Cool Greater LA Story Times Worth Bookmarking

This recurring nature program for toddlers includes storytelling, a kid-friendly hike, hands-on activities, and arts and crafts. Walk-ins are welcome, but space is limited so advance registration is recommended. 

Erynn:  The Arboretum Library shares plant and nature stories with kids, plus allows for time to make a take-home craft. Programs contain indoor and outdoor elements, but inclement weather can bring the event indoors. Afterward, explore the arboretum plant collections, historic buildings, and try to spot wildlife.

Erynn:  Local artists and authors come to Children's Book World to share their talents with kids and their families. Every Saturday morning, there are authors reading books, performers acting out live stories, and musicians encouraging kids to get up and dance or even learn a new language. There are also author talks for elementary and teenage literature fans.

Erynn:  Echoing the themes from the story of Noah's Ark, the Skirball Center's storytime focuses on flood stories from global cultures. If visiting a real-life ark isn't exciting enough, there's musical storytime to enjoy, too. Stories are told orally for a unique experience that requires kids to use more than just their sense of sight.

Erynn:  Books & Cookies is a pop-up storytime vendor that travels all over LA to bring engaging storytimes to kids. Activities include reading stories, dancing, musical instrument exploration, and bubbles! These get-togethers also facilitate parent-to-parent connections and allow for playtime after.

Erynn:  Each week, Boone Gallery staff read unique stories to kids and their families. Stories center around folk tales and art-related concepts, and then children can view the Chinese and Korean art gallery exhibits or create their own works of art (high chairs are provided for the youngest artists!).

Erynn:  This neighborhood bookstore hosts open mic nights, book clubs, and, of course, hands-on storytimes for kids. Come for crafts, stories, and snacks at both of The Open Book locations, and stick around to check out what's on the shelves.

Erynn:  For kids who love ocean animals, this storytime couldn't be more perfect. Aquarium staff read ocean-themed stories, then kids get to spend time getting close to live animals from the aquarium's exhibits.

Erynn:  Not only are the books here super affordable, so you can let the kids go wild, but their story times are also super charming! Storytimes involve a live reading of children's literature and short stories and includes a themed activity, snacks, and a free paperback for every child who participates. They occasionally host characters such as Mrs. Clause, Captain Jack Sparrow and more.

Erynn:  With a family-friendly storytime every weekend, this bookstore invites kids in to learn to love reading. Listen to a story together, then explore the store or sign up for book clubs (bilingual ones, too) or an open-play chess time.