Free things to do with kids this weekend in Los Angeles (August 14–16)

Little Explorers

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Explore, play, and create with us at Little Explorers.

Smarty Pants Storytime

Hermosa Beach Library · Hermosa Beach · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Family Story Time

Buena Vista Branch Library · Burbank · Ages 5–12

Children ages 0-5 and their grownups are welcome to join us for our weekly story time filled with books, songs, rhymes, and lots of silly fun!

LA’s Garden

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens.

Read with STAR Reader Sarah

Brentwood · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Children are invited to share the joy of reading with our STAR volunteer Sarah.

Sound of Water

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water…

Summer Lego Club @ Brewitt

Brewitt Neighborhood Library, 4036 E. Anaheim St. 90804 · Long Beach · Ages 3–13

Library Location: Brewitt Event Type: STEM and STEAM,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years),School-age (6-12…

Family Storytime @ Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave. 90805 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Michelle Obama Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: All Ages Contact Name: Kory Ederer…

Smart Start: Baby Band

Diamond Bar Library · Diamond Bar · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Music helps your baby’s brain make more learning connections, build fine and gross motor skills, and teach social skills.

Smarty Pants Storytime

Gardena Mayme Dear Library - Meeting Room · Gardena · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Baby Storytime

Lancaster Library - Meeting Room · Lancaster · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program With your baby on your lap, enjoy bonding through favorite old and new nursery rhymes, finger plays, songs, and age-appropriate books.

Baby Storytime

Baldwin Park Library - Meeting Room · Baldwin Park · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Enjoy a morning storytime with your baby and build their early learning skills through stories, rhymes, and gentle movement.

Baby-Toddler Storytime

Westlake Village Library · Westlake Village · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Join us for a storytime designed for babies and their caregivers.

Cuentos y Crafts Storytime @ Burnett

Burnett Neighborhood Library, 560 E. Hill St. 90806 · Long Beach · Ages 1–12

Library Location: Burnett Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Storytime Audience: Babies (under 1 year),Toddlers (1-3 years) Contact Name: Youth…

Sea Animal Themed Preschool Storytime @ Alamitos

Alamitos Neighborhood Library, 1836 E. Third St. 90802 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Alamitos Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities,Summer Reading Program Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years) Contact Name:…

Smarty Pants Storytime

Carson Library · Carson · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Smarty Pants Storytime

South El Monte Library · South El Monte · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

STEM Mobile Makers w/ CSULB

Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway 90802 · Long Beach · Ages 5–12

Library Location: Billie Jean King Event Type: STEM and STEAM,Summer Activities Audience: School-age (6-12 years) Contact Name: Beatriz…

Toddler Storytime @ Dana

Dana Neighborhood Library, 3680 Atlantic Ave. 90807 · Long Beach · Ages 1–3

Library Location: Dana Event Type: Storytime Audience: Babies (under 1 year),Toddlers (1-3 years) Contact Name: Library Staff Contact…

Toddler Storytime @ El Dorado

El Dorado Neighborhood Library, 2900 Studebaker Rd. 90815 · Long Beach · Ages 1–3

Library Location: El Dorado Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Toddlers (1-3 years) Contact Name: Librarian…

Zipper Clutch Bag

Glendale Central Library · Glendale · Ages 10–13

Machine Sewing Sew A Zipper Clutch In this workshop, you will learn how to sew a clutch style bag with a zipper closure and then customize…

Adult Enrichment Storytime @ Harte

Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. 90810 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Harte Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Adults Contact Name: Erin Castillo-Swaika Contact Email:…

Baby Band Practice

Leland R. Weaver Library · South Gate · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Music helps your baby’s brain make more learning connections, build fine and gross motor skills, and teach social skills.

Preschool Storytime @ Bay Shore

Bay Shore Neighborhood Library, 195 Bay Shore Ave. 90803 · Long Beach · Ages 3–5

Library Location: Bay Shore Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years) Contact Name: Anna Contact Email:…

Smarty Pants Storytime

San Gabriel Library - Meeting Room · San Gabriel · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Smarty Pants Storytime

Bell Express Library · Bell · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Welcome to the Library: Parents and Babies

Avalon Library · Avalon · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Help develop motor skills through playing with our collection of manipulative toys and board puzzles.

