays
10 a.m. – Noon
Ages: 4 and up
Cost: $5 per project (no time limit)

Kids Club on The Green

Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210; (818) 637-8982
Tuesdays
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Dig It! Archaeological Adventures

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A.
Saturdays and Sundays
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ( Drop in anytime – Weather permitting)
Ages: All (Must be accompanied by adult)
Cost: FREE with museum admission ($10 General; $7 Seniors 65+ and Full-Time Students; $5 Children 2-12;
Free to Children under 2 and Skirball Members)

Lil‘ Book Lovers Storytime

Barnes and Noble
The Americana at Brand
210 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210, (818) 545-9146
Thursdays
7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Ecosystems at The California Science Center and IMAX Theater

Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE Admission to Science Center (IMAX ticket costs apply)

Dinosaur Encounters

Natural History Museum
900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, 90007; (213) 763-3466
Ongoing Wednesdays – Thursdays 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Fridays 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Saturdays – Sundays 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Museum Admission

Noah’s Ark Permanent Exhibit

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 North Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Tuesdays – Sundays (closed Mondays)
Tuesday–Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE with Museum Admission ($10 General; $7 Seniors 65+ and Full-Time Students; $5 Children 2-12; Children 2 and under FREE) Every THURSDAY FREE for the whole family!

Family Nature Walk

Eaton Canyon Natural Area
1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, 91107
Saturdays (Weather permitting. Call to confirm the week you want to attend.)
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

COMING SOON

Free Family Night: It’s the Sounds of Japan

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Happy Birthday to You!

KLOS Story Theater
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, 90071; (213) 228-7000
Saturday, March 5, 2011
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Ages: All

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

McCabes Guitar Shop
3101 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 90405
Sunday, March 6, 2011
11 a.m. – noon
Ages: All
Cost: $8 (Kids under age 2 FREE)

Tour of Europe – Andell Family Sundays

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
North Piazza
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Sunday, March 6, 2011 (repeats Sunday, March 13 & 27, 2011)
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE (no reservations)

Meet the Reptile Family!

Silver Lake Library
2411 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, 90039; (323) 913-7451
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE

Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare Youth Festival

The Lost Studio
130 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; (323) 319-3597
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
Cost: $10

The Comedy of Errors – Shakespeare Youth Festival

The Lost Studio
130 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; (323) 319-3597
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30 pm
Ages: 7 and up
Cost: $10

Cymbeline – Shakespeare Youth Festival

The Lost Studio
130 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; (323) 319-3597
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
Cost: $10

Dig it: Egypt – Andell Family Sundays

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
North Piazza
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036
Sunday, April 3, 2011 (repeats Sunday, April 10 & 17, 2011)
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE (no reservations)

Free Family Night: It’s the Sounds of Japan

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Koji NakamuraJoin us in the Celebration Center for a night of Taiko Drumming with the Shumei Arts Council drumming program. Learn all about the traditions of Taiko drumming and then create your own Japanese Landscape scroll. A landscape scrolls class will take place following the 6:30 p.m. Taiko Drum performance.

Egg Concert

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Sunday, February 27, 2011
1:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $10; kids under age 1 FREE
Website

Special performance Egg in the Kidspace amphitheatre. Egg is the alt-rock group who are firm believers in the “there’s-no-need-to-dumb-it-down” school of children’s music. (Don’t be surprised if you hear the White Stripes cover “Flip Flops.”) Egg has a cross-generational appeal.

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration – Special Story Times

Kidspace Museum
480 North Arroyo Boulevard, Pasadena, 91103
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Throughout the day
Museum Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $10; kids under age 1 FREE
Website

Celebrate the most beloved writer of all time with your friends at Kidspace. Enjoy special story times throughout the museum, along with some wacky fun with crafts and games inspired by Dr. Seuss classics. Share your favorite books or dress as a Dr. Seuss character and get a chance to win a prize. Think of all the words that rhyme and you’ll be sure to have a Seuss-errific time!

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

McCabes Guitar Shop
3101 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, 90405
Sunday, March 6, 2011
11 a.m. – noon
Ages: All
Cost: $8 (Kids under age 2 FREE)
Website

A Special Sunday Kids Matinee Show with the critically-acclaimed kids’ band, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band!

Big Art from Little People at Monkeyhouse Toys Art Show

Nature Reflections: Impressionistic Paintings by Second Graders of Ivanhoe School

Have you ever looked at your child’s artwork and thought, now that’s a brilliant piece of abstract work! Art aficionado or not, you can appreciate the aesthetics of a child’s creativity. So why not support it at an art show of impressionistic paintings by the second graders of Ivanhoe Elementary School in Silver Lake.

Presented by Monkeyhouse Toys, “Nature Reflections: Impressionistic Paintings by the Second Graders of Ivanhoe School” will have a lot of surprises in store. The show will feature pieces that reflect on nature and on their art. “Impressionism focuses a lot on reflected light and reflections in water,” says teacher Ms. Reynolds.

An opening reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Also, the Coolhaus Truck will be there serving their signature gourmet, artisan and all-natural ice cream sandwiches.

The show will run through March 13, 2011, so if you can’t make the opening reception, stop by Monkeyhouse Toys and you just might discover the next “Monet” on which to invest.

Nature Reflections: Impressionistic Paintings by the Second Graders of Ivanhoe School – Art Show

Monkeyhouse Toys
2874 Rowena Ave., Los Angeles, 90039
February 26 – March 13, 2011
Check website for hours
Ages: All
Cost: FREE to see artwork
Website