It was August of 1986 when Liz Davis, a one-time roadie for Kid ‘n Play, launched a magazine in the living room of her Long Beach home armed with little more than a dream and a vicious ankle-snapping dog.

The magazine was called Kidsguide and its premise was simple: provide kids and their parents with tons of ideas of things to do and how to do them. In the 25 years since, Kidsguide has remained true to its original intention of offering literally thousands of ideas, opportunities and tips, whether it was things to do with your kids over the summer, on a road trip or on the cheap. There has been a cavalcade of educational programs, park proceedings, camps and more events than you can shake a stick at, including stick shaking which is just another type of activity the staff at Kidsguide would not only tell you where to do, but how and why (“Stick shaking has a long and colorful history …”)

In those 25 years, Davis has assembled a crack staff capable of sniffing out great deals, unique ideas and fun facts. Each issue has been themed around a topic and that topic is gone into in depth in the magazine’s opening editorial, usually written by Steve Lowery, who Davis lured to the paper on the strength of her reputation and willingness to forgive certain gambling debts.

In that time, there have been some change. The magazine went online in 2003 and it became a more compact and aerodynamic product in 2009. But the basic premise has never changed in 25 years. Here’s a little sampling of how we got to where we are today …

1987: The first issue of Kidsguide is published. The magazine is yellow to mimic the phone book and features a single handprint on the cover, the hand belonging to Liz Davis’s daughter, Lauren. Among the sections presented is something called “Have You Done It?” Of the 72 activities featured, 55 are still featured in the magazine. One that isn’t was, you guessed it, “Trout Fishing.” So, for all of you who have been picking up Kidsguide the last 24 years in hopes of finding out where the trout are biting—do trout bite?—here’s a couple tips: Trout Dale Inc., (www.allyoucanfish.com) offers a bamboo fishing pole, bait and a bucket for $7 bucks. 2468 Troutdale Road, Agoura. (818) 889-9993. Mt. Baldy Trout Pools (www.mtbaldytroutpools.com) allows you to bring your own pole ($1) or use theirs ($2). The two bucks includes bait, cleaning and packaging of whatever you catch. 6945 Mt. Baldy Road, Mt. Baldy. (909) 982-4246.

1988: In a section called “Great Day Trips,” we started the practice of not only telling folks great things to do but, mindful that even dream destinations can become nightmare voyages (cue screaming 3-year-old at Disneyland), began to give lots of ideas on how to make those trips less disaster-ish, suggesting not only the obvious “Pack a favorite lunch…saves time and money,” the necessary “Pack wipes, a blanket and water,” but also the creative, “Pipe cleaners and aluminum foil are a great distraction in the car to make jewelry, glasses and animals.” It should be noted that we did NOT tell your kids to play Slug Bug, that’s on you.

1990-91: First issue with a “Miscellaneous” section. Random.

1992-93: The first of many appearances of one of our favorite parks, Adventure Playground located in Huntington Beach’s Central Park. Adventure Playground is the kind of filthy, dirty masterpiece constructed with kids specifically in mind. There are mud pools and rope bridges and a wooden city in constant need of construction with hammers and saws and lots of stuff most parks won’t go near for fear—in these hyper-litigious times—that a kid might get a splinter. 7111 Talbert Ave., (714) 842-7442. Open this summer, June 20 – August 19.

1994: Five years into Kidsguide and two things were evident: 1) You truly and deeply love your kids, and they you; and 2) You truly and deeply need a break from your kids, and they from you. We presented you with safe, fun options to places where your kids could spend the evening away from you. Places where your kids can do fun stuff like playing games, watching movies and/or eating pizza, known as Kids’ Night Out. We still feature these and you can find them all over: Cypress, Irvine, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, etc. Go to Kidsguide’s Calendar on page 95 to check out where and when.

1995: Another thing we’ve grown attached to over the years are spray pools, those free little water parks that offer a safe and fun way for kids to stay cool during the summer. Since we first started writing about them more than 15 years ago, spray pools’ popularity have grown as has their scope and wild designs, evidenced by Westminster’s Splash Pad with 10-foot-tall, water-dispensing pelicans, squirting palm trees and sea horses. Bellflower, Cerritos, Fullerton and Lakewood also feature spray and wading pools. Check them out under “Wading and Spray Pools.”

1996: Ten years in, we decide to let the readers do our job, featuring their suggestions in the “Tips” section of the magazine. We got a lot of great stuff, like this one from Kathy Briscoe: “Keep a Sick Sack for when kids wake up feeling under the weather. Fill the sack with some of their favorites, such as ginger ale, Jell-O, soup and a new movie. You’ll feel organized and prepared while they rest and recuperate.”

