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

Circus Vargas, California’s own Big Top circus, presents an entirely new show for 2010 at Westfield Culver City September 1 – 6, 2010! The show opens Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., with shows on Thursday and Friday night at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m., and on Monday the final shows will be at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Arrive early for the free interactive Pre-Show, where children of all ages are invited into center ring for a crash course in circus skills! With a mesmerizing hula-hoop production, enchanting aerial bungee-ballet, stunning display on the Wheel of Destiny, wildly electrifying motorcycle performance, the internationally acclaimed Flying Tabares and much more, Circus Vargas has everything to offer the highest quality of fun family entertainment! For tickets and information go to the website HERE or call (877) 468-3861.

Make a Splash this Summer

Whoever invented the splash pad is pretty smart (and rich I would assume). Or had kids of her own and witnessed the glee in their eyes even as their youthful skin turned pruney in the bath. Or was inspired by her own childhood summers running through magical lawn sprinklers. Now that the near triple degree heat is a nagging reminder that we are well into the summer season, go make a splash at one of your local parks or public recreation facilities at a splash pad. Splash pads and water play areas are great options to cool off when you don’t have access to a pool or don’t have time to drive to the beach. And swimming proficiency is not an issue so the little ones will enjoy it just as much.

PUBLIC SPLASH PADS

A.J. Martin Park
14830 E. Giordano Street
La Puente, 91744; (626) 917-8354
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Amelia Mayberry Park
13201 E. Meyer Road
Whittier, 90605; (562) 944-9727
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Annenberg Community Beach House
Splashpad Play Area
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, 90402; (310) 458-4904
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – Sunset
Cost: FREE for the splash pad outside; Public pool is open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and costs $10 for adults; $4 kids aged 1 and up

Basset Park
510 North Vineland Avenue
La Puente, 91746; (626) 333-0959
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Dalton Park
18867 Armstead Street
Azusa, 91702; (626) 852-1491
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

North Hollywood Recreation Center
North Hollywood Pool
5301 Tujunga Ave. (and Magnolia)
North Hollywood, 91601; (818) 755-7654
Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (M-F); 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (S-S)
Cost: $2.50 Adults; FREE for kids under 7 (kids under 7 must be accompanied by adults, who must wear swimsuits while watching the kids) The Fee also covers pool use.

Pacific Park Splash Pad
501 S. Pacific Avenue
Glendale, 91204; (818) 548-4098
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: FREE

Panorama Recreation Center Splash Pad
8600 Hazeltine Avenue
Panorama City, 91402; (818) 893-3401
Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Rimgrove Park Splash Pad
747 North Rimgrove Drive
Valinda, 91744; (626) 330-8798
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

San Angelo Park Splash Pad
245 S. San Angelo Ave.
La Puente; (626) 968-2666
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Stoner Park Pool Splash Pad
1835 Stoner Ave.
Los Angeles, 90025; (310) 575-8286
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (M-F); 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. (S-S)
Cost: FREE for 17 years and under; $2.50 for adults
Pool 0-4 ft of water

Sunshine Park Splash Pad
515 Deepmead Avenue
La Puente, 91744; (626) 854-5559
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Swim Stadium Splash Pad (Water Play*)
3980 South Menlo Avenue
Los Angeles, 90037; (213) 763-0129 (5)
Hours: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults $2.50; FREE for kids 17 and under
*A pool with 1 foot of water has play structures and water sprays.

Sylmar Park Recreation Center Splash Pad
13109 Borden Ave.,
Sylmar, 818-367-5656 (6727)
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Valleydale Park
5525 North Lark Ellen Avenue
Azusa, 91702; (626) 334-8020
Hours: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Virginia Park Splash Pad
2200 Virginia Ave.
Santa Monica, 90404; (310) 458-8688
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: FREE

COMMERCIAL WATER PLAY AREAS

Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Drive
San Dimas, 91773; (909) 802-2200

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
24500 Town Center Drive
Valencia, 91355; (661) 255-4100

Universal Studios
Curious George Water Play Area
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, 91608; (818) 622-3801

Another way to cool off this summer: Ice Cream Trucks!

Check out what else there is to do in Los Angeles this week HERE.

(Posted July 28, 2009)

Anneberg Community Beach House Pool in Santa Monica Opens for Summer Season June 19, 2010

Get ready for a summer of fun at the Annenberg Community Beach House, which opens its doors to the public for the summer season beginning June 19, 2010. With a public pool, cultural events, yoga, beach sports, beach parking, Back on the Beach Café and the new Sand & Sea Fitness Room, there’s something for everyone at the Beach House.

The Beach House is conveniently located at 415 Pacific Coast Highway just north of the Santa Monica Pier and California Incline, enter at Beach House Way. Open daily from 8:30am – 8:30pm.

