Earth Day weekend for the kids

Yes, there are over a dozen Earth Day-related beach and park cleanups and festivals  happening this weekend, and children are welcome at most of them. But in case you don't already have things all planned out, here are a couple more events to consider.

For kids with parents who don't want to deal with the crowd at the zoo: Try the "April Family Fun Day" on Saturday, April 19, from 10 am - 4 pm at the  Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles) instead.

The theme's "Amazin’ Preservation"; kids will get to see how the museum's artifacts are preserved and take part in a scavenger hunt. Winners will get BBC's Planet Earth prize packs, including a Planet Earth Monopoly game, DVD Board Game, jigsaw puzzles, activity and sticker books as well as a DVD single.

In case you'd rather just stay home and play: All the Planet Earth products are made with recycled materials and available in Borders and Barnes & Noble stores; select items are at other major retailers, such as Wal-mart and Target.

For kids with parents who like to shop: Some Santa Monica shops on Main Street -- including the children's boutique Harper Lane -- are hosting an Earth Day retail event to benefit enviro-nonprofit Sustainable Works. The aim of the event: To educate local businesses, children and parents on the importance of their involvement in the earth.

So stop by the New Orleans Courtyard (2665 Main St., Santa Monica) between 1 pm - 4 pm this Saturday, April 19. There'll be live music, face painting, and raffles. Monkie Boutique, Tails of Santa Monica, Clever on Main and The Bey's Garden will all participate in the event.