Family Fun Abounds at Descanso Gardens in July

Music, conservation, curiosity and excitement are in store for kids of all ages at Descanso this July when the Gardens offer a host of family-friendly programs and concerts.

- Tim Griffin in Concert

On Thursday, July 2, children’s entertainer Tim Griffin kicks off Descanso’s Twilight Thursday annual concert series. Griffin’s original songs about science, history, math and childhood goofiness are sure to delight audiences young and old. Families are invited to bring blankets and picnics (normally not allowed) before the show that takes place at the Under the Oaks Theatre. The show is 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The concert is free with Garden’s admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12 and free for kids 4 and younger.

- Family Fun for Nature Nuts

The popular Tuesday evening program returns first with a popular Los Angeles family entertainment group followed by wildlife presentations with animals from around the world.

The series opens on July 7 when Rhythm Child Family Band presents a lively and percussive performance that involves plenty of audience participation.

From July 21 to Aug. 4, families can take a “Walk on the Wild Side” and come face-to-face with wildlife from the rainforest dwellers of South America to bush babies, parrots foxes and giant tortoises of Africa.

Each week, rescue animals and a team of educators and handlers will present a dynamic and interactive safari of the imagination where you can learn about the habitat, habits and survival techniques of furred, feathered and scaly beasts. The itinerary features: South America’s Emerald Forest on July 21; a journey to Africa on July 28; and a trip around the world on Aug. 4.

Families are encouraged to come early to all shows for bring-your-own picnicking on the main lawn at 5:30 p.m. with programs starting at 6 p.m.

Cost: $45 per person ($35 members) for four sessions. Admission for single events is $12 ($10 members). Children under 2 are admitted free. Seating is first-come-first-served at the time of each event. To register, call (818) 949-7980.

- Budding Botanists

Children are naturally fascinated with our natural world, and this program invites children ages 5 - 8 to engage in the scientific process of inquiry and observation using microscopes and other laboratory tools.

Taking place over four Saturdays from July 11 to Aug. 1 from 10 – 10:45 a.m., each class offers a guided science laboratory exploration and is followed with admission to the Gardens so families can take a unique self-guided tour each week.

Cost: $85 ($75 members), $50 for each additional child (siblings only). Walk-in space is not available. To register, call (818) 949-7980.

Calendar Listings:

Children’s Entertainer Tim Griffin at Descanso Gardens, 5:30-7 p.m. July 2, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada.  Griffin’s original songs about science, history, math and childhood goofiness are sure to delight audiences young and old. Families are invited to bring blankets and picnics (normally not allowed). The concert is free with Garden’s admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12 and free for kids 4 and younger. (818) 949-4200, www.descansogardens.org.

Family Fun for Nature Nuts at Descanso Gardens, 5:30 gates open; 6 p.m. show, Tuesdays in July and August, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada. Families can enjoy music of Rhythm Child (July 7) in addition to going on a “Walk on the Wild Side” to discover wildlife up close including: South America’s Emerald Forest (July 21), A Journey to Africa (July 28) and a Trip Around the World (Aug. 4). $45 per person ($35 members) for all four sessions; single events are $12 ($10 members). Seating is first come, first served. 818-949-7980, www.descansogardens.org.

Budding Botanists at Descanso Gardens, 10-10:45 a.m. July 11 to Aug. 1, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada.

Children ages 5-8 can learn about the natural world through guided experiments and laboratory tools. $85 ($75 members), $50 for each additional child (siblings only). 818-949-7980, www.descansogardens.org.