Big birthday parties have been on hold the last couple of years, and little ones have waited patiently (or not so patiently) for a big birthday bash, so it's worth the splurge to make this year's birthday a party like no other. However, we're still concerned with keeping things safe with smaller parties and mostly outdoor gatherings. How can you make a smaller, outdoor party feel super special for your preschooler's big day? It's Mickey Mouse to the rescue, with a new party that combines the magic of Disneyland and a private gathering for friends and family.

Disneyland's newest birthday experience is an exclusive party for kids and their crews in Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown. Round up the guest of honor and a few favorite friends and family members for a party filled with sweets, surprises, and a professional photographer to capture all the best moments. Read on for the scoop on this new birthday party at Disneyland that kids will never forget.

Finding bliss and relaxation on vacation is so much easier when the kiddos are happy. Whether you're looking for a hotel in Los Angeles because you're vacationing, housing out-of-town guests, or indulging in a staycation—here are our picks for the best hotels in Los Angeles that cater to the smallest guests. These kid-friendly resorts offer a little slice of paradise, family-friendly amenities, and unique experiences that might make you want to ditch any thoughts of other destinations and spend every weekend in SoCal. The best part is watching the kids have a blast, too.

If you're looking for other cool sleeping options near Los Angeles, we've got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.

That darling toddler that couldn't spend enough time with you somehow morphed into an often sulky or sullen tween or teen who suddenly thinks you're fairly lame. Now, when you suggest a fun family activity, you're more likely to be met with an eye roll than a hug. Well, we happen to have a list of outings that will definitely get your teenager off the couch. We have an entire Mommy Poppins guide just for teens and tweens, but if you're looking for one handy list, here are 20 activity ideas that will make your tween or teen smile for a minute. If you mention there might be Instagram photo opportunities, they may even smile for two or three minutes. 

Getting in free at Disneyland: it's one of those precious moments of childhood that if you blink, you miss. But unlike the ones you can't put a price on, this one is worth about $100. In other words, it's really worth keeping track of when those free admission deals for kids run out. If you're working your way down our Bucket List for Los Angeles Kids, you should probably coordinate with the cut-off ages below; some of the museums you can catch on their free admission days (and happily, some are free every day!), but the theme parks, museums, and other attractions listed below really drive home the bittersweet point that you're only young once.

SoCal Skiing is the best. Sure, Colorado and Tahoe have some bragging rights, but you can't hit the beach and the ski slopes on the same day in Aspen, can you? Only ski slopes near Los Angeles let families pair snowboarding with surfing in one weekend. Los Angeles living offers easy access to ski resorts that are sunny, budget-friendly, and lead us back home in time for bed. So, if you're dying to get out of the house this winter and the kids are ready for something more adventurous than sledding and tubing, check out this list of area slopes and snow schools. Plan carefully and kids can have skis on their feet two hours after packing the car—because the mountains are even closer than they look.

For more winter fun, check out these fabulous Winter Day Trips from Los Angeles and our complete Winter Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my city gave to me—a chance to recycle my Christmas tree!

Whether from a lot at the corner or a cut-your-own farm in LA's outer regions, we lug those lovely-smelling, triangular chunks of evergreen wonder home on top of our cars each December amid singing, warm drinks, and family bonding. Thoughts of what will become of them a few weeks later are pushed to the outer regions of our To Do Lists. Well, the 12th day of Christmas is quickly approaching, and our To Do Lists have come home to roost. Luckily, recycling a Christmas tree does not have to be difficult to arrange; all you need is a little information, which we've assembled here!

It’s that time of the year again: “best of” season! Well, we’re not immune here at Mommy Poppins, and it’s such a delight to highlight fun things to do with kids that have opened this past year, instead of closed. We searched our archives, our memories, your Facebook recommendations, and more to compile this list of the best kid-friendly openings in Los Angeles in 2021. From a massive and amazing new museum to cool places for kids to play or do art—and of course all the new things at our local amusement parks, there have actually been quite a lot of new things to do this year.

Without further ado, here is our list of the 21 best kid-friendly destinations that opened in 2021 in Los Angeles. Wonder what 2022 will bring…

It’s almost New Year’s Eve— and out with the old, in with the new sounds pretty good this year! While many events are going virtual again this year, there are still loads of in-person New Year celebrations and things to do on New Year’s Eve with kids in Los Angeles. Ring in 2022 by taking the kids for a paddle in swan boats, ice skating in the heart of the city, seeing fireworks, or even taking the kids to a Noon Year's party. There are also plenty of innovative ways to party at home, family style, or learn some cool New Year celebrations from around the world.

More events and activities can always be found on our event calendar and our guide to the best activities of the week. That’s a wrap on 2021—we did it, LA!

Happy New Year from all of us at Mommy Poppins.