Los Angeles

Weekend Fun for LA Kids: Big Bounce, CicLAvia, and AnniFURserary

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 06/21/2018 - 5:41am

We're all in a celebratory mood this weekend. Can't say why for sure; maybe it's because summer has officially arrived. Yay summer! Yay solstice! Yay other celestial observations, too!

We're bouncing off the (inflatable) walls, and not just because there are puppies involved. (But there are puppies. And kitties. And seals. And maybe monkeys.)

We're paddling out to sea, kicking off, and just plain kicking. (A ball, that is. We're also hitting a ball with a stick.) We're making music, lots of it, We're celebrating ancestors and Americana and locals and locomotion. Life is just a party; let's make this one last! Let the good times roll!

Keep reading for our most jubilant picks for this weekend.

Kid-Friendly Fishing Spots To Try with LA Kids

Submitted by Audrey M on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 3:21am

At some point, just about every boy and girl will want to try fishing. Whether you plan to eat your haul or catch and release, fishing is a time-honored, relaxing way for kids and parents or grandparents to spend quality quiet time together—and it's a classic summer activity. Why not start with a free wharf fishing clinic, to learn fishing basics or ocean fishing, then head out to one of the spots below on your own!

Google Brings Pop-up Mini Golf to Third St. Promenade

Submitted by Toby B on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 4:50pm

Google, let's play mini golf! The Google Mini Golf pop-up coming to Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica finds a cool way to demonstrate Google Home products: with a voice and putter activated mini golf game.

Griffith Observatory: 10 Reasons To Visit Real Stars in Los Angeles

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 12:01am

Feeling a little "been there, done that" with some of SoCal's popular tourist stops? Can't say we blame you. But the famous Griffith Park Observatory is one iconic destination not to be overlooked. The most-visited public observatory in the world, Griffith is also a familiar sight from the many films in which it has (ahem) guest starred. If you or anyone in your family loves space exploration, stargazing, science, or even hiking it's a must-go. Here are 10 reasons why.

4th of July Fireworks Cruises for Families in LA and OC

Submitted by Martha Hall on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 8:46pm

We landlubbers love our fireworks, don't we? Well, if you think the view from the shore is stunning, try witnessing the spectacle from a boat. That's a holiday memory your kiddos won't soon forget. Several small cruise boats set sail this Independence Day, with 2-3 hour tours to delight you and your first mates. Snuggle on deck under a blanket and watch the sky come alive as the water sparkles below. Read on to find a boat leaving a port near you.

Cabo with Kids! All Inclusive Decadence at Mexico's Grand Velas Resort Los Cabos

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 1:24pm

Sometimes as parents we're happy to plan the family vacation around theme parks and cartoon characters; other times we want to be pampered like a real princess, not a Disney princess. A vacation that provides grown-up decadence and luxury with fun and entertainment for kids (including time supervised by someone else)—that is the ultimate family getaway. And that is what we found in Los Cabos at Grand Velas' new seaside resort.

Muppets Take over the Skirball this Summer in the Jim Henson Exhibition

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Fri, 06/15/2018 - 4:00am

The Skirball Cultural Center is already a fantastic kids' destination, mostly because of the incomparable Noah’s Ark exhibit (add it to your list of great indoor places to take kids during the summer). Combine that awesomeness with this summer’s Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited (you know, Muppets?) and you have a must-go for Angeleno families.

Father's Day Weekend for LA Kids: Pasadena Chalk, Bowl Opening, Rodeo Drive

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 4:08am

Settle down, padre; we get it. It’s Father's Day. This weekend it’s all about you. Dad’s choice from sunup to sundown: make way for baseball (with or without a game), BBQ and buffets, animated superheroes, and Bond, James Bond. Or, if you prefer, JoJo Siwa and faeries. As long as you’re happy, we’re happy. Yep, whatever it takes, no expense spared...

Psst: Moms and kids! Did you know there's a ton of cool stuff going on this weekend that you can take Dad to for free? Luxury cars on Rodeo Drive, no-cost concerts, movies by moonlight, festivals, and celebrations. You can even make him a variety of from-the-heart gifts. All without dipping into the trust fund. There are also things you can do that cost money, if you're into that. (And we have a feeling some of it Dad will be very into!)

Whichever way you go, it's sure to be the bestest weekend ever, if you get to spend it together. Hey, look! Next week it's summer!

Keep reading for the father of all weekends...

Registration for Apple Camp, Apple's FREE Three-Day Summer Camp, is Open Now!

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 06/12/2018 - 12:05pm

If you've got an 8-12-year-old interested in STEM or movie-making, you'll want to act fast; Apple has just opened registration for its free three-day camps. Located at Apple store locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, these special annual camps and are 100% free—and they will fill up fast, so we wanted you to be the first to know!

For more camp information and ideas, check out our Camp Guide and Directory.

Mostly Free Outdoor Summer Concerts for LA Families

Submitted by Toby B on Tue, 06/12/2018 - 12:45am

They say music soothes the savage breast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Free (or almost free) concert series fill Los Angeles and Orange County open spaces all summer long, so odds are you won't have to travel far to find an under-the-stars event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies.

This year offers many returning favorites, plus a few changes. La Habra's Let Move and Canoga Park's Children's Performance Series are in new locations; Arcadia Summer Concerts and Summer Movies are joining for a combined event. La Mirada's summer concerts add a night market to the mix. The Downtown Stage concerts in Pershing Square are now offering reserved tickets online; but don't worry, they're still free! Santa Monica's Twilight Dance Series is moving to the fall—perhaps a result of its overwhelming popularity—and of course there are plenty of free outdoor movies all summer as well.

Click through for complete details, including dates and bands. And check back often, because we continue adding concerts throughout the season!