Critter 'N' Kids

Last year, my son and I enjoyed the Los Angeles Zoo's Toddler Totes classes. Now that he's three, we've moved up to Critter 'N' Kids.

Our first class was "Fabulous Flamingos." In the classroom, the kids explored bird eggs, looked at flamingo feathers with a magnifying glass, strained glitter out of water simulating flamingo feeding, and created flamingo nests in a sand tray.

Then we headed out to observe the birds and discuss them.

Critter 'N' Kids runs Wednesday through Saturday mornings, about once a month. It's worth becoming a Zoo member to get the newsletter with the schedule of classes and special events (although you can find the info online too).

A single class is $18 for members, $23 for non-members.

The June class will be Amazing Alligators. Reggie has a new (girl)friend, Cajun Jane, so the class should be especially exciting.

Hop, Slither & Stalk

Much More Than Fossils

The Natural History Museum Rocks (and Hops)!

And the Emmy goes to...the education staff at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. I'm so pleased to see the Museum put energy into programs beyond dinos. Encouraging kids to appreciate living creatures should increase the chances future generations will get to see wild frogs not just zoo and fossil frogs.

A great example: the Museum's new Hop, Slither & Stalk program. Performers transform themselves into animals using costumes and puppets made from recyclable materials. This includes some very creative uses of garden gloves and file folders.   

We watched Frogman (above) transform from tadpole to frog. Turtleman (below) demonstrated the powerful jaws of an Alligator Snapping Turtle. These men are two of four performance artists on staff at the museum. (The performance artists also animate T-Rex and Triceratops for Dinosaur Encounters.)

An educator (uncostumed) provided narration and encouraged the kids to hop and crawl like frogs and turtles. This program is designed for kids age three to nine, but all ages are welcome. 

Future episodes include Buggin' Out (insect puppets), Metamorphosis (featuring a 25-foot-long caterpillar puppet), and Where do YOU live?(about animal habitats). These are short programs, so arrive on time and plan to take in other exhibits and programs, or drop by the Discover Center, on the ground floor. 

Hop, Slither & Stalk runs Wednesday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and Saturdays at 1:00. It's designed for kids participating in camp programs, but all museum visitors are welcome. Look for it in the Grand Foyer, right inside the front door. 

After the show, my son and I, along with our friends from Ramshackle Solid, headed down to the Discovery Center. Among other things, the boys swept plastic chips off of (fabricated) dinosaur bones in the excavation pit. 

Then it was up to the second floor for another episode of Dinosaur Encounters. I was surprised to see Frogman evolved into a paleo pal, who quizzed kids on dino facts. What did this dinosaur eat? How can you tell?

If you're planning a visit soon, don't miss the Butterfly Pavilion. 

Wondering why you didn't know about all these great activities? I confess it's not that I'm so smart...I'm a member. Members, of course, get newsletters with the latest. 

The Slithering and the Slimy

HOORAY FOR HERPS!
It's clear where my son and I will be this Saturday: Gawking at scores of gorgeous critters on display at the LA County Natural History Museum's "Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day," including Tallulah, the museum's Solomon Islands Skink (pictured above).

Featured guests include lots of (live) frogs and turtles, two American alligators, a 13-foot python, and all of California's native rattlesnakes. Herpetologists will be on hand to answer your questions. 

The event will also feature presentations/activities that explore the relationship between modern reptiles and dinosaurs. 

The shindig runs Saturday, July 11, from noon to 5 p.m. It's free to members or included with your regular museum admission ($9 for adults;$6.50 for children). But note, parking in the area is now $8.00.

For kids 3-5 years old, check out Critter Club at 10 a.m. Kids will learn about reptiles and amphibians through exhibits in the Discovery Center, as well as stories, games and a craft. This is free (with paid museum admission), but spaces are available on a first-come basis. For more info, call 213-763-3230.

More of my writing on the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

 

Aquarium of the Pacific

OCEANS OF FUN IN LONG BEACH

We've been sampling nature classes at various institutions. Our new favorite: Aqua Tots at the Aquarium of the Pacific. These themed classes are for toddlers (and parents), but the Aquarium also offers classes for all ages (including summer camp)--and the entire family. Upcoming Saturday Family Fun programs include "Totally Turtles," "Shark Sleuths," and "Magnificent Marine Mammals."

On our recent visit, we learned about the brilliant colors in the ocean. The kids helped our teacher--an engaging  young woman named Staci--identify the colors and names of various plush-toy sea animals. Then we fluttered around the Aquarium in search of brightly colored animals. 

