Having an unconventional work schedule seems to be the new norm. With many people working from home, juggling work and parenting is a heroic feat. For those of us who are not looking for full-time daycare but sometimes need a helping hand, know that you can find a drop-in daycare in Los Angeles (and Pasadena and Santa Monica and loads of other local towns) where you can leave your kids for a few hours while you work or just get a little well-deserved me time.

I know firsthand that finding a place where you feel at ease leaving your little ones is not an easy task, but we've done the legwork, asked all the questions, and compiled a list of places that offer drop-in daycare. For more ways to get work done when you have young kids, check out our review of one of our favorite Co-working Childcare Spots in Silverlake and our compelte guide to Childcare Options in Los Angeles.

San Diego is a gorgeous place full of unique and interesting things to do with the family— and the San Diego Zoo is at the very top of the list. The grounds are beautiful and the animal exhibits are well-tended. You'll always learn something new, or see an exotic animal you've never seen before. It's no wonder that the San Diego Zoo is widely considered one of the best zoos in the US. That said, the zoo is huge. And kids get tired. So when you are planning a visit, you need a game plan. Luckily, we have one!

If you're planning a visit to San Diego, you won't want to miss our tips for a great visit to the San Diego Zoo with kids. And if you're looking for some recommendations for where to stay in San Diego, take a look at the Best Kid-friendly Hotels for a San Diego Family Vacation, plus the 50 Best Things To Do in San Diego (Besides the San Diego Zoo).

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!