Family programs showcased at Skirball Cultural Center

Skirball Cultural Center has a variety of family programs on tap that aim to educate as well as entertain young children and their parents.

From 1:30 to 2 p.m. Sun., March 7 children ages 3 and up (with an adult) are invited to "Stories on Sundays," with actor readers from BookPALS. They’ll read in the Kids Corner in the Skirball’s Resource Center, presenting a lively story called "Heads and Tales." This is a free program.

Then from 2 to 3:30 p.m., also on Sun., March 7, children ages 5 and up (with an adult) may participate in "Hidden Identities: Purim Mask-Making and Parade" in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim and the tradition of disguising oneself as part of the holiday. Participants will craft a mysterious multimedia mask to create a new or hidden identity, then parade around the Skirball’s campus. Cost is $9 per child ($6 Skirball members), and reservations are recommended by calling (310) 440-4636.

What is "Di Katz der Payatz"? Why, it’s "The Cat in the Hat" in Yiddish, of course. At 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. Sun., March 28, the husband-and-wife team of translator Zachary Sholem Berger and publisher Celeste Zollod from New York present a performance/reading of their newly released book, "Di Katz der Payatz," blending children’s verse and witty rhymes, long a Yiddish tradition. It’s appropriate for ages 3 and up (with an adult), and cost is $9 ($6 Skirball members), which includes a hat-making art project from noon to 2 p.m. between readings. Costume designer Renee Sacks will show youngsters how to create their own crepe paper party hats. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (310) 440-4636.

Children ages 6 and up are invited to the program "Passover Pillows: Recline As You Dine" from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sun., April 4. Children will make a special pillow that honors the tradition of reclining while eating the Seder meal. They’ll sew, glue and decorate colorful fabrics with special holiday symbols and expressions of welcome from around the world. Fee is $9 ($6 Skirball members) and reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (310) 440-4636.

Prior to the "Pillow" program will be a free "Stories on Sundays" presentation from 1:30 to 2 p.m. featuring the theme "Faces of Freedom."

The Skirball is at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission is $6-$8, free for Skirball members and children under 12. For more information, call (310) 440-4500 or visit www.skirball.org.