Los Angeles | MommyPoppins - Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids

It's the return of the Cardboard Yacht Regatta! Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Community Beach House

Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in August 2021 with Kids

August has Shakespeare, Bob Baker, free comic books, and so much more.

Check out the academic calendars for the Los Angeles 2021-22 school year.

School Calendars 2021-2022: Start & End Dates for Los Angeles County Schools

Wondering when school starts this year?

Photo courtesy of Minibop Music

Day Camps and Classes Available for Los Angeles Toddlers to Teens - Summer 2021

There is still plenty of summer left, and these LA camps and classes have room!

Life! Beginnings at the California Science Center. Photo courtesy of the museum

35 Free Things To Do in LA Before School Starts

Leaving you more money for back-to-school shopping!

The Splash Pad at Santa Monica's Annenberg Beach House. Photo by Sarah Prikryl

Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids

When the Valley hits triple digits, it's summer in LA

So many ways to play at the beach in Santa Monica. Photo courtesy of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

20 Great SoCal Beach Towns for a Day Trip or Weekend Getaway

These SoCal beach towns have much more than just sand and surf.

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.

Travel Town is open again this summer! Photo by Mommy Poppins

50 Free Things Kids Can Do in LA this Summer

Keep kids entertained all summer, without spending a cent.

See surfers of all ages at the International Surf Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Top Things To Do in Los Angeles this Weekend: Surf Festival, Bob Baker, State Fair

Everything old is new again this weekend in LA.

The fountain at Grand Park is all about water play. Photo courtesy of Grand Park/The Music Center

The Coolest (Mostly) Free Splash Pads and Spraygrounds in LA

These splash-tastic parks keep kids cool on the hottest days of summer.

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.

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 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!

Feeding time! Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County Fair

County Fairs and State Fairs for SoCal Kids in 2021

There's a new county fair in town, plus the scoop on the ones we already love!

Photo courtesy of Challenge Island

New! Virtual Camps and Classes You Can Book this Summer on Mommy Poppins

Need a camp you can do from anywhere? Book it right from our calendar!

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!

Flowers always bring smiles to little faces!

Hana Field is a New Urban Secret Garden for Pick Your Own Flowers

Going at golden hour, bringing scissors, and more secrets to a perfect flower picking outing.

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.

Checkout time at the Fresh Mart at My Little Paris.

New Indoor Play Space: My Little Paris C'est Magnifique

Spotlessly clean, crisply cool, keeps kids entertained and parents caffeinated!

Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide

Find a summer camp for every age and interest around LA and Orange County!

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?

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

The Best Children’s Museum in Every State

Did your favorite children's museum make the list?

Photo courtesy of Redwood SkyWalk

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

A stunning new family adventure just opened in California.

It's time to play! Photo courtesy of Pretend City Children's Museum

California Reopening: Everything Families Need To Know

It's the completely comprehensive list you've been waiting for.

Inflatable screens and sitting on the car is all part of the fun. Photo courtesy of City of Irvine

Drive-in Movie Theaters around LA: Family Movie Night in the Car

Drive-in movies are an old-school summer treat.

Bubble Planet is new at Kidspace. Photo courtesy of Kidspace

Hooray for Summer: 20+ Things We Can't Wait To Do (Again) in Summer 2021 in LA

These are a few of our favorite (summer) things. And they're all back!

Theme park discounts are as thrilling as the rides! Photo courtesy of Legoland California

Water and Amusement Park Discount Tickets in LA: How To Find Price Breaks

How to score savings at favorite theme and water parks this summer.

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!

Visit the Lovely Lavender Fields at 123 Farms

Blooming lavender fields are a gorgeous sight—and super smell!

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.

Picking your own makes them taste extra sweet. Photo courtesy of Villa del Sol

Cherry Picking with Kids at Family Farms near Los Angeles

Find all the best places to pick cherries in the high desert.

Moving day! Get the inside scoop on everything you need to know about moving to LA with kids.