1997: Perhaps our favorite reader suggestion came from Chris Bittner and involved a homemade product called Monster-Be-Gone. “Decorate a spray bottle with colorful monster stickers and fill it with water. Add a dash of vanilla for scent and voila…instant Monster-Be-Gone. You can spray under the bed, the closet, etc.” Thanks Chris, great idea, though we found it totally ineffective in combating vicious, ankle-snapping dogs.

1998: You weren’t the only one with great tips. We stumbled upon a great pool/beach game called Grease the Watermelon, which is kind of a cross between the Farmer in the Dell and water polo. First, get a melon and coat it in vegetable shortening to make it nice and slippery. Throw the melon in the water and have two teams attempt to maneuver the melon into their opponent’s goal. Hilarious, fun, a great workout and the winners get to split the melon.

1999: Hey, it’s not all monsters and melons at Kidsguide. Mindful that a lot of people may just be picking up the mag for a few minutes in a dentist office, we made sure to always throw in, as Liz Davis put it, “crazy tips at the end of each chapter…kind of Guinness-Book-of-World-Records stuff.” A favorite runs this year with a updated profile of Mr. Eat-It-All. While that could describe just about any teenage boy, we’re actually talking about Frenchmen, Michael Lotito, who ate metal, glass, rubber and other substances thought to be indigestible. Lotito ate bikes, shopping carts, TVs and, in his most famous stunt, a Cessna 150 that took him two years to finish. Lotito said he never felt any ill-effects from his eating conquest, though he did say bananas and hard-boiled eggs made him nauseous. Lotito, who is estimated to have eaten one ton of metal in his lifetime, died in 2007 at the age of 57 of what was called “natural causes.” Natural? Sounds fishy.

2000: A teacher in Norwalk named Marci Chants began using Kidsguide as a way to teach kids about planning and budgeting. She would hand out copies of the mag to her students and direct them to choose five activities taking into consideration cost, location and age-appropriateness. They were given a worksheet to fill out that asked “Why I want to go,” “How will I get there?” and “How will I pay for my activity?” They stapled this to their copy of Kidsguide. We thought this was great a idea for parents to do at home too! You may find new interests you did not know your kids had. Note to teachers: if you would like to do something similar and need extra copies of Kidsguide, give us a call at (562) 799-0140.

2001: We introduce you to Baby’s First Circus, and, no, that doesn’t involve toddlers in tights—though that would be adorable. Actually, it’s part of a Ringling Bros. promotion that continues to this day that allows parents with kids up to a year old to get a free ticket to any performance, anytime, anywhere. Go to www.ringling.com and click on “Special Offers” to check it out.

2002: We featured a little something called “Where Am I, Who Am I, What am I?” which anyone in their 40s can tell you, is pretty much how you wake up each morning. But, for Kidsguide readers, it was also an opportunity to put the kids through some brain teasers like the one below. If you think you can solve the problem, go to www.kidsguidemagazine.com to enter your answer and be eligible to win prizes: “I am a whole number less than 100. I am not divisible by 2,3,4,6,7,8,9 or 10. People call me a palindrome because I am the same number read forwards or backwards. If you find the sum of my digits, you will get the smallest 2-digit number. What number am I?”

2003: Kidsguide: The Website launches with a lot of the stuff you’ve come to expect from the magazine––calendar, directory––and at least one thing you haven’t. Yes, the website initially featured a hidden blue squirrel on the home page that kids were challenged to find for prizes.

2004: In something called “Fascinating Finds,” we offered what I believe is the single greatest scientific discovery this side of Mentos and Diet Coke. OK, while sitting at your desk, lift your right foot and rotate it clockwise. Now, while doing this, trace the number “6” in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction and there’s nothing you can do about it. NOTHING!

2005: Kidsguide produces its one-millionth magazine. Man, imagine if we’d been charging a buck a copy? That’d buy a lot of Mentos.

2006: In the spring/summer issue, a reader named Tiffany Salter sent a tip suggesting folks keep a “costume box.” After every Halloween or school play, she said to add that year’s costume to a box of hats, kid-friendly jewelry, etc. for year-round play. We liked the idea so much we hired Tiffany Salter in 2007.

2007: We launch The Buzz, our weekly e-mail blast that flies from Kidsguide headquarters every Thursday and is filled with the latest and greatest activities coming up each week. Absolutely free. Sign up at www.kidsguidemagazine.com.

