Wondering what to do with the family this weekend? Consider our family-friendly choices.
1. Rango
Where/When: Arclight Theater, 6360 West Sunset Blvd. For showtimes call (323) 464-4226.
Why go: It seems that Johnny Depp's latest animated feature has all the elements of a family friendly mega-hit. Crazy creatures, plenty of funny moments and a story line for parents and children are in this original tale.
Price: General admission $13; Children $10.
Where/When: The Pantages Theater, 6233 Hollywood Blvd. March 9 - 26. Evenings and matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m and 8 p.m.
Why go: Disney’s beloved tale is straight from Broadway to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this perfomance is visually spectacular. "Beauty and The Beast" is the musical love story of Belle and a horrible looking beast, who is actually a prince cast with an evil spell. The musical numbers captivate as Belle looks beyond the beast's exterior into the goodness of his heart. Children of all ages will enjoy this performance. For more information call 800-982-ARTS. Running Time: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
Price: $20 - $175
3. Comedy Improv for Kids by Kids
Where/When: L.A. Connection- 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. The comedy improvisational shows for kids are every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and there are some Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Check the site for times.
Why go: Comedy Improv is a fun event for the whole family. There is a show every Sunday afternoon and there are classes and shows following all weekend. Most of the shows are featuring younger kids and some are geared for teens. Your kids will love watching a show starring young comedians 5-14 years old. The comedians are trained by LA Connection. The L.A. Connection has been serving up laughs since 1977 and is a unique place to have a birthday party. For more information call (818) 784-1868.
Price: $7- $15
4. 37th Annual Festival of the Kite presented by the Redondo Pier Association and Sunshine Kite Co.
Where/When: Redondo Beach Pier. March 13 at 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Why go: Have some old-fashioned fun with your children that they will remember forever. Bring a kite to fly or just watch others. The 37th annual Festival of the Kite is one of the longest-running kite festivals in Southern California. In addition to kite flying there are Japanese taiko drummers, martial arts demonstrations and live music. There will be contests for the best handmade kite, best ground display, highest flying kite, youngest flyer of the day, and fun throughout the day. This event attracts thousands of people so consider public transportation.
Price: Free
Where/When: Malibu Pier, 23000 Pacific Coast Highway. Tours depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Satuday, Sunday, and holidays.
Why go: There are a couple more months to witness the annual whale migration up the California coast. There is nothing like seeing a whale up close and personal. While it's something you can't do every day, you must do it at least once. Trips depart from the Malibu Pier on weekends. Cruise on the 50-foot U.S. Coast Guard licensed vessel, the Malibu Surfrider. There is also an open-air boat where you may see grey whales, blue whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions while enjoying the beautiful Malibu coastline sprinkled with movie star homes. The tours are about 2.5 hours. For more information call: (310) 456-8031.
Price: Cost: $45 Adults, $35 Children and Seniors. For reservations, book online.