Moving Guide: Top Los Angeles Neighborhoods for Families

Moving in LA? Check out these top neighborhoods.

Take a swim at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Meghan Rose

10 Swimming Lakes near Los Angeles You Need To Discover

These SoCal lakes and swimming holes make priceless summer memories.

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

10 Best Water Parks and Water Slides near LA for Families

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

Boat Cinema: See a Movie From the Lake!

Watch movies on a big screen from small, family-sized boats.

Hollywood Bowl, we missed you! Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

The Hollywood Bowl Is Back: These Are the Family-Friendly Concerts for Summer 2021

The Bowl is back, with all your old favorites (and some new shows, too).

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!

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.

I'm looking through you, where did you go? Photo courtesy of California Science Center

See the World's Largest Display of Lego Art: The Art of the Brick Is Back at the Science Center

It's the ultimate block party.

Where else are kids going to learn archery, besides summer camp? Photo courtesy of Tom Sawyer Camp

Amazing Traditional Outdoor Summer Camps for LA Kids for Summer 2021

These camps are all about playing outdoors with friends. Sounds perfect this summer!

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

SoCal Campgrounds with Extra Entertainment for Kids —What's Open in 2021

If just camping out 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 for Preschoolers in and near LA

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

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

17 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids near LA

Marshmallows and bug spray, here we come!

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

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens: 14 Spots Where LA Kids and Parents Can Chill Together

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

Learn to fly a falcon! Photo courtesy Sky Falconry

Kids Birthday Party Ideas in LA: 16 Places To Celebrate Now

These unique parties make birthday celebrations extra special this year.

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

The Best Toddler Playgrounds in LA: 15 Top Destinations for Kids Under 5

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.

Wow! Now that's a strawberry. Photo courtesy of Kenny's Strawberry Farm

Go Strawberry Picking at Family Farms near Los Angeles: Where Kids Can PYO Berries

Slather the sunscreen and start filling your basket with berries!

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.

I spy with my little eye something that can flutter by!

The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum

From chrysalis to butterfly, the pavilion on the NHM lawn is full of magical moments.

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.

Castaway Cove lets kids play while parents relax. Photo courtesy of Howard Johnson Hotel Anaheim

LA's Best Swimming Pools with Play Areas and a Little More for Kids and Parents

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

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

11 Waterfall Hikes Every LA Family Should Know

A hike to one of these waterfalls is the stuff that family memories (and Facebook posts) are made...

Kidz Bop does a daily Dance Break

Free Online Classes For Kids: Science, Art, Fitness, and More Free Enrichment

In a year when summer slide feels like it started in March, free online classes save the day!

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.

West Coast Racers is one wild ride. Photo courtesy of Six Flags Magic Mountain

When Are All the Theme Parks Reopening? We've Got (Some) Reopening Dates

How and when to visit your favorite parks this spring.

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

40+ Fabulous LA Restaurants with Outdoor Seating for Kids

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.

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!

Party hats and pretty punch make virtual birthday celebrations special.

Virtual and Social Distancing Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

Birthday? How about a drive-by parade, a Zoom party, or a Broadway show from home?

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?

Photo by Mommy Poppins

The Best Los Angeles Area Hiking Trails for Families

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

Everything old is new again, like the carhop. Photo courtesy of Mel's Drive-In

Carhops and Drive-Ins: The Best Ways to Eat Out in LA with Kids

Discover the best way to eat out in LA today.

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.

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

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

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.

Terranea Resort: Escape to the Mediterranean without Leaving Los Angeles County

Anyone else need a socially distanced weekend getaway?

Ritz Kids study breaks happen in the best locations. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Remote Learning by the Pool? Vacations Where Kids Can Homeschool and Parents Can Work Remotely

Keep up with remote school and work at these fun destinations.

LA Kids Classes, After School Programs, and Activities Guide

Classes. We really do need them; and the more our schools' budgets get cut, the more we need classes

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.