Lunch at the Library

Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library and Jefferson Branch Library · Pasadena · All ages

Library Location: Jefferson Branch Library,Villa Parke Community Center Branch Library Audience: Children,Family (0-12),Infants and/or…

Mystery Readers @ Bach

Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. 90808 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Bach Event Type: Books, Authors, and Writing,Summer Activities Audience: Adults Contact Name: Library Staff Contact…

Read With STAR Volunteer Megha

Fairfax · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Children are invited to share the joy of storytelling and reading with our STAR volunteer Megha.

Smarty Pants Storytime

Bell Gardens Library · Bell Gardens · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Preschool Storytime @ El Dorado

El Dorado Neighborhood Library, 2900 Studebaker Rd. 90815 · Long Beach · Ages 3–5

Library Location: El Dorado Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years) Contact Name:…

Free “First” Friday

Kidspace Children’s Museum · Pasadena · Ages 3–12

Join us for a Special Free First Friday – Back to School edition!

Chess Club

John C. Fremont · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Chess Club

Memorial · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Do you play chess? Are you interested in learning? Then, join Stephen and Avi every Friday afternoon to learn and play chess with other…

Tech Help @ Harte

Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. 90810 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Harte Event Type: Adult and Family Literacy,Summer Activities Audience: Adults,Adults (55+ years) Contact Name: Erin…

Jigsaw Jam @ Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave. 90805 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Michelle Obama Event Type: Entertainment Audience: Adults,Adults (55+ years) Contact Name: Staff Contact Phone:…

Outdoor Family Game and Play Night

Hastings Branch Library · Pasadena · All ages

Library Location: Hastings Branch Library Audience: Adults,Adults 50+,Children,Emerging Adults (18-24),Family (0-12),Infants and/or…

Chess Knights

La Pintoresca Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 5–13

Library Location: La Pintoresca Branch Library Audience: Children,Tweens Event Type: Hobbies/Crafts/Games Kids, cultivate strategy and…

Creation Station

Avalon Library · Avalon · Ages 5–12

In-Person Program Stop by the library on Tuesdays and Fridays for a small art project.

Oceanography for Teens

Stevenson Ranch Library - Meeting Room · Stevenson Ranch · Ages 10–13

In-Person Program Teens, join a fun program to learn about the exciting field of oceanography, then make an aquarium in a jar to show off your love of the oceans.

Shine Through: Glass Votive Art

Leland R. Weaver Library - Meeting Room · South Gate · Ages 10–13

Light up your creativity! Join us to paint your own glass votive using colorful acrylics. For teens ages 12-18. Leave a small window in…

Drop-in Yoga

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

10:00 am - 11:00 am Drop-in Yoga Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, drop in for a rejuvenating yoga session.

KCRW Summer Nights: Good Food Night Market Edition

The Wende Museum’s Community Center · Culver City · Ages 3–12

Eat, explore, and dance at a free, all-ages KCRW Summer Nights party at the Wende Museum, featuring a Good Food–curated Night Market.

Brand Summer Concert Series

Brand Library & Art Center · Glendale · Ages 3–12

Orchestre Moto Join us for a live performance by Orchestre Moto on Friday, August 14 starting at 7:00 PM. The Summer Concert Series…

"Gentle Giants" by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry

Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station · Glendale · Ages 3–12

Sponsored by the Arts & Culture Commission "Gentle Giants" is a suspended installation of collaged paper figures all created from black paper and painted fragments.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Littlerock Library · Littlerock · Ages 3–12

In-Person Program Join us as our Friends of the Library sells a wide selection of children's, teen, adult, and foreign language books, as…

Little Explorers

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Explore, play, and create with us at Little Explorers.

STAR Reader

Woodland Hills · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

All children are invited to read stories with our volunteers.

Drop-in Yoga

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, drop in for a rejuvenating yoga session.

