On a beclouded winter day, when the sun cast a soft glow through the subdued haze and a mild gust stirred the air, I had the pleasure of visiting the South Coast Botanic Garden with my family. We picked a day that happened to be perfect: not too cold or too hot, and uncrowded, this urban oasis made for an easy escape from the harried city of Los Angeles.

Who would have thought that this special place is one of the world’s first botanical gardens to be developed over a sanitary landfill? I did not know this until quite some time after I had visited. It was only when I came to write about this enchanted venue that I learned this. In fact, while doing a bit of background research, I found myself drawn off topic altogether onto a tangent which led me to learning more about landfills! Tangents can be fascinating, although this one took the better part of an hour so that the gardens had to wait while I was drawn into the intriguing world of waste management and landfill sites. It may sound unsavory, but it’s a very important part of life. It’s almost like sewer treatment, which is interesting also, and another tangent I will refrain from taking now. While it’s not something one would talk about at a social function, I immediately shared what I learned with my family because the whole landfill process is actually very interesting. But then again, I tend to find almost any topic interesting… almost.

Now that the South Coast Botanic Garden’s humble beginnings have been revealed, I will return to the garden itself, a much more lovely and palatable topic.

The Garden covers 87 acres with a wide diversity of shrubs, trees, and colorful flowers blooming throughout the year. There are plants native to California, attracting lots of birds, bees and butterflies. There are also numerous flowers among lush greenery including roses, carnations, poppies, dahlias, sage, sunflowers, daisies, lilies and many more blooms. One almost does not know where to look first. Every corner, every spot—sunny or shady—has its treasures waiting to be discovered. It’s beautiful.

Imagine strolling along the open paths or the narrower windy trails and pausing to see dew drops collect on silken webs like delicate strands of tiny pearls. They reflect the dappled light with a soft luster which only nature can bestow.

There are the popular Children’s Garden and Discovery Garden incorporating nursery rhymes with plants to match the stories. Things like a dollhouse and bridge, a secret tunnel, worm bin, alphabet garden, butterfly garden, and whimsical characters delight children’s imaginations.

Other highlights include the Desert Garden, Display Greenhouse, Japanese Garden and Koi Pond, Mediterranean Garden, Rose Garden, a tranquil lake with turtles and dragonflies, a Palm Collection, Redwood Grove, Vegetable Garden, Ficus Collection, Rare Fruit Orchard, Gift Shop, Picnic Area and Amphitheatre.

But my personal favorite is the Banyan Grove. I’ve always loved Banyan trees because they just appear so massive and dominating and powerful. One cannot help feeling small next to them, though that’s not an unpleasant thing at all. Banyans are the world’s biggest trees in terms of the area they cover. These strangler fig trees overpower and smother their hosts, sending down roots which grow into stout pillars appearing like new tree trunks. It is said that Alexander the Great was so fascinated by them, he had notes and illustrations taken back to Greece to share with Theophrastus, the founder of modern botany. Their prehistoric allure is utterly romantic. They tug at the imagination with their imposing strength—-mine at least.

Their massive tangle of roots and cool understory are almost like something out of a fairy tale. I feel as though I have stepped into an enchanted forest far away from civilization: a place where nature rules, mighty, indomitable and uncompromising, but benevolent enough if you approach with a humble sense of awe. I enjoy meandering through the grove in a kind of enraptured trance, half-expecting a horse and its fearless rider to appear suddenly through the trees. Who goes there? I ask in a shaky whisper, turning suddenly to glance around. But it is only a fallen leaf, or so I tell myself while exhaling the breath I was not even aware I held.

Yes, places like this do strange and wondrous things to the imagination. They breathe a vivid and fanciful dimension into life, sprinkling it with a liberal dose of mystery and romance as nature often does.

Come see the Banyan Grove and numerous other splendid things at the South Coast Botanic Gardens. Whether you spend half an hour, or half a day, it will be time well-spent. The Garden is open from 9:00-5:00 daily year-round except for Christmas Day, with a variety of programs and events for families and kids. There are docent-led tours, tram tours, or simply self-guided walking tours if you so desire, and which I personally find to be the most intimate and enjoyable. I have not seen my imaginary horse and fearless rider in the Banyan Grove yet, but perhaps you will. Please send him my regards if you do…

Visualize yourself standing in the center of urban Los Angeles, surrounded by high-rise buildings, broad paved streets, cars, buses and trucks, and people hurrying along their busy ways. Now pause for a moment to see life as you know it, come to a screeching halt. You glance about you, and to your astonishment, everything slowly vanishes: the buildings, the roads, the sidewalks, the cars, and every single person passing along the way: all GONE.

In its stead is scrubby land and wildlife as far as the eye can see. Close by is what appears to be a watering hole or small lake with natural asphalt bubbling up from the ground. Part of it is covered with dust, leaves and water.

The cries of an American mastodon get your attention. It is a young male stuck in the lake’s tar. He became trapped when he went for a drink of water and ventured a little too deep.

But yours isn’t all the attention he’s garnered. A saber-toothed cat has also heard his cries and now pounces upon the hapless giant.

Startled, you want to run, but step into a patch of sticky tar. Luckily you are able to withdraw your foot and move away. But something else catches your eye: the carcass of a dire wolf.

Then you notice the other animals, all of which were somehow lured to the mysterious lake and died, trapped by the sticky tar.

Is this real? Can such a freakish phenomenon exist in the middle of Los Angeles?

Yes. And it still exists today, though it is no longer the death trap it once was.

