What: Brentwood Farmer's Market
Where: 741 S Gretna Way, Los Angeles 90046
The market is one block west of Bundy, between San Vicente and Montana Ave. Parking is on the street along San Vicente.
When: Sundays, 9a.m.-2:30p.m.
Who: All ages
Mama of L.A. Review
I was really impressed with the Brentwood Farmer's Market for a number of reasons. For parents, if you are doing some weekly grocery shopping, the market is loaded with goodies. There are a lot of vendors offering fruits and veggies, oils, clothes, etc. and I noticed that prices of seemed to be lower because of the high competition. For kids, their are a number of fun things to do. On one end of the market their are a couple of bouncy gyms, although they charge $5 for 10 minutes of bouncing, which seems a little crazy but kids love nonetheless. Although not there today, I was told that usually they have animals for kids to marvel at as well. The best part, however, is that about half way through the market their is a playground for kids to play on. It has picnic tables and benches surrounding it, so it's perfect to pick up some fresh cooked food at the market and have a snack while your kids play.
Overall, nice Sunday stop for the whole family.
Extra Tips: Don't miss the empanadas or the fresh fruit juice offered at the pupusas stand. Bring sunscreen, it gets warm fast. The earlier, the better for parking, it is a bit of a walk if you get there late morning. Bring bags for grocery shopping, you will definitely want to take the fresh fruit home.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sesame Street The Body
What: Sesame Street the Body
Where: Hollywood & Highland center. The exhibit is on the second floor across from Starbucks and CPK.
When: Now through April 26th. Fridays-Sundays 10-6.
Who: All ages are welcome. Tickets are $10 for an adult & child and $5 for another adult or child.
click here to order tickets and for more info.
Mama of L.A. Review
I have to say that I was disappointed with this exhibit. There are quite a few "stations" for kids to interact with, but it felt like they were just placed in an open room. There was really no flow to the exhibit, kids and parents just running to where they wanted to go. Also, the point of the exhibit was to teach kids about the body and I didn't see how any of this was accomplished. Sure the games included jumping, kicking, pressing buttons and more, but with a loud noise level it was hard to hear much of what the game voices were trying to teach the kids.
The highlights of the exhibit are a short obstacle course with padded mats and the "Hoopers store" where kids use baskets to collect plastic health food options. Other than that, not much stood out. My daughter definitely didn't have a favorite part, which tells me something.
Overall, skip the exhibit and save the money to go to a live show.
Extra Tips: The exhibit is in the kodak theater with restaurants, so grab a bite before or after. Definitely reserve tickets online before you go, the room gets to capacity quickly.
Been to the Sesame Street Body Exhibit and have comments? Please feel free to share your opinion.
Where: Hollywood & Highland center. The exhibit is on the second floor across from Starbucks and CPK.
When: Now through April 26th. Fridays-Sundays 10-6.
Who: All ages are welcome. Tickets are $10 for an adult & child and $5 for another adult or child.
click here to order tickets and for more info.
Mama of L.A. Review
I have to say that I was disappointed with this exhibit. There are quite a few "stations" for kids to interact with, but it felt like they were just placed in an open room. There was really no flow to the exhibit, kids and parents just running to where they wanted to go. Also, the point of the exhibit was to teach kids about the body and I didn't see how any of this was accomplished. Sure the games included jumping, kicking, pressing buttons and more, but with a loud noise level it was hard to hear much of what the game voices were trying to teach the kids.
The highlights of the exhibit are a short obstacle course with padded mats and the "Hoopers store" where kids use baskets to collect plastic health food options. Other than that, not much stood out. My daughter definitely didn't have a favorite part, which tells me something.
Overall, skip the exhibit and save the money to go to a live show.
Extra Tips: The exhibit is in the kodak theater with restaurants, so grab a bite before or after. Definitely reserve tickets online before you go, the room gets to capacity quickly.
Been to the Sesame Street Body Exhibit and have comments? Please feel free to share your opinion.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Woodbridge Park
What: Woodbridge Park
Where: Corner of Elmer and Moorpark in Toluca Lake. Just 1 block East of Tujunga.
When: Open dawn to dusk.