2008: In a section we called “Camp Tricks,” there was this: “Ask a friend to think of a number. Tell her to add 1, then multiply the answer by 2. Now add 3. Multiply by 2 again. Finally subtract 10. Ask your friend for the answer. You can now tell her the number she first thought of by dividing the answer by 4. It works on any number.” It’s true, it does, which just goes to show what I’ve always said: LIZ DAVIS IS A WITCH!

2009: In our “Fun On The Cheap” issue, we gave great ideas for cheap movies, free days at local museums and discounts at theme parks. But our two favorites are cheap boat rides, especially when the weather is warm. For $1, the AquaBus water taxi stops at four locations in Long Beach: the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, Catalina Landing and Pine Avenue Dock 7. For $5, AquaLink catamaran stops at three waterside attractions: the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific and scenic Alamitos Bay Landing. For schedules, visit www.lbtransit.com or call (562) 591-2301.

2010: We feature lots of fun and sometimes messy (i.e. fun) science experiments that kids can do at home. Experiments such as “Frankenstein’s Hand” and “Homemade Lightning.” And, when you think about it, Kidsguide has been an experiment also, lots of fun and sometimes stressful (i.e. vicious ankle-snapping dog) that owes any of its success to the continued and very real support of our readers. You keep reading—and sending in those ideas!—and we’ll keep doing whatever it is we do. Thanks! Now, one question: Where Am I, Who Am I, What am I?

It doesn’t have to be that way. Actually it shouldn’t, not when science—exciting, interesting, constantly evolving science—is responsible for all the cool things kids love most: video games, cell phones, that stuff that turns their mouths blue.

“Back in the darkest days of the Cold War, we Americans dreaded being left behind by the Soviets – in engineering, in the Space Race and in science generally,” said author Sean Connolly. “The country really tried to guide promising students into science. Some skeptics say that the billions of dollars spent in this effort resulted in little more than creating a junk heap on the Moon. Others say that it produced Silicon Valley and America’s excellent high-tech reputation, benefiting the economy enormously.”

But for whatever reason, kids—and let’s face it, more than a few adults—have gotten into their head that science is musty old stuff, best relegated to the pocket protector crowd.

We here at Kidsguide could not disagree more, and we found some wonderful people who agree with our disagreement. CONFUSING! People such as Connolly who has written two books crammed with fun experiments—The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science and The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science. He says his books originally sprang from a desire to give “scientific excuses” to let kids indulge their messy, sometimes disgusting side, “giving readers a good story to tell an irate parent who wonders why there’s diet cola all over the place, or why a chunk of potato is sliding down the kitchen wall.”

Well, count us in. Connolly, as well as Dr. Laura Henriques, who runs the Young Scientists’ Camp at Cal State Long Beach have tossed us a few cool experiments kids can do at home. Experiments that hopefully educate but also excite and quite possibly get them soaked if they don’t run fast enough. Also, slime minions … more on that later.

Anyway, do the experiments, send us your results and you’ll receive your official Kidsguide Science Lab Certificate, a very cool wristband and be entered to win prizes such as tickets to the Discovery Science Center and, our grand prize, a Mad Science Party for 24 of your closet friends, filled with fiery explosions, chemical magic, ooey-gooey slime and cotton candy (details on the Kidsguide Science Lab Challenge here).

Hey, if science is life, shouldn’t life be fun? As Connolly says, “Just because something is entertaining or a little naughty doesn’t mean it can’t be educational.”

EXPERIMENT NO. 1: COLA GEYSER

EXPERIMENT NO. 2: STATIC ELECTRICITY SLIME

EXPERIMENT NO. 3: THE CAT’S MEOW

EXPERIMENT NO. 4: FRANKENSTEIN’S HAND

EXPERIMENT NO. 5: HOMEMADE LIGHTNING

up for something different, they are in fact creatures of habit. Any parent who has sat through the 82nd home viewing of “Finding Nemo” knows this. If kids like something, they will watch, listen and/or eat that thing over and over and over and over until you, the parent, not only know every word, but the exact song sequence to the Lion King CD that has not been out of your car player for 18 months.

But here’s the thing: new can be very good for a kid; new is necessary. They need to have new experiences, new learning opportunities, they benefit from meeting new friends and being made aware of new possibilities.

We know this isn’t always (ever?) easy. One way to make it go a little easier is to have plenty of new ideas in your holster, lots of possibilities to be presented when the previous one gets turned down. And summer is a great time to present these ideas. Without the mad dash of getting to and from school, there’s time to try something different––a new sport or hobby; maybe sing a song or tell a joke in front of an audience; or build a boat or a rocket, maybe even, gasp, go back to school (trust us, it’s good).