Welcome to the La Brea Tar Pits.

Proceed, not with caution, but with an open mind, a fertile imagination, and a sense of great adventure.

The La Brea Tar Pits is a treasure trove of prehistoric relics dating back to the Pleistocene epoch 11,000 to 40,000 years ago. From fascinating creatures like the American Mastodon which are distant relatives of the ancestors of elephants, to powerful saber-toothed cats, ground sloths, dire wolves, ancient bison, and so much more, this is a place to get a glimpse of Los Angeles and the wildlife which roamed it a very long time ago.

The wonderful thing about this museum is that it is small enough to easily navigate, yet varied enough to keep young and old alike riveted. I have visited here countless times over the years, and it never fails to enthrall me. Every couple years or so, I need a fresh “fix.” Museums in general enchant me, and this one is especially captivating because of its natural history.

The museum consists of a fossil lab, 3D theater, atrium, and wonderful exhibits with countless fossils including saber-toothed cats, ground sloths, the Columbian mammoth, horses, dire wolves, condors and so much more.  There are several excavation sites, or pits, where many ancient mammoths, camels, bison, horses and other animal fossils were discovered. This museum boasts the world’s richest collection of Ice Age land animals. But the lake pit by its entrance is perhaps one of the most fascinating attractions. It still bubbles with seeping asphalt as it did a long time ago. And while the life-size statues of American mastodon stuck inside the lake are made of fiberglass, you can almost imagine them being real: trapped in a deathbed of sticky tar, their desperate cries drawing predators from afar, life fading fast with the morning star…

Yes, it certainly can be imagined, especially knowing that such things really did happen here, right in the middle of prehistoric Los Angeles.

Indeed… Life really is stranger than fiction…

When we were there this year, an entire warehouse area contained a steampunk paradise that had kids clambering to pedal bicycle powered tables on wheels, with an arc of a chandelier overhead, and a fake dinner setting. More kids ran through glow-in-the-dark interior rooms. And others marveled at the ability to cast shadow puppets into temporary murals thanks to the power of light impressions.

Steam punk art for the kids to enjoy

Then there’s the art itself, and the wonderful ability to interact with actual artists in their own studios. Let’s not forget the outdoor cafes and food trucks, the comfortable benches for just hanging out int he courtyards.

From vibrantly painted crash-test-dummies to gorgeous, hyper realistic paintings of kids in Haiti by skilled artist/resident Robert Sherman Wilson, there was something for everyone to see, and for all ages to admire.

Parents be warned, there’s cool stuff to buy too, like small plastic purses infused with strips of neon that are battery operated so you can turn them off and on at the flick of a switch. And one further happy caveat – a lot of these friendly artists enjoy offering candy to kids!

GALLERY SCHEDULE

Check the gallery schedule – the artwalk afternoons are usually on a Saturday and Sunday in the fall and again in the spring. The old industrial area housing the PBR Brewery artists lofts is a really fascinating area in and of itself. The art aside, just wandering through the still “metamorphing” buildings is great fun for kids and adults. See the old brewery furnace, still in the process of being repurposed into kilns and crafts space.   Check out the huge smoke stack still labeled “Brewery” that stands tall over tiny garden plots hung with windchimes and cowbells.

Look at the permanent interactive whizz bang  gizmos such as enormous bicycles and mini-Ferris wheels hung with buckets.

My kids loved being able to see where artists actually worked – easels, drafting tables and the like. They also enjoyed being able to check out the living quarters of the artists, their pet cats and dogs and in one case an inguana. How can you miss with this event? And did I mention that it’s free, including parking?

ART WALK

This is THE art walk that gives you a glimpse into an actual artist’s life. My kids had certain favorites of the exhibitors of course. Looking at gorgeous photo murals of the LA region, sea, desert, mountains; exploring a studio where a picnic for a giant was created out of giant paper mache drumsticks; enjoying Day of the Dead figures decorating a huge dining room table which also offered up homemade tortillas and salsa to viewers.

It’s really like a great and funky art party as much as a display of art itself. The artists range from those whose work you may have seen in museums and major galleries to those just starting out. The kids were fascinated to watch one artist create thin wire sculptures while we watched.  We went in the fall, and there were some artists creating custom-cool Halloween pumpkins, too.

There were splashy modern pieces and small, perfectly detailed ceramics, hilarious stuffed figures and bizarre dolls.  If you live in LA or are in the city more than once a year, check out the sheer variety of studios. There’s always something new to consider buying, or let the kids explore. In a jewelry artists’ loft, the kids were invited to touch pieces in various stages of creation. In one garden, an elderly artist carefully set out little mobiles that looked like birds in flight when the wind caught them.

A lizard art piece from the Brewery art walk

And show your kids just how important art is by supporting some of these generous artists. You don’t have to drop thousands on beautiful large canvases – although you could. There were those clear plastic purses holding winking neon for only $25, paper cut outs that were clever and cool for $10, small squares of  bright flower filled canvases for $40, sketches and lithographs  created right as you watched for less than $30. It’s a great lesson for kids to learn – that art is fun, cool, and matters – and that mom and dad believe in this rampant creativity enough to buy something neat for the kids walls or to hang over the dining room table.

We think the best thing about this kind of local, inspiring, innovative art is letting the kids talk tot he artists about what inspired them, or what a painting – perhaps a whimsical house on stilts, or a winged fairy – means to them. It’s a fascinating way to explore this vast art colony, the fascinatingly weird old factory itself, and to let your kids know that eclectic and witty works aren’t just created by Disney.

