FREE Shrek: The Final Chapter Screening Tickets

Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation and the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival invite you to a special advance screening of the new film “Shrek: The Final Chapter.” The screening choices are this Saturday morning in Burbank, CA and this Saturday morning in Orange, CA. Exact times and places on the final passes you will print.

Click on the LINKS below and follow the instructions on the flyers.  Reserve and print as many passes as you will use.  Seating is limited, so act now!

Burbank screening
Saturday, May 15, 2010
9 a.m.
SHREK AMC Burbank- CIF

Orange, CA screening
Saturday, May 15, 2010
SHREK Block of Orange- CIF

2010 Environmental Working Group Shoppers Guide – Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 – Now Available

The Environmental Working Group just released their annual Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 — a list of the twelve most pesticide laden fruits and vegetables and fifteen of the most pesticide free — as a shopper’s guide to produce purchasing. Topping this year’s Dirty Dozen is celery and includes peaches, blueberries and strawberries. Topping the Clean 15 is onion and avocado. The handy guide is printable and indespensible in your purse or wallet on your trips to the farmers market or grocery store. Particulary during this economy, it helps to have a narrowed-down list of what must, or should, be purchased organic! Check out the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 HERE.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit group that works to protect kids from toxic chemicals in our food, water, air and the products we use every day.  To learn more about them, join, or donate to the cause, visit the EWG website HERE.

FREE Kids Music – Lucky Diaz Gets Both Kids and Parents Singing and Dancing

One listen to musician Lucky Diaz’ catchy version of This Old Man on his new LP and you just might forget the knick-knack-paddywack of the old standard. But since we aren’t professional music reviewers, we thought it best to test the LP–available for FREE download on Lucky’s website– on our own L.A. Kid. Twenty minutes after watching our kid bop and dance and then refuse to turn the music off, we feel safe in saying that she loved it! Now the CD is a staple in our kid’s growing collection of music that we can enjoy and dance to as well.  Listen for yourselves, then download Lucky Diaz’ kids album Luckiest Adventure for free HERE, before it hits iTunes!

Hurray for HOLLYWOOD and The Trust for Public Land – UPDATE

TPL announced today that it’s deadline to raise an additional $1.5 million to save Cahuenga Peak from development has been extended 15 days to April 30, 2010.  (SEE RELATED L.A. KID STUFF STORY HERE)

Aileen Getty and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation said they will join to make a $500,000 matching grant to challenge the California community to close the gap. Ms. Getty and the Tiffany Foundation, both of whom had each previously donated $1 million to the campaign, will make their gifts if TPL raises an additional $1 million.

You still have time to donate online at www.savehollywoodland.org  Or you can donate via text message by texting the word LAND to the number 50555 to give $5.  (Standard messaging and data rates may apply.)

Hurray for H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D and The Trust for Public Land

It wasn’t hard to miss the SAVE the PEAK sign atop the iconic Hollywood sign a few months ago as a fundraising effort by The Trust for Public Land (TPL) to purchase Cahuenga Peak surrounding the sign to preserve it as open space and in the process, the pristine view of ‘HOLLYWOOD.’ It’s even less difficult now to acknowledge that TPL only has four days left–until Wednesday, April 14, 2010–to raise an additional $3 million to save the peak.

After TPL protection, the 138 acres of land would be added to Griffith Park, where it would continue to be open to families, hikers and joggers for enjoyment. It would also secure the habitat for a rare natural ecosystem that includes butterflies, the coast horned lizard and Plummer’s mariposa lily.

Growing up in Los Angeles, appreciating the Hollywood sign and surrounding Griffith park comes hand in hand with one day taking it for granted. That’s just human nature and something we’re guilty of. Fortunately, organizations like The Trust for Public Land are around, safeguarding and conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.

We invite you to look up with us, together with our L.A. kids, and develop renewed appreciation. In the spirit of getting reacquainted with our most famous city landmark and preserving open space for public enjoyment, we’ve included our favorite places to see the Hollywood sign and added other activities and attractions to do and see while you’re at the locations.

To donate to the Save the Peak cause and encourage others to do the same, visit the TPL campaign site HERE.

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. (MORE)

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 vogue away.

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

While you’re there: search for the “Giving Tree” inspired by Shel Silverstein’s children’s book. An easy hike from the entrance off of Canyon Drive to the tree also provides nice views of the Hollywood sign.  (MORE)

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.

While you’re there: Stop at the recently reopened east portion of the nearby Lake Hollywood reservoir, where you can take a leisurely stroll that’s flat and easy for the entire family and strollers. (MORE)

Kids Eat Free at IHOP Everyday in April

IHOP wants to spread the word to hungry L.A. kids and parents: kids eat FREE everyday in April between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. when accompanied by an adult who purchases an entree. “These days going out to dinner as a family can be expensive, and with overscheduled lives, family dinner time has dwindled, causing many families to opt for quick meals at home or on the go,” says an IHOP spokesperson. “For the entire month of April, families can break out of their routine without breaking the bank by heading to IHOP for its national ‘Kids Eat Free’ dinner promotion.” Find an IHOP location near you on their website.

International Pillow Fight Day comes to Pershing Square

Saturday, April 3rd is International Pillow Fight Day! Yes, there’s such a thing.  And while pillow fights historically are the territory of childhood, this one’s for all ages.  We don’t suggest involving your really little ones in this public pillow fight, but a spectator spot along the sidelines is an experience they won’t soon forget, if nothing else than for the sheer shock value (what? big people are hitting each other with pillows and laughing?)  While you’re watching, know that cities across the world are participating in the exact same activity.