Parents, check out this photo:

Yes, fish at the Aquarium eat broccoli! (The green stuff at the top right of the photo.) I made sure to point that out to my son. In fact, I may print this photo for him; perhaps glue it to his highchair. 

Kids and parents oohed and aahed over this olive ridley sea turtle. All species of sea turtles that swim in U.S. waters are endangered. In the eastern Pacific, olive ridleys have declined because of commercial harvesting by Mexican fishermen, loss of nesting habitat to coastal development, and accidental entrapment in fishing gear.  

When we returned to our classroom, we read a book about how some marine animals use camouflage. Then we dipped our fingers into a touch pool of local species. My son fingered sea stars, purple urchins, anemones, a limpet, and a swell shark. The swell shark takes its name from its talent for gulping air or water when threatened. This not only increases its size, but helps it wedge into cracks in rocky reefs. 

Finally, we make glued colored animal shapes into a book to take home.

Kudos to the Aquarium of the Pacific for offering conservation-oriented educational exhibits. Take a moment to learn from some of the videos and exhibits that tell how you can help protect marine life. In coastal Southern California, our behavior affects the ocean--even if we live 30 miles inland.

After leaving the Aquarium, we enjoyed cruising along Rainbow Harbor, peeking at the boats. We drove home after dinner; no traffic at 7 p.m. Next time, we hope to hop on a harbor cruise.

More from me on the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Explore the Aquarium's Online Learning Center.

  

Nature Fun at the LA County Arboretum

Here's a fun activity for the whole family--okay, maybe not teenaged girls with a mortal fear of mud. We recently tromped around the LA County Arboretum, with guide Colleen Biles, in search of turtles. The adventure was one of the Arboretum's monthly Family Nature Walks. Our group included 10-year-old girl scouts, a few infants in strollers, grandparents, toddlers and preschoolers.  

Biles helped us distinguish between turtles, tortoises, and terrapins. Terrapins are "semi aquatic," living both in water and on land. The Arboretum is full of them, especially (non-native) Red-Eared Sliders. This terrapin is native to the southeastern US. It's been a popular pets for years, and because of this, the animal has let loose in parks around the world. (Please, do not abandon a pet in the wild. It may not survive, or it could displace or predate on native animals.) 

Children on the Arboretum walk enjoyed throwing (dog) food into the incredibly murky lake, and Biles scooped up turtles for closer inspection. (She wore gloves because these reptiles can carry salmonella.) 

I was thrilled to get a close-up look at this Black-Crowned Night-Heron. They're beautiful birds, and usually more shy. But Biles says they've figured out that people here throw food that bring fish to the water's surface. 

Biles says the Arboretum usually discourages people from feeding wildlife, but if you're going to do it, please skip the junk food and crackers, and toss some vegetable scraps.

This squirrel also seemed aware that people=food. He was unfazed by toddlers zooming past him.  Eastern Fox Squirrels were also introduced to the Los Angeles area. (Our native tree squirrel is grayer and less common in urban areas.) Story is some civil war vets brought them West and kept them in cages at the Sawtelle Veterans home--until some administrator thought it improper to feed the critters on the government dime. So they were released. Sounds like folklore. But unlike the parrot stories, academics say there's good evidence for this one.

My son also enjoyed inspecting goose feathers and climbing a tortoise-shaped rock pile. He was having so much fun, I had to lure him back to the car with the promise of seeing more peacocks.

The Family Nature Walks are free with admission to the Arboretum. They're usually held the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. (No outing on July 4.) Space is limited to the first 25 people, but no one was turned away on our visit. 

This summer the Arboretum is offering quite a few family programs, including a storytelling series called Bookworms, KidsArt, and a Gettin' Buggy class on beneficial inspects in the garden (July 25). 

More on The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens of Los Angeles County.

At the Zoo, Too

Much to Do at the Los Angeles Zoo

My son and I so enjoyed our last helping of the Zoo's Toddler Totes program that we recently went back for another helping. We were delighted to have Megan as our teacher again. 

The theme this time was Tons of Teeth. The kids learned how animals use their teeth, and and took a peek at fossil--and real--jaws.

On our stroll with Megan, we got another good look at Reggie the alligator and the silverback (Gorilla).

We've signed up for next month's class on "animal costumes." More on Toddler Totes.

On your next trip to the Zoo, check out the native plants  around the perimeter of the parking lot.  I enjoyed seeing matilija poppy and sages blossoming underneath the oak and sycamore trees.

