15 Books About Los Angeles All Kids Should Read

Another great way to explore our diverse city is by reading about it. These books are a great way to introduce your children to new sites they haven’t yet seen and learn some new facts about some family-favorite locations all around Los Angeles. 

Here is our list of 15 Charming, Factual, and Fun Books About Los Angeles. And you can buy these books in our Amazon shop! Or check out our list of 32 Independent Book Stores in SoCal and go shopping there.

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Some of the Best Bookstores to celebrate National Book Lovers Day in Los Angeles. (photo by Yvonne Condes)

10 Tempting Bike Trails for LA Families

If you’re looking to get out beyond your street to go on a bit further of a bike ride with your kids, we’ve curated a list for you of the best bike trails for kids in Los Angeles!

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Best Bike Trails for Kids in Los Angeles

The Best Parks For A Picnic in Los Angeles

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to pack up a lunch, a few toys, a big ol’ blanket, and have a picnic in a gorgeous park. I mean, is there really any better way to spend a gorgeous LA day? We’ve rounded up the best parks for a picnic in Los Angeles – so get out and play!

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Family picnic

10 Free And/Or Inexpensive Summer Programs for Kids in Los Angeles

Summer break is almost here and with all that time off from school comes the question, “What am I going to do with my kids?” For some families, camp isn’t an option for a number of reasons. Here are 10 Free and/or Inexpensive Summer Programs for kids in Los Angeles.

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Light fixtures in the Downtown LA Library

LA’s Top: 8 Terrific Family Friendly Beaches in Los Angeles

One of the best things about living in Southern California is the ability to drop whatever it is we’re doing and head to the beach for a fun in the sun filled day. But some beaches are more family-friendly than others.

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Best Place for Balloons in Los Angeles

Nothing says “celebration” quite like balloons. Whether you’re looking for a simple balloon bouquet, a large balloon wall, a drive-through balloon arch, or something in-between, you want to find a great spot.

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red yellow blue balloons

Best Places for Children’s Story Times In and Around Los Angeles

It’s never too early to take your children to story time. Here in Los Angeles, we’re fortunate because there are story times happening all over town, at different times and days of the week so you’re sure to find (at least) one that fits in with your family’s schedule. Here is our list of the best places for Children’s Story times.

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The for Kids story time in Los Angeles

LA’s Top: Best Live Audiences to be a Part of in Los Angeles

Have you ever wanted to be a part of a live audience? You’re in luck, whether you live here or you’re visiting sunny Los Angeles to look for something out of the ordinary to be a part of. Either way, we’ve created a list of the best live audiences to be a part of in Los Angeles. From game shows to daytime talk shows, we’ve got you covered! Just don’t forget that tickets for popular shows tend to get bought out quickly, so grab them while you can!

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Let's Make A Deal

From the Dojo to the Valley: Martial Arts Classes for LA Kids

As a parent in Los Angeles, you have endless options for kids’ activities. If you’re looking for a way to nurture your child’s physical and mental development, martial arts is a fantastic choice. But where do you find the right class? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best martial arts studios the city has to offer, helping you make an informed decision.

Plus we’ve got a great list of the types of martial arts classes kids can take! Enjoy!

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Taekwondo Kids Sparring

Nethercutt Museum: Vintage Cars and Family Fun

Updated for 2024 Whether you’ve got a house full of car enthusiasts or history buffs, or if you’re just looking for something fun – and free – to do with the kids, check out the Nethercutt Museum and Collection. The Nethercutt Museum and Collection15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, CA 91342 About…

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LA’s Annual Festivals Families Love

Families will never run out of things to do in Los Angeles. Our diverse city is home to a number of family-friendly festivals celebrating the cultures, traditions, holidays, and interests of Los Angeles families.

To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a month-by-month list highlighting the best annual family events happening in and around Los Angeles.

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18 Little League Districts in Los Angeles: Batter Up!

Baseball season is here! If you’re interested in signing your little one up for softball or little league, please check out these different leagues and districts all over Los Angeles! 

Kids can get started as young as 4 years old, and both girls and boys can play. Most kids start with T-Ball and move into pitching as they gain skills. Parents are usually encouraged to be part of the team by volunteering with snack bar duties and maintaining the fields.

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10 Awesome Paintball Spots in Los Angeles Perfect for Kid-Friendly Action

Some people think of Paintball in terms of its similarity to other games, such as tag and dodge ball. However, paintball is so much more than that, and requires much more equipment, than those playground games.

A paintball is a round, thin-skinned capsule with a colored liquid inside. Most games last 10-20 minutes. While most Paintball games require players to be in their tween/teen years, there are some versions (such as Paintball Lite) that allow younger players to participate. Here is our list of the 10 Best Places for Paintball In & Around Los Angeles.