Think you and your teens are ready to participate? Here are the rules:

Rules:
1. “Don’t talk about [Pillow] Fight Club!” (especially to news media and civic authories)
2. Don’t be in location until the exact minute. (set your watches)
3. Hide your pillows.
4. Rush in screaming “PILLOW FIIIIIIGHT!!!!!”
5. After 15mins of excruciating fun, leave.
6. Stay off the road and sidewalk. (don’t make this a police issue)
7. Do NOT hit anyone with out a pillow! (this includes but is not limited to people with cameras, bystanders, civic authorities, cars, use common sense!!)
8. “If this is your first [time] at [Pillow] Fight Club, you have to fight.”

International Pillow Fight Day

Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, 90014
Saturday, April 3, 2010
3 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: FREE
Website

Rabbit Revelry

We’ve got bunnies on the brain! Easter is significant for many reasons, but for many L.A. kids, the ubiquitous rabbit is as universal as it gets. In fact, it wouldn’t be Easter as we know it without the Easter bunny. Unfortunately, it takes a strong parent to recognize the pros, and more importantly, the cons of a spontaneous bunny purchase for the kid who deserves a fuzzy pet. Abandoned pet bunnies and the existence of no-kill rabbit shelters are testaments to this. Yet we know that even those who totally understand what we’re saying can’t deny a fluffy little cottontail! Never fear, for here are some options for an all-ages bunny fix that’ll be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Enjoy.

The Bunny Museum

Hop on over to The Bunny Museum–which is actually a private home that’s open to the public–filled with not 100, not 200, but 24,632 bunny items for your enjoyment! Seven live and free-roaming bunny pets reside there too and might just greet you when you arrive. Veggie presents for the pet bunnies are encouraged, but no carrots. (Go figure!) The museum is free but you’ll need to make a reservation. (MORE)

Rabbit Season at the Aero Theatre

American Cinematheque is celebrating spring with Rabbit Season at the Aero Theatre! A rabbit-filled matinee of family-friendly classic Warner Bros. shorts starring Bugs Bunny himself includes “Duck! Rabbit! Duck!,” “Devil May Hare,” “Rabbit of Seville,” “Operation: Rabbit,” “Bedevilled Rabbit,” “Rabbit Hood,” “Duck Dodgers,” “My Bunny Lies Over the Sea,” “Bugsy and Mugsy,” “Really Scent,” “Forward March Hare” and “Hare Lift.” Don’t miss an opportunity to share these cartoons with your family in 35mm on the big screen! An added treat for the kids: an egg hunt that’ll take place as part of the event. (MORE)

Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue

It’s nice to know that every creature has its guardian. For rabbits, Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue has been playing the part since 1993 by being a no-kill rabbit welfare organization. Based in the City of San Gabriel, Zooh Corner rescues, treats, spays/neuters and places as house pets rabbits that have been abused, neglected, injured or abandoned. So if your family is ready for the responsibility, adopt a bunny from Zooh Corner then learn with your kids at the free rabbit classes they’ll offer this spring at the San Gabriel Humane Society. You’ll learn what the best diet is for your pet rabbit, how to brush and groom your rabbit, how to trim his nails, the proper brushes, how to look for signs of illness and a rabbit vet, because not all vets treat rabbits.

For older kids, instill the value of volunteerism and charity by bringing a bag of fresh produce to the bunnies, volunteering to help love and groom the rabbits, helping with cage cleaning, becoming an education volunteer, donating items such as litter; cages and hutches; litter boxes and toys or donating money to help with health care and administrative costs to run Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue. (MORE)

Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the L.A. Zoo

An L.A. annual staple, no bunny list is complete without Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the L.A. Zoo. Rabbits (like their reindeer cousins) don’t normally live at the zoo and make special appearances only once a year. Big Bunny’s Spring Fling will allow children of all ages to pet live bunnies in the Egg Patch under supervision by the bunnies’ caretakers. Free bunny ears arts and crafts, face painting and carrot seed planting await your kids.  (MORE)

Interactive Science Party deal offers a birthday celebration that will be a hit

Have you used Groupon yet?  It’s a website with daily deals at phenomenal prices.  The only caveat to actually receiving the advertised deal is that the required amount of people have to have purchased the offer.  Today’s side deal is a great offer for you parents in the Los Angeles area looking for a unique birthday party idea for your 4-14 year old!  For $150, you can purchase an Interactive Science Birthday Party from Mad Science (a $275 Value) that includes fun science and lab activities for up to 14 kids at your home before the end of 2010.  These hassle free parties will keep your kids entertained with things such as rocket launches, cotton candy-making, bubbling potions and neon green water.  The last time we checked 2 out of the 5 required purchases have been made, so hurry to the website and purchase your kids birthday party!  Groupon website is here.  Check out Mad Science here.

Meet Mango! FREE mini mango frozen yogurts at Pinkberry today, March 12, 2010 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Pinkberry is introducing and celebrating its new flavor by offering free mini cups of frozen yogurt plus toppings today from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Using real Alphonso Mangos, which are among the sweetest in the world, Pinkberry’s going orange and betting that you’ll agree that their mango frozen yogurt is more than delicious! Find a Pinkberry near you HERE.