If you have extra time, sample some of these Griffith Park attractions: the Merry-Go-Round and the nearby Shane's Inspiration Universal Access Playground. My son also loves the pony rides and the adjacent Griffith Park and Southern Railroad. Cluster these activities for a fun afternoon with friends and/or family. Click here for a Griffith Park hike.

Butterflies Are Back

Pavilion of Wings at the LA County Natural History Museum

The butterflies have returned to the Natural History Museum. You'll find them in the Pavilion of Wings exhibit outside the museum. 

In this outdoor exhibit, monarchs, painted ladies, swallow tails, buckeyes and other butterflies flit around you. Common buckeye (Junonia coenia) and painted lady (Vanessa cardui) are two of species you're most likely to see around Southern California.

After watching butterflies sip from flowers, don't be surprised if your toddler wants to taste the flora around your home. (I've had to brush up on which of my plants are poisonous and which not.)  If you're interested in raising butterflies at home, you can purchase a kit in the pavilion gift shop. (See my post for details on this fun project.) The butterfly exhibit is open through early September.

On our recent visit, my son and I--along with our friends from Ramshackle Solid--also went back for another helping of the exciting Dinosaur Encounters. We were rewarded with a look at the triceratops puppet. This life-sized replica of a juvenile is manned by two puppeteers. The kids learned that triceratops is an herbivore. 

It's All Happening at the LA Zoo

Play and Learn at the Los Angeles Zoo

Before I forget: there's a new baby at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. A month-old giraffe. Mind you, we didn't see it because my squirmy toddler was intent on seeing the excavators working on the new elephant enclosure. But we've enjoyed the giraffes in past visits, including the youngster pictured above.

TODDLER TOTES

A recent visit included our first experience of the zoo's Toddler Totes program. These are short, themed classes for little kids. Last month it was "The Nose Knows." Toddlers and parents gathered in a classroom. The kids played with animal toys, listened to a (short) book about how animals use their noses, and were given orange-smelling canisters to sniff. Then we darted through the zoo to visit three animals--including this tapir--and observe how they use their noses. The teacher lent the kids small backpacks with animal cards and props, such as wooden eggs similar to those swans push around with their noses (beaks).

At the end, the teacher gave out booklets about animal noses. I thought it was well worth the $10 fee ($13 for non-members). The only trick with these classes is you have to register in advance, and the Zoo staff doesn't make it particularly easy. You have to fax or mail in a registration form that is found in the zoo newsletter. If you're not a member, you need to call to have it faxed or mailed to you. The topics and times are available on the Zoo's website.

I wouldn't drive across town just for the class: after all, it's intended for wee attention spans. But it's a great addition to a zoo visit. For three- and four-year-olds, check out Critter 'N Kids classes. The Zoo also offers programs for older kids. For the little ones, be sure to bring a stroller as you'll cover a fair amount of ground. 

On our last two visits we've been delighted to see Reggie. He's the 120 pound alligator that some fool released into Lake Machado in Harbor City (when he grew too big to keep as a pet). For two years, city workers and outside contractors tried and failed to capture Reggie. In 2007, a zoo reptile expert and others finally snagged and relocated him to the Zoo. Not long after, he scaled the chain-link fence, breaking free of his enclosure.  (He was put back and the area refortified.)

Look for Reggie near the entrance--to the right, at the top of the stairs. Just before the flamingos, keep an eye out for the meerkats. Kids can get a close-up view of these cuties, who don't seem to mind so many squirming, squealing human critters nearby. 

There are a lot of must-see animals at the Los Angeles Zoo: the hippo, tiger, lions, chimpanzees, kangaroos, koalas, billy the elephant, etc. Don't miss the gorillas. They are especially thrilling to observe. And, for little kids, the petting zoo is big fun.

The Los Angeles Zoo has generous membership terms and benefits. For example, you can include a nanny AND her kids on your membership. Members receive a newsletter and the Zoo magazine, which keep you apprised of critter happenings and special events. 

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanic Garden

5333 Zoo Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90027

323-644-4200

Water World

A Visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach

This excursion isn't just for kids. Everyone in our family likes the Aquarium, including Grandpa. It's a great place to pick up a little marine biology, and just ooh and aah over the critters. 

Our recent visit started with a stop at Blue Cavern. It's that huge exhibit at the far end of the main hall. (Be sure you pick up the visitor guide when you enter the Aquarium.) When you go, take a look at some of the local fish: giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas), California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher), leopard sharks, white sea bass, and kelp bass. Sheephead live in kelp forests and around rocky reefs, especially around the Channel Islands. These large wrasses all start life as females (orange to red colored) and change sex to male at around four of five years of age (when they develop the bold blue-black head and tail coloration). Large, old males are rare these days, but these fish can live 50 years.

