On Sunday, my family and I went to The Getty Center to see Mista Cookie Jar and The Chocolate Chips. It was our first visit to the the Getty Center’s Garden Concert for Kids series, and we had a blast! The program included lyrics to a few of his songs so we could sing along. L.A. based singers Andrew and Polly joined Mista Cookie Jar and his daughter Ava Flava on stage, as did Jazzy Ash. Mista Cookie Jar also went off-stage to serenade the crowd. Mista Cookie Jar always ends his shows with a shower of bubbles from bubble machines. The Getty provides a great backdrop and is a great way to spend a weekend day with the family.

Click Here for a video from the concert

The concerts take place on the Central Garden from 4pm – 5pm. I didn’t think we were going to make it in time because the garage was pretty packed and the cars were moving pretty slow. Luckily, we were only a few minutes late, but we got a good spot near the front of the stage.

Here are some tips for your visit:

Arrive Early

The concert starts at 4pm, but allow yourself plenty of time to get there. The entertaining, five-minute tram ride to the top of the mountain provides a great view of the 405, but the line for the train can get pretty long. The line to get into the parking garage can move pretty slow too, so plan ahead. Before boarding the tram, a security officer checked everyone’s bags. Parking is $15 before 3pm and $10 after. I suggest planning to arrive at least an hour before the show.

Enjoy the Family Room before the concert starts

I wish we arrived earlier, because when the concert ended at 5pm, the Family Room was already at capacity until closing (which was 7pm). The Family Room features five activity coves and treasure-hunt walls.

Check out the Exhibits

Since we couldn’t go to the Family Room, we checked out other parts of the museum. We walked around the grounds, which are beautiful, and checked out the paintings on the second floor. Some exhibits have timed entry, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Complimentary Blankets and Umbrellas

I was really happy to learn they provide blankets (well, tablecloths) to concertgoers because I forgot my picnic blanket in the car. On rainy days, or when the summer sun gets too intense, umbrellas are available to use during your visit. They are available from bins at the tram stations. Drop off the umbrella as you enter or leave the Museum!

Bring a picnic or plan to eat there

We brought a picnic dinner, which was perfect because it kept my toddler from getting too cranky. If you choose to eat there, there are plenty of dining options.

Read The Getty’s Tips for Families before visiting

Read Tips for Families before visiting. A lot of good information, such as: baby-carrying backpacks are not permitted in the galleries, and free rental of standard strollers!

The Getty Center

Website: www.getty.edu/visit/center

Garden Concerts for Kids at The Getty – info and schedule

The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.