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May 9, 2008 |
Number 139 |
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Calendar, Advice & Tips for Busy Families in the San Gabriel Valley | |||||||||||||||
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By Karen E. Klein
You've spent months planning and saving for the perfect family vacation. You and your spouse have gotten time off of work, you've packed, you've shopped, you've stopped your mail, you've closed up the house, and you've boarded the dog. Sue B. Dance Co. And then these words erupt into the motel room at night, or burst up from the back seat of the car: "Man, I'm bored! When can we go home?" It's one of the low points of parenting. You've done so much work and gone to so much trouble, and no one's having fun. In fact, you fear that your kids may be soured on family vacations forever. After all, they have YouTube, instant messenger, videogames and online combat they can play from the comfort of the den at home. Why should they ever want to leave? Ever been through this one? I sure have. It seems almost inevitable, given the amount of money people spend on vacations and the impossibly high expectations that go along with them. Since we just finalized our summer vacation plans, I thought I'd offer up some do's and don'ts I learned the hard way after 18 years of family trips. Don't assume that your family will love - or hate - the kinds of trips that you took when you were a kid. Children are individuals and may be nothing like you. For instance, I absolutely love to travel and adored the long car trips my family took when I was little. My children, in contrast, get no thrill from hitting the road, despise tourist traps and have no interest in observing colorful scenery. My husband suffered through excruciating family camping trips, escaping only with significant emotional trauma. My kids took to camping right away and had a blast every time we did it. Do take your kids' attention spans, ages and interests into account when you plan trips. I know families who have great times tramping through European art museums with their kids, and others who look forward to visiting battle sites. My children were instantly bored in museums and wilted at historical parks. This is not to say that we haven't taken them to places like Washington, D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg - we have. But they mostly endured those venues until they could jump into the pool and tune in SportsCenter in the motel room at night. Don't stay in motels if you can help it. Several years ago, I wrote a business story about timeshares and found out that a lot of people get "stuck" with weeks they can't use in resort condos. Unless they can rent out their week, they lose their money. This means there are some great deals on vacation rentals at TUG, the Timeshare Users Group.. We've rented in Hawaii twice through TUG and had wonderful experiences both times. There's nothing like a roomy condo with separate bed and bathrooms and a full kitchen when you're traveling with kids. This Space Available Do travel with family and friends (that you enjoy being around). When the boys were small, we did yearly camping trips with families whose kids are the same ages as ours. Although camping is a lot of work, I'm glad we did it. The children all brought their bikes, boogie boards (we usually picked beach sites) and sports equipment, the adults brought cards and music, and we had loads of fun. Sharing the meal prep and equipment setup made the work bearable and contributed to some hilarious stories. We also cemented lifelong friendships. California state campgrounds use an online reservation system that is easy to navigate. Yes, the most desirable sites fill up quickly and should be booked early (up to seven months in advance), but even late in the game it's possible to find a nice campsite somewhere. For families on tight budgets, there's no vacation that's more affordable. Don't buy costly equipment - borrow the first year and then invest in accumulating some good items slowly over time. Don't make your vacations completely kid-centric, unless you really want to. We're not crazy about amusement parks, mostly because they're often overpriced, hectic and crowded. Also, we have our share of parks right here and can take day trips or overnights to visit them. So we found vacations that appealed to all of us. On the other hand, the one year we had some extra funds and found a great deal on a trip to Italy, we decided not to take the kids. We knew we wanted to spend time in museums, churches and historical sites - not exactly our kids' favorites. Once we were on the tour, we knew we'd made the right decision. Hours on a bus punctuated by narrated traipses through cathedrals thrilled us. Our kids were happier staying home with friends. Do consider vacationing close to home. We've