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I think we found the cutest pumpkin in the patch. Photo courtesy of Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival at AGRIscapes, Facebook

Shaqtoberfest, Boo at the Zoo, and More Cool Things To Do in Los Angeles this Weekend

This is the first weekend in October, which means Halloween fests are back!

Toddle through the pumpkin tunnel to all the fun that awaits. Photo courtesy of Haunt O' Ween LA

Halloween Events in Los Angeles: Halloween Festivals, Halloween Walk-thrus, and More

The spooky season is upon us: here are all the best Halloween events in town.

Fall Fun Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids

Best fall fairs, u-pick farms, and weekend getaway ideas for LA families.

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it. Even when you're in the middle of eating ice cream!

Tyra Banks' ModelLand Gives Kids a Taste of the Supermodel Life—and Ice Cream

Learn to smize: that's smiling with your eyes.

Nothing says fall like apple picking, and believe it or not, there's great apple picking near LA!

Apple Picking near Los Angeles: Best Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Because picking your own apples is as American as apple pie.

Pick a peck of pumpkins at the Annual Pumpkin Festival Cal Poly Pomona. Photo courtesy of the Cal Poly Pomona Facebook page

Best Fall Festivals in Los Angeles for Families: Pumpkin Festivals, Harvest Festivals, and More!

When pumpkin spice hits coffee shops, it's time for our favorite annual fall festivals.

Vincent Lugo Park, also called Dinosaur or Monster Park, was nominated to the California Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of the City of San Gabriel

The Best Playgrounds in Los Angeles: They’re Even Worth Crossing the 405

These amazing playgrounds are worth braving traffic!

AoPS Academy students collaborate with other outstanding peers, working with the same student cohort throughout the year.

Art of Problem Solving’s Math and English Enrichment Program Teaches Thinking, Not Memorization

After school, weekend, and summer classes.

Head to Haunt O'Ween for a wild walk through pumpkin land. Photo courtesy of the event, via Facebook

Halloween Tickets on Sale Now in Los Angeles: Hurry, Some are Selling Out Already!

It's spooky how fast these events sell out!

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your LA kid grow and develop.

Best Classes for Kids (and Parents) in Los Angeles

Have fun with great classes for kids in Los Angeles.

It's time for the Annual Chinatown Moon Festival! Photo courtesy of dola.com

Free in September: Moon Festival, KidFest, and More Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Awesome events happening this month that won't break the bank.

Indoor Fun and Playspaces Guide for LA & OC Kids

Yeah, OK, it never rains in Southern California—but when it does, what to do?

We know how to keep cool: around the corner, on an excursion, or on a weekend getaway! Photo courtesy of Alpine Slide Big Bear

75 Places To Beat the Heat in Los Angeles: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Cool Outdoor Fun

How to keep cool when it's blistering hot.

Selfies with the T-Rex, who can resist? Photo courtesy of the LA Natural History Museum

Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids

With so many exhibits, where should you start? We know just where to go.

Go swimming at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Meghan Rose

11 Swimming Lakes near Los Angeles You Need To Discover

These SoCal lakes and swimming holes make priceless summer memories.

Photo by Leah Kelley via Pexels

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families

Prepare for miles of smiles.

Kidspace Campout brings a camping adventure to the city. Photo courtesy of the Museum

35 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before School Starts: Ack! School Is Starting

Many of these events and activities vanish when school starts!

Check out the academic calendars for the Los Angeles 2022-23 school year.

School Calendars 2022-2023: Start & End Dates for Los Angeles County Schools

Wondering when school starts this year?

Dive in, the water is fine! So are the splash pad, beach playground, and cafe. Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Community Beach House

25 Best Swimming Pools in Los Angeles: From Public Pools to Hotels with Day Passes

These souped-up pools make a splash with something extra.

Things like having a children's museum with a view like this make it easy to leave your heart in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum

Mommy Poppins Launches in Miami and the San Francisco Bay Area

Please welcome the newest members of the Mommy Poppins family!

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

25 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

Hit the road and put LA in your rearview mirror for a while?

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

Back-to-School Guide 2022-23

Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year.

Travel through town in a tiny car with GoCar.

Top-Rated San Francisco Tours for Families: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and More

A top-rated San Francisco tour can make your Bay Area visit easy and fun.

Kids can frolic and play while parents relax and sip. Photo courtesy of Cornell Winery

The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries Near Los Angeles: Santa Ynez Valley Wineries and Beyond

From DTLA to Santa Barbara County, these wineries welcome families.

Antsy isn't a problem at the beach. Photo courtesy of Back on the Beach Cafe

13 Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Don't get a babysitter for date night—eat at these delicious restaurants and bring the kids.

