Sawtelle is a neighborhood in West Los Angeles. And the strip of Sawtelle Boulevard between Santa Monica and Olympic Boulevards has been designated “Sawtelle Japantown.” You’ll find many family-friendly things to do and explore here. B Sweet Dessert Bar2005 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 You’re in for a treat…
Learn more >They say that NoHo is “where the arts are made.” North Hollywood has a little bit of everything, is pedestrian-friendly, and has plenty of family-friendly things to do. North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, Ca 91601 A visit to the North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library…
Learn more >The neighborhood of Westwood may be most well-known as being the home of the University of California Los Angeles. Within this community, you’ll find a number of family-friendly things to see and do. University of California Los Angeles 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095 It’s never too early to…
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The Boyle Heights neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles is rich with culture and history with a population of around 100,000 people. Take a walk around the neighborhood, marvel at the many murals, and learn about the neighborhood’s diverse history. Libros Schmibros Lending Library 1711 Mariachi Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90033…
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According to the Mar Vista Historical Society, Mar Vista was once known as the “Lima Bean Belt of the Nation.” While you won’t find many lima beans there now, families will find lots to see and do in Mar Vista. Mar Vista Farmers Market Grand View at Venice Blvd., Los…
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Chatsworth is located in the San Fernando Valley. It’s an area rich in history and offers several family-friendly things to do. Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park 22400 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, CA 91311 Families can hike and explore in the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. You’ll find a variety…
Learn more >Pacific Palisades is a neighborhood located on the westside of Los Angeles. You’ll find many family-friendly things to do in this picturesque neighborhood. Will Rogers State Historic Park1501 Will Rogers Park Rd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 For those who don’t know, Will Rogers was a popular actor, and the highest-paid…
Learn more >Toluca Lake is like the best of both worlds. Toluca Lake has a small-town feel to it while being conveniently located to some great family-friendly spots. Paty’s Restaurant 10001 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Paty’s Restaurant is a favorite among locals. This popular diner has been in business for…
Learn more >The Mid-Wilshire area offers lots for families to do. You’ll most likely plan more than one visit to this popular neighborhood. The Original Farmers Market 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036 A trip to the Farmers Market allows families to simultaneously experience the past and the present. The…
Learn more >Sylmar may be known for their olives; in fact, the city has its own martini. But you’ll also find many family-friendly things to do in this city which is also known as the “Sea of Trees.” Things to do in Sylmar with Kids El Cariso Community Regional Park13100 Hubbard St.,…
Learn more >Topanga is a Tongva word meaning “where mountain meets the sea.” You’ll find Topanga within the Santa Monica Mountains, and though it’s not far from downtown Los Angeles, you’ll feel as if you’re quite far from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This neighborhood just beckons families to spend…
Learn more >Brentwood is a neighborhood in West Los Angeles. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining options along San Vicente Boulevard, the main street in Brentwood. In addition, families can explore world-famous art and architecture, as well as marvel at the official trees of Los Angeles, all within this one neighborhood….
Learn more >Recently, my son and I were in the restroom at the California Science Center. We heard a little girl crying and whining, and we heard the little girl’s mother tell her to “shut up.” Repeatedly. My son looked at me with wide eyes. In our house, “shut up” is considered…
Learn more >Burbank is often referred to as the “Media Capital of the World.” You’ll find lots to do in this city that has strong ties to the entertainment and aviation industries.