done our share of flying around the country for vacation, but we've found you don't have to get far away to have fun. Some friends used to escape to the Arcadia Embassy Suites for a week a couple of times a year. They lived just down the street, but so what? At the suites they got a pool, spa, gym, air conditioning, room service and cable TV. It was relaxing, reasonable and fun. For several summers we've rented a cottage at Balboa, where units on the peninsula rent by the week during the summers and by the month during the winter. It can be noisy and boisterous (think herds of college students) but we have a roomy space, a patio where we can barbeque, access to the beach a half-block away, bike trails and the Fun Zone, shopping and movies nearby. A week is not exactly cheap, but compared to buying airplane tickets, booking a hotel and eating restaurant meals full-time, it's a pretty reasonable vacation for four. All right, that's the end of my wisdom for now. What are we doing this year? Yup, it's back to Balboa where we'll escape the heat for a week in August. We'll be in a new place this year, a little larger and in a little quieter neighborhood (fingers crossed). Since there are a couple of extra beds, the boys will be able to invite their friends to visit. The family vacation becomes more attractive to teenagers if they don't have to abandon their peers and get stuck with Mom and Dad for a whole week, you know! What are you doing for vacation? School's almost out, you know - so you'd better get planning! Just don't stress out: This is supposed to be about relaxation. Karen@theorangecat.org. |
Dates and times subject to change; activities free unless noted; phone numbers provided if reservations are requested; please note age ranges on some activities. Also, see our special printable calendar, especially for readers of The Orange Cat. Friday, May 9, 2008 Bandorama: Caltech Ramo Auditorium 8 p.m. Annual concert features the Caltech-Occidental Concert Band and the Caltech Jazz Bands. The same program will be performed on Saturday, May 10. No tickets required; reception follows each concert. 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Childhood Obesity: Alhambra Public Library 10:30 a.m. The Preventing Childhood Obesity seminar helps parents and childcare providers learn how to prevent obesity, explore healthy eating strategies, and ways to make physical activities a part of daily routines. Call (626) 570-3281 for details. 410 W.Main Street, Alhambra. Saturday, May 10, 2008 Los Angeles Children's Chorus: AUDITIONS Mime and Comedy: Rosemead Library 11:30 a.m. Join premiere mime and street performer Mark Wenzel as he explains and performs the art of the mime. 8800 Valley Blvd., Rosemead. French May Fair: Lycee International de Los Angeles, Pasadena 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment, crafts, games, bouncers, silly string, supersoakers. Toddlers through 12. Games, prizes, silent auction and French food such as crepes, waffles, quiche, sandwiches, and cakes. French wine and coffee for adults. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the LILA Pasadena Building Fund. Information: lilapasadena@yahoo.com. Lila Pasadena, 30 N. Marion Ave., Pasadena. Mother's Day Stories: Pasadena Central Library 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Celebrate mother's special day. A storytime for preschoolers with stories, songs, fingerplays, flannelboard stories, and a short video. For ages 3-5 and their families. No registration required. In the Storyhour Room. 285 East Walnut Street, Pasadena. Calico Critters: Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Meet Mrs. Fisher of Calico Critters, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Please call (909) 599-4558 to sign up. Cost is $5. 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Mothers Day Bouquet: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Kids make a colorful "bouquet" to show Mom how special she is. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Spring Wellness Day: Girls on the Run 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boys, girls and their families are invited for a morning of health and wellness education, fitness activities and fun. We are partnering with local organizations to teach families how to incorporate wellness into their lives. Breakout sessions feature yoga, family fitness, shoe clinic, eating to win and will be facilitated by local pediatricians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and certified yoga instructors. Information: Jennifer R. Levin, 626-577-3899; jennifer@gotrpasadena.com Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena. Flowers for Mom: Vromans Bookstore 10:30 a.m. Make colorful paper flowers for your mom, grandma or aunts and show them how much you care. Held immediately following storytime. 