Ideal Summer Family Picnic Spots

by Jill Weinlein

Summer is an ideal time for a family picnic, and my family's favorite picnic spots are the parks around the city that offer free summer concerts. We make sure to arrive an hour before the music begins, set up our blanket and chairs, nibble on appetizers, drink cold libations, and eat our meal before the first note is played. During the concert, we devour dessert while tapping our feet and clapping to the music.

Here are some of our favorite spots to picnic and enjoy music on a warm summer night:

Pasadena

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts offers a Children's Night on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, with local eighth grade and younger students opening for the 7 pm headline entertainers. Thursdays at 7 pm is World Rhythms, featuring music from around the world. Fridays at 8 pm they offer Dance Beat. Saturdays at 8 pm is Musica Latina. For jazz lovers, Sundays at 6:30 pm, local ninth grade students and older warm up the crowd for the 7 pm jazz concert. Levitt Pavillion is located in Memorial Park at Walnut and Raymond. For more information, call 626-683-3230.

Camarillo

Constitution Park offers Saturday night concerts from May through September. Musical genres varying from bluegrass, the songs of Frank Sinatra, jazz, rock 'n' roll oldies, to pop and big band music styles are featured. A youth pre-show begins at 6:45 pm and the concert at 7:30 pm. Located at Carmen Drive and Paseo Camarillo, this 3-acre park offers plenty of room for picnics, dancing, and listening enjoyment.

Santa Clarita

Saturday evenings at 7 pm, from July 7 to August 25, Central Park in Santa Clarita offers 90-minute concerts for the entire family. A few of the bands performing are Hotel California (sounds of the Eagles), rock'n'roll of the 50s and 60s performed by Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, and the disco favorite, Boogie Knights. Central Park is located at 21750 Bouquet Canyon Road. For more information, go to www.santa-clarita.com.

Woodland Hills/Warner Center

The Lou Bredlow Pavillion in Warner Center Park, offers free concerts on Sundays from 6 pm to 8 pm. Performers include jazz great Pancho Sanchez, Grammy Award winners Survivor (with their theme song from Rocky III, "Eye of the Tiger"), and Martha Davis from The Motels. With these great entertainers, it's best to arrive early to secure a good picnic spot. There is a small play area for children. Go to www.valleycultural.org for additional information.

La Canada Flintridge

Offers concerts on Sundays from May 28th to August 26th between 6 – 8 pm. Classic Rock, Traditional Celtic, Swing, Blues, Big Band, and a Tribute to Neil Diamond, are some of the musical styles. The concerts are located at1301 Foothill Blvd. in Memorial Park. On August 12th the movie "Charlotte's Web" will follow the concert. Log onto www.lacanadaflintridge.com or call (818) 790-8880 for additional information.

Jill Weinlein is the mother of two and columnist for Family Magazine Group. Feel free to write her at weinlein@familymagazinegroup.com if you any fun suggestions for family outings.