Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Downtown)

Back to the Stone Ages

Scavenger Safari

Invertebrates in Stone Head to the Natural History Museum to get those little minds whirling for this up close look at some really old fossils. This particular event is open to members only, so if you’re not interested in joining, there’s plenty of other events to explore, including live animal presentations and story time. Scavenger Safari, Sun., 11 a.m.; Live Animal presentation, Sat., and Sun., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Storytime, Sat., and Sun., 12 p.m., Downtown Los Angeles, Admission $2-$9, Under 2 free. Family Membership $70. Read more.

Blame it on the Bossa Nova

Brazilian Day in LA Head to the La Brea Tarpits for this day of Samba, Bossa Nova, art and plenty of traditional Brazilian eats. Other fun events include a soccer workshop under the guidance of World Cup Champion Rildo Menezes and more. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the Tar Pits Museum as well.  Sun., noon to 6 p.m., Los Angeles, Free. Read more.

Clap Your Hands!

Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue What happens when Tinkerbell meets her first human? Showing for two weekends more, your fairy-loving child won’t want to miss seeing this magical movie at the historic El Capitan Theater.  Each show includes a live appearance by everyone’s favorite fairy, plus the 10 a.m. show includes breakfast with Tinkerbell. Sat., and Sun., 10 a.m., 12:15 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m, 7 p.m, Hollywood, General Admission, $10-13. Read more.

We Got the Beat

Music Together at Dragonfly Dulou This free demonstration introduces parents and their tots to this fantastic music class led by Ellen, Sheila and Sarah. Come out to meet the teachers and see if it’s a match for your family before registering for classes. Spaces are still open. Sun., 10:30 a.m., Silver Lake, Free. Read more.

Westside (Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, Culver City)

Sign Up!

Palisades Recreation Center Now is the time to register your kiddos for some of the great classes offered at the Palisades Rec Center. Options include Gym Time with Coach Keith for kids ages 3-5, ballet for ages 4 and up, and even skateboarding classes. Keep those kids busy! Registration ends Sept. 30, Pacific Palisades, Prices vary. Read more.

Leaves, Trunks and More

Speak for the Trees Sooky Goldman Nature Center hosts this two-hour interactive class that celebrates the tree, from roots and trunks to leaves and branches. Come out and get your nature on. Sat., 2 p.m., Beverly Hills, Free. Read more.

Bonus Event!

What Happens When A Dog Faces Downward: A Yoga/Storytelling Workshop This one is so creative and fun that we had to include it. Geared towards older kids (ages 8-13), this imaginative yoga class at the Hammer Museum blends both traditional and invented poses with stories and characters. The kids flow from poses while weaving a tale of what happens when you cross the bridge and encounter a lion or climb a tree and discover a bird. Sun., 12 p.m, Westwood, Free. Read more.

Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Malibu)

All Aboard!

Storytime Funland Concert at McCabe’s Hop aboard the fun train with Conductor Daniel, Ticket-taker Mindy, and their monkey as they lead the wee ones through a fun show filled with puppets, songs, stories and more. Special guests the Chapin Sisters join in on the musical madness. And if you can’t make it Sunday, head to their Saturday show downtown. Sun., 11:00 a.m., Santa Monica, $8, under 2 free. Read more.

Ready, Set, GO!

The 5th Annual Lexus Santa Monica 5000 Looking to work off a few of pounds or wear out the kiddos? Tie on your running shoes, grab the jogging stroller and register for this race benefitting Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The whole family can join in on the 2.7K Family Walk/Stroller Stride or young racers can burn rubber in the Tot Trots or 2.7K Kids Run. Sun., 8:15 a.m. (Stroller Stride), 9:30 a.m. (Tot Trots), Santa Monica, $25, 7 and under free. Read more.

Beach Cities (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach)

Claws and Tails

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival Celebrate this delicious crustracean during this two-day fest at Long Beach’s Rainbow Lagoon. There’s a giant food court (and yes, there are choices other than lobster for finicky wee folk), music acts and more. But for kids, the fun is at the Children’s Stage where musicians, storytelling, bounce houses and more abounds. Fri., 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sat., noon to 11 p.m., and Sun.,  noon to 10 p.m., Long Beach, $13-$25. Read more.

