W HAT ’S UP FOR KIDS APRIL 2015
HEALTHY FAMILIES WHAT’S YOUR FITNESS STORY?
SUMMER CAMP
MEMORIES AND LESSONS FOR A LIFETIME
Connecting Parents With Resources www.WhatsUpForKids.com
• Swim Lessons • PBC Camp • Sierra Sleep Away • Sport Specialty Camps in Tennis and Archery • Horsemanship • Academic Enrichment • AdventureTrek Transportation and Extended Days are available.
Sierra Sleep Away @ Bass Lake
|
Ages 7-17
310 • 541• 3664 www.pbcdaycamp.com 2 What’s Up For Kids
April 2015
EQUIP YOUR CHILDREN WITH TOOLS TO SURVIVE IN THE WORLD TODAY! Courteous and Cool etiquette school teaches life skills to a new generation of tech savvy children. In today’s fast paced world, opportunities for interaction are constantly evolving, yet basic social skills and respect for others are still essential. Give your child the gift of great manners and they are bound to succeed in life. Workshops on: Dining skills
Making positive impressions
Making friends
Cell phone and social media etiquette
Meet & greet skills
Making life more pleasant for those around you
Confidence building
CourteousAndCool.com
310-261-7235 Classes for kids (4-7) tweens (ages 8-12) & teens (13 & up)
E T I Q U E T T E SC H O O L A N D COT I L L I O N
www.WhatsUpForKids.com 3
In This Issue 10 Bora Bora For Families 13 Imagination: It’s More Important Than You Think 14 Summer Camp Directory 18 Summer Camp: Memories And Lessons For A Lifetime 24 How To Talk To Your Kids About Bad News
In Every Issue 6
Healthy Families What’s Your Fitness Story?
12 The Organized Family Best Tools For A Simple Life 20 Family Friendly Travel Turn Your Little Tots Into Tourists 26 On Dad’s Watch What Goes Around... 28 Calendar Find all the latest things to do around town! As events change be sure to call ahead!
COVER PHOTO AND STYLING COURTESY OF Stylist: Christie Richards Photo: Cynthia Olkie, Fleur De Lis Photo www.fleurphoto.com
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Letter from the publisher Ta-da!!! Did you notice? It’s April and there is another NEW issue of What’s Up For Kids! You may have missed it, but we have gone back to MONTHLY printing to get you the latest, greatest articles and things to do around the south bay EVERY month. Our website was re-launched too – with a new calendar, more articles and all! Spring is in the air! And so is spring break. Where are you going this year? Have you read our new column writer for Family Friendly Travel? Ready to pack up and hit the road – or the sky’s? How about creativity? We have a new expert with a great article on the importance of imagination. Stress? Who doesn’t have that. Articles for that too! Remember to keep connected with us on-line as well. We have all kinds of product giveaways and more on our Facebook page and website! www.whatsupforkids.com.
Thanks for reading!
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Healthy Families What’s Your Fitness Story? In our Commit to 5k program, we always start with helping the participants identify the story that has been running their lives in the area of health and fitness. Once they identify the story and recognize how it has been a limiting factor, they can then write a new and more empowering story. The story determines the feelings we hold, which determines the actions we take and the possibilities we see for ourselves. Many of the women in our group tell the story of self-sacrifice for their families and not having the time to take care of themselves. They’ve practiced it to such an extent that they are paralyzed from taking action and they feel defeated. Their actions don’t match their desires. As parents, we might think we’re doing the right thing by our children in sacrificing our time for them, but the truth is, we are teaching them by our example and modeling of self-care. What do you really want to teach your children by example? What is the legacy you want to leave that they will carry on in how they live? When we model an active lifestyle for our children, we teach them how to take their health and wellness into their own hands, for life. When we make time for some form of fitness in our daily routine, our family benefits because we return to them in a better frame of mind. We know from experience that going for a run often gives us a space to shake off stress and clear our heads, and we always return home more focused and happy.
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Are you wondering what your story is and how it plays out in the area of health and fitness? All you have to do is look at the circumstances of your life in this area then back track from the circumstances to the thoughts that consistently run through your mind in relation to it and you’ve uncovered your story. You can even trace that story further back and see how it has been a thread through your entire life. A little follow up activity for you: Identify your story and write it down. Then pay attention as you move through your days and see how it shows up and plays out in your life. Journal about what you notice and become aware of it in yourself and how you allow that story to limit you.
