Abuelita's Knitting & Needlepoint is popular with local crafters because of its high-end boutique feel that is accompanied by - surprisingly - affordable prices. The warm, inviting store also features helpful staff at the ready to answer needlework questions, and an impressive selection of yarn and books.

Abuelita's can host birthday parties and baby or bridal showers. It also offers classes and workshops for every skill level - even for kids!

Active Youth is a fitness center specifically designed to help young people fend off childhood obesity. Kids can choose from group classes, one-on-one training, and nutrition presentations as they learn the importance of incorporating healthy habits into their lifestyle.

Classes include dance, gymnastics, various different sports, and general fitness. There is also an active play drop-off program, in which kids are supervised by instructors for up to two hours in the open gym.

Active Youth Fitness offers a Parents' Night Out the first and third Friday of each month. Birthday packages are also available.

Active Youth is a fitness center specifically designed to help young people fend off childhood obesity. Kids can choose from group classes, one-on-one training, and nutrition presentations as they learn the importance of incorporating healthy habits into their lifestyle.

Classes include dance, gymnastics, various different sports, and general fitness. There is also an active play drop-off program, in which kids are supervised by instructors for up to two hours in the open gym.

Active Youth Fitness offers a Parents' Night Out the first and third Friday of each month. Birthday packages are also available.

There is little room for doubt that the local Disney theme parks and Knott's Berry Farm are world-class fun centers. But for the 10-and-under set, and their parents, Adventure City may be the best all-around amusement park experience.

Adventure City is small, inexpensive, and packed with young-kid oriented rides and attractions. Residing in the Hobby City shopping complex, the two-plus acre park presents nine rides, including the miniature train (a replica of a 1936 steam engine), a vintage carousel, and an airplane ride.

There's a relatively gentle roller coaster, though it still might scare some toddlers. All kids will get a kick out of the Rescue Ride fire engine, which allows young ones to dress up in hats and drive their parents around.

The park also features a classic arcade, a hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine train set, and an outdoor theater where kids are treated to delightful, and sometimes educational, shows.

Other special attractions include the petting farm and the Mount Adventure climbing apparatus, which pits older kids against a mountain replica.

Food is cheap and edible, which is good news since you're not allowed to bring in your own grub. The bathrooms are clean and well equipped for diaper care.

Adventure City also hosts parties. For $199 (plus tax), you can entertain 10 guests with the park's rides, a party room, and food, among other features. Best of all, your child gets to be the engineer on the miniature train! Additional party guests are $16.95 for each child and $9.95 for each adult.

Admission prices for Adventure City are inexpensive by theme park standards and include unlimited use of all rides, shows, and attractions except the climbing wall and arcade. Those with AAA cards can receive a 10% discount on each ticket for up to six people.

The park is open all year long, but the hours vary, depending on the season. In the summer, the hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. In the winter and spring, Adventure City welcomes visitors on weekends and selected holidays for the following schedule: Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm.

While there's lots to do at Adventure City, this is such a manageable place that great fun can be had without extra stress and exhaustion.

There is little room for doubt that the local Disney theme parks and Knott's Berry Farm are world-class fun centers. But for the 10-and-under set, and their parents, Adventure City may be the best all-around amusement park experience.

Adventure City is small, inexpensive, and packed with young-kid oriented rides and attractions. Residing in the Hobby City shopping complex, the two-plus acre park presents nine rides, including the miniature train (a replica of a 1936 steam engine), a vintage carousel, and an airplane ride.

There's a relatively gentle roller coaster, though it still might scare some toddlers. All kids will get a kick out of the Rescue Ride fire engine, which allows young ones to dress up in hats and drive their parents around.

The park also features a classic arcade, a hands-on Thomas the Tank Engine train set, and an outdoor theater where kids are treated to delightful, and sometimes educational, shows.

Other special attractions include the petting farm and the Mount Adventure climbing apparatus, which pits older kids against a mountain replica.

Food is cheap and edible, which is good news since you're not allowed to bring in your own grub. The bathrooms are clean and well equipped for diaper care.

Adventure City also hosts parties. For $199 (plus tax), you can entertain 10 guests with the park's rides, a party room, and food, among other features. Best of all, your child gets to be the engineer on the miniature train! Additional party guests are $16.95 for each child and $9.95 for each adult.