Watch as kids become entranced by a live show. Photo by Alexis Buatti Ramos, courtesy of the New Victory Theater

Best Children’s Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important

Go early, go often: where to find live theater for kids near you.

Our guide to living a more earth-friendly life.

Celebrate Earth Day! 25+ Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day

Our guide to living a more earth-friendly life.

Children are natural advocates for the planet and our actions truly can make a difference.

New Earth Kids Guide and Newsletter to Share Activities for a Greener Planet

Let's educate and engage a generation of children as advocates.

Taco Tuesday makes meal planning easy and dinner kid-pleasing.

Taco Tuesday: The Only 5 Taco Recipes You’ll Ever Need

Get a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Favorite Parks and Playgrounds of Los Angeles & Orange County

Parks and playgrounds in Los Angeles and Orange County: Find the best gated playgrounds and tot...

Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families

Let other states boast about their cheese; we know they envy our weather. LA's hiking season starts...

See a show at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, where you also have a great view of the Hollywood Sign! Photo by Matthew Field

Top Attractions in Los Angeles: Best Things To Do and See with Kids

Have you seen all the top spots in LA? We've got the scoop on exploring the city with kids.

Hello new friend. Photo by Jamie Pham

Secrets of the LA Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Lions, and tigers, and bears–plus elephants, giraffes, and flamingos, too!

Almost every teen I've met loves VR. Photo courtesy of dreamscapeimmersive.com

20 Things To Do in Los Angeles with Tweens and Teens That They'll Actually Enjoy

Don't forget to mention that there are plenty of Instagram photo ops.

There's something to explore in every season at Kidspace. Photo courtesy of Kidspace Children's Museum

33 Things To Do with Los Angeles Babies Before They Turn 1

Introduce your little Angeleno to the joys of SoCal living.

This Compton museum teaches kids about aviation. Photo courtesy of Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum

Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Los Angeles

Support the best kid-friendly, Black-owned spots in LA.

Hiking in LA means stunning vistas, hidden trails, babbling brooks, and wonderful wildlife all year.

Hiking in Los Angeles with Kids: The Best Hiking Trails for Families

Kids climbing the walls? Sounds like it's time to take a hike.

Birthday Party Ideas Guide for LA Kids

Remember when a birthday party was 8 kids playing pin the tail on the donkey followed by cake?

Play, sip, relax, repeat. Photo courtesy of Wirtshaus

Best Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Los Angeles: 14 Spots Where Kids and Parents Can Chill Together

Who says kids can't join you at the pub?

Kids can get up close and personal with a giant tortoise. Photo credit Jaimie Wells, San Diego Zoo

See the San Diego Zoo Like a Local: Inside Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

The San Diego Zoo is one of the best in the US!

Wander to a local waterfall, with excited kids in tow.

12 Waterfall Hikes Near Los Angeles for Families

A hike to one of these waterfalls is the stuff that family memories are made of.

The La Brea Tar Pits are one of the most famous fossil discovery spots in the world.

The La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum: Have a Historic Visit with Kids

Get a hands-on lesson in science and history that really sticks with kids!

STEM-based learning centers offer kids access to tools that many kids don’t ever get to enjoy and learn from.

16 Homeschool Learning Centers near Los Angeles for Fun and Enrichment

Support your child's learning—and get a little break from your at-home learners.

Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Because the best things in life are FREE.

Ice cream tacos come in every flavor and color. Photo courtesy of Sweet Rolled Tacos

The 17 Most Insane, Over the Top LA Desserts to Treat (and Wow) Kids

From cotton candy wigs to unicorn ice cream cones.

Huttopia's tents are set in the middle of so much lush greenery.

Huttopia Paradise Springs: Discover the Best New Glamping near Los Angeles

With giant pines, a babbling fresh spring, and exquisite tents, a glamping paradise awaits.

There are rides that delight tots and teens at Six Flags.

How To Have a Blast at Six Flags Magic Mountain with Kids of All Ages

Six Flags has plenty of fun for the whole family—if you plan ahead!

Camping at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Hannah Schwalbe/NPS

Go Camping This Weekend: Last Minute Campgrounds near LA

Pitch a tent tomorrow at one of these SoCal campgrounds that accommodate last minute campers.

There's so much to do at Victoria Beach. Photo by Carl Glover/CC BY 2.0

Hidden Gem Beaches: LA's Secret Seaside Spots that Only Locals Know

Escape the heat and the crowds at one of these secret SoCal beaches.

Kids that are tuckered out from exploring are right at home at The Garland. Photo courtesy of The Garland

Best Hotels in Los Angeles for a Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly Spots That Cater to Tiny Travelers

These LA hotels offer perks kids and parents love.

Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti

100 Things To Do with LA Kids Before They Grow Up

It's the ultimate LA childhood bucket list!

