Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center

Now Open! The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center is now open. This addition to the already-amazing museums in Exposition Park is worth the visit any day of the week! The crown jewel of the new center is, of course, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, now…

Learn more >
space suit exhibit at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center photo by Wendy Kennar

The Best Restaurants For Thanksgiving Dinner In Los Angeles

Thanksgiving is just as much about the food as it is about the people you share it with. So, if you’d rather focus on family and friends and not the shopping, preparation, and clean-up that goes hand-in-hand with Thanksgiving Dinner, you’re in luck. There are many Los Angeles-area restaurants serving memorable Thanksgiving meals.

Learn more >
Nick and Stefs Thanksgiving food

Where to Find a Christmas Tree in Los Angeles

It’s that time of year – time for LA parents to pile the family in the car and go out and get a Christmas tree. But instead of driving around searching for the “perfect tree,” we’re here to help with a list of 10 Great Christmas Tree Lots in and Around Los Angeles.

Learn more >
Christmas Tree Lot in Los angeles with reindeer

Hanukkah Celebrations in Los Angeles

This eight-night Festival of Lights is being celebrated all around Los Angeles with lots of fun, memorable events. Here are twenty sites hosting family-friendly Hanukkah celebrations.

Learn more >
hanukkah menorah

Things To Do With Kids in Los Angeles During Thanksgiving Week 2026 (Besides Eating)

Are you looking for fun things to do in Los Angeles during Thanksgiving week? The kids are off school, family may be coming into town, and you’ve got a lot of days to fill. Luckily, there is always something fun to do in and around LA.

Learn more >
runners in front of Disney Hall Turkey Trot Los Angeles

50+ Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles for Families

The holiday season is officially here and southern California is ready to celebrate. Here are the best Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles.

Learn more >

15 Merry Holiday Fun Runs in Los Angeles

Take a break from holiday shopping and participate in one of the holiday races being held in Los Angeles and all over Southern California.

Learn more >
Santa Claus runs fast on red background

29 Christmas and Holiday Family Shows in Los Angeles

One way to celebrate the holiday season is to attend a show. Here in Southern California, there are musicals, stage productions, vocal performances, and more happening throughout the month and guaranteed to leave you full of holiday spirit!

Learn more >
disney on ice mickey mouse on ice skates

17 Things To Do In Corona With Kids

The city of Corona was founded in 1886 and was once known as the “Lemon Capital of the World.” While Corona may no longer be well known for its agriculture, the city does offer a number of family-friendly attractions and activities.

Learn more >
people ziplining in California

Turkey Day Takeout: 20+ Thanksgiving Dinner to Go

Why not get Thanksgiving Dinner To Go this year/ Many terrific LA restaurants offer Take Out Turkey!

Learn more >
Thanksgiving To Go at Botega Louie

Best Volunteer Opportunities for the Holidays in Los Angeles

The holiday season is approaching, and during this festive time we think it’s important to stop and think about how we can help others. Everywhere we look, we all see so many people in need these days. Volunteer and you can make a difference.

Learn more >
hands in the center teamwork volunteers

15 Awesome Animal Encounters for the Whole Family

If there are animal lovers in your family, this is the list for you. Here in Southern California, we’re so fortunate to have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a large variety of animals — from camels to sharks and snakes to cows. Here are 15 sites that offer up-close-and-personal time Animal Encounters. 

Learn more >
Capuchin Bailey from Animal Tracks

Where To Donate Children’s Clothes in Los Angeles

When it’s time to clean out the kids’ closets and get rid of those clothes they no longer wear and/or fit into, keep in mind that there are many organizations that would be happy to receive donations of gently used children’s clothing.

Learn more >
gently used kids clothes in Los Angeles

The Best Restaurants For Christmas Dinner In LA

Christmas means family. And families must eat. But if you’d rather not spend hours in the kitchen, there are plenty of restaurants all around Los Angeles that will be open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day and that make lovely settings for memorable family holiday meals. 

