KCRW Family Day at the Skirball Cultural Center

KCRW is bringing its radio-station ear to the Skirball Cultural Center for one Sunday, and the whole day is built around letting kids make noise on purpose. KCRW Family Day with Skirball Cultural Center runs Sunday, October 4, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Of all the things to do with kids LA has on the fall calendar, it's one of the few where children help make the music instead of sitting politely through it.

When: Sunday, October 4, 11 AM to 4 PM (KCRW activities run 11 AM to 3 PM) Where: Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles Best for: Ages 6 to 10, plus younger music fans Admission: The official flyer says free with RSVP

What the kids actually do

The day is split into hands-on stations run by LA arts groups, and the organizers want the kids leading. Silverlake Conservatory of Music, the music school Flea co-founded, runs pop-up rhythm lessons. Dance Church hosts flow and movement sessions for anyone who wants to get up and move.

826LA, the youth writing nonprofit, teaches a Songwriting 101 session. That one's a good fit for the kid who already makes up songs in the back seat. Over at the reDiscover Center table, the creative reuse nonprofit has kids building their own musical bell wands.

KCRW DJ Tana Yonas handles the soundtrack with curated sets, so there's music in the air while families drift between workshops. It's one of the better family events Los Angeles gets this October, and it's pitched at an age group that often gets skipped: past the toddler storytime stage, not yet teenagers.

The museum comes with it

The event listing says entry to the Skirball's museum galleries, its Archaeology Dig and the art activities is free that day. That makes it easy to split the afternoon. Spend an hour on drumming and songwriting, then head indoors for a slower stretch once someone needs a break.

Noah's Ark, the Skirball's hands-on family exhibit, isn't covered. Getting in there takes a paid ticket, and those go first-come, first-served. If it's on your list, head there early before they run out.

Getting there and planning the day

The Skirball sits on Sepulveda Boulevard in the Sepulveda Pass, right off the 405 on the Brentwood side of the hill. For most families, driving is the realistic option, and the museum has its own on-site parking.

The KCRW programming wraps at 3 PM while the galleries stay open until 4, so arriving close to 11 gives you the most time at the workshops. Since the flyer asks families to RSVP, do that before you leave the house. The Discover Los Angeles listing has the full rundown and points to KCRW's own event page.

Pack water and a snack for the car. The 405 through the pass can crawl even on a Sunday.

More weekend picks for kids are in our family events section, and the rest of the citywide calendar lives under Los Angeles.