The Making Table is a big hit with kids of all ages.

The New Meri Cherry Drop-in Art Shop Is Open

Drop in and start creating at this gorgeous new art spot in the Valley.

Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon. Photo by Meghan Rose

Road Trip on the PCH: Where To Stop and What To Do with Kids from LA To San Francisco

A drive up the PCH is the perfect family road trip.

Put your young helpers to work and you can all sleep under the stars this weekend.

Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids

Marshmallows and bug spray, here we come!

Balance on Black Bear's Bridge at SkyPark. Photo courtesy of SkyPark at Santa’s Village

Best Things To Do with Kids in Lake Arrowhead Any Time of Year

Lake Arrowhead is the perfect mountain getaway in winter, spring, summer, or fall!

No one worries about noisemakers when it's a party in the park!

23 Top LA Parks for Birthday Parties Kids Will Rave About

Local parks are great for parties, but some of these extraordinary LA parks really raise the bar.

The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.

The Best Children’s Museums in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around

Did your favorite children's museum make the list?

Photo courtesy of Redwood SkyWalk

The Stunning Redwood Sky Walk: Take Your Family To the Treetops

A stunning new family adventure just opened in California.

Photo courtesy of Head Above Water Swim School

Best Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids

Private or semi-private swim lessons are more accessible than you might think!

Slide on in, the water's fine. Photo courtesy of Legoland Water Park

11 Best Water Parks Near Los Angeles for Wet and Wild Family Fun

From thrilling slides to splash pads for babies, these water parks have something for everyone.

Swim and play at the water park at this campground. Photo courtesy of Lake Hemet Campground

Awesome Family Camping Near Los Angeles: SoCal Campgrounds with Extra Entertainment for Kids

If just camping isn't enough for your kids, these campgrounds have a little extra.

Kids are in the drive seat at Pacific Park. Photo by Matt Matasci

Best Amusement Parks Near Los Angeles for Preschoolers

These amusement parks have rides perfect for the pint-sized set.

Kids love the rocks and climbing structures at Tongva Park. Photo courtesy of James Corner Field Operations

The Best Toddler Playgrounds in Los Angeles: 15 Top Tot Lots

Playgrounds with big fun for little people.

Imaginations run the show at Dream Big. Photo courtesy of Dream Big Children's Center

25 Things To Do with LA Preschoolers Before They Turn 5

An early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Angeleno.

Sundays are for bagels. Photo courtesy of Pop's Bagels

13 Better Than NY Bagels in LA

Where to get the best bagels in the city.

Would you like fries with that? Photo by Matt Matasci

Where Young Imaginations Soar: Pretend City Children's Museum in OC

Pretend City is a mini city where kids are in charge.

Wide trails and gentle grades are perfect for kids at Kenneth Hahn Park. Photo by Jeremy Miles/Flickr

10 Toddler-Friendly Hikes and Nature Walks in and around Los Angeles

Get those little legs out on the trails with these toddler hikes.

Look for whales and dolphins right from your table at Malibu Farm. Photo by Meghan Rose

Best Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles: 41 Fabulous, Family-Friendly Spots

Find any kind of food, in any part of town—all outdoors.

At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids

Indoor activities, games, and online fun to keep kids busy during the pandemic.

She finds sea urchins by the sea shore. Photo courtesy of VisitLagunaBeach.com

The Best Tide Pools for Kids To Explore in and around LA and OC

Discover the underwater worlds that lurk under the sea.

Go surfing on the trunk of an elephant at the Museum of Illusions.

Hollywood's Museum of Illusions: Where Kids Can Defy the Laws of Gravity and Physics

Giant, upside down, or 3D—it's all an illusion.

Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens: An Insider’s Guide to LA’s Best Garden for Kids

What secrets keep kids entranced at this beautiful botanic garden?

Hiking in LA means stunning vistas, hidden trails, babbling brooks, and wonderful wildlife all year.

Hiking in Los Angeles with Kids: The Best Hiking Trails for Families

Kids climbing the walls? Sounds like it's time to take a hike.

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home

Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.

15 Brainy Puzzle Games and Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids

These brainy games keep kids thinking while they play.

Start kids hiking when they're young, and you've created a hiker for life.

9 Stroller-friendly Hiking Trails for LA Parents To Hike with Toddlers

Some of us prefer hiking without someone on our back—and that's OK.

Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families

We'll help you navigate a complex school year with these tools and resources.

Photo courtesy of LA Surf and Swim

Best Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids

Private or semi-private swim lessons are more accessible than you might think!

Best LA Bike Rides, Trails, and Paths for Biking with Kids

As long as there are kids and bicycles, a family bike ride will always be a hit.