Learn more >
Genghis Cohen restaurant

31 Awesome Independent Bookstores in Los Angeles

While some might immediately think of the silver screen when thinking of Los Angeles, books, and independent bookstores, are alive and well! Old favorites continue to welcome us back again and again, and new shops have opened (some even during the pandemic)!

The list primarily includes bookstores offering new books, though some listings do include shops offering both new and used titles. And the author has visited all of them!

Learn more >
Chevalier's Books bookstore featured image

22 Terrific Kids’ Haircuts Near Me in Los Angeles

When taking your child for their very first haircut, you want to make it a memorable event. It’s nice when the salon can offer a special chair, such as one in the shape of a car, or offers a balloon or lollipop as a treat. Some will even save a lock of hair for your scrapbook! Just ask.

Learn more >
The Yellow Balloon in Los Angeles

Best Independent Toy Stores in Los Angeles

Here in Los Angeles, we’re fortunate to have a number of charming, high-quality, independent toy shops where you’ll find the perfect gift(s) for all the kids in your life!

Learn more >
Toy store Landis Labyrinth in Los Angeles.

21 Sweetest Candy Stores in Los Angeles

Candy definitely makes the world a little sweeter. And here in Los Angeles, we’re surrounded by candy shops that offer it all — world famous candies, made-in-L.A. candies, super sour candies, super silly candies, and super chocolatey candies. 

Check out our list of the Best Candy Stores In and Around Los Angeles to discover some new-to-you shops.

Learn more >
Candy store with chocolate on display

23 Awesome Pie Shops In Los Angeles: YUM!

Anytime is a great time for pie! Give these terrific pie shops in Los Angeles a try!

Learn more >
a slice of pie from Know Reality Pie

Get Sweaty: Gyms With Child Care in Los Angeles

If you’ve been wondering how to go to the gym with kids, the answer is to find one like the ones on this list, making sure they offer a dedicated space for your kids to play. Because you can’t let your kids hang out near the workout gear or exercise equipment, it’s just not safe.

Learn more >
Group of people running on treadmills

10 Places to Experience Fall in Southern California 

Here in Southern California we may not experience fall quite like the rest of the country, but that doesn’t mean we are completely absent of slightly cooler weather and the changing color of leaves.

Learn more >
maple leaves in fall colors

12 Awesome Indoor Trampoline Parks in Los Angeles

When it comes to exercise, we all want our kids to find something that they enjoy doing. Something that makes exercise feel more like play than work. That’s where Trampoline Parks come in. Whether your child is seriously interested in improving their trampoline skills, or you’re looking for a fun, out-of-the-ordinary, indoor activity for the whole family, you’re sure to find a Trampoline Park that offers what you’re looking for.

Learn more >
Young happy woman jumping on a trampoline indoors.

14 Things To Do in Rancho Cucamonga With Kids

“Cucamonga” has been interpreted several ways and may mean “place of many springs” or “sandy place.” You’ll find many family-friendly things to do in Rancho Cucamonga whether you’re interested in visiting the city’s many parks, learning about history, shopping, or spending time indoors or out.

Learn more >
Second Story and Beyond

169+ Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Los Angeles

Updated for 2026 Latino Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) celebrates and commemorates the the culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. From the LA County Library system’s website: “The mid-September start honors the independence days of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September…

Learn more >
Olvera Street in Los Angeles

101 Fun Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Here’s a list of family-friendly ways to celebrate all over So Cal. From Mickey Mouse to Mr. Bones, Halloween is terrific Los Angeles-style!

Learn more >
Halloween at Legoland

Chill Out with the Best Shave Ice in Los Angeles

When you’re craving something cool and refreshing during warm days, shave ice is a nice alternative to traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt. And, luckily you can find many great shave ice options in and around Los Angeles.

Learn more >

21 Fun Things To Do on Labor Day in Los Angeles

For some families, Labor Day signals the end of summer. For some families, summer ends when the kids return to school, so Labor Day means a nice long weekend. For all families, there are plenty of fun things to do on Monday, September 4th.

