For you, dear Patchers with tiny Patchers, we’ve assembled a weekly calendar of kid-friendly activities, places and events. Each week, we feature 5 family-focused ideas to help you plan your week. We know how busy life with kids can be, so we're happy to do the legwork for you and find things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.
We also include links to help you learn more about the places and events listed. Click around to get more information like pertinent phone numbers and addresses. It is our goal to make the planner as reliable as possible, but keep in mind, some events change at the last minute.
This week brings another chance to make some great family memories. Your kid could win $1,000 in a spelling bee, watch history made in the harbor or maybe even meet the Mardis Gras King and Queen. Anything can happen this week.
FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK
When/Where: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thursdays at Luther Burbank School, 535 Junipero Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814
Why Go: Community members have been busy smashing gorgeous plates and now they need help putting the pieces back together in the shape of a beautiful tree. Join Long Beach mosaic artist Dawn M. Mendelson and The Garden of The Mind Project in creating this lovely mural.
Pricing: Free
When/Where: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at the, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Why Go: At approximately 6p.m., the Queen Victoria will sail into Long Beach Harbor to meet the Queen Mary, and the two ships will exchange whistle salutes during a spectacular fireworks display. Watch from the Promenade deck of the Queen Mary for free.
Pricing: Free
Where/When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at the
Why Go: Honor the annual migration of the California Gray Whale and enjoy crafts, games, face painting, live music, animals, food, marine-themed art exhibits, chalk drawing, story telling, games and raffles. Did we mention it’s free?
Pricing: Free
When/Where: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at The Pike Kids Zone along Shoreline Village Drive in Long Beach
Why Go: Enjoy children’s Mardi Gras activities including mask-making, face painting, rides, games, magicians and more. Don’t forget,
Pricing: Free
When/Where: 1:30 p.m. sign in, 2:00 p.m. start time Sunday, March 6 a
Why Go: Justin Rudd hosts this spelling bee for grades 3-5. Public, private, parochial and homeschooled students are welcome. The winning speller takes home a $1000 prize. Spellers must be present and signed in by 1:30pm to be eligible.
Pricing: $5 admission, $30 registration
Look for the Grab & Go Planner each Wednesday, and please help us build it better with your own suggestions and tips. Just add them in the comment box below. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!