Friends of the Library Art Book Sale

Silver Lake · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

The art lover's event of the year! Support your local branch by purchasing books from the Friends of the Silver Lake Library (FoSLL)'s…

LA’s Garden

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens.

Play and Explore

View Park Bebe Moore Campbell Library · Los Angeles · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Scavenger Hunt @ Los Altos

Los Altos Neighborhood Library, 5614 E. Britton Dr. 90815 · Long Beach · Ages 1–12

Library Location: Los Altos Event Type: Entertainment,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years),School-age (6-12 years),Toddlers…

Sound of Water

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water…

Allendale Book Discussion

Allendale Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Allendale Branch Library Audience: Adults,Adults 50+ Event Type: Book Group Join us as we discuss The Leavers by Lisa Ko…

Cuentos y Cantos @ Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave. 90805 · Long Beach · Ages 1–5

Library Location: Michelle Obama Event Type: Storytime Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years),Toddlers (1-3 years) Contact Name: Librarian…

Eastern Armenian Storytime

Glendale Central Library · Glendale · Ages 1–12

Enjoy an Armenian language picture book read-aloud session with rhymes, poems, letter-learning, and games.

Play and Explore

Carson Library · Carson · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Come join us for a morning of play, curiosity, and creativity!

Starting a Business: What You Need to Know

Lamanda Park Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Lamanda Park Branch Library Audience: Adults,Adults 50+ Event Type: Business/Finance If you are thinking about starting a…

Toddler Art Time

Hermosa Beach Library · Hermosa Beach · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Explore early learning skills, pre-writing, imagination, and problem solving with your child through free-form art activities.

Bound & Determined

La Pintoresca Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 3–12

Library Location: La Pintoresca Branch Library Audience: Adults,Emerging Adults (18-24) Event Type: Book Group A modern book club exploring trending titles across genres.

Drum Fun!

Fairfax · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Participants of all ages are invited to a family drum circle led by instructors from Drum for Your Life.

Encanto Sing-Along

Hastings Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 3–13

Library Location: Hastings Branch Library Audience: Adults,Adults 50+,Children,Emerging Adults (18-24),Preschool,Teens,Tweens Event Type: Film Encanto Sing-Along!

Family Storytime @ Bay Shore

Bay Shore Neighborhood Library, 195 Bay Shore Ave. 90803 · Long Beach · Ages 1–12

Library Location: Bay Shore Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years),School-age (6-12 years),Toddlers…

JANM Natsumatsuri Family Festival

Terasaki Budokan · Los Angeles · All ages

Free family summer festival at the Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo, presented by the Japanese American National Museum: taiko drumming by…

Little Artists

Live Oak Library - Meeting Room · Arcadia · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Unleash your inner artist!

Mini Sculptors

El Monte Library - Meeting Room · El Monte · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Create your own sculptures with soft, squishy model magic!

Play & Explore

Lennox Library - Meeting Room · Lennox · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Come join us for a morning of play, curiosity, and creativity!

Smarty Pants Storytime

Avalon Library · Avalon · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program Let’s get ready for school!

Teen Advisory Board

San Gabriel Library - Meeting Room · San Gabriel · Ages 10–13

In-Person Program Are you a teen interested in making a difference in your library and community?

Teen Art Day

Norwalk Library - Meeting Room · Norwalk · Ages 10–13

In-Person Get creative while exploring artists, art history, and painting techniques from around the world!

Toddler Storytime @ Bach

Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 N. Bellflower Blvd. 90808 · Long Beach · Ages 1–3

Library Location: Bach Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Toddlers (1-3 years) Contact Name: Emma Contact Phone:…

Wayfinder Family Services Back-to-School Bash

Wayfinder Family Services · Los Angeles · Ages 3–13

Free back-to-school celebration at Wayfinder Family Services with a backpack giveaway for every registered participant, plus crafts, games, face painting, and lunch.

Welcome to the Library: For Parents and Babies

Rosemead Library - Meeting Room · Rosemead · Ages 1–5

In-Person Program New parents, join us at a special program designed for you.