Now, the cover says we’ve come up with 10 new things you might try for your kids, but that’s a lie. We have 10 items in this article, but within those are several suggestions, so, as usual with Kidsguide, you’re getting much more than you paid for. What’s (lots) more, you’ll find hundreds more ideas and providers of new things here in the pages of Kidsguide, so have at it.

New ideas? Yes.

New ideas that lead to happy, well-rounded kids? Definitely.

1

(GET INTO THE) ACT!

Any parent who’s ever tried to get a straight answer as to how the kitchen ended up looking like that, knows kids are natural actors. And there are lots of local outfits that can not only develop their performance skills, but all the things necessary to put on a good show. Long Beach-based Kid’s Theater Company (562.209.1894) offers kids not only the opportunities to act, sing or do a bit of improv, but also learn the critical behind-the-scenes skills of set design, lighting and such. Director Kyle Becker knows that the performing arts are critical for any kid. “Being in a production makes a kid feel part of a team,” he said. “It teaches them dedication and self-esteem while giving them the foundation of performance art.” And Becker’s productions, which have included music revues, improv comedies and Alice Rocks Wonderland, are tailored to each kid, so that a boy who may be less inclined to sing, may prefer to hit stuff and is given parts that include stage combat, or work behind the scenes with set design. Now, if your child goes more for new media, there are also camps available that will give them the opportunity to perform on both sides of a camera. Movies By Kids, for example, offers kids the opportunity to pursue numerous types of filmmaking: kids can make animated shorts, film their own live-action sequence, produce a music video or newscast, and lots more (www.moviesbykids.com).

2

(SING) MUSIC!

One of the best things you can not only do for your kid’s brain, but soul, is introduce them early and often to all types of music: singing, playing, singing and playing. It’s wonderful and basic to who we are as human beings and, unfortunately, our schools don’t have the money to provide it much anymore. Fortunately, there are plenty of other companies and organizations to fill the void. As for the bit where they open their mouths and let loose, there are a few favorites that include the Southern California Children’s Chorus (www.sccchorus.org), or Sandpiper Children’s Chorus sponsored by Alley Kat Music Center in the city of Cypress (www.alleykatsheetmusic.com). The International Peace Choir (www.internationalpeacechoir.org) was founded in Long Beach more than 20 years ago, and offers kids not only the chance to sing, but to learn about other cultures. Kids represent a particular country, research it and wear the national garb from it. The choir has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, before Pope John Paul II, at Dodger Stadium, and at Lincoln Center in New York City.

3

(PLAY) MUSIC!

And this is the bit where they keep their mouths closed for the most part (ah, one can dream) to make beautiful music come out of an instrument. Again there are lots of places to make this happen. Jammin’ Music offers all kinds of possibilities, from private lessons to summer camps to Rock School (www.jamminmusic-lb.com). Kids can learn how to play piano or guitar or drums. They can improve on their own and learn to play with others. And they can learn all of this WHILE NOT IN YOUR HOUSE. Which is something the neighbors would probably appreciate. Golden West College also offers beginning drums for kids (www.goldenwestcollege.edu) and Cypress College (www.cypresscollege.edu) offers a similar opportunity to learn the cello.

4

(BIG KID) SCHOOL!

And yes, we can hear you asking if we have gone out of our minds! True, the whole point of summer for kids is to be away from school––the school of uniforms and rigid time schedules and classes they aren’t particularly excited about. But what about a little school we like to call college? Schools like that offer classes to young folk over the summer on how to make iPhone apps or video games. That’s the kind of stuff kids learn at iD Tech Camps (www.internalDrive.com) located on college campuses throughout the Southland. For kids into time-tested apps, like writing, Cal State Long Beach offers its well-regarded Young Writers Camp (www.youngwriterscamp.com). Camps like this not only offer new experiences and skills, but the opportunity for kids to start thinking, and become excited about, the college experience. One of the most extensive kid programs is at Cypress College where there are hundreds of classes ranging from creating your own Web page to computer animation to baking, plus lots of other new things (www.cypresscollege.edu). “We’re offering digital filmmaking, digital music mixing, stop-motion animation,” said Cypress’ Rita Pierce. “It’s really fun stuff that kids can not only learn but take with them.”

5

(OTHER) SPORTS!