Commit to 5K is a 10-week program that combines life coaching with run coaching to ensure that participants reach their goal--Crossing the finish line at their first 5K race and establishing healthy, positive internal and external habits. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/committi5K Khatija Dadabhoy leads the life coaching portion of the program. She is a transformational counselor and coach who holds a MA in counseling. She specifically works with women who are ready to experience their inner revolution!! Kirsten Bell leads the running and physical fitness portion of the program. She is a certified running and triathlon coach. She’s been helping women kickstart and reach their fitness goals since 2010.
1,540
trained instructors
10,000
active kids per week
3,000,000
proud happy parents
Millions of kids agree. . .
Summer Fun is #1 at My Gym! Free Lifetime Membership when you enroll for classes
Must enroll on day of guest class and on recurring billing system. Valid only at My Gym location where trial class was taken.
Enjoy South Bay’s best fitness programs and birthday parties designed for children ages 6 weeks to 13 years.
Manhattan Beach • (310) 796-1300 Redondo Beach • (310) 318-2288 Torrance • (310) 530-7200 www.mygym.com
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Have your Birthday Party at Silly Goose Playground Private party from $350 For ages 1 and up Open Play Mon. - Fri. 10:00am-6:00pm
52449 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717 (310) 539-2792 www.SillyGoosePlayground.com
www.WhatsUpForKids.com 9
IF YOUR KIDS THINK YOU’RE “BORING, BORING,“ TAKE THEM TO
Bora Bora!
by Cynthia Bartlett The dazzling colors of the blue and turquoise water and the iconic overwater bungalows captivate you upon descent into Bora Bora, an island in French Polynesia, just a few hours beyond Hawaii. Although it is known to attract honeymooners with its romantic setting, Bora Bora is rapidly becoming a destination where the younger folk are welcome too. Especially during the school breaks, as my family did this past winter. The overwater bungalows, the scuba diving and the Turtle Center at Le Meridien are three good reasons why families should put Tahiti on their vacation radar. The overwater bungalows at Le Meridien delight upon entrance with the glass floor showcasing the fish swimming in the water below. Tastefully decorated in the Polynesian style with romantic mosquito-netted beds, the balcony French doors open to the warm, calm, crystal clear turquoise water and stunning views of the jagged remnant of a lush green ancient volcano beyond. My three active teenage boys enjoyed launching themselves into the water from their separate bungalow next door, swimming amongst the fish in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. As we were recently certified as Open Water Divers (kids can be certified as Junior Open Water Divers as early as 10) we were looking for a diving destination, promising great sea life. Bora Bora did not disappoint; the TopDive dive center provided my family with the best diving experience ever, as their instructors are professional, fun and patient and even inspired my 18 year old to advance his diving to the next level. Swimming together with the sharks and manta rays was an unforgettable family experience! An added bonus for children/teens at Le Meridien is their impressive ecological center, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of turtles. They offer a program, “Biologist for a Day,” in which two of my boys participated. Swimming with the turtles was their privilege as “healers,” as well as assisting staff in their care and feeding. We left Bora Bora, probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen, with some of my favorite family memories ever. It is still there, in all its surreal beauty, waiting to offer you and your family an unforgettable vacation for everyone.
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Cynthia Bartlett is an independent travel planner and affiliate of Travelstore, She loves sharing her passion of travel with her clients and strives to create itineraries that are unique and stress-free. Having lived in the United Kingdom and France, Cynthia has an extensive experience in and knowledge of Europe. However, she has also traveled to 6 of the 7 continents, so is able to assist in crafting unique itineraries in all corners of the world. She enjoys finding adventurous activities and experiences that are unique, so that her clients feel they have traveled “deeper” than the average tourist. Her expertise is in family/multi-generational travel, but she loves the challenge of making anyone’s travel dreams a reality! Cynthia can be reached at cynthia.b@travelstore.com or 310-750-9404.