The impressive black fish are giant sea bass. Used to be sport fishermen were especially keen to land these big guys. Now, because the animal has been fished to near extinction, it's off limits. (People often blame commercial fishing for declining marine life, but sport fishing--especially in populous Southern California--has also taken its toll.) Giant sea bass can live up to 70 years and grow bigger than 7 feet, 550 pounds.

Next, we helped our son reach into a touch pool in the Northern Pacific Gallery, upstairs. He felt a few starfish and anenomes. He also enjoyed meeting puffins--familiar from his Little Polar Bear bath book. And, of course, the southern sea otters thrilled us all. I never tire of watching these cuties. California’s sea otters were nearly hunted to extinction by fur traders in the 18th and 19th century. A few survived near Monterey, and the animals have made a slow comeback. But they haven't recovered as well as scientists think they should, and biologists continue to puzzle over the reasons.  In part because of an agreement the federal government made with fishermen, today most of the state's otters live along the central coast. 

Be sure to check the "Today at the Aquarium" insert in your Visitor Guide. It will tell you the times of special presentations. Most of these consist of staffers discussing the species and how they care for them. 

It was great fun to watch the seals and sea lions being fed. The surfaced, jumped, slid on and off the rocks. The most common pinniped in Southern California is the California sea lion. They're easily distinguishable from harbor seals by the their brown color and longer front flippers, which allow them to be more agile on land. Plus, sea lions have external ear flaps, seals don't. I confess it's harbor seals that steal my heart. There's something about their liquid black, puppy-dog eyes, kitty-cat face, and sleek silver-black coat that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

We also enjoyed touching rays and small sharks in the outdoor pools. While you're in the area, check out the nearby Our Watersheds exhibit. If you care about the animals you've just seen, you'll want to protect them. These exhibits will broaden your ideas on how to do that. Even if you live 50 miles from the beach, things you do inland affect the ocean. (More from me on that topic.)

Finally, while the noisy lorikeets attract a lot of attention, a quieter nook also merits a peek. Get a close-up look at some local birds in the Shorebird Sanctuary (near the seals). I adore black-necked stilts, pictured below on the left. They lend a touch of elegance to our degraded rivers. On the right is another lovely bird found in our remaining wetlands: the American avocet.

Be sure to get a glimpse of the western snowy plover (pictured below), while you may have seen birds that look similar (killdeer, for example), chances are you haven't seen this little darling because it's endangered. 

Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA  90802

562-590-3100

Open Daily 9 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Adults: $23.95

Children (3-11 yrs) $11.95

Under 3: Free

Check the Los Angeles Times for coupons

Check Aquarium website for special discounts

Public Transportation info

Oh, My! Dinosaurs

BIG FUN AT THE LA COUNTY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

If you haven't been to the LA County Natural History Museum recently, it's time to give it another look. 

On a recent visit, my friend and I were as thrilled as the kids to encounter this dinosaur puppet. It's a life-size juvenile T-Rex. Little and big kids alike enjoyed the interactive session, in which our host asked and answered a lot of dino questions. This replica renders T-Rex with a coat of downy feathers. Our guide discussed the link between these prehistoric giants and their smaller avian relatives. 

The Dinosaur Encounters program also features a juvenile Triceratops. We'll definitely return to see him. Note that this program is loud: the guide uses a mic at high volume. It may be too loud--and perhaps too scary--for a small child. 

Exposition Park has raised the parking rate to $8 (gulp), and the street parking is gone due to Expo line construction, so get the most for your money by exploring more of the museum. Downstairs you'll find a sweet Discovery Center that features live animals, including turtles, an iguana named Cecil, a python, fish, amphibians, and insects. The Discovery Center offers a story time and live animal presentations, during which a curator displays and discusses small animals.

Also, don't discount the taxidermy. It's a great way for kids to get an up-close look at critters they might not otherwise encounter--like this giant polar bear in the Discover Center. Or the permanently perched birds in the museum's excellent Hall of Birds. 

And look for the reopening of butterfly pavilion--outside the museum near the entry. I took my son there when he started running and talking. He was ecstatic. But I couldn't figure out why he was saying, "Meow! Meow!" Then I realized he'd heard the educator talking about CATerpillars. 

Also, check out some of the museums many educational programs:

• Adventures in Nature (pre-K through age 8)
• Critter Club (ages 3-5)

Los Angeles County Natural History Museum

900 Exposition Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90006

Adults: $9

Under 5: Free

5-12 yrs: $2

Students: $6.50

Parking: $8.00

Public transportation info