Take your kids to art outside the box – but in the factory when October or April rolls around. Every little finger painter will be glad you did.

One of more than 60 food trucks at the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival

The City of Angels has become synonymous with the food truck. Spend any amount of time in our fair city and you’re sure to spot them rolling down the street, restaurants-on-wheels catering to as many different types and taste-buds as there are people in our city of 12 million.

No longer simply humble “taco trucks” hawking their wares on street corners, the modern, 21st-century food truck can be found dishing up everything from gourmet grilled cheese and burgers to seafood and sushi, and everything in between. The entrepreneurial spirit that drives millions to make Los Angeles their adopted home has given birth to proprietors who have found the food truck more economical and flexible than a traditional restaurant location. These restaurateurs are able to bring exotic food from their homelands (and a taste of home, for many) to businesses all over the city.

My three boys chow down on pizza and Asian food

With their ability to move all over L.A., many of these trucks have developed a following of pretty obsessive types (myself included), who will stalk them via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to find out where in the city they will pop up next. I have to be honest, it’s an exhausting and time-consuming task for a foodie like myself.

Well, luckily for me there is an L.A. event that takes all the legwork out of tracking down my favorite food trucks. My family and I recently combined a gastronomic delight with a family fun day when we attended the Santa Anita Food Truck Festival at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California. More than 60 different food trucks congregated at the park to hawk more varieties of food than my taste-buds could possibly handle at once. But I fully intended to try my best.

Delicious shrimp ceviche lettuce wraps from the Shrimp Pimp truck

No matter where you hail from in the world, you were sure to find something to please your palate from the infinite variety of foods available–from Indian to Cajun, from German to Greek, from vegan to meat-and-potatoes only. When we first arrived, we were so overwhelmed by the diversity of menus that we had to take a couple of laps around the park to take it all in (which was no small feat!). This whetted our appetites even more, but made it possibly even more difficult to choose. I’m one of those people who even finds it impossible to choose from a diner menu.

Ultimately, my husband and I opted to start at the Shrimp Pimp, where we sampled some delicious (if rather pricey) shrimp tacos and lettuce wraps. These were merely the appetizer for us. We moved on to one of my personal favorite trucks around Burbank, the Grilled Cheese Truck, but found the line so incredibly long at this VERY popular truck that we got discouraged and decided to move on. A couple of our boys found the fare at Valentino’s Pizza and the Meet N’ Potatoes trucks to their liking. We also devoured delicious chicken tikka masala from the Bollywood Bites truck, and would have liked to try the Lobsta Truck as well–but alas, the long queue struck again, and deterred us from eating more seafood (which, in hindsight, was probably a good thing).

We finished our international culinary journey the Italian way–at Palazzolo’s Gelato Truck, where we were delighted by the chocolate and hazelnut gelatos–absolutely perfect on this very hot day. Our three boys opted for more “American” ice cream, buying cones from Longboard’s Ice Cream.

View from the grandstand at Santa Anita Racetrack, where we played the horses

I also simply got a big kick out of walking around and looking at all the great creative names people have come up with for their trucks: the Nom Nom Truck, Baby’s Badass Burgers, The Munch Box, and perhaps my favorite of all, Truck Norris (the truck is black with a large fist painted on each side of the truck. Pretty intimidating).

Once we had eaten waaaay more than our fill, we checked out the other activities. In addition to the food truck fiesta, the day featured live music from The Polyester Players and The M-80′s, and kids’ amusements including an inflatable giant slide, carnival games, pony rides, a bounce house, and face painting.

Since we were at a race track, and also since neither I nor my boys had ever seen a “live” horse race before, we decided to head up into the grandstands and check out a few of the races for fun. It was also getting almost unbearably hot and we thought a few seats in the shade with a cool drink might be just the thing. Never a betting person by nature, I thought it might be fun to wager just a small amount of money on one of the horses to make it more exciting. My husband agreed, and the family was all soon cheering on a beautiful black thoroughbred named “Ruler of Dubai.” Amazingly enough, our horse pulled out in front for the majority of the race, but he ultimately disappointed us by coming in fourth. Still, it was an exciting experience, and one I’d definitely like to try again.

The Food Truck Fest is held periodically throughout the year at Santa Anita Park (normally spring and fall). For more information go to: www.santaanitalive.com.

Cleopatra was Queen of Egypt in 51 B.C.

Imagine a life of exquisite opulence. One that donned the finest of everything, from sumptuous feasting with an endless flow of the best wine served in plates and goblets of gold, to the most luxurious silks and fabrics, to glittering jewels and artifacts that adorned the body and palace. A life of unbridled pleasure where music and merry-making blended with the intrigues of power and the ruling of an empire bent on worshiping their kings as gods. Such was the life of Cleopatra VII: Queen of Egypt in 51 B.C.

Jewels fit for a queen in radiant gold encrusted with gemstones have withstood the test of time

The mystery surrounding this legendary queen has only served to enhance her appeal over time. She was a woman of tremendous passion, ambition and intelligence. A queen who brought the Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to their knees, seduced by her charms and cunning. A ruler whose ways were criticized by the Romans – themselves given to a life of decadence and debauchery.

Cleopatra has been immortalized by artists, in books, and in Hollywood where myths and mysteries have been explored, depicted, debated and displayed time and again.