Sea Farin’

Urban Ocean Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific Teach your kids to love the big blue Pacific and all its inhabitants during this two-day festival. Highlights include art contests, poetry readings, food booths, and plenty of educational activities geared for all ages. Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Long Beach, Free with admission, $12.95-$24.94. Read more.

Valley (Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena)

Banjo Time

The Hollow Trees Introduce the kiddos to bluegrass with this fiddlin’ hour of music at the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum.  Come out and swing yer li’l partner round and round. Sun., 11 a.m., Topanga Canyon, $8. Read more.

Wing It

Faery Time with Cletus the House Brownie and Faery Boon It’s fairy dust time once again as the fairy folk take over the Simi Valley library for a magical hour of storytelling and make-believe. Sat., 3 p.m., Simi Valley, free. Read more.

—Lara Burnap

Part of the Woodland Theme party box

So you’re throwin’ a party but you’re concerned about how much gets thrown away. For that big bash with a small enviro footprint, check out the ACME Party Box Company.

Lisa Fulker and Cathy Kenyani have made it their mission to furnish party supplies that are high quality, easy to set up, and most importantly, earth-friendly. The idea is to have a fun time where the guests leave feeling good instead of leaving heaps of trash that came from non-recyclable party supplies. The company motto is “Party, Rinse, Repeat”, and that means washable, 100% cotton linens, invitations printed on recycled stock using soy ink and compostable tableware.

Available online, ACME Party Box Company has imaginative party starter boxes featuring Circus, Woodland, and Kingdom themes. Starter boxes provide everything you need for a gorgeous table including napkins, bunting, reversible runners and even an heirloom wooden centerpiece made from sustainable hardwood trees.  These standard and custom accessories allow you to get your party off to a great start and a green finish with nary a plastic figurine or cup to be seen!  The accompanying party favors are definite keepers with plush finger puppets, twig pencils, and seed filled tins for guests to plant in their home garden. A Party Box party keeps on giving, long after the last piece of cake is served.

—Lisa Bolger

It’s hard to believe summer is coming to a close this weekend, but Labor Day weekend is here, so make the most of this three-day weekend. Festivals and fairs are the on the agenda, whether you wanna go Greek in Long Beach or go big at the Los Angeles County Fair, or indulge the craftier side of life at Fiesta Hermosa. Enjoy the unseasonably cool weather with a naturalist-led hike through Franklin Canyon or strum away the morning to the tunes of Peter Himmelman at Topanga Canyon’s Will Geer Theatricum. Your clown-loving, acrobatic-adoring young ones will be head over heels for Circus Vargas while chili-loving types will dig the Malibu Chili Cook off and Carnival. Whatever your flavor, we’ve got a taste!

Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silverlake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Downtown)

Feliz Compleano!

Los Angeles Birthday Celebration Head down to Olvera Street for this birthday cake-filled party celebrating the 229th anniversary of the City of Angels. Learn about the history of our fair city while indulging in great food, listening to music and enjoying one of the city’s oldest areas. Sat., 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Los Angeles, Free. Read more.

Fair is Fair

L.A. County Fair Labor Day kicks off the big fair so gear up for ferris wheel rides, pig races, crazy acrobatics, hot dogs, cotton candy and much, much more. A few standouts include the Pirate’s Life adventure and monkey business in the Mojo’s Jungle. Pack up the sunscreen and get ready to go! Monday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pomona, $6 to $17, under 5 free. Read more.

Westside (Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, CulverCity)

The Great Outdoors

Kid’s Hands at Franklin Canyon Meet up at the Sookie Goldman Nature Center for a fun hike where a naturalist introduces the little hikers to the world around them, bugs, critters, flora and fauna. Post walk, the kids get to create a piece of artwork of things they learned. Suggested ages 3-8 accompanied by an adult. Sun, 10 a.m., Beverly Hills, Free. Read more.

Under the Big Top

Circus Vargas California’s own circus comes to Culver City this weekend along with high-flying acts, lions, tigers, bears and oh my! Join the ringmaster as he shows audience members on how to juggle and hula-hoop, plus there’s plenty of clowing around to keep the fun going. Culver City, Fri. 7:30, Sat. and Sun., 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, Mon., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Culver City, $15 to $45,  Read more.

Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Malibu)

Let go of my Lego

Lego Club Your engineer in the making will love this two hour Lego building hour at the Santa Monica Library. Bring your own or make use of the library’s legos and let his or her imagination climb to new heights. Sat., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Santa Monica., Free. Read more.