Pool passes let you access the pool and Pool House changing rooms. Passes go on sale daily at 9:30am. All members of your party must be present when purchasing passes. Passes may also be reserved, up to 3 days in advance online starting at 7am. Daily passes are $10 for adults, $4 for youth (1-17), $5 for seniors (60+), or $24 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 youth). Pool hours are Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday from 10am – 6pm, and Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 10am – 8pm. Tuesday & Thursday Pool Power Hours are open to ages 16 & up from 6pm – 8pm. Passes are $7 or $5 with another full price activity.

Pasadena Chalk Festival

Paseo Colorado
280 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 91101 (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues); (626) 795-8891
Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, 2010
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

To celebrate it’s 18th anniversary, the 2010 Pasadena Chalk Festival will attempt to make history by setting the Guinness World Record for the Largest Display of Chalk Pavement Art!  More than 500 artists come from all across Southern California to spend two days on their hands and knees creating 175 spectacular chalk murals on concrete areas in every style imaginable. 

In addition to the extraordinary opportunity to watch artists at work, there will be live music an entertainment throughout the weekend.  Families and children can create complimentary Father’s Day cards in KID’S CHALKLAND, and have their faces painted by face painters in a designated area for the children.

Be on the lookout at the end of the festival for prizes for Best Overall, Best Technique, Best Use of Color and more. Festival visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite murals as well. Pasadena Chalk Festival “Paseo Colorado People’s Choice” ballots will be available in the Center’s retailers.

**Photo above courtesy Pasadena Chalk Festival – 2009 Best in Animation Alley award – “Where the Wild Things Roam” by Jen Swain**

Santa Monica Beach and the Annenberg Community Beach House

Romp on the sands of Santa Monica Beach fronting the Annenberg Community Beach House, then participate in one of the many kid and family activities available such as Yoga Buddies for kids age 5-12 and Beach Volleyball classes for kids ages 7-15 and 16 and up. The community pool will be open for the summer season beginning June 19, 2010 but the the splash pad, garden terrace and view deck are open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Annenberg Community Beach House

415 Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, 90402
Hours: Garden, View Deck & Splash Pad Daily, 8:30 am – 8 pm
Event House Gallery Mondays & 2nd Saturdays, 11 am – 3 pm
Marion Davies Guest House Mondays & 2nd Saturdays, 11 am – 3 pm
Pool will open for the summer beginning June 19, 2010
Ages: All
Cost: $7 per person for Beach House and Pool; Other costs apply for classes
Website

Griffith Park Old Los Angeles Zoo Area

While other parts of Griffith Park are crowded with parties and picnickers, we love the wide open grassy areas at the Griffith Park Old Zoo Area. If there isn’t an event going on there you and your kids will have the run of the spacious lawn, perfect for chasing toddlers, playing tag with tweeners or strolling with your teens! You can also explore the cool-looking stone caves where the animals once lived. (though to be safe, we’d recommend shoes for traipsing in these cement parts).

Old Los Angeles Zoo

Griffith Park Dr., Los Angeles, 90027
Check out map at link below:

View Larger Map

Ecosystems at the California Science Center

If you haven’t yet been to the Ecosystems exhibit at the California Science Center, start your visit feeling very cool at the white, giant polar ice wall in the polar research hut learn how species survive at the ends of the Earth. Then check out the three other areas of the “Extreme Zones” before you travel to all eight environmental Zones, each of which illustrates a different ecological principle. Ecosystems occupies 45,000 square feet and contains more than 250 species of plants and animals — an unprecedented blend of live plants and animals, and hands-on science exhibits in 11 immersive environments. From walking through a living kelp forest to experimenting on a polar ice wall, explorers will investigate some of the Earth’s most fascinating ecosystems. Highlights include a 188,000-gallon kelp tank populated with more than 1,500 live fish, kelp and other marine life; a desert flash flood; and a special gallery dedicated to the urban ecology of Los Angeles.

In the Extreme Zone, discover how even in the harshest environments, species adapt to their surroundings. In the Forest Zone, learn about the sources and importance of biodiversity in ecosystems. In the River Zone, investigate the ways flowing fluids carry energy and matter from place to place. In the Island Zone, look at how isolation reveals the processes of evolution. In the Rot Room, see how rot and decomposition release nutrients that nourish life. In the Global Zone, focus on the ways living and physical systems interact on a global scale. In the L.A. Zone, learn about the ecological challenges faced by urban ecosystems when it comes to water, waste, energy and wildlife. And in the Family Discovery Room, explore how our homes are habitats, providing us—as well as pets and pests—with food, water and shelter.

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)
Website

Photo Credit: Patrick Kelley, U.S. Coast Guard