Adventure

If your little monkey has mastered the jungle gym and the neighbor’s tree, why not offer him a rock face? REI offers rock climbing classes for children as young as eight. If you’re not ready for the outdoor real-deal, consider an afternoon at an indoor climbing wall. Hangar 18 has three Southland locations, and Rockreation has two.

Perhaps you have visited Catalina. But have you ever snorkeled there? Kids as young as three can take a one-hour snorkeling tour (and even feed the fish) with Snorkeling Catalina. (Transportation to Catalina not included in class prices.)

Or, stay out of the water and fly through the air in a trapeze class at the Santa Monica Pier. Beginning or advanced students ages 6-adult are encouraged to “forget fear” and give flying a try. Trampoline and other classes are also offered.

Kids who love the idea of flying but aren't so comfortable with heights can get all the thrills they could want at iFly Hollywood on Universal CityWalk, skydiving in the vertical wind tunnel and waving at passing tourists. Even little ones as young as three years old can don a helmet and ride the airstream.

Flying downhill is also an option; Mount Baldy, the closest ski resort to LA, sells gift cards that can be used for a Learn-to-Ski/snowboard package or for snow-tubing the mountain in style with a lift ticket.

Drama/Theater/Music

Have a budding drama queen or thespian in your house? The fabulous Madame Chocolat offers wickedly fun and creative classes on the Westside where kids can explore storytelling, improvisation and creative movement. Check out her upcoming Dramabee workshops!

If you’re in the Pasadena area, check out the acting and performance classes offered at Theatre 360. And in Sherman Oaks have a look at the comedy improv classes for kids at LA Connection Comedy Theater.

If your child would rather watch the stage than be on it, consider tickets to the theater. The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood has a great 2012 family theater line-up. Or head downtown  to a puppet show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. And why not the opera? “LA Opera thinks you’re never too young to enjoy the classics”, and offers occasional Saturday morning interactive opera experiences for children young and old.

Another Saturday morning experience worth exploring is the Toyota Symphonies for Youth series at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The 2012 season offers a family-friendly introduction to Mahler, Holst and minimalism.

Art and Writing

Perhaps your young one has stories (upon stories) to tell. If so, give them the boost they might need to get the ideas on paper with a class at Scribble Press. This inspirational Santa Monica outfit offers classes for kids as young as 2.5. Not looking for a class? Stop by and make a book complete with cover and binding, and take it home the same day.

Or if drawing, painting or clay is more their thing, consider a class at Kids Art/Drawn2Art. With several locations from Chino Hills to Redondo Beach, you’re bound to find that perfect class nearby. If you live on the Westside, have a look at Brentwood Art Center, which offers classes from mixed media to fashion to photography. And if you'd rather just a one-day outing, stop by Paint : Lab in Santa Monica and get messy with some Open Studio fun, or a host of other two-hour workshops.