Admission prices for Adventure City are inexpensive by theme park standards and include unlimited use of all rides, shows, and attractions except the climbing wall and arcade. Those with AAA cards can receive a 10% discount on each ticket for up to six people.

The park is open all year long, but the hours vary, depending on the season. In the summer, the hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm. In the winter and spring, Adventure City welcomes visitors on weekends and selected holidays for the following schedule: Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm.

While there's lots to do at Adventure City, this is such a manageable place that great fun can be had without extra stress and exhaustion.

AdventurePlex, South Bay's health and fitness center designed especially for kids, is a fun place to play, with an outdoor climbing wall, gymnasium and fitness center, challenging mazes, tunnels, and slides.

The indoor adventure structure includes an enclosed multilevel maze of tunnels, slides, and ladders, and is designed to improve children's body strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and social skills through play.

Class offerings include Yoga, Safe Sitter, Healthy Cooking, First Aid, rock climbing, a ropes course, fitness, CPR, dance, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and Parent/Infant fitness.

Themed birthday parties are customized to take advantage of the unique activities at AdventurePlex, from the rock climbing wall to the adventure room. Prices start at $500 for 12 children.

Summer camp and school vacation camps are offered as well. Call for brochure.

AdventurePlex, South Bay's health and fitness center designed especially for kids, is a fun place to play, with an outdoor climbing wall, gymnasium and fitness center, challenging mazes, tunnels, and slides.

The indoor adventure structure includes an enclosed multilevel maze of tunnels, slides, and ladders, and is designed to improve children's body strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and social skills through play.

Class offerings include Yoga, Safe Sitter, Healthy Cooking, First Aid, rock climbing, a ropes course, fitness, CPR, dance, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and Parent/Infant fitness.

Themed birthday parties are customized to take advantage of the unique activities at AdventurePlex, from the rock climbing wall to the adventure room. Prices start at $500 for 12 children.

Summer camp and school vacation camps are offered as well. Call for brochure.

AdventurePlex, South Bay's health and fitness center designed especially for kids, is a fun place to play, with an outdoor climbing wall, gymnasium and fitness center, challenging mazes, tunnels, and slides.

The indoor adventure structure includes an enclosed multilevel maze of tunnels, slides, and ladders, and is designed to improve children's body strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and social skills through play.

Class offerings include Yoga, Safe Sitter, Healthy Cooking, First Aid, rock climbing, a ropes course, fitness, CPR, dance, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and Parent/Infant fitness.

Themed birthday parties are customized to take advantage of the unique activities at AdventurePlex, from the rock climbing wall to the adventure room. Prices start at $500 for 12 children.

Summer camp and school vacation camps are offered as well. Call for brochure.

AdventurePlex, South Bay's health and fitness center designed especially for kids, is a fun place to play, with an outdoor climbing wall, gymnasium and fitness center, challenging mazes, tunnels, and slides.

The indoor adventure structure includes an enclosed multilevel maze of tunnels, slides, and ladders, and is designed to improve children's body strength, coordination, balance, endurance, and social skills through play.

Class offerings include Yoga, Safe Sitter, Healthy Cooking, First Aid, rock climbing, a ropes course, fitness, CPR, dance, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do, and Parent/Infant fitness.

Themed birthday parties are customized to take advantage of the unique activities at AdventurePlex, from the rock climbing wall to the adventure room. Prices start at $500 for 12 children.

Summer camp and school vacation camps are offered as well. Call for brochure.

American Cinematheque, the company in charge of the classic Egyptian Theatre in LA, runs the Aero Theatre as well, offering numerous family friendly screenings and events. The cinema itself, with its art nouveau facade and glamorously painted foyer, has been a neighborhood favorite since 1940.

We especially love the well-designed and readily available booster seats, with velcro on the bottom that fastens them down firmly. The seats are surprisingly comfortable even through a long film, and a big help for toddlers or preschoolers who might otherwise miss half the screen. Look for the big stack by the door at family matinees.

The Aero is available for memorable birthday parties; guests can enjoy having the theater to themselves for a screening of whatever film the birthday boy or girl chooses.