Special Exhibit at the California Science Center

Standing over 16 feet tall, these towering statues have a aura of power and mystery

Open to the public now through December 31, 2012, the California Science Center in Los Angeles is showcasing Cleopatra: The Exhibition. This 13,000-square-foot exhibit features a wonderful assortment of artifacts, gold, jewels, coins, statues and other objects that have withstood the test of time. Many of these relics were discovered buried in the sand and sea, and can now be viewed up close. The exhibition also features a complimentary audio tour of Cleopatra and her life that awakens the imagination with its fascinating narration of the woman who lived like a goddess.

A carved sphinx continues to gaze at onlookers as he did thousands of years ago

This is an excellent opportunity for adults and school-aged children to glimpse the objects of an ancient ruler who remains forever an object of fascination herself.  See sphinxes and other statues of many sizes carved from granite, bronze or other metals in their graceful enduring poses. Marvel at the many coins, rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and other jewels fashioned in intricate gold and gemstones that were once worn by the ancient Egyptians, perhaps even the legendary queen herself. Study some of the ammunition used in battles, like spearheads, slingshot bullets, axe-heads, arrowheads and a helmet. There are many informative displays with photographs of the objects in the exhibition as they were originally found in the sea by Alexandria.

Ancient coins glitter, catching the eye and imagination

Cleopatra’s legacy remains strong in the artifacts, history, and imaginations fueled by her life and the relics left behind from her dynasty. Alluring and somewhat elusive, she is like the shimmering trail of a shooting star across the night sky. Stardust that continues to sparkle long after the star itself is gone. Do not miss the chance to explore some of the gleaming remnants of her reign.

California Science Center

The statues are remarkably well preserved, a testament to the Egyptians’ enduring craftsmanship

While at the California Science Center, take advantage of their permanent exhibition galleries which are FREE. There is a separate charge for special exhibits (including the Cleopatra exhibit), several attractions and the IMAX theater. This is a wonderful museum for people of all ages, and especially captivating and appropriate for children with its many hands-on and interactive exciting exhibits.

The California Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive in Los Angeles, CA 90037.

The El Capitan Theater

If you live in the Los Angeles area, there are some wonderful alternatives to heading off to the mall for a Saturday matinee. In Hollywood, within a few block radius of each other, you’ll find three classic beauties. First, there’s the El Capitan. This gorgeously rehabilitated grande dame is often home to Disney premieres and re-releases of classics, accompanied by a short stage show with music and effects. My kids have been enthralled over the years to fake snowfall and Christmas lights and pumpkins at a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and dancing Woody and Buzz from Toy Story Two. The gilt and red plush rococo design gets oohs and ahs from small children to adults alike, and there are often costume displays in the lobby or beneath the theater in an area that features film-related displays and exhibits. You can buy reserved seats and you can also opt for a VIP package with popcorn and sodas provided that allows you to avoid waiting in a line for admission to the busiest shows. The screen is large and the sound system letter perfect, and children are so often the main audience for the films shown that you won’t have to worry if your little ones talk back to the screen a bit.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Right across the street is the venerable Grauman’s Chinese. In front of the theater there’s the fun-to-explore footprints and hand-prints of stars from another era, cast in cement. The Chinese pavilion look of the exterior and the stone dragons that guard it are impressive enough; inside the beautifully ornate gold dragons and Chinese-art patterns on the curtain and walls are pretty breathtaking. While this theater primarily shows the same sort of first run features you could find in the suburbs, you won’t see them in a large space this comfortable. Like the El Capitan, the screen is large and the sound system great. Recently, Grauman’s and its adjoining multi-plex was host to the Turner Classic Movie Festival, where there were screenings of Snow White, the classic western Rio Bravo, the Pink Panther, and more.

The Egyptian Theater

Down the street a bit east, you’ll find the Egyptian Theater. Faux pyramids and sphinxes form the decor here. The recessed entry from Hollywood Boulevard will make you feel as if you’re entering a film temple. Sound and screen are great, but this theater primarily shows classics and off beat films, so choose your showing carefully. From silent films like Buster Keaton and Chaplin to Japanese anime, you’ll be sure to find something to please your child.

Beyond the Screen

Adding to the film going experience – or detracting, depending on your point of view – lining the block near Grauman’s, you’ll find a number of costumed street performers – Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear, Superman, and Elvis among others. They do charge to pose for photos, so buyer beware, but it’s a fun tourist scene for small kids to observe.

For a little bit of film history – and a great run for little feet up and down the sweeping staircase – head inside the Hollywood and Highland open air mall adjoining the Chinese theater. Here you’ll find glittery stairs leading into the Kodak Theater. This was, until this year at least, the home of the Oscars telecast. It’s currently the home of the Cirque de Soleil, and their homage to the movie business itself, Iris. While the extravagant music review and acrobatics are expensive to attend, this is a wonderful show, full of color and sound, that kids and adults of all ages will be thrilled to experience.

If you walk to the second level of the mall and look north, you’ll find an excellent view of the Hollywood sign, and a great photo opportunity.

The Cinerama Dome

Arc Light Cinemas and Dome

Drive two blocks south to Sunset Boulevard and you’ll find the Cinerama Dome, whose massive screen is a great place to see a first run film, and occasional special showings of classics like Jurassic Park or 2001 if your children are old enough to find such films exciting and not too scary. The Dome adjoins the upscale and comfortable Arclight multi-plex with a mix of art house and first run mainstream releases, a pleasant café, and reserved seating. Arclight membership is free and will reduce your ticket cost on line, as well as offering perks like concession stand goodies and free tickets after repeated viewing.