Beans or No Beans?

Malibu Chili Cook-off and Carnival Whether you’re a chili fan or not, there’s something for everyone at this spicy extravaganza. Carnival games, rides and fun keep the kids entertained while on Saturday and Sunday there’s plenty of chili tasting to be done. Fri., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., and Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m, Mon., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Malibu, $10, under 9 free, Read more.

Beach Cities (Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach)

Arts & Fun

Fiesta Hermosa Beachside is the perfect place to be on Labor Day weekend and the Fiesta Hermosa does not disappoint. This massive festival features the largest arts and crafts exhibits with more than 270 artisans. But the place you’ll want to take the little ones is right to the Kiddie carnival where fun beckons with a 30 foot slide, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, pny rides, petting zoo, face painters and rides galore.  Sat., Sun., Mon., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hermosa Beach, Free. Read More.

Opa!

Long Beach Greek Festival Spanikopta is calling! This three-day festival has plenty to keep the family entertained, from carnival rides and games to dancing and cooking lessons, not to mention more Greek delicacies than you can possibly eat. Sat., Sun., Mon., Noon to 9 p.m., Long Beach, $3, Under 12 Free. Read more.

Valley (Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena)

Sunday Funday

Music of Peter Himmelman Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum hosts the Grammy-nominated musician, PeterHimmelman who will be playing songs from his latest album, My Trampoline. It’s loads of bouncy, musical fun, and parents will dig his tunes, too. Sunday 11 a.m., Topanga Canyon, $8. Read more.

E-I-E-I-O

Third Annual Farmer Day Celebrate the end of summer with a visit to the Kidspace Children’s Museum where a petting zoo will be in full force along with the chance to “bring in the crops.” Wear your best workin’ dungarees. Sat., Sun., and Mon., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pasadena, Adults $10, Children under 10 free., Read more.

—Lara Burnap

It’s Back-to-School time, are you done with the School Shopping yet? If not, don’t worry Red Tricycle’s got you covered with our Back-to-School Sweepstakes! To enter, “Like Us” in Facebook and participate in the daily contests by posting on our wall. Like Red Tricycle San Francisco, or Red Tricycle Seattle here.

MONDAY
The first days of school can leave the little ones fantastically famished by the end of the day! Tell us your favorite after school snack idea for a chance to win a ReUsies Lunch & Snack Bag Pack, the re-usable alternative to sandwich/snack bags.

TUESDAY
Precious preschool pictures time! Post your adorable first day of school photo on our wall for a chance to win a Pixable Pocketpix, where you can create and share a personalized photobook in 3 easy steps!

WEDNESDAY
What’s in your little ones lunchbox? Send us your favorite lunch idea for a chance to win an eco-friendly Goodbyn, a better lunchbox,
reinvented for kids, parents, and our planet.

THURSDAY
Books are not just for school! Tell us what is on your little ones favorite reading list for a chance to win a set of Lunch Box Love Notes by Say Please. Inspirational quotes for your kids lunch box with fun trivia on the back.

FRIDAY
Help a new preschool mom get a leg up! Tell us your best Back-To-School Tip for a chance to win a pair of Baby Legs, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that keep little legs warm.

To enter the sweepstakes visit our Red Tricycle San Francisco and Red Tricycle Seattle Facebook pages, go to “Sweepstake Tab” follow the instruction on the page for the contest of the day. One winner per day will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries.

Want to know more?  Then read about how to Green Your Lunchbox and 25 Back To School Lunch Ideas!

Did you “Like” us on Facebook yet?
Come and play with us! Red Tricycle San Francisco, Red Tricycle Seattle.

Oh how the kiddos loved it when the new dishwasher arrived in that delightfully big box that provided hours of enjoyment.

It was a house or fort or plane, and was so much fun to color on its walls (with no yelling from Mom!).

Portland mompreneur April McCray’s kids so loved to make forts, she was inspired to create Color Me House – a children’s playhouse made of eco-friendly, recyclable, 2-ply cardboard that has no staples or sharp corners and can be decorated using everything from crayons, markers and paints to glitter glue, stickers and wallpaper scraps.

