Top Picks For Families: Jan 17-23

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at a local museum, or take in live theater that mixes dance with equestrian arts under a Big Top in Burbank. Either way, there's no reason to be bored during this busy and fun-filled week.

Monday, Jan. 17

Cake for King!

California African American Museum

600 State Dr. (Exposition Park)
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(213) 744-7432
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To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the California African American Museum in Exposition Park is hosting Cake for King! The museum is opening its doors on a Monday – something it doesn't usually do – in order to give visitors a chance to hear songs, view films and remember all of the contributions King made to America. And let's not forget the cake and cupcakes!

Date: Monday, Jan. 17
Time: Doors open at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free (parking is $8)

Tuesday, Jan. 18

Birdie's Playhouse: Go Animal Concert Series

ReDiscover Center

12958 Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 570-8663
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Here's a way to get kids moving and shaking. Today Birdie's Playhouse kicks off its brand-new concert series, which will continue every first and third Tuesday of the month. Birdie herself, alongside a guitarist, will perform songs and invite kids to "Go Animal" on the dance floor.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18
Time: 4 p.m.
Admission: $6 per person; first sibling free

Wednesday, Jan. 19

Cavalia

Under the White Big Top

777 N. Front St. (Interstate 5 at Burbank Blvd.)
Burbank, CA 91502
(866) 999-8111
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Billed as a "magical encounter between human and horse," Cavalia combines live music, dance and acrobatics with a team of more than 60 horses. Adding to the magic is the location itself – the show is performed under a big, white tent in Burbank.

Date: Jan. 19-Feb. 6
Time: 8 p.m. (with weekend matinees at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.)
Admission: $49-$199 (adults); $44-$179 (ages 13-17; 65+); $39-$149 (ages 2-12)

Thursday, Jan. 20

"Race to Nowhere" Screening

Magnolia Science Academy #6

3754 Dunn Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(925) 310-4242
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Calling into question the high-pressure atmosphere in today's schools, mother-turned-filmmaker Vicki Abeles has created documentary "Race to Nowhere" to examine just that. Magnolia Science Academy in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles will be holding a screening of the film that also will serve as a fundraiser for the school.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the door

Friday, Jan. 21

The Little Mermaid

El Capitan Theatre

6838 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(800) DISNEY-6
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Here's a chance to catch the endearing and tune-filled 1989 movie The Little Mermaid on the big screen. For tykes who have only seen Ariel courtesy of the family DVD player, they can now see Sebastian the crab telling Prince Eric "to kiss the girl" in a more festive atmosphere. Not only that, but the Ariel character will be making a live appearance before each screening.

Date: Jan. 21-Feb. 10
Time: Various times
Admission: $10-$22

Saturday, Jan. 22

Diavolo

The Broad Stage

1310 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-3200
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Diavolo, a Los Angeles-based troupe of dancers, gymnasts, actors and athletes, will be hitting The Broad Stage in Santa Monica for limited performances. Known for their mingling of larger-than-life yet everyday objects on stage, Diavolo offers a unique look at physical movement.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 22
Time: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $47-$75

Sunday, Jan. 23

Raising Financially and Socially Responsible Children

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500
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While this workshop is geared specifically toward parents rather than the kiddos, it's certainly a worthwhile seminar that offers lasting effects. Conducted by licensed marriage and family therapist Ilene Weingarten, Raising Financially and Socially Responsible Children will touch on issues such as communicating with children about money, guidelines for allowances and encouraging generosity.

Date: Sunday, Jan. 23
Time: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $15 (general); Free to members (registration required)