Take your little one up on the roof of the parking garage for an incredible view of the Los Angeles basin – downtown, the west side, and on a clear day, even the sea. Palm trees and hillsides and high rises – and the view’s free, too. If you hit this view at twilight, you’ll revel in the ‘magic hour’ coloring of the sky and you and your children will understand why LA has long been the so-called film capitol of the world. Now doesn’t that beat the multi-plex, hands down?

If you’re visiting from out of town, check out the lovely old Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel right on Hollywood Boulevard walking distance from all these theaters; or the W hotel, further east with a hip and modern vibe.

Boating on Pyramid Lake Angeles National Forest

Our family was recently invited by our friends Elvia and Sean Shepherd and their young son to drive up to Pyramid Lake for a day of picnicking and boating. Sean had the use of his boss’ speedboat, and our three sons and we were looking forward to spending the afternoon tooling about on the huge and picturesque lake, which is located about an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles in the Angeles and Los Padres National Forest on Piru Creek.

The last time Sean had taken the boat out for a spin, he had been a little concerned that it seemed to be running a bit rough and mentioned it to his employer, who assured him that the vessel had recently had a complete overhaul and was operating perfectly now.

Our not-quite-seaworthy vessel

The drive up the 5 freeway was mostly uneventful, save for a few obligatory “are we there yets?” from the boys, and in a little over an hour’s time we were parked and headed down to the boat launch and dock area.

Once we had all donned life vests and were aboard our little vessel, Sean started up the engine. It sputtered to life and he opened up the throttle. I expected to take off at a high rate of speed across the crystal-blue lake, but that was not the case. The motor was sounding pretty rough, and Sean couldn’t seem to get the boat to travel faster than maybe 20 miles per hour. He did not look happy at all.

I slathered on some sunscreen, adjusted my hat, and settled back in the boat to catch some rays while chatting with Sean’s wife, Elvia. The boys were a little bit disappointed that the boat wasn’t moving faster but still they were happy to be out on the open water.

We trolled about for a while, admiring the beautiful pyramidal rock formations around the lake, and gradually headed towards the barbeque/picnic/beach area on the far side of the lake. I had made and packed hamburgers and potato salad and Elvia had brought fruit salad. It took quite a while to reach the shore, and I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination or if the boat sounded even worse and seemed to be traveling ever more slowly through the water.

The boys rafting on Pyramid Lake

LAND HO!! We finally reached the dock and the boys assisted Sean with lashing the boat to the moorings. Elvia and I unloaded our picnic supplies and managed to find an unoccupied picnic table and barbeque grill in the tree-shaded picnic area close to the shore. We unpacked the food and got the grill going while the boys waded and played in the water with inflatable canoes and paddles.

There was a bit of a commotion coming from the general vicinity of the restroom area a few hundred feet to our left. The boys went over to investigate and discovered that the source of the excitement was a dead (thankfully!) rattlesnake curled up next to the path leading to the restrooms. A couple of kids were poking it with a stick and attempting to pick it up and scare each other with it. I shuddered and made a mental note to not stray too far away from our HOPEFULLY snake-free picnic area.

After tossing the burgers on the grill, it dawned on me: I hadn’t brought a spatula. Hmm. That was going to make things quite a bit more difficult. I looked around and noticed another picnic table and grill a few hundred feet away that definitely looked as if someone were using it. There were coolers, Tupperware containers and other supplies, but not a soul in sight. Maybe the picnicking family was out on the water somewhere? I looked around again, and slowly made my way over to their table. If they had a spatula, I thought, I’d simply borrow it, flip the burgers and bring it right back. No harm done. But I didn’t see one in plain sight. Feeling slightly like a thief, I began to poke around, looking in their containers and coolers until I finally uncovered a spatula. Glancing over my shoulder and seeing no one, I removed it and scurried back to our grill. Hopefully I’d be able to return it before the family returned.

My husband grills lunch with our "borrowed" spatula

With the help of our borrowed spatula, we were able to enjoy a delicious lunch and relaxed in the shade of the picnic area while the boys rafted and played in the water for a while longer. Shortly afterward, Sean decided we should pack up and offered to drive us around to the other side of the lake to take in more of the fantastic scenery.

That was the worst decision of the day.

With considerable difficulty since the boat absolutely refused to budge above about 10 m.p.h., we oh-so-slowly wended our way back out onto the open water and towards the far side of the lake. Judging by the expression on Sean’s face, I could tell he was doing a slow burn and wondered whether this was the best idea. But I kept my mouth shut.

Our little vessel began to sputter and cough louder and louder, while moving more and more slowly. Finally the motor stalled completely. Sean moved to the back of the boat and attempted to bring it back to life, to no avail.

We were now drifting, moving slowly towards the rocky shore of the far side of the lake, furthest from the rangers’ station. There were no other boats, jet skis, or any people in sight. Suppressing a slightly panicked feeling, I pulled out my cell phone as Sean continued to try to start the motor again. No cell phone reception. My husband and Elvia also checked their cell phones. Again, no phone service. Uh-oh. What to do now?

They boys enjoying their lunch at the beach

I supposed all we could do was wait for another boat to come along and try to hail it. We tried to keep the boys calm and kept hoping that cell phone service would suddenly kick back in for one of us. But we were simply in too remote of an area.

After what I supposed was about 45 minutes of drifting and seeing no one who could possibly help us, Sean began to rummage around in the storage areas of the boat. And just like the spatula that so conveniently appeared–lo and behold!–he triumphantly held up an air horn that he’d discovered in the back.