Aidan's Place is a Universally Accessible Playground (accessible to children with disabilities), the second one built by Shane's Inspiration.

Located in Westwood Park, it features swings, slides, climbing structures, and a large covered sand area. There are a few different play areas, catering to different ages, and in summer a couple of the structures spray water.

The park is a particularly popular one for Westside play dates and birthday parties.

Alfredo's Beach Club runs a chain of beachside concessions stands and restaurants around the Long Beach and LA areas. The company also handles special events and parties at the beach as well as renting blades and bikes.

Check the Alfredo's website for a complete list of locations.

All Olympia Gymnastics Center offers training for all gymnasts from the youngest beginners to Olympic hopefuls. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and in-ground pits.

Classes include Parent & Me groups for tots, classes for adult professionals, and everything in between.

Programs include Gymnastics (Boys & Girls), Ballet, Cheerleading, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Teams, summer, spring, and winter camp programs, and more. Call for specific school holiday camp dates.

Birthday parties making use of the gymnastic facility and equipment under the guidance of AOGC coaches are also available.

All Olympia Gymnastics Center offers training for all gymnasts from the youngest beginners to Olympic hopefuls. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and in-ground pits.

Classes include Parent & Me groups for tots, classes for adult professionals, and everything in between.

Programs include Gymnastics (Boys & Girls), Ballet, Cheerleading, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Teams, summer, spring, and winter camp programs, and more. Call for specific school holiday camp dates.

Birthday parties making use of the gymnastic facility and equipment under the guidance of AOGC coaches are also available.

An indoor play area for kids located in the Mission Street shopping district of South Pasadena, Amy's Playground has a 3,000 square foot play area that features a giant maze, playhouse, bouncer, and a separate "funspace" for small children

Special weekly events include dress-up days on Tuesday afternoons, arts and crafts on Fridays, and sing-alongs on Wednesday mornings. Monday afternoons sometimes wrap up a little early, so it's a good idea to call before going to be sure of the hours for the day.

Discount packs are available for frequent visitors, and the center is available for private parties on weekends. There is also a small shop on premises.

Arcadia Rock Climbing is an indoor rock climbing gym, with climbing for all ages. The facility hosts parties, classes, and camps. The staff belay package is necessary if parents want a staff member to spot children on their climbs. Otherwise, they're on their own!

South Pasadena's Arroyo Seco Park is less an urban green park and more of a natural, untamed area. Birdwatching is a good activity to do among the scrub oaks; lizards, snakes, and rabbits make their homes here, too.

At 19.9 acres, the park is divided into three sections: The upper section, which includes three lighted sports fields with backstops; the center portion with group picnic shelters, tables, barbecues, a playground with play structures, and a small amphitheater; and the southern portion, which includes two lighted softball fields.

The park's amenities also include hiking and equestrian trails as well as privately owned horse stables and rentals, the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, a miniature golf course, and a skate park.

This big and beautiful theater presents children's musicals, mostly performed by the all-women theater company, the Nine O'Clock Players.

Cast members in costume sign autographs for fans in the theater courtyard after every Assistance League Playhouse show.

Birthday parties are available. They are not private events, but they do include banquet table seating, access to the patio beforehand, and a special song onstage with the birthday child.

The Autry National Center or "Cowboy Museum," formerly known as the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, contains two full floors of exhibits celebrating the diversity of life in the Old West - real life, and the Hollywood version.

The historians in your family can examine life-size chuck wagons and stage coaches; a diorama of the shoot-out at the OK Corral complete with the sound of gunfire; and loads of authentic clothes, guns, saddles, sheriff badges, and even barbed wire. A fascinating exhibit chronicles the experiences of the various immigrant groups that settled the West.

Equally provocative is the section of the museum that concentrates on the mythology of the West. Younger children may not enjoy the collection of 19th century paintings of the Rockies, but everyone will love visiting the Hollywood-style Western street scene, and the chance to video themselves on horseback being chased by a posse! Case after case of Roy Rogers lunch boxes and fifties-style Western furniture will bring back memories for parents, and fascinate most children.

The Family Discovery Gallery centers on the Chinese American experience in the West. Children can pretend to live the life of a real Chinatown family, the Sees, in 1937, by 'keeping house' in their home, and 'working' in their restaurant, the Dragon's Den, and their store, the F. Suie One Company.