There are two styles: the House ($40; 35″ long by 27.5″ wide by 48″ high) and the Rocket ($50; 65″ high by 51 inches wide (fin to fin) by 32″ across). Both can easily fit 2 or 3 small children, depending on size, and are the perfect indoor-play antidote for rainy days.  (A Color Me Castle and Color Me Barn will be added to the inventory for the holidays.) A recent  winner of Dr. Toy’s Best Green Toy award, McCray’s mission is for kids everywhere “to reap the benefits of their own imaginations”…one cardboard structure at a time.

Color Me House

In need of new toys at home? Then don’t miss the Edvante Expo featuring all the latest must-have educational activities and products going on all weekend at the Staples Center. Word of caution: Sunday is the Emmy Awards at the nearby Nokia Theater, so plan accordingly (red carpet arrivals typically begin around 2 p.m.). Our tip? Head to the expo Saturday or early Sunday morning to avoid the paparazzi, celebrity limos and ensuing hullabaloo. Or get a sitter and a make a day of it!

Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silverlake, Los Feliz, Eagle Rock, Downtown)

Kindie Rock Dragonfly Dulou Concert Series featuring Ellen & Matt Think a little Ramones meets Smashing Pumpkins meets…kids. Musical duo Ellen and Matt entertain with  cool, indie-flavored music for children—that parents will equally dig. Sun., 11 a.m., Silver Lake, Free. Read more.

Super Heroes Unite! Superhero Guiness Book of World Records Attempt So, it’s not your normal family event. But the cape-wearing, world-saving hero in your family will love a reason to put on his costume and join other crime fighters in reaching the goal of the largest gathering of superheroes. Fri., 12:30 p.m., Hollywood, Free. Read more.

Fairyest of Them All Lia Fail and King of the Faeries Your little princess will love playing dress up for this interactive production featuring fairies, trolls and more. Tie on some wings, add a sprinkle of fairy dust and prepare your little one for a fantastically magical and musical tale. Don’t forget snacks and sunscreen! Sat., 10:30 a.m., Griffith Park, $12. Reserve tickets via 818-324-6802 or deb@afaeryhunt.com. Read  more.

Animal Lovers Wildlife on Wheels Soft, furry, scaly, leathery, and feathery…oh my! Kiddos get the chance to touch, feel and experience exotic creatures from around the world at this engaging demonstration. Learn about their habitats, habits and more. Sat., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., Los Angeles, Free with $5-10 admission.  Read more.

Westside (Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, Culver City)

Electric Bugaloo Hip Hop Tots LA Toddlers can bust a move at this dance class taught by instructor Benjamin Allen. Aimed for dancers ages 18 months to 3 years, the little boogiers can shake it like a Polaroid camera for an energy-busting 45 minutes. Every 4^th Sat., 4 p.m., Beverly Hills, $10. Read more.

Up, Up, and Away! Fiesta La Ballona Yes, Ballona means balloon so expect plenty of hot-aired filled fun at this community festival in Veterans Park. Food vendors, carnival rides, petting zoo, aquacade, beer and wine garden, and tons of live music. Take note that on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., it’s Radio Disney time with the Road Crew taking the stage. Oh yeah, and did we mention the balloon animals? Fri., 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun., 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Culver City, Free. Read more.

Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Malibu)

Starry Movie Furry Vengeance at CineMalibu Nothing says summer like a movie under the starry night sky. Gather up beach chairs, blankets, sweaters, snacks and head to Bluff Park to watch this tale of forest animals who work to stop an evil real estate developer from turning their home into a subdivision. Sat., 7 p.m., Malibu, Free. Read more.

Ticket to Ride Beatlesfest at the Santa Monica Pier Get your Beatlemania on during this three day festival celebrating one of the best bands. Cover bands include Abbey Road and Led Zepagain, and in addition there’s a whole Beatle inspired carnival scene with  karaoke, movies, memorabilia, and a kids area dedicated to the entertaining the little Ringo, John, or Paul in your life. Thurs., 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Santa Monica, Free. Read more.

Beach Cities (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach)

Aloha Hawaii E Hula Mau Gather up the keikis and head to this three-day Hawaiian festival celebrating the island and its culture. Food stands, craft-making, musical and dance performances round out the to-do list. The kids will love making their own leis or gourd nose flutes. Fri, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sat. and Sun., 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., Long Beach, Admission is free to the Island Food Court, fees apply to workshops and tickets are required for some musical and dance events. Check schedule for more info. Read more.