Sean signaled a distress call with a few short and very LOUD blasts from the air horn, which echoed all the way across the lake. And thankfully, shortly thereafter, we spotted an L.A. County Sheriff’s patrol boat on the horizon headed towards us. We were saved!!

We and our boat get towed back to shore by the park ranger

The boat pulled up alongside us and Sean explained our situation to the ranger, who quickly produced a tow rope and handed it to Sean, who tied it to the front of our boat. Then all we had to do was sit back and relax as the patrol boat towed us slowly back to the dock. The kids all thought this was great fun, and we adults were just relieved that we didn’t get stranded for hours.

Pyramid Lake offers year-round recreation including boating, fishing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and camping in addition to its beaches and picnic facilities. If you have the opportunity, you should really enjoy this gorgeous spot. But please–make sure your boat is shipshape first before taking it out on the water.

Los Angeles, California is known for its diverse family attractions from museums, to zoos, aquariums, amusement parks and botanical gardens. If you are looking to spend some fun quality time without going broke, you will find the following venues perfect for a day out with the kids. Listed alphabetically, these attractions are all priced under $20 for admission, while some are even free!

Adventure City – Anaheim

Adventure City's Drop Zone is just one of the thrilling rides at this fantastic amusement park

A phenomenal theme park without the exorbitant prices, Adventure City is perfect for families who enjoy amusement parks but don’t want to drain the bank, spend hours in long lines, and fight crowds. With free parking and $14.95 admission as of 2012 (infants 12 months and under are free), you can’t pass this up. A fun variety of rides and attractions have kids and their parents squealing in delight, including coasters, to the park’s nostalgic 1938 Express Train, a vintage 20-horse carousel, balloon rides, vertical wheel rides, circling plane rides, the thrilling Drop Zone, a Thomas the Tank Engine hands-on play area, and much more. There is also a petting farm with live animals, children’s theater, arcade, and tasty food for hungry revelers.  For more information visit their website www.adventurecity.com

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium – San Pedro

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has lots of fascinating creatures in its exhibits, touch tank, and along the coastal tide pools outside

Established in 1935, this aquarium is a little gem that focuses on marine life from Southern California. Its exhibit hall displays animals and plants from the open ocean, rocky shores, and sand and mud environments in a variety of tanks. It has a fascinating aquatic nursery which also functions as a research laboratory. Its exploration center features plenty of engaging hands-on activities that are especially exciting for children, while a large touch tank with lots of creatures, and adjacent tide pools among the rocks by the ocean are lots of fun to explore. Admission is free but donations are suggested at a low rate of $5 for adults and $1 for children. Parking is $1 per hour with a maximum of $9. For more information visit their website www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

California Science Center – Los Angeles

The California Science Center has lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits (photo courtesy of Richard Kim)

The California Science Center is full of engaging interactive galleries and over 100 hands-on exhibits that fascinate young and old alike. With free admission to their permanent exhibit galleries, there really is no excuse to miss it. The informative exhibits teach guests about the amazing life processes of living things, the many human innovations and inventions, ecosystems, air and space, and much more. The California Science Center also features special paid traveling exhibits and an IMAX Theater with riveting shows. As of 2012, show prices are $8.25 (adult), $6.00 (ages 13-17), $5.00 (ages 4-12) with discounts for members, groups and multiple shows.  For more information visit their website www.californiasciencecenter.org

Griffith Park – Los Angeles

Children love the pony rides at Griffith Park

One of the largest urban parks in North America, Griffith Park has a lush and rugged landscape with trails that are perfect for families to explore through hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Children can also take pony rides ($3 per ride for kids under 13), and ride on the beautifully hand-carved vintage carousel that was built in 1926 with a band organ that plays more than 1500 medleys of waltzes and marches. There are several designated areas to enjoy a leisurely picnic in the shade, as well as children’s playgrounds at various locations by the picnic grounds.  The LA Zoo and Travel Town Museum are close by, as is the renowned Griffith Park Observatory which has free admission to its permanent exhibits and grounds. For more information visit their website www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Los Angeles

The LA Zoo features lots of exhibits, children's zoo with petting area, and carousel rides

Who doesn’t love to go to the zoo? The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as over 800 species of plants. The exciting exhibits include gorillas, elephants, bears, monkeys, birds, lions, hippos, rhinos, zebras, and much more. Guests can visit the walk-through aviary, the reptile house, and a two-acre children’s zoo with petting area. The zoo also features an animal-themed play park for children to explore, a carousel, birds show, and a variety of programs for visitors experience the amazing animals up close. As of 2012 admission prices are $16 (ages 13 and up), $11 (ages 2-12) and free for children under 2, as well as free parking. For more information visit their website www.lazoo.org

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County – Los Angeles

Lions at the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a great choice for families any time of the year. Its exhibit galleries are large, open and spacious, so that even on a crowded day you can see many of the fantastic exhibits with their lifelike displays.  Adults and children alike enjoy exploring the realistic dioramas where they can see innumerable animals from all parts of the globe like elephants, bears, lions, monkeys, walruses, giraffes and much more up close. An impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and ancient sea creatures are also featured. The museum also has a Discovery Center where children can touch, dig, play and explore the countless objects and artifacts, as well as see live animal presentations and more. Admission as of 2012 is $12 (adults 18 and over), $8 (ages 13-17), $5 (ages 5-12) and free for children 4 and under. For more information visit their website www.nhm.org

See also: Splendid Spooky Spiders at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits – Los Angeles

