PlayMap Picks
Six outings worth planning around, from a short free puppet show to a bigger aquarium day.
When: Sun, Oct 18: shows at 9:30 AM and 11 AM; crafts afterward
Where: Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Art Park
Price: Free
Best for: Preschoolers and puppet fans; all ages welcome
Why we picked it: A blanket on the lawn gives little theatergoers room to settle in. Bob Baker’s Halloween marionettes make this a seasonal outing with a short performance rather than an entire afternoon commitment.
Parent tip: Choose one show. Family art activities follow at 10–11 AM and 11:30 AM–12:30 PM; allow time to reach the west lawn.
When: Sat–Sun, Oct 17–18, 10 AM–5 PM
Where: Beverly Gardens Park, Beverly Hills
Price: Free admission; food and art purchases extra
Best for: Families who enjoy browsing, making and moving at their own pace
Why we picked it: Art demonstrations, children’s activities and food trucks give a walk through the gardens a purpose. Pick a small stretch to explore, then let the kids choose the next stop.
Parent tip: This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event. Bring sun protection and budget separately for lunch.
When: Sat, Oct 17, 9 AM–5 PM
Where: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
Price: Admission: adults $49.95; ages 3–11 $34.95; under 3 free; reservations required
Best for: Mixed-age families who want aquarium exhibits plus music and dance
Why we picked it: Short cultural performances add a different rhythm to an aquarium visit. Festival presentations run about 15–20 minutes, making it possible to catch one between exhibits without asking a toddler to sit through a long concert.
Parent tip: Reserve admission before driving. Live programming is subject to change; some presentations depend on weather.
When: Sat, Oct 17, 2–9:45 PM
Where: Griffith Observatory, Los Feliz
Price: Free telescope viewing; transport and parking costs separate
Best for: Curious school-age kids; younger children comfortable waiting their turn
Why we picked it: Volunteer astronomers bring telescopes and answer the questions that follow a first look through the eyepiece. Afternoon solar viewing and later sky viewing offer different experiences, so choose a window that fits your family.
Parent tip: Plan the trip up the hill before leaving home. Bring a layer for evening and expect queues; telescope lines close in time to finish by 9:45 PM.
When: Sat, Oct 17, 11 AM–9 PM; Sun, Oct 18, 11 AM–7 PM
Where: The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Fairfax
Price: Free festival admission; food, pumpkins and individual activity costs extra or unconfirmed
Best for: Preschool and elementary-age children who enjoy animals, pumpkins and hands-on crafts; no official age restriction listed
Why we picked it: A petting zoo, pumpkin patch and live music give everyone a reason to linger, with plenty of food choices nearby. Children’s crafts run noon–3 PM both days: bandana decorating Saturday and fall wood-medallion decorating Sunday.
Parent tip: The petting zoo and pumpkin activities run 11 AM–7 PM both days; Saturday’s later hours are for music. Check activity costs and parking before arrival. The card opens Saturday’s listing; the official flyer includes both days.
Beverly Press confirms free festival admission.
When: Sun, Oct 18, 10 AM–5 PM; ticket sales close 4:30 PM
Where: Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas
Price: $15 advance plus fees through Sat, Oct 17, 11:59 PM; $20 event day; under 24 months free
Best for: Families who want inflatables, entertainment and pumpkin-season activities in one outing
Why we picked it: Admission bundles rides and activities, including inflatable play, character encounters and bug or reptile shows. That gives children several ways to spend their energy; food, market purchases and pumpkins need a separate budget.
Parent tip: Use the free designated parking along Lost Hills and Agoura roads and the complimentary shuttle. Shuttles run 9:45 AM–6 PM and include a platform lift. Bring cash for vendors; there is no onsite ATM. Advance tickets are nonrefundable.