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The Organized Family Best Tools For A Simple Life Tips for the kitchen 1. Keep your cupboard stocked for quick meals. 2. Store measuring cups & spoons in a basket near the baking supplies. 3. Salad greens stored together make for easy salad making when time is short. 4. Organize herbs & spices in alphabetical order for ease in cooking. 5. Cooking oil in a squirt bottle makes use of small amounts. 6. Flour in a large shaker allows for simple dusting of a baking pan. 7. Freeze smelly garbage. eg: chicken skin, bones, and grease in the freezer until trash pick up day. No more smelly waste cans. 8. Use a timer to keep food from burning when you may be distracted with the phone, kids or the doorbell. 9. Plan a weekly menu to eliminate, ”what will I fix for dinner?” 10. Create a shopping list, photocopy it, mark items as needed and eliminate writing one every time you shop. Easy Clutter Busters 1. If it fits, is in style and in season wear it. Otherwise donate it to a charity. 2. Locate a charity to will pick up donations monthly to keep you focused on de-cluttering. 3. If it cannot be replaced and you “love” it, keep it. Otherwise out it goes. 4. Clutter costs in time spent sorting, dusting, organizing and keeping track of items. 5. Consider consignment stores to make money on your clothing & household furnishings. Stores are available for household items, children’s things and clothing for men and women. 6. Don’t keep what is left from a garage sale. If it didn’t sell today it won’t sell later. 7. Consider donating building supplies to a special charity like Habitat For Humanity. 8. Make use of plastic storage bins and label them for easy identification later. 9. Keep a directory list or index cards to locate stored items. 10. When in doubt… toss it out! ©Ann Gambrell Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker available to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School. To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or to request her FREE monthly email tips email gambrellann@aol.com. You will be glad you did.
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IMAGINATION
More Important Than You Think One of my favorite quotes is by Walt Disney: “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world. “ I was speaking with a friend last week and we were talking a bit about dreams and said “can you imagine if someone said to Walt Disney – I am sorry sir, you cannot build a park filled with castles, rides and characters”….Can you imagine if he actually listened to the people who didn’t imagine and believe something so magical could be created? Walt Disney created something from nothing. He had a vision and created a whole new world. What is the imagination? The dictionary defines it as: the ability to imagine things that are not real; the ability to form a picture in your mind of something that you have not seen or experienced; the ability to try new things; a creative ability. In today’s world, imagination is a necessity. Our current culture calls for resourcefulness, problem solving and critical thinking at its best. Steve Jobs imagined a new way to communicate. Dr. Jonas Salk imagined that one day Polio would be eradicated. Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, imagined a new way to not only drink coffee, but to make, serve and sell coffee. Did their ideas work every time? No! Did they continue with their vision? Yes. They were able to see something the rest of us did not. Science calls for it. Medicine calls for it. Technology calls for it and so does Fashion, Film and Design. One must be able to picture in one’s mind something that “could be”. Play is a critical component to letting your child’s imagination soar. Children need to play at the park, get messy with paints, run around outside and climb trees. “Free time” allows a child to dream, think, and ponder – critical components to becoming an imagination maker. See you at art class! Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc., brings Art Enrichment Programs, Products, and Services to children ages 18 months –18 years old. Owner Lauren Perelmuter’s extensive background working with schools, both private and public, along with Cities, Corporate Day Care Centers, and non-profit organizations has moved Art To Grow On Inc. to the forefront as one of the leading art enrichment providers in Southern California. For class information and details, visit www.art2growon.com or call 310-625-6028.
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Kid Zone A great Place to grow! After School and Summer Camp Programs th Ages Kindergarten - 8 Grade
Save the date for…. Summer Camp 2015! June 15 - August 7
Don’t miss out…
Summer Camp Discount! before May1st -10% Early Bird Discount
www.rhumc.org/kidzone 310-377-7302 kidzone.midzone@gmail.com Lic # 197409233
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Sometimes it’s best to just unplug. Seven days in the great outdoors might just do the trick. Camp4Kids is proud to offer a week at the beautiful YMCA Camp Oakes in Big Bear filled with archery, canoeing, laser tag, challenge courses, community service, friendships and so much more.
JULY 25 - AUGUST 1
Kids ages 7-17 • Financial Aid may be available For more information or to register today visit
www.Camp4Kids.org
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Go from DRAB to FAB this summer at FAB Fashion Camp! Model your designs during a FAB Fashion Show Create one-of-a-kind designs Understand textiles & fabric Learn to Sew Age 5 -16
Half Day / Full Day Camps Available - July/August Register before May 31st for a FAB discount Book more than one camp for additional savings
FAB, Creative Design Studio Create • Design • Inspire
1137 Aviation Blvd. (In the Big Lots Plaza) Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Ph: (310) 993-2528 www.fabcreativedesign.com
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Summer Camp Memories (and Lessons) for a Lifetime By Cathy Alessandra Did you go to summer camp as a kid? Sleep away or day camp? I remember the day camps – local and fun. Craft time was my favorite. I remember the hammer and nails, the paint. I wasn’t much into sports or academics, but I did love to get creative (still do!). I did not attend sleep away camp, except for the girl scout troop trips during the school year. And of course, that was with my group of friends! But I do remember watching The Parent Trap and thinking how much fun sleep away camp would be! As my kids came of camp age, I was in the thick of What’s Up For Kids. Through my kids expo and magazine, I was fortunate to meet many of the camp directors and became familiar with the American Camp Association – a national organization with a California “branch” (a great resource! www. acacamps.org). I learned about many of the unspoken benefits of kids attending camp – from building self-esteem and confidence to learning about the world outside of the South Bay. So, I sent my kids to camp! And the first letter home had a tear-drop on the paper that was circled and said “I miss you”. Ok – yep – as a mom I ran inside from the mailbox and called the camp. And guess what, it had been 2 days since mailing the letter and she was having the time of her life. She was gone for 1 week and loved it. The following year she and her sister went – and then eventually another year later, her brother joined in the fun. I truly believe that having them attend camp was an opportunity of a lifetime. It gave my children a chance to be away from home, explore the world outside of “mom”, make new friends and build self-esteem and confidence in how they would show up in the world.
