Free (or low cost), Fun Family Events Happening This Week

Are you looking for a way to entertain, stimulate and exhaust your kids this week. Here's a roundup of a few local events you might want to check out:

Saturday, April 27 - Mom's Clothes and More Swap at Another Kid's Treasure

 Bring 5-10 items (but NO MORE THAN 10) to trade for other gently used items in the swap section. Item suggestions are clothes, accessories, books, etc. 

Where: Another Kid's Treasure, 1309 S. Shamrock Avenue, Monrovia
When: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone - the store has lots for the kids to play with
How: Just Show Up with items to swap
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.monroviakids.com

Saturday, April 27th and Sunday April 28th - Pasadena Model Railroad Club Spring 2013 Open House

 A train show for all ages. The Pasadena Model Railroad Club operates the Sierra Pacific Lines, one of the largest HO scale-operating model Railroads in the world covering almost 5,000 square feet. Trains from all eras are operated, steam, diesel, modern freight, old freight, classic passenger trains and Amtrak. Breathtaking scenery and theatrical lighting all combine to make this model railroad one you always dreamed it could be. 

Where: Pasadena Model Railroad Club 5458 Alhambra Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
When: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (1-5p, 7-9p (closed from 5-7p)
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Open House Donations: Adults $3, Children $1 
For more info: http://www.pmrrc.org/

Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 2013 - Kidspace Grand Butterfly Release

During this two-day event, over 600 Painted Lady Butterflies will be released into the Kidspace Gardens each day at 2:00pm following a performance from The Hollow Trees. Both days will also be filled with fun and engaging, butterfly-themed activities including:

• Face Painting
• The “Eat like a Butterfly” Activity
• Story time featuring books by Eric Carle (author of The Hungry Caterpillar)
• Antenna and Wing Making
• Butterfly Art

Where: Kidspace Children's Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena 91103
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free with Kidspace Admission
For more info: www.kidspacemuseum.org

Tuesday, April 30 - Family Fun Days @ Westfield Santa Anita

Join us as we welcome spring with two stories about the beauty of nature! We’ll start with “My Garden” by Kevin Henkes, featuring a young girl who imagines chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls & flowers that change color. Our second book, “From Caterpillar to Butterfly” by Deborah Heiligman, teaches kids all about this mysterious metamorphosis! Kids will also enjoy a tasty treat & make springtime headbands they can decorate & wear.

Where: Westfield Santa Anita (The Promenade near Red Robin) 
400 S Baldwin Ave. Arcadia 91007
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (4/30/2013)
Who: Kids!
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: 626.445.6225 or www.westfield.com/us/wfamily/fundays.

Wednesday, May 1 - Bookworms @ LA County Arboretum

 Come explore the Arboretum Library and our great story trees!  Enjoy plant and nature stories and a take-home craft. This is an indoor/outdoor program that will go rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

Where: Main Entrance of LA County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
When: 10:00 AM (5/1 - Tules & Turtles: Life in a pond)
Who: Kids ages 3-6 yrs
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free to members; free with general admission for non-members.
For more info: www.arboretum.org

Do you know of more events happening this weekend. I'd love to include more Monrovia activities so send them my way.

Faith is the Editor and Co-Publisher of Pasadena Macaroni Kid and the owner of local kids consignment boutique Another Kid's Treasure. She can often be found at the park, kids movie screening or concerts and attending all sorts of fun events, with her three crazy, but wonderful little boys.