Yeah, we know. If anything is not new, it’s sports for kids. It seems at times all we do is drive them to one sport or ano

ther. But, for a lot of kids, it’s the same sports as everyone else: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. How about introducing them to some new ones? New ones like archery? You can hook up with the folks at the Junior Olympic Archery Development Program at Long Beach’s El Dorado Park (www.eldoradoarchers.com). If you want something equally combative and artful, introduce them to fencing (and now we don’t mean chain-link). You know, fencing, as in sword play, w

hich isn’t play but a serious sport steeped in history and pointed things. You know, swords. South Coast Fencing offers kids the opportunity to learn this beautiful activity called the “chess of sports” in classes and even a beginner’s camp (www.southcoastfencing.com). Now, if you’d like to get your kids off dry land you might try the equally artful synchronized swimming which the City of La Mirada offers (562.902.3191). Or you can try something equally combative, a little bit of aqua-wrestling called water polo. Los Al Youth Water Polo takes kids as young as 5 and teaches them a sport that director Bahram Hojreh says is one of the few “to force a person to use every muscle in their b

ody” (www.losalamitoswaterpolo.com). Sounds like fun, not to mention a good night sleep.

Or take it to dry land with Ping Pong. Yes, there are actually not only youth programs, but lessons and camps for the beginner to advanced player (www.powerpong.org).

6(JUST) PARTY!

Perfect for an un-birthday or if your birthday happens to fall near or on a major holiday, or just because it’s summer. The idea here is to get a group of neighbors or friends together and pitch in for a wing-ding. Rent a bouncer, play street games, have a marine biology expert bring tidepool animals to your backyard (Blue Submarine, 888.218.8085) or go to California Pets for a puppy or reptile party (www.californiapetsoc.com).

7

CRAFT(Y)

OK, there are literally way, way, waaaaay, too many craft opportunities offered at schools, parks and grandma’s homes. But we love two. The first is sewing. Yes, sewing. Now you may think this is for old ladies, until you have a hole in your sock or find the new $150 jeans you just bought are way too long. This is why you go to Sewing With Jane (562.431.1943). Jane Loper offers classes and camps that teach kids to work with textiles and make some very cool projects. Sewing? Cool? Uh, for any of you kids interested in becoming the next winner of Project Runway, you will notice that every one of those people know their way around a needle, thread and sewing machine. OK, now equally as classic is learning to build model boats. Our area happens to offer one of the best programs around in Long Beach’s Model Boat Shop run by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Kids from the ages of 7 on up not only learn how to build model sailboats, thereby learning a good bit of history, culture and language of the sea, but race their creations in weekly regattas. Captain’s hat optional (562.570.3100).

8

(SCIENCE?) SCIENCE!

Yes, yes, it’s not every kids’ favorite subject, but a lot of that has to do with science learned out of a book. In the summer, kids can be exposed to science … in the raw! This is the way science was supposed to be experienced, hands-on like at Cal State Long Beach’s Young Scientist Camp for kids in grades 3 to 8 (www.youngscientistscamp.com). Other favorite science-y type things include Long Beach Marine Institute camps. They have a couple of age-appropriate camps to introduce and foster a fascination and love of the ocean for kids 5-12 and teens ages 13-16. Teens actually live aboard a research vessel for a week and participate in all manner of exploration (www.longbeachmarine.org). And the Ocean Institute in Dana Point offers a Seafarer’s Odyssey for 9 to 10 years olds that includes helmsmanship, treasure hunts and real sea-cave exploration (www.ocean-institute.org). This, in scientific terms, is very cool.

9

(DRIVE-IN) MOVIES!

One way to get kids excited about the new possibilities of movies is to show them how they used to be experienced with movie stars 50-feet tall! Yeah drive-in movies still exist, and they make a great, evening excursion. Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair features eight, first-run movies every day of the week. Adults are just 7 bucks, kids 5 to 9 just a buck (www.missiontiki.com). Even better, during the theater’s “Summer Under The Stars” program, they show a weekly classic movie—and it costs just one buck a car. ONE DOLLAR! Do you know what else is one dollar these days? Nothing. You might also check out the Vineland in City of Industry (www.vinelanddriveintheater.com); the Van Buren (www.vanburendriveintheatre.com) and Rubidoux (www.rubidoux.icyspicy.com) in Riverside.

10

NOTHING!

Hey, it’s summer. Why don’t you and your kids try a little something new called nothing? Sit on the steps and share a popsicle. Lay on the grass and look up at the clouds (Hey! That one looks like my small intestine!) In the midst of our over-scheduled, over-achieving lives, when we all seem to be in a constant state of becoming, wouldn’t it be great for all of us—adults and kids—to just be in a state of being. Just. Be. Happy Summer!

It’s back! Visit the Orange County Fairgrounds for an unforgettable weekend – gain insight into the active world of pets, shop for Fido and Fifi and prepare to be entertained in the world’s largest and most–respected consumer pet show.