Otterly Good Time Magnificent Marine Mammals Get to know our local sea creatures, including otters, whales, and sea lions in this cool class geared for four to six year olds. Activities include a guided tour, craft time, touch tanks and even learning how to eat like a baleen whale. Hopefully the day won’t wreck your kid’s table manners for long! Sat., 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Long Beach, $36 per adult/child pair, $24 Aquarium member pairs. Read more.

Valley (Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena)

Bee Bop Du Wop Red, White and Bluezz The Pasadena Jazz Fest is back in action this weekend. Rita Coolidge, Stanley Clarke, Take 6, Kevin Eubanks, Everlast, and more fill the air at the Arboretum with cool sounds on two stages. Best of all, while there are four different watering holes for the parents, there’s a fantastic kids area to keep the little jazz hands happy. Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pasadena, Kids $10, adults $50-125. Read more.

Starry, Starry Night Spontaneous Fantasia The Glendale Planetarium takes viewers on a wild ride as a planet is created, developed and inhabited in this 3D, real-time presentation. Best for kids ages 5 and up as the theater is extremely dark. Sat., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Glendale, $6-15. Read more.

-Lara Burnap

Northern Exposure: Head to Canada with the kids!

Need a “European” getaway to Vancouver with the kids without the hassle of going overseas?  Fly in or drive up to Vancouver, B.C., the most majestic and cosmopolitan city in the Northwest. Home of the 2010 winter Olympics, Vancouver is different enough to give you a sense that you’ve visited another country yet familiar enough so that traveling with kids doesn’t require a new set of rules (except for that passport thing).

STAY:

Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver

If you’d like luxury and a view, the Pan Pacific is located on the waterfront. The family getaway package for two adults and two children includes amenities such as milk and cookies, a treasure hunt with a prize, breakfast buffet, and a free movie with popcorn and beverages. For the older kids, access to a PlayStation is available. You can book a second room for 50 percent off. There is an outdoor saltwater swimming pool for a warm, sunny afternoon when you want to take a break from the sights and shopping. Moms can visit Spa Utopia for a little personal time. The Pan Pacific is pet-friendly, should you want to travel with the pooch, too.

The Century-Plaza Hotel and Spa offers beautiful suites with kitchenettes, which makes it easy to stay in with the kids should it be necessary. The location is convenient to the Robson Street and Yaletown shopping districts and it’s a 15-minute walk to Stanley Park. Up to three children under 18 may stay for free if using existing bedding. (Do call to confirm the specifics, if you need an extra cot or crib.)

PLAY:

The shopping on Robson Street is, of course, great because you can find some clothing shops for the family – such as Roots – that are local. If the exchange rate is favorable, then you can find some good deals on clothes and accessories for everyone.

Water Park at Granville Island

Granville Island is a must for families. In addition to the public market, there is a free water park that’s open during the summer. There are water slides, hydrants and other spray toys. Toddlers get a special area, so you don’t have to worry about the big kids. The Kids Market offers all things for kids from toys to clothes to books. There is also an indoor adventure zone, where the kids can play with abandon. Should you need it, there is stroller rental service, too.

Stanley Park offers 1,000 acres of nature in the city. Families will enjoy the children’s farmyard, where there are more than 100 animals to see, as well as riding on the miniature train. The seawall is great for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Nearby rental shops offer kids’ bikes or seats. The Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park and not to be missed. It is the largest marine science center in Canada and it’s home to more than 70,000 animals. Watch everything from a frog feed to a beluga whale show.

Eat:

The food cart trend is hot and Japadog is known for its Japanese-style hot dogs. You can get a kurobuta pork hot dog, for example, topped with teriyaki sauce and other Japanese ingredients.

Dim Sum at Sun Sui Wah

Dim sum is always great for families, because the food is ready and there is something for everyone. Sun Sui Wah is considered one of the best for dim sum in Vancouver. (There is a second location in Richmond.) Kids will enjoy any number of the steamed buns and dumplings. Sticky rice in lotus leaf is always a hit for kids, too. For the grownups, don’t miss the signature squab.

Head to Vij’s for great Indian food, though you have to go when they open or be prepared to wait because they don’t take reservations. If you are waitlisted, you can walk down Granville Street to do some shopping. Or, you can visit Vij’s sister restaurant next door. Rangoli also offers prepared foods that you can heat up in your hotel room if you have a kitchenette.