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, May 11, 2008 Mother's Day: Kidspace Museum 11 a.m. Children create a take-home card and gift for mom and enjoy other activities in the Kidspace Gardens. Also, a special garden brunch to honor Mom. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Mother's Day Craft: Descanso Gardens 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Keep the children busy at the Kids' Mother's Day Craft Table on the Main Lawn. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Life Management for Moms: MOMS Club of Altadena 10 a.m. -noon. Anne Bierling will give moms tools and ideas on how to manage daily activities, personal life and home. If you feel your life is chaotic or in disarray, this one's for you. Meeting open to Altadena moms; visitors and children welcome. No religious affiliation. For location, call 626-844-7916 or email altadenamomsclub@yahoo.com . Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Dutch Stories and Songs: Santa Catalina Library 4 p.m. Join Storyteller Janneke Briggs-Verhoeven for Dutch Storytime for families. Enjoy Dutch stories, songs, snacks and friends. For more information, phone (626) 744-7272. 999 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Friday, May 16, 2008 Family Theater Festival: Parson's Nose Productions 7 p.m. Theater company finishes its seventh season with an original, one-hour adaptation classic melodrama. Come boo the villain and cheer the hero. Information and tickets at website. $15 adults; $10 children 12 and under, students and seniors. Also Saturday, May 17, 2 and 7 p.m; Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m. Under the Tent at 1507 El Centro St., South Pasadena. Perilious Streets: Parson's Nose Theatre 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Melodrama takes the stage when old Capt. Fairweather of Alhambra dies and Bunker Hill banker Bloodgood steals his fortune, putting the Fairweather family out on the streets. Will the Fairweathers be avenged? Come boo the villain and cheer the hero in this comedy by Boucicault, adapted by Lance Davis. Ages 7 and older Show runs May 16 to May 18. 1507 El Centro, South Pasadena. Saturday, May 17, 2008 Asian Creations: Arcadia Historical Museum 10 a.m. to noon. See the wonderful ideas and creations that Asian Pacific people have contributed to our world. Make a colorful kite or pinwheel, listen to stories and music, and play games from these faraway places. 380 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia. Pasadena Area Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Beauties and Beasts: Arcadia Public Library 2:30 p.m. Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist Paul Stein brings his music to the library. Children will delight in musical pictures of bumblebees, wild mice, tarantulas, and snakes. Ages four and up. 20 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia. Family Fun Fair: South Pasadena Unified School District 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rides, carnival games, crafts, food and live entertainment make for pirate-themed family fun. Ticket and game proceeds benefit local elementary schools. Information: 310-795-3099. Also Sunday May 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1020 El Centro St., South Pasadena. Family Day: Norton Simon Museum 1 to 2:30 p.m. Big, small, round, skinny. Discover the human form in European and Asian artworks and then create a clay sculpture of a figure inspired by master artists from the past. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Barnyard Extravaganza: West Covina Library 2 p.m. Learn about barnyard animals and enjoy songs and magic tricks. The show will be followed by a petting zoo, and kids will get the chance to pet several animals, including bunnies, chickens, ducks, goats, alpacas, and even a miniature horse. For more information, call (626) 962-3541. 1601 West Covina Parkway, West Covina. Spring Fair: Silverlake Neighborhood Nursery School 1-6 p.m. Food, silent auction, games and music by Ellen and Matt, The Hollow Trees, Tomas O'Grady and Foreign Born. $12 at the door; $10 at the website; under 10 free. Information: 323-804-3466. 2700 Tesla Ave., Los Angeles. Jumbo People Puppets: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Children use buttons, pom-poms, and yarn to create adorable, jumbo-sized puppet pals. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Festival 2008: LivingWell Pregnancy Center 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Live music, a free picnic, a fundraising walk for LivingWell Pregnancy Center, and a kids' carnival with games and prizes. William Carey International University, 1539 E Howard St., Pasadena. Looking at People: Norton Simon Museum 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Big, small, round, skinny - discover the human form in European and Asian art and then create a clay sculpture of a figure inspired by master artists from the past. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Sunday, May 18, 2008 MOTA Day 2008: Museums of the Arroyo 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Six museums located along the celebrated Arroyo Seco open their doors for a free day of music, storytelling, art, crafts and entertainment. Venues are the Gamble House, Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles Police Historical Society, Lummis Home and Garden, Pasadena Museum of History and the Southwest Museum. Free shuttles available. Information: 213-740-TOUR. Six Arroyo Seco museums, Pasadena. Youth Concert: Huntington Library 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Young musicians from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts will perform a concert of classical and contemporary works. Information: 626-405-2100. Friends' Hall, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Monday, May 19, 2008 Getting Ready for Kindergarten: Pasadena Education Network 7-9 p.m. Panel presentation features parents sharing their experiences making the transition to Kindergarten, and Kindergarten teachers offering their perspectives on what to expect in the fall. Meet other parents whose children will be starting kindergarten this fall, and get information about PUSD elementary school Open House dates, coffees and more. Caltech, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Tuesday, May 20, 2008 Pinkalicious Purplicious: Lamanda Park Branch Library 4:15 p.m. Ready to be tickled pink or pizazzed with purple? Join us for a pinkalicious and purplicious party complete with games, crafts, and treats. Don't forget to wear pink or purple or both. 140 S. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. Thursday, May 22, 2008 Zak Morgan Concert: Kidspace Museum 6 p.m. Grammy nominated Zak Morgan kicks off the 2008 Concert series using music, magic, theater and comedy to incite children to read books and use their imaginations. Morgan's second CD, When Bullfrogs Croak, was nominated for a 2004 Grammy. Purchase tickets online. Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Saturday, May 24, 2008 Children's Art Walk: Monrovia Arts Festival Association 3:30 to 7 p.m. Artwork made by the young artists of Monrovia will be on display along East Lemon avenue from Myrtle to the KidsArt Studio across from the Fire Station. Ceramics, drawings, paintings, sculptures and more from local school students will be featured. Pizza, cake, raffle prizes, art demonstrations and other activities. East Lemon Avenue at Myrtle, Monrovia. Personalized Journal: Lakeshore Learning Store 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Kids can draw or write in their very own one-of-a-kind journals. 3848 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Family Fun Day: La Pintoresca Branch Library 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy great food, entertainment, arts and crafts, a skate park competition, music with a disc jockey and more. For more information, phone (626) 744-7268. 1355 N. Raymond Ave., Pasdena. Register Early Saturday, May 10, 2008 Mother's Day at Descanso: Descanso Gardens 12-3 p.m. Pamper Mom on this special weekend with music, five acres of roses and brunch. The Angels of Venice perform on harp, flute, cello, hammered dulcimer and percussion instruments. Kids’ Mother’s Day craft table will keep the children busy. Brunch served at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. $45 adults, $15 children ages 4-10; free 3 and under. Reservations mandatory: 818-790-3663. Mother’s Day activities also take place Sunday, May 11. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Friday, May 16, 2008 Night Walk: Descanso Gardens 7:15 p.m. Docent Jim Jackson leads a walk at a time when nocturnal animals and insects come to life, trees seem closer together and leaves rustle in the cool night breeze. Jackson also will talk about Descanso’s history and lore. Participants must be at least 12 years old, should wear sensible shoes, and bring a jacket and flashlight. Early registration recommended: 818-949-7980. $15. 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge. Sunday, May 25, 2008 PlanetFest: The Planetary Society 2-9 p.m. One-day live-data event features JPL mission scientists monitoring the entry, descent and landing of the Phoenix Mars Lander. Special guests from the space community include Bill Nye, Ray Bradbury, Louis Friedman and Donna Shirley. Order tickets at the website or call 877-752-6387. Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Click on the Continuing Activities headline directly above, or here, to see more fun children's activities. Are you aware of a great event or venue that we're not listing? If so, please let us know so we can include it in the next Orange Cat. Email: karen@theorangecat.org. |
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