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My girls are now 20 and 22. They have gone to college, studied abroad, and become amazing young women – and their brother isn’t far behind! I had never experienced being away from home before leaving for college and it made for a very difficult transition. I hope, and believe, that giving my kids the opportunity to experience life outside of home in a safe and secure environment before actually moving away, made an impact in how they handled it. Be sure to do your “due diligence” in researching the perfect camp for your children. Talk to the camp director, research on-line, ask questions, even check out the articles on the American Camp Association website. You know your child best – what their interests are and in what type of environment they will thrive. Then give them a hug, send them on their way and know that you are helping to build lasting memories for them as well as self-confidence for life!
Great Neighborhood Locations Brentwood • El Segundo • Los Angeles • Manhattan Beach Palos Verde • Redondo Beach • Santa Monica
The FUN Science Day Camp for Curious Kids 5-11!
Destination Science April Special! Save $20/wk!
destinationscience.org 888.909.2822 www.WhatsUpForKids.com 19
Family Friendly Travel Turn Your Little Tots Into Tourists By Grainne Kelly When people think of traveling with young children they might start feeling a headache coming on, because anyone who has experienced this knows how challenging it can be. But it can be very worthwhile, especially for your preschool age children, and will benefit them as they grow older. Grainne Kelly, founder of BubbleBum, Child Passenger Safety Technician, and child travel expert, gives reasons why you should really consider traveling with preschoolers. • What do preschool kids gain through travel? Kids learn that the world is a lot bigger than just themselves and their house or familiar places. They learn certain rules about staying safe, social etiquette, etc. They will, hopefully, see different people doing the same familiar things, which will let them understand how similar we all are. In addition, it will also give them an appreciation of what makes each culture special (including language, customs, food, celebrations) teaching them that differences between people and cultures are not something to be feared, but rather embraced. • Why is important to take preschool kids on trips instead of waiting until they’re older? Preschool kids just want to spend uninterrupted time with those they love. Family trips are perfect! In my experience, preschoolers see the whole trip, even the drive to the airport and the waiting around as part of the excitement and adventure. My kids love exploring the departure lounges and guessing who is going where and why! When they are older they sometimes just want to get there and they’ll be glued to an iPad until we arrive. Preschoolers can also be a lot more open and curious about new places, people, foods etc... so it’s a good time to introduce these things and to begin teaching them awareness of their surroundings when you are with them. You hope that these rules to keep them safe will be normal for them as they get older.
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• What are some “emotional firsts” that preschool kids are likely to experience on trips? The excitement and nervousness of leaving home in the middle of the night to go on an airplane or long road trip. My kids love this part when we go away. Busy, strange places like airports or wherever you are traveling from can be intimidating and my children tend to stick together and hold hands much more than normal. Traveling as a family can be a great bonding experience and encourage children to look out for each other and be responsible for their belongings. Something that in the safety of their own environments they haven’t needed to do. • What are some ways to make trips memorable for preschool kids? Younger children enjoy being part of the planning process too which again can be a great learning experience for them and it adds to their excitement. Not something they’ll fully understand, but it’s about planting the seeds. My kids love to plan what they take and to help pack their things. They each have their own carry on bags which they are responsible for no matter how young. Photos of the whole journey and little keepsakes make trips memorable. We do little journals that start before we leave. Some we keep, some we don’t. • Other suggestions for making travel special for preschool kids? For special trips, like summer vacations, we make each of the kids a scrapbook with photos and they help write the captions. Kids, even preschoolers, remember more than we think. If they know a little bit about where they are going they can imagine and plan things to do, sometimes making the trip more meaningful. However, kids do love a surprise too. BubbleBum was founded by Safekids USA Certified CPST Grainne Kelly from Northern Ireland. Kelly believes that every child deserves to be protected and safe while parents should be able to do just that with convenience and ease. BubbleBum is an award-winning portable, lightweight, brightly colored, inflatable booster seat for kids ages 4-11 easily deflates and folds flat so that kids or parents can carry it in backpacks or handbags, making it perfect for vacations, rental cars, taxis, buses, school trips or carpooling. ‘Like’ BubbleBum on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Learn more at www.bubblebum.us.