Kidsguide Magazine Online
April 7, 2010

Splash Dogs, Comedy Pet Theater and extreme doggy make-overs – there’s plenty to see, do and marvel over at the world’s largest consumer pet show! America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the Orange County Fairgrounds on April 16-18 for a weekend bursting with entertainment, pony rides, pet adoptions, animal showcases and one-stop shopping for all things pet!

This annual event brings together the public and professionals in the companion animal world, from product manufacturers and retailers, to veterinarians and groomers, as well as animal humane organizations. Whether you’re looking to learn about different dog breeds, ride a pony, or check out the hundreds of animals available for adoption, America’s Family Pet Expo offers an once-in-a-lifetime interaction with all types of animals. Boost your avian, canine, feline, equine, fish and reptile knowledge when you attend the event’s numerous training, care and grooming demonstrations and seminars!

The Expo also gathers together merchants, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase quality pet products at discounted rates.

Also at the heart of the family-friendly event is a top-notch entertainment lineup fit to awe and inspire pet-lovers of all ages. Debuting this year is Equine Entertainment & Attractions, which feature a variety of horse superstars including the horse played the titular racehorse in “Seabiscuit,” and Lukas, dubbed the World’s Smartest Horse for his spelling and counting aptitude.

Make sure to catch the Expo’s other popular attractions: the skill of scooter-pushing dogs and acrobatic cats in Popovich Comedy Pet Theater; the “splashy” pooches of the dock-diving Splash Dogs; Joe “The Birdman” Krathwohl’s Free Flight Bird Show; and the CFA Cat Show’s array of award-winning feline breeds.

America’s Family Pet Expo
• Friday, April 16, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Admission, $6-$12. Kids under 6 get in free. Save $2 when you purchase tickets online!
• Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa (map it!)
• (626) 447-2222, (714) 708-1500. www.petexpooc.org

Healthy lifelong habits start in the kitchen. The Junior League shows families how on March 13.
Kidsguide Magazine Online
March 1, 2010

Here’s a hefty statistic from the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity: did you know that by this year, nearly half the children in North and South America will be overweight?

The answer is as close as your kitchen – literally! The Junior League of Long Beach on March 13 is back with its its deliciously informative community event, Kids in the Kitchen Healthy Eating and Exercise Fair.

This free event – part of the League’s children’s health advocacy efforts – encourages youth and families to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. Learn, munch and come home with a wealth of delicious ideas from various workshops and activities scheduled throughout the day, from yoga demonstrations and Veggie Bowling, to taking the Vons Eating Right Adventure Tours. Vons, a major supporter of the annual event, will host it in its Circle Center location in Long Beach.

Hungry yet? Make sure to visit the fair’s numerous cooking stations, where little (and big) chefs can learn to make goodies like fruit kabobs and PB&J quesadillas. The day is also a chance for families to meet and make friends with community groups promoting kids’ fitness, among them the Long Beach Fire Department, Tae Kwon Do Academy, Prep Kitchen Essentials, Stroller Strides and DG Boxing.

Make sure to stick around for the raffle, where attendees get the chance to win prizes fit to inspire even the most stubborn couch potato: Nintendo Wii and Active, one-month dance lessons and boxing classes, a one-week cooking camp from Prep Kitchen Essentials, Kids in the Kitchen cooking gear and more!

Kids in the Kitchen Healthy Eating and Exercise Fair
• Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Parking lot at Vons Market, Circle Center, 1820 Ximeno Ave., Long Beach (map it!).
• (562) 989-6400, www.JLLB.org

What’s your fondest holiday memory?

In Part 4 of The Buzz’s four-part Holiday Survival Guide series, we get a little nostalgic. At the heart of every yuletide celebration is a family tradition – picking out the perfect tree to bring home, marathon viewings of “A Christmas Story,” or baking all things gingerbread.

Whether you’ve refined your family traditions or are in search of new ones, The Buzz shares some of its staff’s favorite things:

A Holiday Movie. There are many perennial favorites. Here’s our picks: The one-week long run of Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Long Beach Art Theatre begins today, with a special $8 rate for all evening shows. During Christmas week, the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro will feature a live stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic.

Caroling. Nothing quite gets you in the mood like a holiday tune. Hear some heavenly singing this weekend: the Bellflower Civic Chorus at Bellflower’s Rejoice Noel; the Southern California Children’s Chorus at Calvary Church in Santa Ana and the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, where they sing alongside the Pacific Chorale. Our pick: You! Start your own neighborhood caroling tradition. Here’s how.

