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.

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two boys walking back to school

The 11 Best Gyms For Moms in Los Angeles

Hey Moms – we all want to get fit, right? So we’re always on the lookout for the best gyms in town.

We’ve curated a list of the best gyms in Los Angeles that provide the motivation, equipment, classes, and amenities to encourage you to commit to staying healthy the whole year through, just in time for your New Year’s Resolutions!

You can find a gym just right for you, whether you’re looking for one-on-one fitness training, Crossfit, group classes, MMA, bodybuilding, or strengthening.

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28 Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Southern California

Many families would like to go camping but aren’t quite sure where to go or how to get started. Other families have been camping multiple times but are looking for a new spot to experience. And that’s where this list can help!

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Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California

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.

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Fun + Fabulous: Mommy-And-Me Manicures in Los Angeles

For a special treat, why not indulge in a mommy-and-me manicure date? Many salons around Los Angeles offer special treatments just for kids.

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A little girl getting a Mommy-and-Me pedicure

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. 

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National Night Out balloons

30 Best Birthday Cakes in Los Angeles

What’s the best part of the Birthday Party? The Cake, of course! No matter what age you’re turning, this list of Cake Shops in Los Angeles is the best!

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18 Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles

Updated for 2025 When you think Los Angeles, you may think traffic. Crowds. Hustle and bustle. Now replace those words with – Serene.  Tranquil. Other-worldly. Lush. Those are the words that come to mind when exploring one of the many botanical gardens found in and around Los Angeles. We’ve compiled…

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DESCANSO Botanical gardens kids sitting on bench

15 Safe Places to Practice Driving in Los Angeles

Learning to drive in Los Angeles can be a daunting task. Ask anyone. With our heavy traffic, nearly-constant road construction, and sheer massive size, it’s important to find a safe and supportive environment to let your teen practice their driving skills.

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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.

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surprised pumpkin face

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)!

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Bobs Big Boy

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.

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colored pencils

20+ Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

Whether your high school student has a passion to change the world or is trying to accumulate volunteer hours to satisfy a school requirement, volunteering is a wonderful way to build a sense of community and empathy.

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20 Places to Go Bowling In Los Angeles

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.

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20+ 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!

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100 Days of Summer Fun In LA With Kids

Summer is the best time to be in Los Angeles. There are so many festivals, shows, concerts and free events that you could do something different every day. We want to help you have the best summer ever so we’ve compiled a list with 100 Days of Things to do with Kids in LA this Summer starting today.

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Getty Villa Family Guide: Insider Tips Included

The Getty Villa is described as “a one-of-a-kind destination offering ancient Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens, and ocean breezes.” In other words, a pretty marvelous place to spend the day! This is a great place to take kids, especially when you’re all in the mood for a low-key experience in a beautiful setting.

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child touching the statue you're allowed to touch at the Getty Villa

24 Family-Friendly Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Los Angeles

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Forces back in 1862. Here in Southern California, you’ll find lots of family-friendly ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And, you don’t have to wait until May 5th to start having fun. 

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Guide to The Huntington Library and Gardens

Families visiting The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino will find so much to do and explore, from rare manuscripts, enchanting gardens, and stunning artwork to special events for the entire family. Our Guide to The Huntington has all the information you need to have a fun visit.

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The Huntington Library is a great place to take kids! Find all of the fun things to there in our guide. #losangeles #thingstodinla

17 Delightful Donut Shops in Los Angeles

From dulce de leche donuts to ube doughnuts to gluten-free and vegan donuts, you’ll find any type you can imagine at one of the many delicious donut shops. Here is our list of 16 of the Best Donut Shops from Randy’s in Inglewood to Trejo’s Donuts in Hollywood to Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica.

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DK's Donuts in Santa Monica, photo by Yvonne Condes

California Science Center: Hands on Family Fun

The California Science Center has it all. Plenty of things for kids to do, touch, and experience first-hand. All the exhibits encourage kids to ask questions and find out answers about “how” and “why” things are the way they are.