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How To Talk To Your Kids About Bad News I had planned to write about another subject, but I just heard very sad news that my son’s good friend lost her father unexpectedly. As a parent, it’s hard to share that kind of news with your child. You never want them to feel sad, but it is a part of life. They say that children are very resilient and I believe that being exposed, little by little, to the harsh realities of the world, are opportunities for them to learn how to adapt. Divorce, moving and loss of a job are other challenging events for families. Sheltering our kids from these realities doesn’t really help them in the long term. They will be looking to us to determine how they should react to the news. If we are a too stoic and show no emotion, they may not feel safe to share what they’re feeling. If, however, we are a basket case, it may scare them to see their parent that unsettled. Their concern will turn to you and they will be diverted from the event at hand. In the case of a tragedy, you will do the best you can. When you’re able to compose yourself enough to calmly share the news, even if you are crying, it’s a chance for your child to see you express your emotions. Knowing that their rock is still there for them, they’ll feel safe enough to reveal their own feelings. We all hope that we can shelter our kids from the big, bad world for as long as possible. When we’re confronted with difficult situations, we are forced to let our kids peek at some of the “not-so-pretty” elements of life. These, and how we handle them, will be the moments that will shape their young lives. “Allowing children to show their guilt, show their grief, show their anger, takes the sting out of the situation.” - Martha Beck Here are a few ideas to help you “break the news” • Keep the information age appropriate. Too many details can be overwhelming for young children. Start with less and then be open to their
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questions. Don’t be surprised if you tell a young child something earth shattering and then they run off to play. They’ll process it in their own way. • If older children are upset or push you away, simply let them know that you are there for them. Stay outside their door and tell them that you’re just going to be here when they need you. Tell them that they can ask questions when they’re ready and be willing to answer honestly (again keeping their age in mind). Trust that your child is RESILIENT! Let them know that you believe in them and that they are going to be OK. As long as they know that someone has their back, they’ll find their inner strength. Michele Pullo created happycalmchild out of the needs of her own family and friends to have simple, tangible tools to help our children self-regulate their emotions, focus and ease anxiety. She works with both children and their parents through live and virtual classes, talks, webinars, family workshops and a private family program. She’s combined evidence based stress reduction tools with effective parenting techniques to give parents the support they need. Her experience as the mother of a 9yr old with ADD and a spirited 4yr old keeps her in the trenches with you! Michele’s background working with children, teaching Yoga and Dance along with 25 years of study on Stress Reduction Techniques, Movement for Learning and the Mind/Body Connection helped her create a structured, easy to follow, fun curriculum that gives kids the tools they need while giving parents the results and support they’ve been looking for!
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On Dad’s Watch What Goes Around... by Michael Malgeri
We’ve all heard the expression, “what goes around comes around.” Typically, it’s in the context of paying for past transgressions. It ranks right up there with “I told you so!” as one of the most abrasive, non-productive, in your face expressions the human race has ever contrived. Now and then, however, an alternative outcome presents itself, one that often takes years to take shape. If one is lucky, it will happen unexpectedly and when it’s sorely needed. These last few weeks have been excessively stressful at work, so much so that I found myself being a bit prickly with the kids on occasion. “I’M SUSPENDING BREAKFAST FOR LIFE!!!” Fortunately, Mom is always there to provide cover. “Dad’s job is very tough now. He’s under a lot of stress. The Leftists peaceniks are trying to revoke his license to kill.” They think I’m a secret agent of course. The truth of the matter is, things were not that bad, but because I generally behave like a 12 year old with our children, they noticed the slight change in my behavior as I focused on the task at hand. And so it was, in the depth of my despair, in the wee hours of the morning (go with me on this folks for dramatic effect), I received a text message from our daughter, who, like all 21st century kids, sleeps with her iPhone. It said, “It’s time to dance in the rain!”, which was sage advice I had given our children about having a positive attitude when life brings stormy weather. In a flash, I was jolted to happiness. My energy skyrocketed and I’ve formed a committee to explore my candidacy for the Presidency. Needless to say, she got a BIG hug in the morning. Sometimes, what goes around is really nice when it comes around.
