DON’T MISS

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog The Big Red Dog bounds into Santa Ana for a special exhibit that explores the wonderful world of Clifford and his animal friends. Activities include sliding down a nine-foot-long hound’s tail, filling Clifford’s jumbo bowl with bones (using a conveyor belt) and hunting for treasure at T-Bone’s Beach. Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Today-next Thu., 10 a.m. $9.95 children 3-17; $12.95 adults; Free for children 2 and younger. (714) 542-2823.

Bob Baker’s Musical World The newest musical marionette show at L.A.’s landmark puppet theater takes audiences on a journey from a winter wonderland, through an enchanted toy shop and into a springtime picnic. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m.; Tue.-next Thu., 10:30 a.m. $15. (213) 250-9995.

Escape Reality Steve Spill and Bozena Sparrow perform classic illusions – floating, vanishing, sawing, mind reading and a dangerous escape – with sketch comedy, drama, romance and audience participation. Suitable for the whole family. Magicopolis, 1418 4th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. $22-$27. (310) 451-2241.

Magnificent Mammals Preschoolers are invited to get hands on as they learn about mammals from small and cuddly to large and fuzzy. Orange County Zoo, 1 Irvine Park Road Irvine Regional Park, Orange. 10 a.m. $5. (714) 973-6847.

Messy Art Paint sticks to pretty much everything, but it can also create a great bond between parent and child. At these weekly art session, parents and toddlers have a chance to explore the joy of creating art together, without worrying about dripping on the carpet. Play, 5814 W. 3rd St., L.A. 10:30 a.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.; Mon., 10 a.m., 2 p.m.; Tue., 10 a.m.; Wed., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. $8 per session; $40 for six sessions. Admission includes use of play area. (323) 988-1189.

Shake, Rattle and Rail Take a train ride back to the rock ‘n’ roll era with malt shop treats and jukebox beats on the way to the Santa Paula Classic Car Cruise. Fillmore & Western Railway, 250 Central Ave., Fillmore. 5:30 p.m. $20-$43. (805) 524-2546.

Art Odyssey for Families Guided tours through galleries and art activities for kids 5 and older. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. Free, advance tickets required. Parking is $8. (310) 440-7300.

Gold Rush Visitors may experience elation similar to that of the miners of 1849 when they pan for gold at the museum. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. Free with museum admission. $3-$9; 2 and younger, free. (323) 667-2000.

I am Me! A motivational children’s show that combines stand-up comedy with encouragement, touching on issues of body image and self-confidence. The messages are driven home with audience participation, with obstacle courses, dress up and pandemonium on stage. Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 5:30 p.m. $12. (323) 651-2583.

Pillow Theatre: How the Rabbit Got Long Ears The interactive storytelling trio “We Tell Stories” retells the tale of “How the Rabbit Got Long Ears.” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 10 and 11 a.m. Free. (213) 972-7211.

South Coast Storytellers World legends and myths. Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 1:30 p.m. Free with $5 museum admission; 16 and younger, free. (714) 480-1520.

Dig It! Learn about the history of the ancient Near East, the methods of excavating a site and the importance of preserving artifacts. No reservations necessary. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 1:30 p.m. Free with museum admission. (310) 440-4500.

Shark Sundays at Heal the Bay Learn all about the ocean’s most misunderstood predator at this weekly celebration of sharks, featuring feedings, films, crafts and more. Visitors also get a chance to see sharks in action in the Aquarium’s tank, including horns and swells. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica. 12:30 p.m. $2-$5. (310) 393-6149.

Steam-train Rides The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum operates 7½-inch gauge model trains for the general public free of charge every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. The gate opens at 10:45 a.m. The first ride begins at 11. Passengers must be at least 34 inches tall weigh less than 350 pounds to ride. Los Angeles Live Steamers, 5202 Zoo Drive, L.A. 11 a.m. $3 suggested donation. (323) 662-8030.

Learn to Knit and Crochet The Santa Monica Public Library presents a special knitting and crocheting workshop geared just for parents and kids. Participants must bring yarn and needles. Santa Monica Public Library, Fairview, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. 5 p.m. (310) 450-0443.

Meet the Grunion Learn about the unique mating rituals of the fish that comes on land to have its babies. Then walk to the shore to see the famed Grunion Run firsthand. Warm clothing and a flashlight are recommended. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro. 8 p.m. $1-$5. (310) 548-7562.

Youth and Family Chess Kids and adults demonstrate their strategy skills at this weekly library event. All skill levels are welcome and chess boards are provided. Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Free. (310) 392-3804.