Who: Toddlers and up
Mama of L.A. Review:
There are aspects of this park that are great but also a few downers. One portion that I really like is that toddlers have their own separate play area. It has unique equipment and little ones love the climbing apparatus with two slides. It is totally safe and fun for them to climb all by themselves. The toddler area also has the soft flooring so no bruises when they tumble.
The main playground is great for both older and younger kids. It is loaded with slides, drawbridges, a couple of toddler and regular swings, poles, etc. with sand to scoop, throw and dig. The park is surrounded by two fields that are big enough to run around, kick balls, walk dogs and take a stroll yourself. There are also a few picnic tables and benches for snack time.
The down side to this park is that there is barely any shade. It is surrounded by trees in a nice neighborhood, but not enough to cover the playground. It is also located next to an Elementary school which means kids, kids, kids when school gets out. If you like to go to parks on the quieter side, definitely go in the mornings and the sun won't be as bright either. Also, there are NO bathrooms, the closest being two blocks away, so be prepared. Oh, I should also mention that my experience with parents here has been wonderful. Everyone is really friendly which is refreshing.
Overall, really fun play equipment, but go in the mornings before it is too hot or school is let out.
Extra Tips: A great perk to this park is that it is just two short blocks away from Tujunga Ave., which has a really cute Gelato shop as well as Aroma Cafe, with great healthy food and incredible smoothies! Make a potty stop before you hit the park. Bring a ball to throw or kick with you, there is plenty of room. Don't forget the sunscreen.
Where: Corner of Elmer and Moorpark in Toluca Lake. Just 1 block East of Tujunga.
When: Open dawn to dusk.
Who: Toddlers and up
Mama of L.A. Review:
There are aspects of this park that are great but also a few downers. One portion that I really like is that toddlers have their own separate play area. It has unique equipment and little ones love the climbing apparatus with two slides. It is totally safe and fun for them to climb all by themselves. The toddler area also has the soft flooring so no bruises when they tumble.
The main playground is great for both older and younger kids. It is loaded with slides, drawbridges, a couple of toddler and regular swings, poles, etc. with sand to scoop, throw and dig. The park is surrounded by two fields that are big enough to run around, kick balls, walk dogs and take a stroll yourself. There are also a few picnic tables and benches for snack time.
The down side to this park is that there is barely any shade. It is surrounded by trees in a nice neighborhood, but not enough to cover the playground. It is also located next to an Elementary school which means kids, kids, kids when school gets out. If you like to go to parks on the quieter side, definitely go in the mornings and the sun won't be as bright either. Also, there are NO bathrooms, the closest being two blocks away, so be prepared. Oh, I should also mention that my experience with parents here has been wonderful. Everyone is really friendly which is refreshing.
Overall, really fun play equipment, but go in the mornings before it is too hot or school is let out.
Extra Tips: A great perk to this park is that it is just two short blocks away from Tujunga Ave., which has a really cute Gelato shop as well as Aroma Cafe, with great healthy food and incredible smoothies! Make a potty stop before you hit the park. Bring a ball to throw or kick with you, there is plenty of room. Don't forget the sunscreen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Playroom
What: The Playroom, an indoor play area
Where: 14392 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423 (818)784-7529
When: Monday - Friday 10-6, but closes some Tuesdays at 4:30
Who: Toddlers through Pre-school
Mama of L.A. Review:
It is a rainy day and my toddler gets very anxious to get out of the house and run around. I just happened to Google "indoor playground" and "The Playroom" popped up. I was actually a little skeptical about this. I pictured snot hanging from the corners of the room and kids screaming in an enclosed area. Anyway, I got over my premonitions and decided to give it a try.
Located on the second level of a strip mall, the underground parking is a bit annoying. Once you get over that though, and realize that the swarms of babies in the elevator are actually going to a "first baby" class at a different location, you are on your way to The Playroom. Once inside, you take off your shoes and pay a pretty hefty fee of $9 for the day. They do have other pass options, however, that bring the cost down to $6 when you buy in bulk.