The Golden Spur Restaurant has a kid's menu, high chairs, indoor and outdoor tables, and plenty of room for strollers. There's also a large grassy field adjacent for running around.

The Museum of the American West is also a great place to host a Western-style party! To schedule a party, call the Education Division at 323.667.2000, ext. 336.

Membership: Family Membership costs $65, and includes unlimited free admission for two adults and children under 18; invitations to members-only exhibition previews and receptions; free subscription to members-only Convergence newsletter; and a 10% discount in the museum store and cafe.

The Museum of the American West is a participant in CityPass, a convenient, cheaper way to visit Los Angeles attractions.

Barnsdall Art Park offers beautiful views of LA and the Hollywood Sign and is home to the Junior Arts Center and the Hollyhock House, designed in the 1920s by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Barnsdall Junior Arts Center and Gallery is operated by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.

The Center offers four seasonal eight-week class sessions per year, with over 30 classes per session. Highly qualified artist/instructors and small size classes offer exceptional opportunites in the visual arts and acting.

Birthday party programs include a one hour art lesson for twelve children with a Barnsdall Arts artist/instructor - at your home or choice of venue. The basic pARTy is $295, which includes the art lesson and a take home party favor bag. The Premium pARTy option features an art lesson, party favors, birthday cake, and Pinata for $395. Call 323.660.6632 to schedule.

Betty Dolores Designs hosts doll making workshops and parties for kids. Dolls (mermaids and pirates, usually) are made from cast resin; kids paint them, add hair and other accessories, and dress them.

Glendale Parks, Recreation & Community Services proudly offers a variety of parks and picnic areas as facilities for birthday parties, or any kind of gathering.

You can reserve picnic areas in five different Glendale parks: Verdugo Park, Lower Scholl Canyon, Palmer, Verdugo Adobe, and Casa Adobe de San Rafael. The last two have picnic areas, but no playgrounds. Palmer Park has a wading pool.

All parks have wheelchair access, and restrooms. Make your reservations by telephone, or in person, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.

With the founding of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in 1963, Bob, along with his partner Alton Wood, established the longest running children's theater in Los Angeles. All of the marionettes, puppets, props, and costumes for the theater are produced in the on-site shop (and the shop also offers marionettes for sale to kids and adults who'd like to practice this art).

Birthday Parties offered by the Theater include a sheet cake, balloons, ice cream, juice, crown and gift for the birthday child, paper service and cleanup, show, and printed invitations. Party cost is $75 for up to 15 guests, $100 for up to 25 guests, or $150 for up to 50 guests. In each case, you also need to pay individually for show tickets (so a party of 15 guests would cost $225). Parties should be booked three weeks in advance, and run from 1:30pm-2:30pm (show from 2:30pm-3:30pm) on Saturdays or Sundays only.

Additional food can be brought, with advance notice, if it's kept simple (pizza, finger sandwiches, chips) although additional cleanup may be necessary.

Mexican puppet party favors are available at an additional $5/each.

Amenities at Bonita Creek Park include a playground, softball fields, a multi-use field, an outdoor basketball court, picnic tables, and a community center. Picnic tables can be reserved.

The Boxers and Ballerinas dance and boxing studio offers a variety of dance, boxing, and fitness classes for kids, tweens, and teens.

Birthday party packages with a dance theme are available for kids ages two and up; boxing birthdays start at three and up.

Burbank's Brace Canyon Park offers grassy slopes, shaded picnic areas, and a great kids' play area complete with zip-line. Also on hand are tennis courts, softball fields, and a covered BBQ.

This is a beautiful park in the foothills north of Glendale, a great favorite with the locals. It has enormous trees, a recently renovated playground, plenty of running around space, and a couple of nice hills for climbing up and rolling down.

Brand Park also has several pleasant picnic areas, and lighted playing fields and basketball courts.

The bathrooms are adequate.

The Brand Library and Galleries is a Moorish-style mansion with galleries, art studios, and performance facilities. It's the site for many of the afterschool and weekend classes offered by Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Call 818.548.3782.

