The Family Savvy's 6 Picks for the Week Ahead

For Everyone: Dance Downtown at the Music Center Plaza

Get the last of your summer ya-yas out at this fun, and FREE, event! Dance Downtown at the Music Center has live DJs and bands, along with dance teachers, to get everyone's feet moving. This week, experience Ondo/Bon - Japanese festival dancing - under the stars! All ages welcome. Check out The Family Savvy for more fun end-of-summer ideas!

For Elementary School-Aged: Family Amphitheater at the Skirball

All summer long, the Skirball Center has been hosting singers, dancers, storytellers and even circus performers to entertain the youthful masses. This week the Family Amphitheater at the Skirball plays host to Mariachi Tesoro de San Fernando, a youth mariachi ensemble sure to get your kids moving. The Family Savvy loves how the Skirball snuck in the opportunity to learn about traditional Mexican music in such a fun way. Viva Mexico!

For Middle School-Aged: Griffith Park Shakespeare Festival

We know, we know - we recommended seeing A Midsummer Night's Dream last week at a different venue. But the FREE Shakespeare Festival at Griffith Park is such a fun way to be exposed to the Bard of Avon, we had to include it in our list. See a number of his timeless works under the shadow of the Hollywood sign, minutes away from modern movie-making. The Family Savvy thinks this event screams end-of-summer picnic!

For High School-Aged: Public Star Party at the Griffith Observatory

Once school starts, your nocturnal teens will have to return to a more traditional schedule. Take them to celebrate a summer night, and see all the stars that are hidden above L.A. Public Star Parties at the Griffith Observatory provide fascinating info on stars and planets, all while members of the L.A. Astronomical Society provide the telescopes.The parties actually happen from 2pm to 9:45pm, giving your family a daytime option if you are the early-to-bed type. For more fun nighttime activities, check out The Family Savvy!

For Parents: Election Films at the Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum is gearing up for the 2012 Presidential Election, with a series of documentaries focusing on the campaigning process. Learn more about how your favorite candidates wheel and deal for the white house during the Hammer Museum's Election Film series, and check out an exhibit or two while your at it! For more thought-provoking and fun date night ideas, check out The Family Savvy. 

Try This: John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl

John Williams more than deserves his title as Maestro of the Movies. The famous composer known for scores to movies such as, "E.T.", "Jaws", and "Harry Potter" will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl over labor day weekend. His pieces will be accompanied by film clips, giving you and your family a chance to see the music of movies come to life. For more outdoor music and movies, visit The Family Savvy!