West Pasadena Book Group

Linda Vista Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Linda Vista Branch Library Audience: Adults,Adults 50+,Emerging Adults (18-24) Event Type: Book Group Discussion for…

Rock Painting @ Los Altos

Los Altos Neighborhood Library, 5614 E. Britton Dr. 90815 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Los Altos Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Summer Activities Audience: All Ages Contact Name: Staff Contact Phone:…

Welcome to the Library: For Parents and Babies

Graham Library · Los Angeles · Ages 1–5

Bienvenidos a la biblioteca: Para padres y bebés Parents, join us at a special program designed for you.

Adaptive Storytime @ BJK Main

Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway 90802 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Billie Jean King Event Type: Storytime,Summer Activities Audience: Preschoolers (3-5 years),School-age (6-12 years)…

Build It!

Pacific Park Library · Glendale · All ages

Unleash your creativity! Design, construct, and create with the Library's building materials. For families with children ages 3 to 12. This…

Music Animated with Ben and Friends

Brand Library & Art Center · Glendale · Ages 1–12

A Unique, Family-Oriented Music Program With a program featuring funky music and giant puppetry, adventure into inspiration with Ben and Friends.

Oceanography for Teens

Sunkist Library - Meeting Room · La Puente · Ages 10–13

Teens join a fun program to learn about the exciting field of oceanography, then make an aquarium in a jar to show off your love of the oceans.

3D Modeling Pop-up @ Burnett

Burnett Neighborhood Library, 560 E. Hill St. 90806 · Long Beach · Ages 10–13

Library Location: Burnett Event Type: STEM and STEAM,Summer Activities Audience: Adults,Teens Contact Name: Luisa Leija Contact Email:…

Drum Fun!

Pio Pico - Koreatown · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Participants of all ages are invited to a family drum circle led by instructors from Drum for Your Life.

Listen, Create, and Celebrate!

East Los Angeles Library · East Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

In-Person Program Join us as we celebrate the Chicano Resource Center's 50th Anniversary!

Read to a Dog

Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library · Marina Del Rey · Ages 5–13

In-Person Program Practice your reading skills by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog and volunteer handler from the BARK Reading Dogs group!

Be Pawsitive @ BJK Main

Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway 90802 · Long Beach · Ages 10–13

Library Location: Billie Jean King Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Health and Wellness,Summer Activities Audience: Adults,Adults (55+…

Classical Violin Concert

La Pintoresca Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 10–13

Library Location: La Pintoresca Branch Library Audience: Adults,Emerging Adults (18-24),Teens,Tweens Event Type: Arts & Culture,Live…

Comedy Juggling with David Cousin

Topanga Library - Meeting Room · Topanga · Ages 5–12

In-Person Program Juggler David Cousin, holder of five world records, presents an energetic juggling performance filled with amazing feats and audience-pleasing fun.

Create Your Own Suncatcher for Teens

Masao W. Satow Library - Study Room · Hawthorne · Ages 10–13

Create a colorful suncatcher while exploring pattern-making, color combinations, and design balance.

Family Crafternoon: Bookmarks @ Brewitt

Brewitt Neighborhood Library, 4036 E. Anaheim St. 90804 · Long Beach · Ages 5–13

Library Location: Brewitt Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Summer Activities Audience: Adults,School-age (6-12 years),Tweens (10-12 years)…

Insect Investigators

Buena Vista Branch Library · Burbank · Ages 5–12

Join us for an exploratory afternoon all about insects!

Ocean Explorers @ Mark Twain

Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St. 90813 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Mark Twain Event Type: Arts and Crafts,STEM and STEAM,Summer Activities,Summer Reading Program Audience: All Ages Contact…

Summer Game Days!

Charter Oak Library · Covina · Ages 1–12

In-Person Program Join us for a fun filled afternoon of games!

Teen Advisory Board

Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library · Marina Del Rey · Ages 10–13

In-Person Program Are you a teen interested in making a difference in your library and community?

Game Day at the Library!