Check our calendar for information about special events, weekend hikes, leaving from the Brand parking lot, and for tours of the Doctor's House, the Victorian estate adjacent to the Park.

Whether your child wants to learn a new sport, has special needs, or hopes to become an Olympic competitor, he or she can find a comfortable niche at Broadway Gymnastic School. The instructors are caring professionals trained to encourage children to have fun while participating in a motivating gymnastic program, all in a safe and nurturing environment.

The 29,000 square foot facility offers gymnastic classes, birthday parties, camps, and occasional parents' night out events.

Birthday parties can be celebrated in a number of ways. The trained staff of coaches, actors, and acrobats lead kids through gymnastics, trampoline, obstacle courses, parachute play, pit races, and optional theme activities. There is a separate room for cake, and a play area for younger siblings to safely tumble around in. Parties start at $400.

The school also offers a summer camp program; call for details.

Brunswick Bowl is a fun place to take the family or have a party. After all, it offers the sports, food, and arcade games that kids love. It also adds a new twist to bowling fun: Cosmic Bowling. The lights are turned off, the strobes are turned on, and you can bowl to the beat of a variety of tunes!

BrunswicKids Birthday Blasts cost $17.95 per child (minimum of 10) and include shoe rentals, invitations, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, a souvenir plastic pin for the birthday child, pizza and soft drinks, a balloon bouquet, and a party hostess. Cosmic Bowling is included as well. Birthday parties are scheduled on Saturdays from 12pm-2pm
or 3pm-5pm, or Sundays between 3pm-5pm.

The Snack Bar serves basics like soft drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. Usually, it closes 1-2 hours before the bowling alley closes.

Leagues for all ages run from twelve to sixteen weeks, and cost between $7 and $14 per person, per week. The sessions end with a pizza party. The junior leagues provide your child with a glow-in-the-dark bowling ball etched with the cartoon character of their choice, and a free tee-shirt.

Shoe rentals are $3.99 at all times. Bumpers are provided for the little ones.

Brunswick Bowl is a fun place to take the family or have a party. After all, it offers the sports, food, and arcade games that kids love. It also adds a new twist to bowling fun: Cosmic Bowling. The lights are turned off, the strobes are turned on, and you can bowl to the beat of a variety of tunes!

BrunswicKids Birthday Blasts cost $17.95 per child (minimum of 10) and include shoe rentals, invitations, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, a souvenir plastic pin for the birthday child, pizza and soft drinks, a balloon bouquet, and a party hostess. Cosmic Bowling is included as well. Birthday parties are scheduled on Saturdays from 12pm-2pm
or 3pm-5pm, or Sundays between 3pm-5pm.

The Snack Bar serves basics like soft drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. Usually, it closes 1-2 hours before the bowling alley closes.

Leagues for all ages run from twelve to sixteen weeks, and cost between $7 and $14 per person, per week. The sessions end with a pizza party. The junior leagues provide your child with a glow-in-the-dark bowling ball etched with the cartoon character of their choice, and a free tee-shirt.

Shoe rentals are $3.99 at all times. Bumpers are provided for the little ones.

Brunswick Bowl is a fun place to take the family or have a party. After all, it offers the sports, food, and arcade games that kids love. It also adds a new twist to bowling fun: Cosmic Bowling. The lights are turned off, the strobes are turned on, and you can bowl to the beat of a variety of tunes!

BrunswicKids Birthday Blasts cost $17.95 per child (minimum of 10) and include shoe rentals, invitations, cups, plates, utensils, napkins, a souvenir plastic pin for the birthday child, pizza and soft drinks, a balloon bouquet, and a party hostess. Cosmic Bowling is included as well. Birthday parties are scheduled on Saturdays from 12pm-2pm
or 3pm-5pm, or Sundays between 3pm-5pm.

The Snack Bar serves basics like soft drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. Usually, it closes 1-2 hours before the bowling alley closes.

Leagues for all ages run from twelve to sixteen weeks, and cost between $7 and $14 per person, per week. The sessions end with a pizza party. The junior leagues provide your child with a glow-in-the-dark bowling ball etched with the cartoon character of their choice, and a free tee-shirt.

Shoe rentals are $3.99 at all times. Bumpers are provided for the little ones.