“The Nutcracker.” With numerous productions on stage throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties, you need not drive far to catch a performance. Our picks: Long Beach Ballet Academy’s Dec. 19-20 and 22-23 “Nutcracker” performances, which will be accompanied by a live orchestra. We also like California Nutcracker Ballet for its up-to-date listings of every “Nutcracker” performance scheduled this month. Find the production nearest you here.

Water Worlds of Light. What we lack in snow, we make up with brilliant displays of light. Our picks: Dec. 19′s 63rd Annual Naples Island Boat Parade, where small and large boats will brighten the Long Beach peninsula’s waterways; Newport Beach’s Parade of Lights illuminates Newport Harbor Dec. 19-20; and in Cruise of Lights, guests are taken on a narrated evening tour along the Huntington Beach coast. Bonus pick: Prefer solid ground? Plot your own route to the Southland’s prettiest displays with some help from the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Holiday Lights Guide and the Orange County Register’s Holiday Lights Contest.

Parade of Lights image courtesy of www.daveyslocker.com

We’re almost at the homestretch! In Part 3 of The Buzz’s Holiday Survival Guide, we help you find the ideal winter camp for your tyke, tween and teen.

Not only are winter camps lifesavers for the busy parent, they are also a productive way for kids to spend their two-week school vacation. Most camps often fashion their activities – sometimes even menus! – around fun themes to maximize the experience for participants.

Here are some stand-out programs that caught our eye. (To learn what else is out there, make sure to check with your city’s recreation department, schools and local YMCAs.)

Alpert JCC Kamp Komaroff (Grades 1-6) & Winter Break Play Days (Ages 2-7). Parents have the flexibility of enrolling their child for one day or for the camps’ 6-day duration. Activities for Kamp Komaroff campers include filming their own mini-movies, the science of snow – including how to make fake snow – as well as an early New Year’s themed day complete with floats (the ice cream-based confection, and the kind that coasts down a parade route). Younger children in Winter Break Days will embark on kid-friendly archaeological dino digs, “travel” to Israel aboard a prop plane, and learn how to be mini-chefs. Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. Sign up for one or more days, $40-$50 per day. (562) 426-7601, ext. 1090. www.alpertjcc.org

City of Anaheim Youth Winter Basketball Camp (Ages 7-13). Score! For $35, girls and boys for one week learn new basketball skills at the West Anaheim Youth Center Gymnasium. Beginner and intermediate players will work to improve their skill sets from the city recreation department’s professional and patient staff. Bring water and your game face! Dec. 21-24, 2-hour sessions, $35. (714) 765-4311, www.anaheim.net

Marine Science Camps. Regional institutions Aquarium of the Pacific and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium have three sea-riffic Winter Camp programs for preschool to elementary school-aged kids.

Children ages 5-6 in the Aquarium’s Sea Squirt Camp for three days learn about birds, underwater critters and marine mammals through games, aquarium visits, biofact discovery touch and crafts. Winter Day Campers (Grades 2-4) learn more advanced topics such as winter migrations, polar bears and cold habitats. In addition to aquarium visits, crafts and biofact touch sessions, they’ll also conduct behind-the-scenes animal observation.
Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. $115-$150 per session. (562) 961-1630. www.aquariumofthepacific.org

Meanwhile, kids enrolled in Cabrillo’s Winter Seafari Camp will join the San Pedro-based aquarium’s enthusiastic staff as they explore the seashore. The camp is split in morning and afternoon sessions for Grades K-2 and grades 3-6. Other marine-related activities include ocean projects and crab-fishing. Dec. 28-31. 3-hour session, $68. (310) 548-7562.
www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Team OC Fun Winter Camp 2009 (Ages 3-12). Jump around! Team OC Fun offers two 3-day Winter Camps this month. The energetic folks at this Costa Mesa-based cheer, gymastics and dance gym will blend gymnastics, cheer, dance, trampoline, sports and art to keep your child’s days full of, well, fun! Kids will also have access to the establishment’s Rockwall, Zipline and mega-bounce house. Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., $150. (714) 444-1144, www.teamocfun.com

In Part 2 of The Buzz’s four-part Holiday Survival Series, we look at some crafty ways to celebrate the yuletide season.

One idea is to get the kids involved, be it helping decorate the Christmas tree or making a special gift. Holiday crafts are a fun and creative way to grow that holiday spirit.

Below are some low-cost ideas for kids 6 and older:

Tree ornaments. Make a truly unique keepsake this Christmas. Kaboose and Disney’s FamilyFun merrily feature a growing list of easy-to-make ornament projects for youngsters like the popsicle stick Santa ornament pictured above.