Lake View Terrace · Los Angeles · Ages 5–13

Let's play fun games and solve puzzles at the library.

STEM: Explosive Science

Lancaster Library - Meeting Room · Lancaster · Ages 5–12

In-Person Program Join us to learn about how chemicals react when making a volcano and elephant toothpaste!

Dungeons and Dragons Afternoon

Avalon Library · Avalon · Ages 5–13

In-Person Program Discover the role playing game that folks have enjoyed for decades.

Explore the Universe through Physics

Lamanda Park Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 10–13

Library Location: Lamanda Park Branch Library Audience: Tweens Event Type: Education/Development,STEAM Have fun with science!

Open Mic & Resource Fair @ Harte

Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. 90810 · Long Beach · Ages 3–12

Library Location: Harte Event Type: Arts and Crafts,Entertainment,Health and Wellness,Summer Activities Audience: Adults Contact Name: Erin…

Summer Wrap-Up

Baldwin Park Library - Meeting Room · Baldwin Park · Ages 5–12

In-Person Program Wear your favorite soccer jersey or any sports jersey and step up to the pitch for a fun summer wrap-up party.

Cute & Quirky Button Earrings

Santa Catalina Branch Library · Pasadena · Ages 10–13

Library Location: Santa Catalina Branch Library Audience: Emerging Adults (18-24),Teens Event Type: Hobbies/Crafts/Games Choose from a…

Garden Concerts for Kids: Elizabeth Mitchell

Getty Center Central Garden · Los Angeles · All ages

Finale of the Getty Center's free outdoor children's concert series on the Central Garden lawn.

Sounds of LA County: Fine Art The Jazz Installation at Lennox Park

Lennox Park · Lennox · Ages 5–13

Free outdoor jazz concert at Lennox Park in LA County Parks' Sounds of LA County series, an evening of jazz presented as a live installation.

Sounds of LA County: Las Cafeteras at Stephen Sorenson Park

Stephen Sorenson Park · Los Angeles · Ages 3–13

Free outdoor family concert with East LA's beloved Las Cafeteras performing 'Mucha Lucha' cumbia, son, and baile at Stephen Sorenson Park…

Sounds of LA County: Vetculture Fest at Helen Keller Park

Helen Keller Park · Los Angeles · Ages 5–13

Free outdoor R&B and soul concert in LA County Parks' Sounds of LA County series at Helen Keller Park. 'Touch Grass: A Night of R&B & Soul'…

"Gentle Giants" by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry

Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station · Glendale · Ages 3–12

Sponsored by the Arts & Culture Commission "Gentle Giants" is a suspended installation of collaged paper figures all created from black paper and painted fragments.

Brand 54: National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper

Brand Library & Art Center · Glendale · Ages 10–13

Exhibition at Brand Library & Art Center This year’s annual juried exhibition features 100 artworks from around the country that explore…

LA’s Garden

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Curated by Rosten Woo, LA’s Garden explores the hidden stories rooted in the beauty of Descanso Gardens.

Sound of Water

Descanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge · Ages 5–12

Water has long shaped life in Japan. As an island nation surrounded by the sea and nourished by abundant rainfall, Japan depends on water…

Samizdat Sundays

The Wende Museum’s Community Center · Culver City · Ages 3–12

Join us for Samizdat Sundays —hands‑on textile workshops inspired by the spirit of creative resistance and DIY culture found in samizdat traditions.

Chill Out Sunday Movie

Arroyo Seco · Los Angeles · Ages 5–12

Garden Concerts for Kids: Elizabeth Mitchell

Getty Center Central Garden · Los Angeles · All ages

Finale of the Getty Center's free outdoor children's concert series on the Central Garden lawn.

Nisei Week Grand Parade

Little Tokyo · Los Angeles · All ages

The Grand Parade of the 86th annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival through historic Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles, produced by the Nisei Week Foundation.

"Gentle Giants" by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry

Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station · Glendale · Ages 3–12

Sponsored by the Arts & Culture Commission "Gentle Giants" is a suspended installation of collaged paper figures all created from black paper and painted fragments.