Your Weekend: The Best Family Events-April 11, 2018

Our picks for the weekend's best family events.
Honolulu Family Team,


Photo: Courtesy YMCA

The ropes course at Camp Erdman.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day 

The annual event at the YMCA’s North Shore camp offers kids free access to the rope climbing course, giant swing, rock-climbing wall and pool. Wear covered shoes if your kids want to try the obstacle courses. There will also be a Keiki ID booth and other games for families. Bring your own picnic to sit on the grounds or food, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Preregister online to cut down wait time when you arrive.

  • All ages. Some of the activities, such as the ropes course, do have age restrictions.
  • Free admission.
  • Saturday, April 14. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Camp Erdman, 69-385 Farrington Highway, Waialua.
  • ymcahonolulu.org 

Family Sunday-Blueprint

Little builders can get a start at this event for Architecture month. Kids can design a museum, build mini houses with actual local architects from AIA Honolulu and create a shark from wood, air-dry clay and beads. Bring a gently used book for the book swap then sit in air-conditioning for a free showing of 16 animated short films from Belgium, France, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. A free shuttle will take kids to Spalding House to hear stories about construction and different kinds of houses and create small homes from wooden blocks. Note: If you wanted to try the cafe’s new brunch menu, it is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • All ages
  • Free
  • Sunday, April 15. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Activities end at 2 p.m.
  • Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. Spalding House is 2411 Makiki Heights Drive.
  • (808) 532-8700, honolulumuseum.org

Ohana Work Day at Ho‘okua‘āina-Volunteer opportunity

Wade into the lo‘i in Kawainui Marsh to clear and take care of taro. In the past, volunteers have spotted tadpoles, frogs and lots of birds. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy and water to rinse off after the work. The event is four hours long, but organizers say families with younger kids can leave whenever they need to. Also, be prepared to speak. Volunteers are asked to share who you are and why you’ve come before the opening oli.

S.T.E.A.M. Night at Hawai‘i Technology Academy

Make slime and try other activities hosted by the state’s largest public charter school. Stations at the school’s hub in Waipahu will be able to drive robots, code and make 3-D bubbles during this Friday evening event. 

  • All ages
  • Free
  • Friday, April 13. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Hawaii Technology Academy, 94-450 Mokuola St. #200, Waipahu.
  • (808) 676-5444, hi.myhta.org

SHOCKA: The Story of Energy and Hawai‘i

Two years ago, Honolulu Theatre for Youth tackled the topic of water in H20. This weekend the keiki theater company takes on energy. Kids will learn what keeps people, places and vehicles powered up. The original play will also address the challenges of island living. Before you go, take a look at HTY’s study guide which includes exercises and conversation starters for kids, so you can prepare for sustainability discussions on the way home. 

  • Suggested for 5 years and older
  • $20 for adults, $10 for kids, $15 for seniors. Kids 2 years and younger are free, ask for a toddler ticket at the box office. 
  • Opens Friday, April 13, 7 p.m. Runs Saturdays through May 12.
  • Tenney Theatre, 229 Queen Emma Square. 
  • (808) 839-9885, htyweb.org

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