- Hsiao-Ching Chou

Sandwich Combinations
-Sliced apple, cheddar and mustard
-Sliced hard-boiled egg and babaganoush (eggplant spread)
-Goat cheese and roasted beets
-Roast beef, swiss and caramelized onions
-Turkey, lentils and mayonnaise or aioli

Sandwich Alternatives
-Bean and cheese quesadillas
-Chicken salad in lettuce cups (eat like a taco!)
-Hummus “platter” with pita, veggies and cheese
-Cold soba noodle salad (use any dressing and vegetables)
-The “Butters”: Almond, apple, peanut, or sunflower seed butter on brown rice cakes or a mini bagel with a banana on the side

Dinner Leftovers
-Meatball or meatloaf sandwich with chunky marinara on baguette
-Pulled chicken with BBQ sauce on a bun
-Chicken drumsticks with roasted veggies
-Vegetable and cheese polenta triangles
-Pureed soup in a thermos or airtight container

Breakfast and Brunch Leftovers
-Banana or blueberry pancakes
-Fried egg, ham and cheese sandwich
-Cream cheese and lox bagel sandwich
-Granola and yogurt parfait
-Quiche with cut fruit on skewers

Snacks
-Olive oil or air-popped popcorn
-Grape and cherry tomato mix
-Roasted seaweed (aka the new potato chip!)
-Homemade snack mix of kamut puffs, raisins and nuts dusted with cinnamon
-Edamame (soybeans in pod)

Check out Vegan Lunch Box, Lunch in a Box, and The Healthy Lunchbox for more lunchtime inspiration and find the perfect carrier for all these yummy ideas by reading our article about cool lunchboxes here.

What “out of the lunchbox” ideas are a hit with your kids?  Red Tri wants to know! Log in and share a comment with us!

-Sarah K. Choi

Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Downtown )

Strum a Song Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Arlo Guthrie’s daughter takes center stage at the Getty Center’s Garden Concert. As expected, her alt-country, folksy style appeals to kids with playful lyrics and adults as well. And did we mention the setting? The Getty Center is perched in the hills with vast 360 degree views of Los Angeles. Sat., and Sun., 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Los Angeles, Free. Read more.

Fruit Loops Andell Family Sunday Get inspired by LACMA’s Fallen Fruit installation and then get busy creating your own fruity artwork. Materials and pointers provided by resident artists. Get the whole family working on a new print for the kitchen fridge. Sun., 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Los Angeles, Free. Read more.

Westside (Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Cheviot Hills, Culver City)

Hippo Hooray! Nathan Saves Summer Reading Local Palisades resident and children’s author Gerry Renert reads his tale of a Nathan, the hippopotamus who dares to dream of being a lifeguard. It’s a great way to introduce your little ones to a fun, new book. Sat., 3 p.m., Pacific Palisades, Free. Read more.

Ocean Views Nothin’ But Sandcastle Developers will be taking over Will Rogers State Park for this one-day only event benefitting Santa Monica’s Heal the Bay. Shovels, pails, cups, saucers—bring anything that will make your creation stand out. Multiple prizes are awarded for different age groups and skill sets, ranging from teams that are 12 and under to the pros, architects, artists and engineers. If you aren’t a builder, come out to admire these amazing sand structures. Sat., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pacific Palisades, $25-60, depending on bracket. Read more.

Santa Monica (Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Malibu)

Hula Hoopla Heidi Swedberg and the Sukey Jump Band Armed with a ukulele and her backup band, which includes a two talented kiddos, Los Angeles-area musician Heidi Swedberg strums a set of fun and super catchy tunes at McCabe’s Guitar Shop. Sun., 11 a.m., Santa Monica, $8, kids under 2 free. Read more.

Have a Fur Ball The Wild Brunch, Fawntasia! Come out and celebrate in honor of your favorite furry creatures at California Wildlife Center’s 12^th Annual celebration. There’s plenty for everyone from wine tasting and Patron bars for the adults to a fantastic kid’s zone with tons of activities and even their own personal buffet. Plus, there’s live music, the chance to rub shoulders with animal activist Bob Barker, and a massive dessert buffet to cap off the day. Love that sugar high! Sun., 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Malibu, $120 adults, children 11 and under are free. Read more.