This mammoth at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits moves and makes grunting noises

Want to see wooly mammoths and saber-toothed cats up close? The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is the perfect place to see these amazing animals who roamed our very own Los Angeles back in the last Ice Age. This museum makes an ideal visit for families because it’s small, spacious and engaging with great exhibits and a short informative 15-minute video presentation shown regularly throughout the day that takes visitors back to prehistoric Los Angeles when the many now fossilized animals – including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, ground sloths, and countless varieties of birds – got trapped and preserved in the tar that still seeps through the ground today. The museum also has a lush atrium with koi fish pond, and a glassed-walled lab for guests to watch the fossils being cleaned and prepared for exhibit. As of 2012 admission is $11.00 (adults), $8.00 (ages 13-17), $5.00 (ages 5-12) and free for children 4 and under. For more information visit their website www.tarpits.org

Santa Monica Pier – Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Pier stretches out over the shores of the Pacific Ocean

Sitting on the coast of the golden sands overlooking the endless Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier is great fun to visit for families. It boasts a small family amusement park - Pacific Park - with 12 exciting rides including a coaster, solar-powered Ferris wheel, a vintage carousel from 1922 inside a historical landmark building, and much more. The park also features 18 midway games where players try their skills at winning stuffed animals and other prizes. An assortment of shops and dining options from restaurants to smaller eateries and concession stands are enticingly situated. But best of all are the breathtaking views of the expansive glittering ocean under a regal sun. While entrance to the Santa Monica Pier is free, parking ranges from $6-$12 as of 2012. Guests can pay per ride or buy unlimited ride passes for $18.95 (ages 8 and over), $13.95 (ages 7 and under). For more information visit their website www.pacpark.com

South Coast Botanic Garden – Palos Verdes Peninsula

A turtle sunning himself after a swim in the lake at the South Coast Botanic Garden

A visit to the enchanting South Coast Botanic Garden takes guests on meandering paths through lush landscaping, trees, colorful flowers, fragrant gardens, and a lake with ducks and turtles. Over 2,500 plant species from around the planet are featured, including those from as far as the Mediterranean, Africa and Australia. Plenty of wildlife with countless bird species can be seen. The nostalgic children’s garden is simply delightful with its nursery rhyme themes that include a yellow brick road and a cottage from Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Other highlights include a cactus garden, Japanese garden with koi pond, and stunning rose garden with over 300 varieties on display. As of 2012, parking is free with adult admission for $8, $6 for students with ID, $3 for children 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. For more information visit their website www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Travel Town Museum – Los Angeles

The miniature train rides circle the perimeter of the park

For children and train enthusiasts of all ages, the Travel Town Museum is an absolute delight with free parking and free admission (voluntary donations in lieu of admissions are accepted). There are interesting exhibits with informative displays, vintage cars and dozens of railroad locomotives for climbing and exploring. Visitors can also go on the miniature train ride which tours the perimeter of the grounds, and check out the gift shop with railroad themed toys, clothes, book, snacks and beverages. For more information visit their website www.laparks.org/grifmet/tt

Related Articles:

Top 10 Zoos on the West Coast USA
5 Top Los Angeles Museums for Families
Travel Town Museum: On the Right Track for Kids
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

And yet, if you kids are clamoring to see Santa, you may want to comply. So here are some seasonally sweet Santa splurges that won’t have you packing the parka and renting a snow mobile in Antarctica.

The Grove Shopping Arcade

Your kids will love Christmas in Southern California - surfing gingerbread men for the win!

If you live in, are already visiting, or planning a holiday trip to Southern California, you’ll find some grand Santa-centric events waiting for you. In November, early in the holiday season, the Grove shopping arcade in West Hollywood is ablaze with holiday splendor. The tree lighting event features Santa,  fireworks, and well known musical performers. Each year the event seems to get bigger and better – and more crowded, so arrive early. The massive one hundred and five foot tree this year is part of an on-going goal to rival Rockefeller Center, and with pop acts like Sean Kingston and Cobie Caillat singing Christmas songs, faux snow fall, Christmas lights, massive quantities of bubbles, and access to upscale chain stores and dining opportunities – the Grove is a great place to start celebrating.

And after the fireworks? Head up to the roof, let the garage traffic clear out, and look at the great view of Hollywood, downtown, and on a clear night, even Santa Monica. The view of the sparkling city expanse is great from here – your kids will think the entire city is strung with holiday lights.

Even if you miss the tree lighting itself, you should still stop by the Grove for a look at that mammoth tree and its fifteen thousand lights. There’s a “magical snowfall” twice every evening from mid November to New Year’s Eve. And there are carolers and other musical performers all evening long too. What about Santa? He has an igloo shaped cottage and a photo package.

While you’re at the Grove, stroll out of the open air mall and into Farmer’s Market. Have some French Toast or pancakes at LA staple Dupar’s Diner or just browse the fruits, veggies, fresh made peanut butter and decadent chocolate toffee at the stands in the market place. You’re sure to find some stocking stuff goodies from marzipan to unique key chains.

Beach Cities During Christmas

Fireworks are always fun and even more so at Christmas time!

More fireworks are found above the Manhattan Beach Pier just south of the airport, two Sunday’s before Christmas. This annual event starts out with Santa, trucked in snow, and a two hour sing along with local musicians on stage. Arrive early to get your copy of the lyrics to holiday classics. Families set up blankets on the beach and lawn chairs on the streets, which are closed to traffic for this event. This year marked the centennial of the city of Manhattan Beach and the fireworks were particularly spectacular.

