meta-dad

Next Stop Travel Town!

Now I have to admit, having my son’s second birthday party here was not our idea, we were inspired by friends who live in Los Feliz. I think it is fair to say that’s how the (kid’s) party train goes, right. Our oldest son’s birthday is in October and we decided to have it at the Travel Town Museum which is located on the north perimeter of Griffith Park (at the junction of the 5 and 134). We were a little worried because the day started out uncharacteristically overcast, but then it magically cleared up just as family and friends started to arrive.

I was over-prepared with collapsible tents and umbrellas and such. I say over-prepared because it was a very pleasant surprise that I was greeted by Travel Town staff that was ready and willing to help me and answer my questions (What?! Really?!), yeah like when does that ever happen? Now we payed like $75 to reserve the gazebo and a deposit of $25 which was promptly returned. I say, “what a bargain!” Seriously. Considering they were ready to help me set up additional banquet tables (part of the package) and get us matches for the BBQ pit.

The long and the short of it is – I would highly recommend this place for a kid’s birthday. The admission is free, as is the parking (which there is ample amount of parking) and there is even one of those mini-railroads ($2 a ticket) that takes you around the perimeter of the park, which is a great photo-op. There is also a little museum in the center of the park that has some old vehicles and train cars and so forth. But the real treat is the miniature railway setup they have – the thing is huge.

The best part is there are antique train cars that you can rent for birthday parties (and other events I imagine) up to 40 people, how cool is that. I imagine these train cars would be a better bet in the heat of the summer (they’re air conditioned) or perhaps during the winter months.

KidSpace Field Trip

I have to admit I was not sure if this trip was going to be worth it. I was worried that there would not be enough stuff to engage the attention span of my oldest son (2.5 yr old), but I was pleasantly surprised that I he had a fantastic time at the KidSpace Children’s Museum in Pasadena.

Like most kids his age it is all about the tactile experience and it seems this museum does a fit job at creating an all encompassing experience for all ages. Pictured above (left) is the kaleidoscopic entrance way, complete with prismic mirrors, lights and a goofy soundscape. There are lots of typical displays for the kids to learn from; cross sections of ant farms, an area where the kids can dig up fossils, live scorpions, and displays on the eating habits of cockroaches and such.

As much as he enjoyed all of this stuff (the Climbing Tower was a big hit as well), the pinnacle of the visit for my son was the wet play area in the back of the 3.5 acre park. In general there seems to be a thoughtful balance of stuff for both kids young and younger. There are some wonderfully tactile experiences – like the Digging Deeper Gallery and the Early Childhood Learning Center (tucked away behind the ticket booth), as well as little shows scheduled throughout the day that give us all a chance to rest our weary feet and soak up some entertaining and informative plays put on by staffers.

Fortunately my wife read their website and opted to bring a change of clothes for him. I guarantee we will be going back. It seems as if they’re in the process of expanding as well.

A friendly tip: pack a lunch and snacks. The Wolfgang Puck Cafe was understaffed and out of many items (and characteristically overpriced).