Beach Cities (Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Huntington Beach)

Etch a Sketch 8^th Annual Chalk Art Festival The Redondo Pier is the canvas as artists of every age work wonder with chalk in this creative benefit for the Redondo Beach Library.  Prizes are awarded to a series of age groups, from 4 and under to 18 and if you’re tots are more athletically minded, sign them up for the Dolphin Dash. Bring a beach chair, sunscreen and snacks so you can stay after for the pier’s free music concert series featuring the jumping band, Dixieland. Sat 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Redondo Beach, Free. Read more.

Just Plum Good Old World Village Plum Festival It’s all about the plum at this German-inspired festival. Come hungry and fill up on baked goodies—specifically the fabled plum cake, jams, and more. Of course, there’s more than just eating, bounce houses, carnival games and live music round out the scene. Sun., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Huntington Beach, Free. Read more.

Valley (Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena)

Vroom, Vroom Be-Boppin’ In the Park There are some things that boys of every age love and cars are one of them—but who’s to say your little princess won’t love an afternoon of shiny vehicles, too? Check out Magnolia Blvd as pre-1972 cars take over the street along with fifties and sixties-inspired bands, like the Wonderelles play the afternoon and evening away. Sat., 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Burbank, Free. Read more.

Ride ‘Em Cowpokes! Twilight Night; Wild, Wild West Round ‘em up for an Old West evening at the Kidspace Museum. Costume loving kids will dig getting all done up in their best Western wear and cowboy hats while grubbing from the chuck wagon. Busy cowgirls and cowboys can check out the petting zoo and pony rides, learn how to square dance, and even enter the Old West costume contest. Giddy up! Fri., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pasadena, admission $5, $4 for members. Read more.

-Lara Burnap

Dabawalla Bags

Soon kids will be back at school eating lunch out every day of the week until next summer. That’s between 172 and 180 total lunches to pack in a regular school year. Just think of how much waste can be reduced by switching to waste-free solutions! Here’s how to get a green start on the school year, with five fun lunch options.

With its funky TV-tray functionality and 2-piece simple design, Seattle-based Goodbyn is the new lunch box on the block. Think about a deep pocket BPA/phthalates-free lunchbox that your kids can customize with stickers. Snap on the lid and you’re good to go. “I love that it saves trash and they actually help me pack a healthier lunch–I can see what is there and what should be there,” says a customer about her Goodbyn boxes.

Laptop Lunch System

Directly inspired by the popular Japanese bento boxes, Laptop Lunches was created by Santa Cruz moms and features containers of different sizes in a rectangular case, some with thermos lunch gear too. Get the kit that comes with a little recipe book or subscribe to the online newsletter for monthly meal ideas. The big plus? Laptop Lunches sells custom ice packs to keep your kid’s food cold until lunch time as well as insulated totes.

Soft to touch and cool to carry, Seattle-based Dabbawalla Bags are incredibly popular amongst the younger school set. While the fun designs are irresistible, parents like that they’re an easy and stylish lunch solution (with no loud character figures in sight – phew!). Easy to carry, easy to open, these insulated lunch bags are made out of eco-sponge and are machine-washable. Fitting a good size lunch, they keep it cool through the day.

ReUsies Sandwich and Snack Bags

If you’re looking for durable alternatives to Ziploc bags, look no further than the cloth-lined leak-resistant Seattle-based ReUsies for your sandwiches and snacks. Just pack the sandwich/snacks, close it with Velcro and send it to school. Red Tricycle readers score 10% off plus free shipping if you purchase 3 or more bags. Code REDTRI-Good through 9/30/2010 in the US.

Last, for a revamped old school look, the Palo Alto-based LunchBots offers stainless steel lunch containers with colored stainless steel lids, some with inside partitions, to hold your kids’ lunch and resist rough treatment. No more crumbled cookies!

Now, you may be wondering: which one’s right for me? The good news is, you can check parent advice and look for deals on Green my lunchbox, an online campaign whose Facebook page helps parents navigate the world of waste-free options, featuring tricks, studies and products for waste-free lunches. The brainchild of two Marin County moms who co-created Fabkins cloth napkins for kids, Green My Lunchbox offers its members discounts or weekly sweepstakes to win hot products on the market.

Why wait? Get on the green lunch wagon, play with your food and enjoy!

Laure Latham