July 30th—here's where I'm taking my kids this week

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I can’t believe it’s about to be August and school is 2 weeks away (for us at least). We were craving a short getaway and have been talking about taking a road trip to the Monterey Aquarium all summer. We ended up going on a whim and it was the perfect short weekend itinerary. We made pit stops every 2 ish hours to make sure the kids didn’t get too car crazy. Leaving the itinerary here in case anyone is looking for an easy kid-friendly weekend getaway not too far from LA! Only hyperlinking the spots that I’d go back to 😬 
LA —> Morro Bay (lunch + sea lion watching)
Morro Bay —> Monterey Bay (Monterey Bay Aquarium)
Monterey —> Santa Cruz (Roaring Camp Railroad)
Santa Cruz (kid-friendly Redwood Grove Loop trail at Henry Cowell State Park + lunch at Humble Sea)
Monterey —> Gilroy (Gilroy Gardens)
Gilroy —> Paso Robles (lunch at Finca)
 Pismo Beach Dinosaur Caves Park (beachside park) —> Los Olivos (road snacks)
—> Home!

x Carissa

📍 Pasadena
Saturday 8/2 Kidspace is hosting a special after-hours evening Summer Nights with DJ Lance Rock. The all-ages dance party will follow with hands on art workshops and museum access after dark. DJ Lance Rock (Yo Gabba Gabba) and KCRW DJ Nassir Nassirzadeh will be spinning. Free and open to the public, RSVP does not guarantee entry. (4pm - 8pm)

📍Culver city
Saturday 8/2 Head to Dr. Paul Carlson Park for Culver City Public Theatre performance of Wind in The Willows. The playful outdoor take on the classic tale featuring Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the wildly dramatic Toad is full of comedy, action, and a chaotic courtroom scene. Free + family-friendly, just bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. (12pm - 1:30pm)

📍Mid City
Saturday 8/2 Head to Petersen Auto Museum for Mini Motors: Cars + Art - Mr. Brainwash this mini motors workshop series offers a hands-on adventure for your kids (best suited for ages 7-11) and invites them to explore the world of cars. Learn how culture and art collide and explore the vibrant world of street art through Mr. Brainwash exhibit, then create your own colorful designs inspired by the streets and cars you love! Workshop free with purchase of museum admission. (9am - 10am)

📍 Brentwood
Saturday and Sunday 8/2 and 8/3 The Getty’s Garden Concerts for Kids is back! A curated concert designed for families: bring a blanket + snacks and enjoy the Central Garden while 123 Andrés lead a bilingual genre-blending show that’s fun for kids and chill for parents. Family programs are always free, no ticket required but a timed-entry reservation is needed. (4pm - 5:30pm)

📍 Pasadena
Sunday 8/3 Check out the Dena Community Backpack Giveaway happening at The Rose Bowl! This event aims to support local students and families by distributing 2,500 of backpacks filled with school supplies. To support the initiative, a donation drive will be held this week through Thursday 7/31 each day. People are encouraged to donate new backpacks and essential school supplies to be dropped off at Gate A of the Rose Bowl near security. (10am - 2pm)

*These aren’t ALL the family-friendly events happening this week in and around LA, just the best (IMO). We keep it short and curated—follow on IG + TT for more!

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See you next week!