These free online classes and educational resources are perfect for homeschooling and remote learning..

30+ (Mostly FREE) Online Learning Resources, Apps, and Games for Kids

Supplement distance learning with these online lessons, apps, and more.

Fight the restlessness of quarantine, join in for LIVE ONLINE YogiKids classes held every day, twice a day!!! Photo courtesy of Yogi Nation

Find Free and Affordable Online Classes, Parties, and Camps on Poppins@Home

Explore tons of virtual free and low-cost fun with our new platform.

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!

Courtesy of Silly Circus Show

Best Virtual Party Performers and Kids Birthday Parties to Celebrate Online

Surprise your child with a virtual party starring one of these talented entertainers.

360 VR experience in Venice with Geneeo

Giant List of Virtual Tours, Field Trips, and Museums with Free Educational Programming Online

From Buckingham Palace to Mt. Everest, visit some of the world's most famous landmarks from home!

Super Soccer Stars now has virtual soccer programs available for kids 7 days a week.

Best Kids Enrichment Classes Now Online: STEM, Arts, Sports and More

Many programs are moving ahead with virtual offerings.

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

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

Photo by Sara Marentette

Here Comes the Milkman! Dairy Delivery in LA and OC

Guess what? There actually are still milkmen in LA!

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.

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.

Photo courtesy of Legoland

Why Legoland Is My Favorite SoCal Theme Park

This family park in Carlsbad offers at least as much as the mouse and the wizard.

S'mores by the firepit! Photo courtesy of Terranea

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels for a Los Angeles Family Vacation

These LA hotels offer getaways with perks kids and parents will love.

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

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.

Photo by Birgit Stachelberger courtesy of Earth Angels

Top 10 Kids' Resale and Consignment Stores around Los Angeles

These second-hand boutiques make growth spurts less painful.

Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo

San Diego with Kids: 50 Best Things To Do Besides the San Diego Zoo

It will take a while to do all the things on this list, but chances are the weather will be great!

Vista Hermosa Park: photo by Corona/Flickr

30 Things To Do with Kids in Downtown Los Angeles

Tourists and natives alike are often unsure whether to tackle Downtown with kids. It's worth it.

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?

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...

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.

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...

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.

Fresh air and gorgeous selfie backgrounds abound at Descanso Gardens. Photo by Meghan Rose

Family Memberships That Are Still Worth Having in 2021 for Your LA Kids

Get members-only perks and access at these family-friendly spots.

Adventure Playground: 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.

A Family Day Out in Chinatown: 10 Things To Do with Kids

Think you know Chinatown? Think again—then pack the kids and head downtown.

Photo courtesy of the Discovery Cube

25 Things To Do in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa with Kids

There is more to this community than just a pretty beach.

Photo courtesy of Smoke Tree Stables

25 Top Palm Springs Resorts, Attractions, & Things To Do for Families

The desert resort with 350 days of sunshine per year is a great starting point for fun.

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 a...

Orange County Fun: 30 Things To Do in Irvine with Kids

Right in the heart of Orange County, there's a train, a zoo, a hot air balloon, and a secret room...

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Set up a backyard projector and watch a summer movie outside.

35 Great Summer Kids Movies for Family Movie Night

Trade popcorn for popsicles and watch a summer family flick.

A cheap roll of tinfoil, an incline of some sort, and water is all you need for a tinfoil river. Photo by Ally Noel

25+ Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long

Splish-splash! We've got 25+ fun water games to try with the kids.

Learn how to make homemade ice cream for a tasty activity with the kids!

How to Make Ice Cream At Home in 5 Easy Steps

Whip up homemade ice cream in a bag or a mason jar!

Keep babies occupied with highchair activities at their own baby activity center.

Turn a Highchair into a Baby Activity Center with These Ideas

These no cost, no mess activities give parents a little break.

A few household items help create this fun science experiment for kids.

Create a Pretty Rain Cloud in a Jar Experiment

Watch the 'rain' fall in this colorful experiment!

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

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