Along with “On Dad’s Watch” Michael has also written a series of books he calls “Bedtime Stories about Capitalism,” which teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com. You can write to him at mmalgeri@kids4biz.com
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Calendar April THURSDAY, APRIL 2 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a tyke hike. 10am. $5 donation. 310-782-3989. TUESDAY, APRIL 7 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546. FRIDAY, APRIL 10 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. krislaleche@yahoo.com. Barnes and Noble, 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts French story time with Arlette.3:30pm. 310-725-7025.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts “Billy the Bull Frog” author and story time. 1-2pm. Free. 310-782-3989.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science. 2-4pm. $5 per person. (310) 782-3989.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 14 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email hbmoms@yahoo.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 Plaza El Segundo on Sepulveda, North of Rosecrans has Mommy & Me and Daddy Kids Club the third Thursday of the month from 10am to noon beginning April 17th through December. Meet in front of The Counter restaurant. www.plazaelsegundo. com
SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, celebrates EARTH DAY. 9am 2pm. 310-782-3989. Barnes and Noble, 21500 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance hosts story time. 11am. 310-370-5552. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Dr., San Pedro, celebrates Earth Day. Enjoy exciting activities from hatching grunion eggs to visiting the salt marsh. 8am-3pm. FREE. (310) 548-7562.
MONDAY, APRIL 20 The South Bay evening group of LaLeche meets the 3rd Monday of each month at the Beach Cities Health District. 7:00pm. Free. krislaleche@yahoo.com.
April 2015
of events TUESDAY, APRIL 21 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 7pm. (424) 634-2660.
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 Barnes and Noble, 1800 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts French story time with Arlette.3:30pm. 310-725-7025.
LOOKING FOR MORE THINGS TO DO? www.WhatsUpForKids.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989. Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nighttime Star Party. 7pm – 9pm. Free. 310-782-3989.
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ONGOING
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES As events may change, please call ahead.
MONDAY
Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., R.H.E., hosts Babies in the Library, a story time designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 310-377-9584, ext. 601. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts a story time for ages 2-5 year olds. 10:30am. 310-3779584, ext. 551.
TUESDAY
Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time Ages 2-5. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts story time for ages 6-24 months. Free. 11:30am. 377-9584. Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for various age levels at 4 South Bay locations. Call for the details. 373-0280.
WEDNESDAY
Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts story time for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am 377-9584. Lomita Library, 24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, hosts preschool story time at 10am. 539-4515. Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time for ages 2-5. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.
. Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 NO. Pacific Coast Hwy., hosts Pajama story time. All ages. 6:45pm. 318-0675
FRIDAY
Little Fawn, a parent participating nature program for children ages 2-5, takes place every Friday at Deane Dana Friendship Park, 1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro. 10-12noon. $5. (310) 519-6115. Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts Babies in the Library, a story time designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551. Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts Friday fun. Learn about nature through crafts, stories and hands-on fun! 10-12noon. $5 donation. (310) 782-3989.
SATURDAY
Barnes & Noble, 1800 W. Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts Children’s Story time. 11am. 310-725-7025.
SUNDAY
Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier offers story time every Sunday at 11:30am. 379-8117. Southern California Live Steamers offers free train rides the first Sunday of every month from 11am—3pm at the East end of Wilson Park in Torrance.
Visit the website for more exciting things to do with your family!
www.whatsupforkids.com
Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts story time for ages 2-5. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601. Redondo Beach Library North branch, 2000 Artesia Blvd., hosts story time for 1-5 year olds. 1pm. 318-0675.
Submit your event on our website!
THURSDAY
30 What’s Up For Kids
Print deadline for the May/June 2015 issue is April 1, 2015.
April 2015
Family Resource
DIRECTORY
CLASSES The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts Where kids grow up and make memories to last a lifetime. Ages 2 and up. University trained teachers, limited class size. (310) 519-3600, 28901 S. Western Ave. #113, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA www.Dance-Factory.com
 Peninsula School of Performing Arts Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and More! Tita Boulger, director. Please check our website: www.pspadance.com, for class information, teacher bios, calendar and fees. (310) 375-1398 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 700 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA Â
Do you offer classes or services to South Bay families? Listings start at only $75/issue. Call us today!