Los Angeles

Amazing Overnight Summer Camps in California for Kids and Teens

Submitted by Ana Belibasis on Tue, 04/16/2024 - 7:35am

Kids have a blast in the ocean at Catalina Island. Photograph courtesy of Catalina Sea Camps

Overnight summer camps are pretty heady stuff: Sleep away from home, meet new friends, have adventures, master new abilities, boost social skills, develop confidence, and learn to handle situations without parents around! For parents, it's a chance to have a little kid-free time without feeling guilty, because we know our kids are having the experience of a lifetime—and disconnecting from their devices.

For some reason, sleepaway summer camp isn't quite as big a deal in California as it is in the Northeast, but we've scoured the state and found some pretty amazing overnight summer camps in California, from stunning Catalina Island to the rustic Sierra Nevada mountains.

For more fabulous overnight summer camps, check out our Sleepaway Summer Camp Guide to the Best Overnight Camps in the US. Or if you're looking to stay more local, bookmark our Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Best Mother’s Day Brunch in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 04/14/2024 - 8:05am

Treat mom to Mother's Day brunch on the coast. Photo courtesy of Terranea Resort

Mother's Day brunch might be the perfect way to kickoff celebrating Mom on Mother's Day. Newsflash: Mom does not want to make breakfast on Mother's Day. Another newsflash: Mom does not want to clean up breakfast on Mother's Day. It's best to just avoid the kitchen altogether, which means that the best way to feed mom (and the whole family) is to go out—but not just anywhere.

Mother's Day brunches in Los Angeles are full of coffee in carafes, ocean views, and impressive patios. Read more for the best mom-pleasing places, some with special menus for Mother's Day, and buffets that will keep the whole family happy.

After brunch, treat Mom to a day of her favorite activities, whether a gorgeous botanical garden, a serene hike through nature, a kid-friendly museum, or sweeping sandy vistas for a walk along the best beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals near Los Angeles

Submitted by erika on Fri, 04/12/2024 - 11:00am

Strawberries are that much sweeter when you pick them yourself. Photo courtesy of the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Facebook

Strawberry picking means those sweet local berries will taste even better when you pick them yourself. There are several farms with strawberry picking near Los Angeles where families can play farmer for a few hours and come home with a basket overflowing with berries. The first ripe berry in Southern California tends to be a strawberry, and its harvest tends to be accompanied by popular annual festivals.

Discover our favorite farms for strawberry picking, all on an easy day trip from LA. For more pick-your-own fun, here are places to go cherry picking with kids, beautiful sunflower fields for picking your own flowers, and our Pick Your Own Guide for the Best Farms Near Los Angeles.

Popular Preschool Summer Camps in Los Angeles for Your First Time Camper

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 1:05am

Preschooolers play and learn together all summer. Photo courtesy of Ecole Claire Fontaine

Preschool summer camps in Los Angeles offer a vibrant and enriching experience for even the youngest children. Planning summer camps for your toddlers approaches faster than you may think!

Preschool summer camps provide fun activities, educational opportunities, and social interaction specifically for preschool-aged children. Whether exploring nature, participating in water play, or engaging in themed projects, preschool summer camps in Los Angeles create memorable experiences that ignite a love for learning and exploration in young minds during the summer months.

There are so many fun ways to entertain little ones in LA! Check out things to do in Los Angeles with preschoolers, find the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers in LA, test out these preschool science experiments, and discover more entertainment for preschoolers in our Preschoolers Activity Guide to Los Angeles.

NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:45am

Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California just debuted a brand-new land within the park that's Jurassic and fantastic. Dino Valley immerses theme park visitors into the world of dinosaurs with new rides, interactive places to play, and dino-sized LEGO sculptures.

I took my sons (ages 5 and 7) and their best bud (age 6) to check out Dino Valley. In their words, it was the “best day of their lives.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Discover why LEGOLAND is a beloved Southern California theme park, expand your visit with other things to do with kids in Carlsbad, and find more thrills in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

Best Trampoline Parks in Los Angeles: Sky Zone, Urban Air, and More!

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:37am

Dodgeball takes on new dimensions when played on a trampoline. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Looking for the best trampoline parks in Los Angeles and Orange County where kids can safely bounce off the walls? We found 'em, and they're perfect for rainy days, team activities, and birthday parties!

Bounce, flip, repeat. Big kids, little kids—they all like to jump. Even Mom and Dad enjoy some trampoline park exercise (though they might just prefer the trampoline park below that offers massage chairs on the sidelines). Bring a pack of kids for a birthday party, and they'll all sleep well afterward; bring an antsy one on a rainy day, and watch the mood change for the better. With sections for everything from raucous dodgeball games for big kids to tiny tot gentle bouncing play; there's a little something for every kid of every age.

For more indoor active activities, check out our roundups of the best indoor rock climbing gyms and extreme sports centers in the Los Angeles Guide To Sports Centers and Fun Zones.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids April 2024

Submitted by Toby B on Sun, 03/31/2024 - 1:55am

Watch the puppet masters at Bob Baker Day. Photo by Chloe Rice, courtesy of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater

From Earth Day to Passover and a solar eclipse, ring in spring this April with tons of things to do in Los Angeles for kids. Don’t miss our favorite activities taking place in Los Angeles this month.

Los Angeles' April showers bring many exciting things to do this month (and hopefully, lots of wildflowers, too). Springtime festivals galore are in full bloom in Los Angeles throughout April, from the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books to the California Poppy Festival.

Plus, the sun (partially) disappears, which you can safely view at a Solar Eclipse Party at Cal Tech. The sun returns and leaves us fully illuminated to celebrate Earth Day at Heal The Bay. Things get really wild with the opening of the Skirball's newest exhibit, showcasing the art of Maurice Sendak.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Los Angeles this April—we're adding more events to the Los Angeles Events Calendar every day.

23 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

Submitted by Li Starr on Fri, 03/29/2024 - 11:46am

Who knew there was so much nature to see in the Las Vegas area? Photo courtesy of Springs Preserve

Jump in the car for road trips from Los Angeles that will take you to captivating sights and iconic landmarks, from deserts to beaches, national parks, and islands. Whether you're seeking scenic drives, outdoor escapades, or cultural explorations, exciting family road trips await.

Head north along the Pacific Coast Highway for stunning coastal views, passing through charming beach towns like Santa Barbara and Big Sur. Journey east to explore the rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures of Joshua Tree National Park. Venture south to experience the desert beauty of Palm Springs and the unique attractions of San Diego.

If you're looking for road trip accommodations, consider kid-friendly campgrounds near LA, stay in a bit more comfort at these glamping sites near Los Angeles, and find more local travel inspo in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families.