Once exploring the not so large playroom, they pack a lot of really fun toys and elements in for the kids. About 15 push toys for little ones, short basketball hoops, a play kitchen, 2 mini roller coasters (not electric, just cars on a long slide), plenty of large balls, a ball pit, jungle gym with a surprisingly fast slide that my daughter would have flown off of if I didn't catch her, and the best part of all, a large jump house. I loved this because I am always too nervous to put my daughter in the ones with the older kids and here, the kids are about 4 and under, and most of the time she had it to herself. She loved the chance to practice her jumping skills in a safe place.
The flow of The Playroom works well. The attendant was always walking around putting toys into there places and making sure kids could run around easily. One complaint is that there was a child who wasn't being supervised and of course, as a result, getting away with bullying other kids. They do have a rule that every child has to be with adult supervision at all times, but this one got away with it and caused a few tears.
Overall, The Playroom is a friendly place to go on rainy days that lets little ones blow off steam and have a lot of fun.
Extra Tips: There are a few tables if you want to bring lunch and eat it there. Go expecting to play with your kids the whole time, a closed in area means more close collisions that can be avoided. If you can find street parking, use it.
Where: 14392 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423 (818)784-7529
When: Monday - Friday 10-6, but closes some Tuesdays at 4:30
Who: Toddlers through Pre-school
Mama of L.A. Review:
It is a rainy day and my toddler gets very anxious to get out of the house and run around. I just happened to Google "indoor playground" and "The Playroom" popped up. I was actually a little skeptical about this. I pictured snot hanging from the corners of the room and kids screaming in an enclosed area. Anyway, I got over my premonitions and decided to give it a try.
Located on the second level of a strip mall, the underground parking is a bit annoying. Once you get over that though, and realize that the swarms of babies in the elevator are actually going to a "first baby" class at a different location, you are on your way to The Playroom. Once inside, you take off your shoes and pay a pretty hefty fee of $9 for the day. They do have other pass options, however, that bring the cost down to $6 when you buy in bulk.
Once exploring the not so large playroom, they pack a lot of really fun toys and elements in for the kids. About 15 push toys for little ones, short basketball hoops, a play kitchen, 2 mini roller coasters (not electric, just cars on a long slide), plenty of large balls, a ball pit, jungle gym with a surprisingly fast slide that my daughter would have flown off of if I didn't catch her, and the best part of all, a large jump house. I loved this because I am always too nervous to put my daughter in the ones with the older kids and here, the kids are about 4 and under, and most of the time she had it to herself. She loved the chance to practice her jumping skills in a safe place.
The flow of The Playroom works well. The attendant was always walking around putting toys into there places and making sure kids could run around easily. One complaint is that there was a child who wasn't being supervised and of course, as a result, getting away with bullying other kids. They do have a rule that every child has to be with adult supervision at all times, but this one got away with it and caused a few tears.
Overall, The Playroom is a friendly place to go on rainy days that lets little ones blow off steam and have a lot of fun.
Extra Tips: There are a few tables if you want to bring lunch and eat it there. Go expecting to play with your kids the whole time, a closed in area means more close collisions that can be avoided. If you can find street parking, use it.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Coldwater Canyon Park
What: Coldwater Canyon Park
Where: 1100 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210
The park is located at the base of Coldwater Canyon, just as you start to head over the hill toward the valley.
When to go: All days. The unique water feature is really fun for kids on hot days, although some of the playground equipment gets too hot in the direct sun.
Who: Toddlers that are steady on their feet and up.
Mama of L.A. Review
Coldwater Canyon Park has a great feature that other parks in the area do not, a great windy path of flowing water that is open for kids to splash around in on warm days. The water is really cold, but kids don't care and it actually feels great on hot days. We went this past Sunday and it was the first time the water was running. My daughter ran around in her t-shirt and diaper along with the other kids and had a great time! I wish I was a little more prepared, since she ended up wearing a shirt of mine home, but she certainly did not mind.
This park also has great toddler swings. May sound funny, but they have long chains and the toddlers get a really "wide" swing. My daughter goes crazy with laughter here more than any other park. Another feature that I like is that there is an "older" and a "younger" playground area with plenty equipment for a lot of kids to have fun. The only down side is that it can get busy and a bit over crowded, which always takes the fun out of a park.
Overall, if you go a little earlier in the morning or afternoon, avoiding the masses, you will find a little oasis at Coldwater Park.
