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Best Upcoming Events In Los Angeles To Bring The Family This Spring

greek theatre 610
(Credit: Juan O'Campo)

With spring in Los Angeles, what plans do you have for you and your family? Even though there is never truly a "real winter" in the greater Los Angeles area, the shorter days and cooler temps are dwindling, giving locals and tourists alike reasons to celebrate in the coming weeks and months.

Los Angeles Dodgers v Texas Rangers
(Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)

Dodger Home Opener
Dodger Stadium
1000 Elysian Park Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90012
(323) 224-1507
www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com

Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2016; 1:10 PM
Dating back to when it first opened its doors in 1962, Dodger Stadium remains one of MLB's pristine ballparks. This season's home opener is Tuesday, April 12 against the National League West rival Arizona Diamondbacks (featuring former Dodgers' pitcher Zack Greinke). Fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers' magnet schedule. Whether you've been to the MLB's third oldest ballpark before or this will be your first time, spring into action and catch the Dodgers.

Downtown Art Walk
(credit: Downtown Art Walk)

Downtown LA Art Walk
4th Street and Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA. 90013
(213) 617-4929
www.downtownartwalk.org

Dates: Second Thursday of the month; 6 PM- 10 PM
For art lovers around the Los Angeles area, the Downtown LA Art Walk is right up your alley. What began organically grew into more than 50 galleries, 25,000 monthly guests, dozens of local businesses and a million dollars of entertainment for free to the visiting public. The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is a free, self-guided walking tour nestled between 4th and 7th and Spring and Main, along with galleries, restaurants and bars in several surrounding blocks of Downtown Los Angeles from 6 PM to 10 PM. The Downtown Art Walk is held on the second Thursday of the month, rain or shine. Please refer to your calendar for specific dates.

Related: 5 Things In Los Angeles That Exist Nowhere Else In The US

griffith park
(Credit: Griffith Park)

Griffith Park Events
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk

One of the better-known areas for sightseeing and relaxation, Griffith Park is sure to catch your fancy. Open to the public from 5 AM to 10:30 PM, the park offers a myriad of things to do for locals and out-of-town guests. For those looking to get some exercise in, bridle trails, hiking paths and mountain roads close at sunset. For those interested in peering skyward and checking out the stars, you can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Greek Theatre)
(Credit: Greek Theatre)

Spring Shows At The Greek Theatre
2700 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(844) 524-7335
www.lagreektheatre.com

When it comes to entertainment, look no further than the Greek Theatre. Situated in Griffith Park, the historic venue stands as one of the nation's most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the most well-recognized names in the world. Sir Elton John, Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen have all performed here for the capacity crowd of 5,900. The springtime line-up includes the likes of Pepe Aguilar (April 16, 7:30 PM), LA Ley (April 23, 7:30 PM), Chris Stapleton (April 27, 7:30 PM), Iggy Pop (April 28, 8 PM) and The Avett Brothers (April 29, 7:30 PM).

2014 14 Hands Winery Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Santa Anita Derby
Santa Anita Park
285 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 90017
(626) 574-7223
www.santaanita.com
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2016; Noon- 5:30 PM

If you love to watch horse racing, come on out to Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, April 9 for the Santa Anita Derby, a prelude to the world-famous Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. While there is regular horse racing during the week and weekends, April 9 is a special day. The Santa Anita Derby race for three-year-old horses was started in 1935, with a handful of event winners having gone on to capture the Kentucky Derby. For those not on four legs, the day also features an adult 5K run and walk, kids' races, a senior (60+) 5K run and walk and a youth (17 and under) 5K run and walk.

Related: Best Hikes To Do With Your Dog In LA

Dave Thomas has been covering the sports world since his first job as a sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Pennsylvania back in 1989. He has covered a Super Bowl, college bowl games, MLB, NBA and more. His work can be found on Examiner.com

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