What's on the Radar for August to Keep LA Kids Off The Couch!

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What's on the Radar for August to Keep Kids Off The Couch!

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Time flies when the kids are running wild -- is it really already August?! We're pulling out all the stops to keep your family from falling prey to the lazy--and swelteringly hot--final month of summer.

Animal Instincts:
This Sunday bring your kids to LACMA Family Days, where they can create their own wild things and beasts inspired by the anthropomorphized works of famous artists. Or, celebrate the kick-off of the Discovery Channel's annual Shark Week by visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific's brand new Tiger Shark (currently only two other aquariums are home to these awe-inspiring predators). If you haven't yet paid a visit to the Noah's Ark exhibit at the Skirball Center--now is the time! While you're there, get up close and personal with exotic species thanks to Wildlife on Wheels (Aug 22) or interact with live sea creatures as part of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's partnership with the Skirball (Aug 30).

Reading Rainbow:
If your kids need some inspiration to finish their summer reading, why not introduce them to some cool writers? Meet famous screenwriters Jon Zack (Shrek the Third) and Lindsey Robinson (of MTV and Lionsgate) at the Hammer Museum on Sunday, August 9th for a lesson in Script Surgery--how to write new characters and plot elements for popular blockbuster hits (Recommended for children 8-13, 12-2 PM). For those who prefer the graphic novel to the big screen, 826LA East is offering a free Comic Book Laboratory for kids ages 6-18--just bring a pencil, eraser, and sketchpad (10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Tuesday, August 4, 11, 18). Then, check out the End of the Summer Reading Club Ice-Cream send-off. Join other bookish families in downtown's Exposition Park Library Branch to discuss this summer's best books, and cool down with complimentary ice cream cone. (August 11, 4-5 PM, Exposition Park).

World Café:
Spend an evening listening to live music, under the stars. Check for remaining family friendly concerts at the Hollywood Bowl (Guys and Dolls, John Williams and the Music of the Movies). The Getty's Garden Concerts are a joyful way to spend an August day, and the museum has an extensive program of Free Family Fun to keep your kids entertained. The Hammer continues it's third year of JAZZpop, a free Thursday night series of modern jazz jams (for older, music-loving kids). For more culture and music from around the world, check out the Putumayo Kid's: Picnic Playground featuring music from Rhythm Child, under the stars at Pasadena's famed Levitt Pavillion (Aug 12, 7pm) or for an afternoon of action in downtown's Pershing Square (Aug 13, 12pm).

Wheeling Around Town:
Join the Santa Monica Museum of Art and C.I.C.L.E for Cause for Creativity: Tour da Arts in a bike ride beginning at the museum and hitting major L.A. art hot spots like the Broad Stage and the 18th Street Art Center along the way. The event is free for members, and $5 for non-member adults--snacks will be provided along the way. On Sunday, August 9th, keep your carbon footprint down at the Brentwood Grand Prix Pro, Amateur, and Neighborhood kid bike race. Located just north of San Vicente, registration for the kids' race begins at 8 am and the action starts at noon. If your kids love to ride and skateboard, then you're in luck, because the 15th annual X-Games are in town from July 30th-August 2. Head over to the Home Depot Center to be wowed by the gravity defying flips and tricks of BMXers and skateboarders alike.

While Away the Hours:
We're pretty relaxed by now, and have been spending hours playing a crazy board game called Quelf, as well as playing cards -- War, Poker, Solitaire -- for hours! What are your kids playing during their blissful days of freedom?