THE LIST

Bob Baker’s Musical World The newest musical marionette show at L.A.’s landmark puppet theater celebrates the changing of the seasons. 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.

Just 4 Kids Club Every Thursday, the Grove’s Just 4 Kids Club offers the little ones a variety of free arts, crafts and entertainment options in the Town Square. The Grove at Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A. Today, next Thu. 11 a.m. Free. (323) 900-8080.

Youth Chess Club All skill levels are welcome to test their wits at this weekly club where young people can play friendly games of chess. Santa Monica Public Library, Fairview Branch, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. Today, next Thu. 3:30 p.m. Free. (310) 450-0443.

Annie Jr. An abridged rendition of the classic children’s musical about the little red-haired orphan and her dog, Sandy, as they seek refuge from the Great Depression with the help of Daddy Warbucks. Young Artists Ensemble, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 12:30 p.m. Adults $12.50-$14.50; children $10.50. (805) 381-1246.

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

Garden Night Walk Enjoy an evening of all natural entertainment when docent Jim Jackson leads a night walk through Descanso Gardens. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada-Flintridge. 7:15 p.m. Nonmembers, $15; members, $10. (818) 952-4408.

Kid Disco Dinner Parents can enjoy dinner while kids boogie all over the play area to disco tunes. Giggle ‘N’ Hugs, 11701 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 6 p.m. Child, $9, sibling, $6, dinner charges separate. (310) 478-4847.

Messy Art 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.

Pajama Storytime Dress the little ones, ages 3 to 10, in their jammies and bring them to Mrs. Nelson’s for a soothing selection of bedtime stories. Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop, 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. 6 p.m. Free. (909) 599-4558.

The Perilous Streets of Los Angeles After old Captain Fairweather of Alhambra dies, Bunker Hill banker Bloodgood steals his fortune and puts the Fairweather family out on the streets. Parson’s Nose Family Theater, 1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena. Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. Adults, $15; children ages 3-12, $10. (626) 403-7667.

Al Simmons Musical Comedy Theater A one-man, multi-prop, music-filled, off-the-wall performance. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 7 p.m. Adults, $26; children, $20. (805) 449-2787.

Art Odyssey for Families Guided tours through galleries and art activities for ages 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.

Cinderella Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. 1 p.m. $10-$12. (323) 851-7977. (818) 761-2203.

Cindy and the Disco Ball The Falcon Theatre presents an updated production of the family musical that sets the “Cinderella” story in the 1970s. By Joseph Leo Bwarie and Lori Marshall, with music by Rachael Lawrence. Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. $12-$15. (818) 955-8101.

The Curse of Janeck’s Castle Re-create a radio broadcast in this two-hour workshop in which kids produce an old-time radio drama using scripts, sound effects and music. The performance is recorded, with each participant receiving an audiocassette following the workshop. Paley Center for Media, 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. 10 a.m. $10. (310) 786-1000.

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.

Hamlet – Or, Does Father Really Know Best? Students from Mark Twain Middle School present a modern twist on the classic Shakespeare play. Pacific Resident Theatre, 703-707 Venice Blvd., Venice. 2 p.m. Adults, $10; Children and students, $5; under 6, free. (310) 301-3971.

Kids’ Drum Circle Children and parents can beat on provided drums. Remo Percussion Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood. 11 a.m. Free. (818) 982-0461.

Little Tokyo Family Fun Fest Enjoy a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities during this annual celebration of Japanese tradition and the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., L.A. Sat.-Sun., 10 a.m. Free. (213) 628-2725.

Saturday Scene: Crayon Court Join Monette and Monsieur Beaux Arts on a colorful journey to a whimsical, imaginative kingdom of larger-than-life crayon characters in this interactive puppet and musical extravaganza. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 11 a.m. Adults, $15; children ages 3-12, $10. (310) 208-5454.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing A family show based on Judy Blume’s book about the lighter side of sibling rivalry. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m. Adults, $7; children younger than 12, $5. (310) 828-7519.

Tide Pool Walk Get up close and personal with starfish, anemones and other tide pool life at the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge during low tide on a tour led by CMA education staff. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro. 8:30 a.m. $1. (310) 548-7562.

When Words Are Not Enough: The How and Why of Musical Theatre Songs As part of the Saturday Explorer Series, Alan Chapman and Karen Benjamin perform some classic Broadway songs. 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., L.A. 1 p.m. $5. (800) 838-3006.

World City: Mariachi Los Camperos Natividad “Nati” Cano and his mariachi band will take the stage in an event that will also feature a performance of the regional dances of Mexico by Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Free tickets available after 10 a.m. on day of show. (213) 250-2787.

Cafe Wha? Teen Open Mike Named after the Greenwich Village hot spot where Bob Dylan got his start, Cafe Wha? gives aspiring young artists a stage to perform Dylan-inspired poetry and music in a relaxed setting. Includes refreshments and admission to the exhibit “Bob Dylan’s American Journey, 1956-1966.” Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 1 p.m. Free with museum admission. (310) 440-4500.

Comedy Improv for Kids by Kids Performers ages 5 to 13. L.A. Connection Comedy Theatre, 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 3:30 p.m. $7. (818) 784-1868.

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.

Kids’ Adventure Garden The Kids’ Adventure Garden is a family-friendly place for children to learn about nature and gardening, featuring a tree house, a dinosaur garden, a zoo garden and more. Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, 1175 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks. 11 a.m. Free. (805) 374-8255.

Shark Sundays at Heal the Bay Learn all about the ocean’s most misunderstood predator at this weekly celebration of sharks, featuring fun feedings, films, craft projects and more. 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 7 1/2 -inch-gauge model trains for the general public free every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Los Angeles Live Steamers, 5202 Zoo Drive, L.A. 11 a.m. $3 suggested donation. (323) 662-8030.

Art Classes With Gloria Aluzas Children get the opportunity to complete a work of art with the help of longtime Mrs. Nelson assistant Gloria Aluzas. Ages 6-10. Mrs. Nelson’s Toy and Book Shop, 1030 Bonita Ave., La Verne. Free. (909) 599-4558.

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 their own yarn and needles. Santa Monica Public Library, Fairview, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. 5 p.m. (310) 450-0443.

Teddy Bear Storytime Bring the little ones in their fleece and footie pajamas to wind down with story time, lullabies and a bedtime snack. Altadena Public Library, 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. 7 p.m. Free. (626) 798-0833.

Tiny Tuesday The littlest ones from your family are welcome at this tot-friendly storytelling session, featuring books appropriate for infants through 3- year-olds. Storyopolis, 12348 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. 11 a.m. (818) 509-5600.

Family Dinner Night With Open Play Pack up the kids and take them to the Treehouse Social Club, which stays open late every Wednesday to host a healthful family dinner. Treehouse Social Club, 426 S. Robertson Blvd., L.A. 5 p.m. (310) 288-3024.