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group-of-kids-and-adults-ready-to-play-paintbal-at-TacCity-Airsoft

LA’s Top Laser Tag: 19 Arenas for Epic Family Fun

Are you ready for a family adventure that’s out of this world? Southern California has no shortage of awesome laser tag arenas that offer thrilling fun for kids of all ages. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate birthday party spot or want a day of action-packed excitement, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to gear up and explore our roundup of the best places to play laser tag in Los Angeles – perfect for unleashing your kids’ inner galactic warrior!

Laser Tag is one of those activities that the whole family can play. The recreational shooting game provides quite a work-out, too! Here in Los Angeles, there are many companies offering laser tag, whether you’re looking for a family outing or are interested in hosting a laser tag birthday party.

Plus, Mobile Laser Tag brings the action to you. Here is our list of the 19 Best Places for Laser Tag In and Around Los Angeles.

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kids playing laser tag seeing over their shoulders

12 Kids’ Music Lessons in Los Angeles

Maybe your son or daughter wants to be the next Taylor Swift, or you’ve heard that music makes your child smarter. If you’re looking for music lessons for kids in Los Angeles, these LA-based instructors and schools just might be in perfect tune with your child’s needs.

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girl learning to play guitar

9 Things To Do With Kids In Griffith Park

You can’t run out of things to do in Griffith Park. And Griffith Park attractions offer something that most places in Los Angeles don’t — free parking! Whether you want a ticketed experience (such as a trip to the Zoo or Autry Museum) or a more casual, make-it-up-as-you-go-experience, you can do it all in Griffith Park.

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Griffith-Observatory-wide-angle-side-view

Take Aim: 19 Archery Ranges in Los Angeles and SoCal

Archery is a sport that combines precision, focus, and history, and is one of the sports in the modern Olympic Games, which are coming to Los Angeles in 2028.

Archery made its Olympic debut at the Paris Games in 1900, but it wasn’t until 1972 that it regained a permanent spot in the program. Today, Olympic archery consists of four main events: individual and team competitions for both men and women.

The nice thing about archery here in Los Angeles is that kids can practice year-round, with many ranges in outdoor settings. Most ranges also offer safety and skills training, which is crucial when it comes to this sport.

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girl-doing-archery-at-sleep-away-camp-in-California

17 Fun Things To Do in La Crescenta-Montrose with Kids

La Crescenta-Montrose is a neighborhood offering much in terms of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for shopping options, a new public library to explore, or a different park to play at, you’ll find it in this 3.8-square-mile enclave of unincorporated Los Angeles. 

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French fries at the Tickle Tree Cafe is just one of the things to do with kids in La Crecenta Montrose

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.

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chocolate pralines

18 Fun Things To Do in Glendale with Kids

Glendale has something for everyone. Shopping, hiking, theatre, robots and more! Here is a list of nine family-friendly things to do in Glendale.

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19 Family Friendly Things To Do In Pasadena

If all you know about Pasadena is that it’s home to the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl, you’re missing out. Pasadena has a lot to offer families. Science, books, arts, athletics — Pasadena has it all.

Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena, California, exudes an irresistible charm that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant city, located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling heart of Los Angeles, offers a unique blend of small-town intimacy and cosmopolitan sophistication.

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rose parade opening show float

17 Super Fun Things To Do In San Pedro With Kids

San Pedro describes itself as a “Whale of a Town.” Part of the reason may be its proximity to the ocean where you may be able to view these magnificent creatures. Whether you explore in the water or just nearby the water, you’ll find plenty of fun (and inexpensive) things to do in San Pedro with kids.

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korean friendship bell pavillion in San Pedro

Your Teen Driver’s Permit: 10 Top Insider Tips

But how do you get a driver’s permit in California? What are the steps you and your teen need to take to make the dream of a driver’s permit a reality?

And more importantly, what are some Insider Tips from parents who’ve already been through it?

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Father teaching his teenage son to drive

Exploring El Segundo With Kids: Insider Tips 2024

El Segundo has a small-town feel within the big city. Translating the Spanish to English, “El Segundo” means “the second,” but we think you’ll find it’s first-rate! There are many family-friendly things to do in this small seaside city adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport.

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red vintage car at the zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo, California

LA County Hiking Trails For Outdoor Fun

Los Angeles County has dozens of trails, some perfect for hiking (whether strenuous or family-friendly), going for a run, mountain biking, equestrian activities, and some are even dog-friendly. They’ve got a great website with information on all the trails, including a super handy way to sort the trails by level of ease or difficulty – just look under the “Explore” tab, or browse by categories.

LA County boasts over 500 miles of trails, and they work in partnership with the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Mountain Restoration Trust, and the Catalina Island Conservancy.

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hiking trails in Los Angeles

15 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.

