Cool Greater LA Story Times Worth Bookmarking
We're rounding up a list of fun destinations around the greater Los Angeles area with story times for kids!
Check the map to find a story time near you, and come back to leave a review for your favorites and share the scoop with fellow parents.
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OC Parks Wild Tales
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.
Lunar New Year Author Vist with Nithin Jilla
Pretend: Welcome to the Year of the Snake! 🐍 Celebrate the Lunar New Year with colorful traditions and stories presented by Nithin Jilla.
Children's Book World - Saturday Morning Stories
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.
Skirball Cultural Center - Noah's Ark Story Time
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.
Books & Cookies - Pop Up Story Times
Check website for dates by location
Cost varies by location
0-5 years
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.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Story Time in the Galleries
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!).
The Open Book - Sunday Storytime
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.
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium - Story Time
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.
$5 or Less Bookstore - Story Time
Every Sunday, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Free
Recommended for ages 4-10 years, but all are welcome
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.
Cellar Door Bookstore - Story Time
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.
LA County Arboretum - Bookworms Storytelling Program
Select Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
10:30am-11:30am
Free with admission
3-6 years
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.
Primary photo: Monika Kozub on Unsplash
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