Extra Tips: Definitely bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit for your child, they will get soaked! Sunscreen is a must. Saturday and Sunday mornings are quiet and nice, with not too many people running around. Bring snacks and plenty of water, kids get a great workout here.
Where: 1100 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210
The park is located at the base of Coldwater Canyon, just as you start to head over the hill toward the valley.
When to go: All days. The unique water feature is really fun for kids on hot days, although some of the playground equipment gets too hot in the direct sun.
Who: Toddlers that are steady on their feet and up.
Mama of L.A. Review
Coldwater Canyon Park has a great feature that other parks in the area do not, a great windy path of flowing water that is open for kids to splash around in on warm days. The water is really cold, but kids don't care and it actually feels great on hot days. We went this past Sunday and it was the first time the water was running. My daughter ran around in her t-shirt and diaper along with the other kids and had a great time! I wish I was a little more prepared, since she ended up wearing a shirt of mine home, but she certainly did not mind.
This park also has great toddler swings. May sound funny, but they have long chains and the toddlers get a really "wide" swing. My daughter goes crazy with laughter here more than any other park. Another feature that I like is that there is an "older" and a "younger" playground area with plenty equipment for a lot of kids to have fun. The only down side is that it can get busy and a bit over crowded, which always takes the fun out of a park.
Overall, if you go a little earlier in the morning or afternoon, avoiding the masses, you will find a little oasis at Coldwater Park.
Extra Tips: Definitely bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit for your child, they will get soaked! Sunscreen is a must. Saturday and Sunday mornings are quiet and nice, with not too many people running around. Bring snacks and plenty of water, kids get a great workout here.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Studio City Farmer's Market
What: Studio City Farmer's Market
Where: 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City 91604 (It is right by the CBS studio on Radford and Ventura)
When: the Farmer's Market is open from 8a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sundays. The kids section opens at 9 a.m.
Who: All ages.
Mama of L.A. Review:
My favorite way to start Sunday is at the Studio City Farmer's Market, not to mention that my daughter talks about it all week long. The Farmer's market is only one long block, but they pack in a lot of fun. The east side of the market is totally reserved for kids. There are pony rides, a swing ride, a Thomas the Train choo choo ride, a petting zoo, a bouncy house and vendors that sell balloons, popcorn, toys, you name it.
The mid section of the Farmer's market has delicious food options. I love the vegetarian crepes, although they can take a while to make, and my husband prefers the breakfast burritos or fresh tamales. There are tables set up in the shade, so it is perfect way to have a mid-morning snack. The rest of the market displays vendors with fruit, vegetables, kids' clothes, flowers, fresh seafood, and many other items to get you through the week on a healthy diet.
Overall, a GREAT way to spend your Sunday morning!
Extra tips: Parking is easy until about 9:30, so get there early. Bring an extra bag for groceries, it is much easier than carrying a bunch of plastic bags. Bring sunscreen, it can get warm later in the day. Go with an appetite, the food is fresh and delicious!
Where: 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City 91604 (It is right by the CBS studio on Radford and Ventura)
When: the Farmer's Market is open from 8a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sundays. The kids section opens at 9 a.m.
Who: All ages.
Mama of L.A. Review:
My favorite way to start Sunday is at the Studio City Farmer's Market, not to mention that my daughter talks about it all week long. The Farmer's market is only one long block, but they pack in a lot of fun. The east side of the market is totally reserved for kids. There are pony rides, a swing ride, a Thomas the Train choo choo ride, a petting zoo, a bouncy house and vendors that sell balloons, popcorn, toys, you name it.
The mid section of the Farmer's market has delicious food options. I love the vegetarian crepes, although they can take a while to make, and my husband prefers the breakfast burritos or fresh tamales. There are tables set up in the shade, so it is perfect way to have a mid-morning snack. The rest of the market displays vendors with fruit, vegetables, kids' clothes, flowers, fresh seafood, and many other items to get you through the week on a healthy diet.
Overall, a GREAT way to spend your Sunday morning!
Extra tips: Parking is easy until about 9:30, so get there early. Bring an extra bag for groceries, it is much easier than carrying a bunch of plastic bags. Bring sunscreen, it can get warm later in the day. Go with an appetite, the food is fresh and delicious!
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