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people ziplining in California

10 Fun Geocaching Spots in Los Angeles

If you’re not familiar with it, “Geocaching” is a high-tech version of a treasure hunt. It is GPS-based, involves using a free app, and allows families to participate in the “world’s largest treasure hunt.”

Once you’ve created your free account on Geocaching.com, you’re ready to start exploring. The object is to discover “caches” which are containers holding knick-knacks, coins from around the world, and more. You may take one item from the cache, but be sure to leave another one in its place. And don’t forget to sign the logbook.

This is a fun family-friendly activity to do. Plus, it’s all outside, and gets you moving while exploring new neighborhoods. Keep your eyes open – some treasures are hidden in plain sight while others are more cleverly camouflaged.

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geocaching in los angeles

15 Things To Do In Redondo Beach With Kids

They say there’s “more to sea” in Redondo Beach (mis-spelling intended). While only 18 miles from downtown Los Angeles, you may feel as if you’re further away from the hustle and bustle of the big city once you spend some time exploring this popular beach town.

Located along the southern end of the Santa Monica Bay, Redondo Beach has a population of just over 66,000, and is filled with many family-friendly spots and activities. This little City has beautiful beaches, stretching from King Harbor on the North end all the way south to nearly Palos Verdes. You’ve probably also seen this city in many Hollywood movies and TV shows over the years since it’s so picturesque.

Take a look at our list and try out these fun things to do with your kids in Redondo Beach.

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Seal photo courtesy of the Redondo Beach Pier

Discover the Best Family-Friendly Farms in SoCal 2024

A visit to a farm gives children the opportunity to learn and explore in new ways, get up close with different animals, and learn more about how food is grown and how it arrives on their plate. And with any luck, your kids will find some new foods they’re willing to try!

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Amys-Farm-promo-baby-pig

Hollywood Walk of Fame: 11 Things To Do with Kids

Whether you’ve got family visiting or you want to play tourist in your own backyard, The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great place to do it. The whole family can enjoy a day of fun!

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Winnie-the-Pooh-star-on-the-Hollywood-Walk-of-Fame

Discover the Hidden Gems: The Grove and The Original Farmers Market

The Farmers Market and The Grove aren’t just popular eating and shopping destinations. They’re also an important historical location.

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The Farmers Market, Los Angeles, CA

FootGolf 101: Family Fun in SoCal

FootGolf combines golf and soccer for a whole new sport. Imagine playing on a golf course, but instead of using a golf ball and golf clubs, you’re using a soccer ball and your feet. Yes, kicking a soccer ball around a golf course is something you and your family really can do!

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The Los Angeles Zoo Family Guide

The Griffith Park Zoo opened in 1912 with just fifteen animals, a few miles from the current Zoo site. Today, you’ll find more than 1,000 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles (representing more than 250 species) on more than 100 acres at the L.A. Zoo.

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the entrance to the Los Angeles Zoo

Best Beach Playgrounds In And Around Los Angeles

If you’re heading to the beach, but you’ve got some water-resistant kids in tow, you’ll be happy to know that there’s more to do than splash in the water and get wet.  Check out these popular beach playgrounds!

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Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern California [Now with MAP]

Most dogs love the beach. Running in the sand and water while the sea air blows through their fur would make any dog’s day. We’ve rounded up a list of The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Southern California from Carmel to Malibu to San Diego where it’s easy to bring man’s best friend along for an adventure.

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dog on the beach

10 Ideas for Celebrating Middle School Culmination

Different schools have different names for it. 8th Grade Culmination. Middle School Culmination. Middle School Graduation. 

Whatever you call it, completing middle school and being on the verge of starting high school is a big deal. Especially for this year’s current 8th graders. Remember, they were sixth graders when they were sent home from school in March 2020 and told they would return to school in two weeks. Instead, they completed their sixth grade year at home and did all of their seventh grade year at home as well. 

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Car Parade for Lucy in Berkeley

All Aboard: 21 Places to See Trains in Los Angeles

Taking kids to see trains or model trains can be a super fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. Model train displays often feature intricately detailed miniature landscapes, complete with tiny buildings, people, and vehicles. The trains themselves are also often highly detailed and can range from historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed bullet trains.

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Discover 15 Wildlife Centers in Los Angeles

Wildlife centers are important institutions that can serve as a lifeline for animals who are injured, sick, or orphaned. These centers provide critical care and rehabilitation services to animals in need, helping them to recover and return to their natural habitats. Additionally, wildlife centers play a vital role in educating the public about the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

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parrots at wildlife learning center

Things To Do In Rancho Palos Verdes with Kids

Exploring Rancho Palos Verdes means spending time outdoors. There is so much to see and do in this picturesque neighborhood including whale watching, hiking, and more!

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Things to do in Rancho Palos Verdes with Kids