Discover the best cooking classes in Los Angeles for kids to hone their chops and bake up delicious treats. 

"Yes, Chef!", but make it adorable. From the tiniest tikes to curious and creative teens, cooking classes for kids in LA can instill a passion for culinary arts that may last a lifetime. That little tot that is always begging to whisk the eggs may just be a Michelin-star chef one day! If you are seeing an interest in cooking, allow it to marinate (pun intended) with some great training from one of these Los Angeles kids' culinary classes. 

If your little ones want multiple hobbies, check out LA's best gymnastics classes, and browse the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers. There's even more classes to uncover in our Classes Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

Whether a birthday party or an outdoor family outing, these are the best parks in Los Angeles for family barbecue and parties that need outdoor grills.  

Nothing says “summer” like barbecue — but not everyone has the luxury of a backyard, and even those that do may not have the space for a BBQ or grill. Luckily, many of our local Southern California parks are standing by with grills and pits to satisfy that craving for charred food. 

The beauty of life in Southern California is that "summer" can be practically any time of year; the parks below have year-round barbecue facilities, ready for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, spontaneous picnics, or family dinners al fresco. As you know, living in LA can be expensive — that's why it's always great to find a location that doesn't require a booking fee that'll cost half your paycheck! Whether it's a casual get-together or a birthday party, grilling at LA parks is a great way to enjoy the city's unbeatable weather and open spaces. 

Here's your insider guide on everything you need to know about the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica with kids. 

Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in a beach house, then slipping effortlessly from a sparkling pool to the sandy shore? We're talking Malibu Barbie in real-life energy. Me too. If you're like me and spend your extra cash on baseball gear and ballet lessons, not beach houses, then I have some awesome news for you: There's a free, public beach house in Santa Monica, and it is amazing.

Everyone is welcome to pretend that they're Hollywood's finest while basking in the SoCal sun at this kid-friendly beach destination in Santa Monica. The beach house is perfect for families, with activities that will appeal to your squealing toddlers and your TikTokkin' teens. 

Keep the fun in the sun going in Santa Monica with amusement rides at the Santa Monica Pier or bike The Strand along the ocean. Younger kids will appreciate all there is to do at the Cayton Children's Museum or Heal the Bay Aquarium. Discover more fun things to do in Santa Monica with kids. 

Orange County knows how to level up the fun for kids, and the OC splash pads are no exception. Sure, Castaway Cove at the HoJo might get all the splash pad glory, but drive ten minutes away and there are free splash pads all over. From interactive water features to shaded seating for parents, these splash pads are perfect for beating the heat while having a blast. Here are the best splash pads in Orange County worth checking out this summer. 

Don't miss out on the best things to do with Orange County kids before they grow up, and discover the best beaches in Los Angeles & Orange County. For more water play, check out our Guide to the Coolest Pools and Splash Pads for LA Families. 

Celebrate baby's first birthday at these baby-friendly spots in Los Angeles. 

Congratulations! You made it through baby’s first year, and now it’s time to celebrate. If you’re like me and totally not into hosting your child’s first birthday party at home (read: cleaning, shopping, cooking, decorating, hosting...cleaning again), don't worry.

The weather in LA is so beautiful that outdoor birthdays are possible nearly any time of year. If that's not your speed, the Southland boasts plenty of awesome indoor options as well. Here are 12 great spots of both varieties—from pricey to free, with one surprise at the end—to smash a cake and tire out the kiddos so everyone can go home and take a well-deserved nap.

For gift ideas for baby, shop at these hip baby stores in Los Angeles or splurge on going to Disneyland with baby. For more birthday inspo, check out our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Los Angeles Kids. 

Here's your guide to exploring the Petersen Automotive Museum with kids in Los Angeles. 

Have you seen the eye-catching, red and silver building rising among the melee on Miracle Mile? Set amid the La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, and the Academy Museum, the Petersen stands out from the rest from the moment it comes into view. If you've ever driven by and thought to yourself, "I wonder if that's worth a visit", I did the exploring for you. And yes, I'm happy to say, the Petersen is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you have little motor-heads at your house.

The museum appeals to all ages—even kids who are years away from getting a driver's license. My Hot Wheels-loving crew had the best time looking at everything from real-life race cars to iconic automobiles from some of their favorite movies. And even Mom and Dad were pleasantly surprised by the afternoon exploring LA's premier car museum. Read on for a full review of what to expect and what you shouldn't miss at The Petersen! 

After your time at The Petersen, had over to the The Original Farmers Market for a bite- it's right down the road. And don't forget to also check out The La Brea Tar Pits, The Academy Museum, and Sloomoo Institute while you're in the area! Want to explore more museums? Check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County. 

Cancun is a longtime favorite for families, thanks to its turquoise beaches, endless activities, and abundance of all-inclusive resorts. But as any seasoned parent knows, not all all-inclusives are created equal. Peak travel season can bring packed buffets, underwhelming food, and sky-high prices.

I’ve stayed at more than my share of resorts in Mexico with my family, from budget-friendly to bougie. So when I heard about the newest addition to Cancun’s hotel scene, AVA Resort, I was eager to see if it lived up to the buzz.

Read on for my honest take on AVA Resort Cancun, including what worked, what was wow-worthy, and why it’s worth a spot on your shortlist for your next family beach escape. For even more family vacation ideas in Mexico, check out our Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.