The Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo, will present Free Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This month’s theme is “What’s Cookin’?” come for a day of food and fun with a green/sustainability theme.
All-day activities:
• Decorate a reusable lunch bag to take to school each day.
• Put your own unique designs on a reusable water bottle.
• At Ruthie’s Origami Corner, learn how to make paper onigiri (Japanese rice ball treats).
Scheduled activities:
12–3 p.m.: Balloon Monsoon will make and give away balloons in the shape of cupcakes and ice cream cones. Limit one balloon per child. Line ends at 2:30 p.m.
12–3:30 p.m.: Kidding Around the Kitchen will teach families how to make a delicious Mediterranean grain and vegetable salad. First come, first served; activity ends when supplies run out.
12:30 p.m.: Kieren van den Blink will present a special preview reading of her forthcoming book, “Yum.” A selection of the author’s previous books will also be available for signing.
1 p.m.: Learn how easy it is to grow your own tomatoes, and then make your own chunky tomato salsa with Kitchen Kid. Limited to 15 children; each child must be accompanied by an adult. Instructor must be notified in advance of any allergies. Sign-up sheet will be available at the information desk.
2 p.m.: Award-winning children’s book author Allen Say discusses and signs his new graphic novel, “The Inker’s Shadow,” which tells the story of his own coming of age at a military academy and his discovery of what it means to be American.
3 p.m.: Discover the benefits of gardening and composting in a fun hands-on workshop led by Hope Gardens. Limited to 20 children. Sign-up sheet will be available at the information desk.
3:30 p.m.: Join a sing-along with environmentally conscious tunes provided by Em Is for Music.
For more information, call (213) 625-0414 or visit www.janm.org.