Learn more >Whittier is located about 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It was originally founded as a Quaker colony and was named after a poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. Today the city of Whittier offers families a wide variety of things to do. Paradox Hybrid Walnut TreeWhittier Blvd. between Penn and Mar…
Learn more >Los Feliz is close to Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Griffith Park. Within this “happy” neighborhood (“feliz” is the Spanish word for “happy”), you’ll find a variety of family-friendly things to do. Ennis House2655 Glendower Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 Families with an interest in architecture will need to visit Frank…
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When it comes to after-school programs, there are many factors to consider. You’ll need to take into account your child’s interests, your family’s finances, scheduling obligations, and commute times. And because we live in Southern California, you can find an after-school program for just about any interest your child may…
Learn more >Glendora is located about 20 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles. Known as the “Pride of the Foothills,” Glendora has plenty of things to do with kids for Los Angeles families. Walking Tour of Downtown Glendora, Glendora, CA If your family is curious about different architectural styles, then you’ll enjoy…
Learn more >The eighth largest city in Los Angeles County is Torrance. And within the city of Torrance, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do. Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance, CA 90505 Take the kids to this park, and they’ll feel like they’re almost astronauts. You’ll find swings, slides,…
Learn more >You’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in the suburban city of Agoura Hills, a community that was at one time known as “Picture City.” Reyes Adobe Historical Site30400 Rainbow Crest Dr., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 The Reyes Adobe was built in approximately 1850 and is considered to be…
Learn more >Eagle Rock is most likely a neighborhood you may have driven through, because it’s not that far from downtown Los Angeles and it’s between Glendale and Pasadena. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in this neighborhood, and along Colorado and Eagle Rock Boulevards, you’ll find a variety of…
Learn more >Hermosa Beach has been described as having a mellow, low-key kind of vibe. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in this city that is home to surfers, volleyball players, and beach enthusiasts.
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Studio City became “Studio City” back in the 1920s when several film studios took up residence in the area. Today, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do. Whether you want to spend time indoors or outdoors, Studio City has it all. Valleyheart Greenway (along the L.A. River) Valleyheart Dr….
Learn more >If you haven’t been into a Los Angeles Public Library lately, you may be surprised at the variety of services and resources available to community members. The Library is no longer just the “place with all the books.” Borrow items. It isn’t often we can tell our kids they can…
Learn more >Larchmont is one of those special neighborhoods within Los Angeles. You know you’re in the middle of a big city, yet you feel like you’re in a small town. And within this special community, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do. Larchmont Village ShopsLarchmont Boulevard (between Beverly Blvd. and…
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West Hollywood (also known as WeHo) is a city that celebrates its diversity. It is conveniently located near Beverly Hills, Museum Row, and Hollywood. There is a lot to do whether you’re in the mood to learn, play, shop, eat, or explore.
Learn more >While some might associate Koreatown (or K-Town as it is also known) as a place to go for an adult’s night out, you’ll also find many friendly-family activities in this community. Aroma Golf Range 3680 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 The Aroma Golf Range brings your golf game to…
Learn more >An Open Letter to the Parents of My Son’s Classmates: The trip slips have gone home along with the sign-up for parent volunteers. You may be wondering why I don’t join you on the walking field trip to the museum. You may be wondering why, after the first walking field…
Learn more >Downey is a city named after an Irish immigrant, John Gately Downey, who later became a Governor of California. Downey is home to the world’s oldest McDonald’s and is the city that made important contributions to our nation’s Apollo Space Program. You’ll find a variety of family-friendly activities here.
Learn more >The child in your life has reached the age when he doesn’t just tell you the name of a game that he’d like for a birthday gift. Now, your child only wants a gift card. Or cash. But you long for the days when you gave the “perfect” gift, and…
Learn more >Your child’s first birthday is a momentous event. You want to recognize the special day while also truthfully acknowledging that the party is more for you than the guest of honor. Here are eight suggestions for creative ways to celebrate your child’s first birthday while making it fun for everyone.
Learn more >On my son’s first day of kindergarten, we brought his teacher a red apple. She was so surprised by this small gesture that it made her cry.
Learn more >When I taught upper-grade students, one of our end-of-the-year activities was a reflection/evaluation letter. I asked my students to complete an in-class, two-paragraph writing assignment using the friendly letter format we had learned. In the first paragraph, I asked my students to tell me about things that worked — things…
Learn more >It’s been my experience that people are quick to criticize Los Angeles public schools. Critics contend that classrooms are over-crowded and poorly funded. They believe students are undisciplined and unprepared for the future. However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would instead like us to acknowledge all that is good…
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