Your weekly “wait, that’s happening?” digest

Hope you survived the storm. We saw heavy rain, strong winds, and the kind of chilly weather that makes you question why you don’t own more sweatshirts.

Forecasters warned it could bring flooding, thunderstorms, and some of the coldest temps of the season. We knew it was real when Frankie reported it. So if your house felt extra cozy (or extra chaotic), you were not alone.

venice pier before the rain

Which brings us to the next parenting milestone on the horizon… spring break.

Yes, it feels early. But if you’ve learned anything, it’s that camps fill fast and scrambling the week before is just…no. We pulled together a list of local spring break camps so you can get ahead (or at least open the tab and feel productive?). Tell us if we missed any!

Weekly Picks Feb 17 - Feb 24

Weekly Picks

Lunar New Year Storytime

Lloyd Taber–Marina del Rey Library
Tuesday, Feb 17 | 4:30–5:30pm

Celebrate Lunar New Year with local author Oliver Chin as he reads from his newest picture book The Year of the Horse, part of his beloved annual series. This cozy storytime is perfect for kids ages 5–12 and a great way to introduce cultural traditions through storytelling.

Attendance is limited and advance registration is required, so be sure to reserve a spot for everyone attending (kids included).

PBS SoCal Family Math Workshop at Cayton Children’s Museum

Wednesday, February 18
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

A research-based workshop designed for ages 2–5 that makes early math feel playful instead of stressful. Expect hands-on activities, confidence-building strategies, and tools parents can actually use at home.

Perfect for preschool families who want learning through play

Crochet for Kids at Village Well

Thursday, Feb 19 | 4–5pm

A cozy creative hour for kids ages 8+ to learn crochet basics in a beginner-friendly setting. Kids will learn how to tie a slip knot, make chain stitches, and try single crochet — with more stitches to explore once they get the hang of it.

Taught by local crafter Jill Swinford (a longtime elementary school creative class favorite), this class is all about building confidence, creativity, and the joy of making something with your hands.

$20 per session

Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place

February 21 | 2:00–5:00 PM

A lively cultural celebration with performances, activities, and festive energy to welcome the Year of the Snake. Great for kids to experience traditions, see performances, and soak up the celebration without needing a big commitment.

Easy outing + cultural learning + fun atmosphere

The Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade

Sunday, February 22nd

Pro-tip: catch the magic without the later “party” energy, go in the morning to see the beginning of the parade. A fun slice of local culture and people-watching.

Expect festive outfits, neighborhood energy, and peak Venice vibes.

PS….Do you get a strange amount of joy from a well-organized calendar?
We’re looking for someone to help populate our hyper-local events calendar! Email us for deets!

LA Surf & Swim

fun time on “the cheese” at LA surf and swim venice

If you’ve spent any time around the Westside parenting circuit, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “We finally got a spot at LA Surf & Swim!” — and for good reason.

We’ve been going here for over 10 years with multiple kids, and while it’s definitely more $$ than public pool lessons, the experience is hard to beat. The instructors are consistently warm, patient, and incredibly skilled — the kind of teachers who remember your kid and genuinely care about their progress.

The convenience is also huge. With locations in Venice and Santa Monica, you don’t have to trek across town for lessons, which is a lifesaver during busy weeks.

If swimming is a non-negotiable life skill for your family (hi, coastal living), this is one of those places that many parents stick with for years because the quality and convenience just work — even if you have to budget for it.

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