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SCIENCE CENTER SPACE ENDEAVOUR

12+ Places to Fly a Kite in Los Angeles

When was the last time your family went out to fly a kite? It’s a perfect outdoor activity, and we’ve got a list of some of the best spots around Los Angeles to fly a kite.

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The Aquarium of the Pacific: Family Fun with Ocean Creatures

The Aquarium of the Pacific is more than an aquarium. It is also the site of a variety of festivals and special programs held throughout the year. Daily, though, families will find more than 11,000 animal exhibits which represent about 500 different species, with many opportunities for kids to get up close and personal to a variety of marine life.

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Exploring the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about our country’s 40th President. Exhibits include a look at Mr. Reagan’s life — from his childhood, to his days as a GE spokesperson, to his acting days, and his time in politics — as the governor of California and then later as our nation’s President.

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19 Swim Lessons in Los Angeles for Water Safety

But water safety is serious business. Teaching your kids to swim is very important, whether you want to go swimming in the ocean or in a swimming pool. Learning to swim will give your child confidence in the water, and will give you peace of mind.

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swim-lessons

Celebrating Women’s History Month in Los Angeles

Women’s History Month is celebrated in March. It is a time to reflect on, acknowledge, and celebrate the many contributions women have made to society. Here in Southern California, there are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. Whether you’re staying close to home, are looking to try a new restaurant, or want to see a new museum exhibit, we’ve got the list for you.

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23+ Fun-Filled Things To Do in Big Bear with Kids

For your next family trip, you should definitely consider Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake offers a variety of family-friendly activities and this list goes beyond those that you might already know about – sledding, skiing, biking, and hiking.

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Big Bear Historical Park in Big Bear Lake, California

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.

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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.

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37 Romantic Date Night Ideas for LA Parents

It’s easy to forget that before we were parents, we were people that went out on dates with each other. Here are 37 Date Night (and date day) Ideas in Los Angeles.

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A glass of red and white wine besides a lantern.

Take Horseback Riding Lessons in Los Angeles

Riding a horse can be both exhilarating and therapeutic, and it’s a great way to connect with nature. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there are plenty of places teaching horseback lessons for kids as well as adults.

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Summer Camps for Teens in Los Angeles

Summer camps aren’t just for the younger members of the family. There are several summer camps for teenagers that offer  a range of programs that teens will enjoy. Whether they prefer to spend summer inside or outdoors (or both), you’ll find a camp that will make everyone happy.

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Amplify Sleep Away Camp in Ojai, California teaches girls to play an instrument and put on a show.

Fun Things To Do At LAX with Kids (Los Angeles International Airport)

Hey there parents! We know that traveling with kids can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the hustle and bustle of a busy airport. But we’ve got some good news for you: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a bunch of fun activities your little ones will absolutely love, and will keep them entertained while you await your boarding call.

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30 Los Angeles Charities and Non-Profits 2025

We hope you’ll take the time to learn about the important work each of these organizations does in our community and support them however you can. Whether you can make a monetary donation, volunteer your time, or make a donation of clothing, household items, or even holiday gifts, it’s all helpful.

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15 Best-Loved Car Museums in SoCal

We hope you get a chance to visit each of these 15 Car Museums and collections, located in Los Angeles and all over Southern California. They all offer something a little different, and if you and your family are into Car Culture, we’re sure you’ll love them.

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Lightning McQueen at the Petersen

30+ Fun Activities for Teens in Los Angeles

Maybe now that your kids are teenagers, you’re looking for new and fun things to do together since their old favorite activities may no longer be their current favorites. Here is a list of ten fun and unique activities for teens.

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32 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!

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Fore! Golf Lessons for Kids in Los Angeles

Whether your child has expressed an interest and wants to try it out, or your child wants to improve their game, there are many opportunities for Golf Lessons for Kids In and Around Los Angeles.

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Golf Lessons. Golf instructor giving game lesson to a young boy.

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.

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The Yellow Balloon in Los Angeles

15+ Places to Go Fishing in Southern California

Here in Southern California, you have plenty of options including fishing out on a boat with others, trying out fishing in a smaller lake setting, spending a few hours at a popular pier, and more. 

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