Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Everything's Coming Up Roses December 29 - January 2

12/29/14 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

Happy New Year!  As 2014 turns into 2015, the best place to be is Pasadena and its environs. There is a unique way to celebrate the historic 126th annual Tournament of Roses Parade each day this week. 

Of course every family should try to get to the parade at least once, but if you’ve already done it, or crowds aren’t your thing, there are multiple opportunities before and after to see the floats, meet the horses, and enjoy the marching bands. Though perhaps more of a grown up holiday, we also have lots of ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve with the kids; and of course there are many non-parade activities on our event calendar, including a holiday opportunity to check out the Bunny Museum - which also happens to be in Pasadena.

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1.  EquestFest - Monday
The Rose Parade isn’t all Queens and flowers; horses play a prominent role, too. The Burbank Equestrian Center hosts an equestrian event in advance of the parade. Kids can meet the horses and their riders and watch them dance, drill, and do tricks. This one is on the 100 Things SoCal kids should get to do list.

2.  Bandfest - Tuesday
The Parade’s prize-winning marching bands perform at Pasadena City College. This is a fun way to enjoy the live music minus the hoopla of the parade.

3.  Float DecoratingWednesday
Here is a great opportunity to get a backstage glimpse at the floats. Kids will be astonished to see how much nature (flowers, fruit, seeds, bark, and grasses) is employed in the service of artifice.

4.  126th Annual Rose ParadeThursday
Buy tickets, take your chances on the curb (first come, first serve), or snuggle up in your new slippers and PJs and watch it on TV.  The theme this year is Amazing Stories, in honor of our native son, Louis Zamperini.

5.  Post Parade: A Showcase of FloatsFriday
This is a fun way to see the floats up close before they are disassembled. Floats are on display for up-close viewing at the end of the parade route. Tickets are available in advance by phone, or at the door until 3pm.

As always, we have more ideas on our daily events calendar. If you aren't already a subscriber to our newsletter, subscribe and let us bring the ideas to you twice a week. And above all, we hope you and your family have a wonderful transition from this year to next!