Learn more >
LA City hall

100 Free Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids

LA parents in-the-know have long since figured out that having fun in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be expensive. But maybe you’ve exhausted your list of tried-and-true destinations and are looking for some new, I-never-thought-of-that ideas. Here is our list of the Best Free Things To Do In Los Angeles.

Learn more >
Things to do in Santa Monica with Kids (photo by Yvonne Condes)

Halloween Costume Ideas for Los Angeles Kids (and Families)

If you’re looking for something different for this year’s celebration, why not think local? There are lots of fun, easy (i.e.. not expensive and/or labor intensive) only-in-L.A. costumes perfect for Los Angeles kids (and families)!

Learn more >
Bobs Big Boy

12 Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween without Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is a super fun holiday, and we love getting out there with the kids for Trick-or-Treating, but we know that it’s not a choice everyone wants to make.

Kiddos can get sick, or maybe they’re not quite brave enough to walk up to the door and ask for candy, or maybe you’re limiting the amount of candy your kids eat. Whatever the reason – you can still celebrate Halloween without going Trick or Treating.

Learn more >
surprised pumpkin face

Go Bowling In Los Angeles at 20+ Locations

Whether you know the difference between a strike and a spare or not, you’ll have a ball taking the kids bowling at one of these terrific spots around SoCal.

Learn more >
Bowling ball hitting motion blurred pins

25+ Essential Back-to-School Supplies for a Super Successful Year

Even though it’s the middle of Summer, it’s time to start thinking about school supplies. Many kids in Los Angeles will be starting classes again in just a few weeks, so whether we are 100% on board with that or not, we need to get them ready.

Learn more >
colored pencils

First Day of School: 15 Ways to Make it Special

The first day of school. Kids often have mixed feelings about this important day, and this year especially, emotions are likely to be all over the map. Just because kids aren’t returning to the classroom in the traditional way, doesn’t mean there isn’t cause to celebrate.

A new school year is a big deal. Full of new opportunities and new challenges. Make the first day fun and special and memorable. Here are 12 fun, creative ways to celebrate the first day of school.

Learn more >
two boys walking back to school

Time to Shop for Back-to-School Supplies in LA

Whether you’re looking for school supplies, back-to-school clothes, uniforms, backpacks, lunch bags, stationery supplies, or even college dorm room essentials, here’s a list of go-to stores in Los Angeles where you can find everything on your school supply list — plus some online options, too.

Learn more >
MomsLA Back-to-School photo

15 Terrific Movie Theaters in Los Angeles for Cinema Lovers

Whether you’re planning a movie date with your special someone or a family movie outing, you don’t just want to see a movie; you want a memorable experience, too. You want to experience the magic the movies can bring, and maybe introduce your kids to that magic as well.

Learn more >
movie popcorn featured image

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend Back-to-School Night

Back to School Night is the official meet and greet for the new year. I encourage all parents to make every effort to attend and here are 5 reasons why.

Learn more >

National Night Out Events in Los Angeles

National Night Out (NNO) is a “national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.” This year, National Night Out is happening on Tuesday, August 2nd. Several communities all around Los Angeles are participating in this special event that aims to strengthen neighborhood unity. 

Learn more >
National Night Out balloons

25 Driver’s Training Courses for Los Angeles Teens

You’ll need to find an instructor your teen feels comfortable with, and someone you feel confident will teach your teenager the skills, techniques, and procedures they’ll need to be able to pass their Drivers License Exam and serve as the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving.

Learn more >
hands on the steering wheel

Best Public Libraries In And Around Los Angeles To Visit With Kids

There is no age limit for public libraries. You’ll find these special institutions offer something for everyone. And, if you’re looking to venture beyond your local neighborhood library, try one of these libraries that are among the best to visit with kids.

Learn more >
The Downtown LA Library is one of the great library to take kids in Los Angeles

22 Fun Ways To Celebrate Father’s Day in Los Angeles

Luckily, there are lots of things to do and places to go to celebrate Father’s Day in and around Los Angeles. Check out all 15 and choose the best one for the dad in your life!

Learn more >
Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum Featured image