You’ll also find Santa enthroned at Torrance, CA’s just-past-Thanksgiving Festival of the Trees. Here you can have lunch with Santa for a nominal charge, or you can just stroll through the thirty whimsically, thematically decorated trees and pose for a traditional Santa photo on Santa’s throne. Elves will offer up the candy canes. There’s also handmade crafts and candies for sale, and cookie decorating for the little ones.

Santa in Beverly Hills

You’ll find a completely different Santa amid the Gucci in Beverly Hills. Constructed at the corner of  Wilshire and Rodeo, you’ll find the Two Rodeo shopping area, an illusion of an Old European street right out of Disneyland. Paved with cobblestones and featuring Italianate architecture, gleaming with marble and the jewels in the windows of Tiffany and Cartier, you can pose for pictures by the fountains and steps, take advantage of the free valet parking beneath the faux village street, and see a very sparkling Santa.  Holiday displays in shop windows and Christmas lights in the trees and strung along the plaza add to the spirit of the season, with clusters of poinsettias and red ribbons spilling from Two Rodeo out along the length of Rodeo Drive’s three upscale shopping blocks.

In the evening, enjoy fake snow falls and shiny lighting effects include a Swarovski crystal helix with LED lights flashing holiday Twitter messages. If you elect to actually shop instead of browse, a receipt for a purchase or restaurant meal on Rodeo is redeemable for a free carriage ride up and down the drive. Santa is present every Friday in December perched on a crystal covered throne at Two Rodeo. What else would you expect of a Beverly Hills Santa?

Child friendly food here that won’t break the bank? Try the Il Fornaio chain for crispy pizza or Nate and Al’s Deli for sandwiches.

Children of all ages love The El Capitan Theater in Hollywood and The Nightmare Before Christmas

Number twelve: With the holidays more and more being treated as one long celebration, what better place to experience an edgy and fun look at just that kind of festive combination than a screening of Tim Burton’s classic for children of all ages, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Annually presented either around Halloween or Thanksgiving, the movie is screened at the glorious art deco El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard. With the theater itself decked out in Halloween and Christmas decorations, an organ concert before the movie screens, and fake snow falling from the ceiling, this is a wonderful musical movie going experience for all ages.

Number Eleven: Holiday Boat parades. Take your pick: from a week long extravaganza of sparklingly decorated boats in Orange County’s Newport Beach to a single evening of small water craft circling Redondo Beach‘s King Harbor just south of the airport, or a larger scale evening of boats plying Marina Del Rey‘s channel, you can see a Los Angeles tradition of holiday music and lights on the water. Kids are gonna love it – be sure and dress warm. We like to pretend we live in Hawaii, but we really don’t.

Number Ten: Las Posadas. Held in downtown LA on the historic Olvera Street plaza – the oldest street in Los Angeles – you can follow the figures of Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay right up to Christmas Eve. And enjoy browsing in the Mexican shops and eateries lining the plaza, too.

Number Nine: The Skirball Museum. Located in the scenic hills above Los Angeles this wonderful museum is filled with history and kid-friendly, interactive exhibits year round. Seasonal exhibits about Hanukkah traditions make this a must stop for learning and fun this time of year.

Number Eight: Day of the Dead Celebration in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. While the Day of the Dead is traditionally celebrated in November, this wonderful family friendly art show honoring Dia de los Muertos moved this year to a week before Halloween. Check the calendar and don’t miss this colorful event with face painting, fun snacks, and Mayan dancing.

A surf board SoCal theme to this Day of the Dead altar at Hollywood Forever Cemetery's family festival.

Number Seven: A drive through light show. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power puts on a splendid series of electric light holiday tableau in Griffith Park at the east end. While While the DWP Holiday Festival of lights does have slow moving traffic that will have you idling, relax and enjoy the view – your kids will – and this attraction, too, is free.

Number Six: You won’t need grandstand seats to enjoy the Hollywood Christmas Parade the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Lots of open curb space makes this evening event – replete with Santa on his sleigh – a fun and easy way to end the Thanksgiving weekend.

Number Five: The Manhattan Beach Fireworks Celebration. Held two Sunday evening’s before Christmas, there’s live music, wonderful fireworks, and a whole beach to spread out on and enjoy this colorful California tradition. The event is free but the glow sticks and whirly toys you’ll find sold temptingly on every corner are not.

Number Four: West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval. Go early and you’ll find great costumes, easy parking, and a family friendly crowd – some of the costumes have taken months to create, and look it, too.

Number Three: If your kids are old enough to skate, or young enough to enjoy watching skaters spin, check out the downtown Los Angeles public ice skating rink in Pershing Square. There’s hot chocolate, too.

Fireworks in Manhattan Beach CA are a holiday tradition

Number Two: Hanukkah on City Walk in Universal City. Yes, it’s fun even if you don’t go in the actual amusement park of Universal City Hollywood – which is also decked out for the holiday season. There’s live music and dancing, delicious kosher snacks, and the lighting of the largest menorah in Southern California. You’ll find other menorah lighting ceremonies on Santa Monica‘s Third Street Promenade and at the Skirball Museum.

Number One: The Bob Baker Marionette Theater in downtown Los Angeles. This amazing little theater in an obscure part of town is a true labor of love. Each year the staff  presents an annual holiday spectacular with beautifully designed marionettes and ice cream after the show. A timeless charmer that kids love at age two and want to take their college dates to enjoy years later.