Bow Wow! Leftover gift wrapping paper make awesome bows to top of your presents (learn how to make yours here). Use white or brown craft paper – brown grocery bags work, too! – to make homemade wrapping paper. Abigail Beal of Creativity Portal’s Project Playground provides several ideas and fuss-free paper styles in her piece, “How to Make Creative Gift Wrapping Paper with Kids.”

For the home. Make your own seasonal display pieces. Make a stylish papier mache bowl to hold the Mazao (fresh fruits and veggies) that rests atop a homemade woven mat on your Kwanzaa table. Kids Craft Weekly offers three lovely Hannukah projects for kids: Simple Dreidel Card; Macaroni Menorah; and Hanukkah activity envelopes.

Image courtesy of Kaboose.com

Welcome to Kidsguide Magazine and The Buzz’s four-part Santa Survival Guide series!

In the following weeks, we’ll help you find your inner Santa – jolly, efficient and prepared to tackle the holiday’s nice and naughty challenges.

We begin the series with a jolly idea: finding time. More specifically, getting the extra hours to attend to holiday tasks such as organizing that big family get-together, home decorating, and gift-shopping.

We suggest Kids’ Night Out, a drop-off program offered by numerous Long Beach Metro-area and Orange County organizations. It’s a win-win situation; the kids spend a jam-packed evening enjoying age-appropriate activities and making new friends, while Mom and Dad get their shop on.

Several communities also run Kids Night Out programs, so make sure to check with your city recreation department and YMCA. Below are some area Kids’/Parents’ Night Out events to help get you started.

? Parent’s Night Out Program at Paint ‘N Glaze. Held the first Friday of every month. For $25, kids 5 and older get a pizza dinner, a $10 ceramic piece to paint and a craft to get their creative juices flowing. The next Night Out is Dec. 4. 3960 Studebaker Road, Long Beach. (562) 421-8000, www.paintnglaze.com

? My Gym – Huntington Beach Parents’ Night Out. This youth health and fitness center customizes its activities based on the age group of the evening’s young attendees. The next Night Out date is Dec. 18. $35 per child. Make sure to inquire about their “Shopping Days” drop-off program in December! 6030 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 842-2486.

? Open Gym Night at PDA Sports Center. PDA’s state-of-the-art gym becomes a playground for kids 3 and up. A pizza dinner is included in the $15-25 fee. The next Open Night is scheduled Dec. 5. 15064 Shoemaker Ave., Santa Fe Springs. (562) 229-1927, www.pdausa.net

? Drop and Shop at American Gymnastics Academy! The Signal Hill-based gymnastics training center takes your kids off your hands for the afternoon so you can attend to your task without distraction. $20 per child age 3 and up. Upcoming Drop and Shop Nights are Friday, Nov. 27; and Saturday, Dec. 5 & 19. 1901 Obispo St., Signal Hill. (562) 494-0087, www.american-gymnastics.com

? Shop While They Bop at Arts & Learning Conservatory. Drop off your little performer at ALC for a morning-to-afternoon theater workshop while you tackle your holiday list. Receive the $45 early bird special when you sign up early for the Dec. 12 and/or Dec. 19 workshops. Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 623-1907, www.artsandlearning.com

? Parent Night Out at SCAT Gymnastics. It’s never too early to schedule anything New Year’s Eve-related. Held on the last Saturday of the every month, SCAT’s next Open Night is scheduled Dec. 31, with special extended hours for New Year’s Eve: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., or the option of an overnight sleepover for the same price of $45 ($35 for every additional sibling). Games and a delicious pizza dinner are a part of the schedule. 5742 McFadden Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 895-2909, www.scatsgymnastics.com

The Discovery Science Center is cookin’ up something delicious.

In 10 days, The Cube will debut The Science of Gingerbread, a tasty winter-long exhibit exploring the art, science and fun in all things gingerbread.

Not only will visitors have the opportunity to test their baker’s talent in numerous kitchen science and decorating demos, they will also have a chance to be part of the exhibit and the parallel event, Gingerbread Holiday Festival.

If you consider yourself a crafty in the kitchen, you’re invited to share your wisdom with the public by volunteering to lead a workshop, host a stage show or host a decorating demonstration.

In the opening week of the exhibit, kids (and grownups, too!) are encouraged to submit their gingerbread masterpieces for The Cube’s Annual Gingerbread Competition. Enter any one of the nine categories for the chance to win cash prizes, bragging rights and the privilege of having your confection on public display during the exhibit’s 6-week run.

Science on a Sphere – Discovery Science Center
? Opening day: Monday, Nov. 23. Exhibit runs until Jan. 3, 2010.
? Admission, $9.95-12.95
? 2500 North Main St., Santa Ana. (map it!)
? (714) 542-2823, www.discoverycube.org