Type C motorhome, photo courtesy of GoRVing.com

RV Camping and Campgrounds for Families: A Beginners' Guide to Planning an RV Trip

RV camping is a great way to vacation with social distance, as long as you know the basics.

Iconic LA Street Art and Murals for Must-Have Angeleno Kid Photo Ops

Snap some of LA's best photo ops before the kids are too big to pose!

Make a Lava Lamp with Kids for a Groovy Boredom Buster

Stuff you probably have at home can become this groovy science experiment.

Charades is a great pick for virtual game night with the friends or family.

Best Games Kids Can Play on Zoom Virtually with Friends

Connect and play with friends and family with these fun games perfect for virtual hangouts.

Pull out a block, place it on top but don't let the tower fall in the fun and challenging Jenga.

Best Board Games for All Ages: Two Dozen Picks for Family Game Night

Playtime is lots of fun with these all-ages pleasing picks.

The Pepper and Soap Experiment for Kids: Easy Science Activity To Do at Home

Show kids the importance of washing their hands in an easy science experiment.

Photo by Bill Soistmann

Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families

Southern California is so full of things to do with kids—where do you start?

Face to face with the giraffes at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara

100 Things To Do in California with Kids Before They Leave The Nest

There are at least 100 things in California worthy of any family's bucket list. How many have your...

Photo courtesy of Action Tours

Zipline Courses and Treetop Adventures for SoCal Kids

If your kids love a good adrenaline rush, it's time for a family outing in the tree tops.

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. Photo courtesy of Amtrak

7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles

Let someone else do the driving on your escape this weekend.

Take a stunning hike up to Cap Rock. Photo by Ken Lund/Flickr

Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park

Easy hikes, fairy tale flora, and stunning vistas await at this national park.

There are tide pools everywhere you look in San Diego! Photo by Kylie Williams

San Diego with Kids: 60 Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego, California

You may have to visit many times to get to everything on our list!

Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County

Like everything else, LA's museums are some of the best—and most unusual—in the world.

Photo courtesy of Tanya Rothman

10 Things Not To Miss in Hermosa Beach with the Kids

Sneaking away to the South Bay: they don't call this place Hermosa for nothing.

Adventure Playground Irvine is Orange County's Park for Free-range Kids

It's the closest thing to playing in a vacant lot until the street lights come on.

Most people think of Palm Springs as a winter vacation, but we love it all year! Photo by the author

Palm Springs with Kids: 31 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs, California

Dates, dinos, and a plethora of water parks make Palm Springs the perfect family vacation.

Restaurants Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County Families

Los Angeles area restaurants that are great for kids and families, with play areas, happy hours...

People bustle along Olvera Street

Olvera Street: a Day Trip to Mexico in the Heart of Downtown LA

DTLA's Calle Olvera is our oldest street, rich in history, shopping, and great eats.

25 Things To Do in Beverly Hills with Kids

There is more to Beverly Hills than swimming pools and movie stars—like these 25 kid-pleasers for...

Latest Articles

How To Make a Piñata at Home: Easy Paper Bag Piñatas

Maureen Wilkey , Sep 29 - Bursting with fun (and candy), this easy craft can help you celebrate any occasion.READ MORE

Shaqtoberfest, Boo at the Zoo, and More Cool Things To Do in Los Angeles this Weekend

Toby B , Sep 28 - This is the first weekend in October, which means Halloween fests are back!READ MORE

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Ally Noel, Sep 27 - Queue up some mild Halloween frights for family movie night.READ MORE

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Charlotte B, Sep 24 - Visit a mega theme park and one of the country's most gorgeous national parks in the same trip.READ MORE

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Day Trips & Get Aways from Los Angeles

Head up to Big Bear for foliage and fishing. Photo courtesy of Visit Big Bear

30 Fall Day Trips from Los Angeles— Plus Weekend Getaways

Autumn in SoCal is all about cooler temps & fewer crowds and is the perfect time to explore.

Balance on Black Bear's Bridge at SkyPark. Photo courtesy of SkyPark at Santa’s Village

Best Things To Do with Kids in Lake Arrowhead Any Time of Year

Lake Arrowhead is the perfect mountain getaway in winter, spring, summer, or fall!

Family Travel Guide

The very best kid-friendly vacation destinations for making memories.

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

25 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway

Hit the road and put LA in your rearview mirror for a while?

There are tide pools everywhere you look in San Diego! Photo by Kylie Williams

San Diego with Kids: 60 Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego, California

You may have to visit many times to get to everything on our list!

Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon. Photo by Meghan Rose

Road Trip on the PCH: Where To Stop and What To Do with Kids from LA To San Francisco

A drive up the PCH is the perfect family road trip.