Guide to the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica–A Parent Review

Everything at the Cayton has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.

If you haven’t been to the Cayton Children's Museum in Downtown Santa Monica–or haven’t visited the newly reimagined and rebuilt space since it was the beloved Zimmer–this children’s museum needs to be at the top of your LA Bucket List.

The 21,000-square-foot space dedicated to discovery-based learning, arts and cultural activities, and values-based exploration is both wildly fun and incredibly educational. Plus, everything has been carefully crafted with one lofty and invaluable goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.

My four children–ages 7 months to 7 years–and I recently had the opportunity to visit the beautiful one-of-a-kind nonprofit, and we were wowed by each and every exhibit we explored! Here is our exhaustive guide to everything you need to know about visiting the Cayton Children’s Museum.

Guide to Long Island's Waterdrinker Family Farm: Flowers, Seasonal Festivals, and More Fun

Whether it's the Tulip Festival in the spring, or the Sunflower Fest in late summer, there's always something fun happening at Waterdrinker Family Farms.

Visiting Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, Long Island, during one of its picture-perfect flower festivals, including Long Island's only Tulip Festival is a surefire way for your family to find its new favorite farm. Kids love petting the farm animals before running off to play, while parents can look forward to relaxing with a cold beer from the on-site brewery.

So, grab your phone or your camera and head out east to Waterdrinker Family Farm to capture some memories. Find lots more ideas for spending a day at one of Long Island's family-friendly farms in our Pick Your Own Guide to Farms on Long Island.

The TEA Takeover: What It Means for HISD Parents and Students

What changes can you expect after the TEA takeover? Photo courtesy of the Houston Independent School District

In March, it was announced that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would be taking over Houston Independent School District (HISD) after several schools in the district fell below state standards. HISD is the state’s largest school district, serving more than 190,000 students across nearly 300 schools. The sweeping changes of this controversial takeover started in June with the removal of the elected HISD school board and superintendent, and their swift replacement by managers appointed by the state of Texas. Read on to learn about which schools will be immediately affected and what changes may be taking place.

Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark: Pick-Your-Own Plus a Whole Lot More

You can "moooove" around the farm in a barrel ride! Photo courtesy of Underwood Family Farms

Underwood Family Farms lets kids dig into a homestead life with pick-your-own fruits and veggies, wagon rides, and adorable farm animal encounters. With two Ventura County locations in Moorpark and Somis, Underwood Family Farms is an entertaining rural retreat for a quick day trip from Los Angeles. 

Popular seasonal events take place at Underwood Family Farms, like pumpkin patches and Easter egg hunts. The must-have holiday photo ops and the sought-out farm-to-table in-season produce will keep you and your family returning to this beloved farm throughout the year. Read below for insider tips to maximize your visit with kids of all ages when visiting Underwood Family Farms. 

Discover more fun on the farm at the best farms in Los Angeles, and see where to go strawberry picking near LA. Explore more agriculture adventures in our guide to the Best Berry Picking and Animal Farms in Los Angeles

The New Minion Land Takes Over Universal Orlando

Follow the little yellow guys to the newest, coolest area of Universal Orlando Resort: Minion Land! Photo courtesy Universal Studios Florida

Minion Land is finally here! Universal Orlando Resort has once again raised the (yellow) bar in the realm of theme park attractions with the unveiling of its latest addition. Located on Illumination Avenue at Universal Studios, vibrant Minion Land brings to life the whimsical world of the beloved yellow creatures from the Minions franchise.

With the addition of Minion Land, Universal Orlando has created an experience that captivates guests of all ages. With its interactive attractions, delicious cuisine, and immersive entertainment, Minion Land represents Universal Orlando's commitment to providing unforgettable experiences to its visitors. Strap on those overalls and goggles -- it's time to read our Minion Land guide!

Boca Raton, Florida with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Boca Raton, FL

Kids will love the sun and surf of Boca Raton, Florida! Photo courtesy of City of Boca Raton Florida Government

Whether you live or vacation in Boca Raton, FL, we have compiled a list of fun places for families to enjoy. From the beaches and surf to the playgrounds and golf courses, Boca Raton, Florida is a paradise of outdoor activities and picturesque adventures. 

With miles of gorgeous beaches, Boca Raton is the perfect destination for families looking to relax, play, and have fun in the sun. Boca Raton is less than an hour's drive from Miami, which makes it an easy day trip for locals if families want to save money on overnight stays. Take a look at our guide to visiting Boca Raton, Florida now.

Oakland with Kids: 34 Best Things To Do in Oakland, CA

Admire the hundreds of animals at the Oakland Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Oakland Zoo

Oakland is a vibrant, family-friendly, diverse city full of culture and hidden nature gems, making it an excellent urban escape for a day or weekend of exploring with kids. 

Less crowded than its famous neighbor of San Francisco, Oakland is packed with beautiful hikes, kid-friendly museums, and over-the-top ice cream sundaes, making it worthy of a destination on its own. Keep reading below for the best things to do in Oakland with kids. 

Seek more adventure with the top day trips from San Francisco, and the best urban hikes for families in the Bay Area. Pack up the car and hit the road with the help of our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips Guide for San Francisco.  

Belize Family Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Best Resorts and Top Things to Do with Kids in Belize

Belize is the perfect tropical vacation destination for families.

If you're always on the lookout for those hidden-gem vacation destinations, here’s your PSA to put Belize on your family travel bucket list before the masses discover it.

Whether you love an all-inclusive Caribbean beach resort or like to stay active with lots of activities, cultural experiences, and natural wonders to explore, Belize offers a unique blend of the Caribbean and Central American cultures. That makes it a fascinating destination for families looking for a bit of everything, from beaches and reefs to jungles and ancient Mayan ruins.

The fact that English is the official language makes Belize a particularly convenient destination for English-speaking travelers, without sacrificing its exotic allure.

With a native Belizean (and dad) from Travel Belize as my guide, I was able to get the real inside scoop on the best things to do in Belize—plus some great kid-friendly resorts for families—to help you plan an amazing trip to Belize for your next family vacation. Read on for our Belize family travel guide, then see our Guide to the Best Caribbean Family Travel for even more warm and sunny family vacation ideas.

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