The City of San Dimas is located in the San Gabriel Valley, about 25 miles east of Los Angeles. Within San Dimas, you’ll find a city that feels like a small-town, offering much for families to see and do. Horsethief Canyon Park301 Horsethief Canyon Rd., San Dimas, CA 91773 Families…
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According to the Encino Chamber of Commerce, the word “encino” is Spanish for “oak tree.” Encino, a city within the San Fernando Valley, offers many family-friendly things to do. Los Encinos State Historic Park16756 Moorpark St., Encino, CA 91436 You might find yourself in the valley, but a visit to…
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Woodland Hills is a neighborhood within the San Fernando Valley. You’ll find lots of family-friendly things to do here, some are seasonal, but many are year-round! Candy Cane Laneintersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets, Woodland Hills, CA If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the lights on Candy…
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Little Tokyo is one of only three official Japantowns within the United States. And with the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, it’s important for families to re-visit the past as we navigate the present and prepare for the future. Little Tokyo offers many ways for families to learn about a…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 >Living in southern California means you can throw your child a birthday party that just wouldn’t be possible in other areas of the country. Use these ideas to help plan your child’s next birthday party!
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 >When it comes time to plan your child’s next birthday party, get creative and think beyond the ordinary. Here are ideas for ten unique birthday parties in or near Los Angeles.
Learn more >Sherman Oaks has a wide variety of things for kids to do. There’s miniature golf, yoga, sports camps, shopping, and more.
Learn more >Beverly Hills may be a tourists’ mecca. But the city also offers a wide-variety of family friendly activities and things to do (many at little or no cost). Beverly Hills Public Library444 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The children’s department of the Beverly Hills Library is a very special…
Learn more >Santa Barbara is far-away enough where you feel like you’re on vacation, but not too far where you feel like it’s a trip that requires a huge amount of planning and packing. (And you’ll probably be there before you hear, “Are we there yet?”). While you’re there, make sure to…
Learn more >Silver Lake is the neighborhood between East Hollywood, Echo Park, and Los Feliz. You can spend a day browsing and shopping at the variety of independent shops you’ll find here, but there’s also plenty of kid-friendly activities as well. Silver Lake Reservoir1854 to 2246 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026…
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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.
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