Now that the kids are back in school, making plans means budgeting time more wisely, whether for a simple trip to the playground or an afternoon on one of the city's best beaches. But fear not: We're here to smooth out your scheduling woes with these 18 things to do with kids in September.
Find more things to do in our guide to the best summer activities for kids in LA.
Sept 2-4
John Williams: Maestro of the Movies; Hollywood Bowl
Travel to a galaxy far, far away and see the famed composer conduct the LA Phil in the score to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Sept 2-25
LA County Fair; Fairplex
Bring your appetite for all things deep fried at the perennially popular carnival-like event.
Sept 3-5
Fiesta Hermosa; Downtown Hermosa Beach
Bring a bathing suit and roam the 400-plus stalls at this beachfront street fair.
Sept 3-5
Farmer Days; Kidspace Children's Museum
Say goodbye to summer with a little pre-autumn harvest fest: create your own harmonica, meet farm animals and embark on a scavenger hunt.
Through Sept 4
Free Shakespeare in Griffith Park; Old Zoo
Close out summer with the free series' last performances of The Tempest.
Sept 10
Los Angeles International Neon Jubilee; Velaslavasay Panorama
Celebrate the relighting of the 1939 neon Union Theatre marquee at this daytime street fest, including performances from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba!.
Sept 10
Public Star Party; Griffith Observatory
Gaze into the cosmos with hundreds of other star enthusiasts and amateur astronomers.
Sept 11
Sounds of SoCal; Autry Museum of the American West
Take time to hear the sounds of Southern California—whether birds chirping or trucks honking—and learn popular songs of the West while working on your own DIY rhythm instrument.
Sept 11
Pirate Adventure Day; Kidspace Children's Museum
Work on your best "arrr" for this Talk Like a Pirate Day celebration, with treasure map making, a cork boat-making workshop and a pirate band performance.
Sept 17
Glendale Open Arts & Music Festival; Glendale Central Park
Get to know Downtown Glendale at this inaugural free community festival with music performances, arts markets, access to the Museum of Neon Art and kid-friendly activities.
Sept 24
Tarfest; La Brea Tar Pits
Pay tribute to LA's bubbly asphalt pools with this annual afternoon of live music, with kids crafts from the Japan Foundation Los Angeles and Petersen Automotive Museum.
Sept 24
Block Party of the Century; Downtown Culver City
Toast to Culver City's centennial with a free downtown block party with face painting, chalk art and more.
Sept 24
Museum Day Live!; Various locations
Take advantage of an afternoon of free museum admission at institutions like the Autry, Zimmer Children's Museum and more.
Sept 25
Surf City Surf Dog; Huntington Dog Beach
Start teaching your pooch how to carve waves for this annual surf competition.
Sept 25
Abbot Kinney Festival; Abbot Kinney
Explore the kid-friendly side of this artsy Venice street festival with carnival rides, treasure hunts and a kids parade in the morning.
Through Oct 2
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs; Natural History Museum
Cue the Jurassic Park music—at least inside your head—at this exhibition about the extinct family of bird-like flying reptiles.
Through Oct 29
Street Food Cinema; Various locations
Catch outdoor screenings across the city, including E.T. and Grease.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.
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