Los Angeles

Halloween's Best Ghost Trains and Spooky Rides for LA Kids

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 09/16/2019 - 4:24am

So you've already been to the pumpkin patches, and you're ready to take Halloween to the next level; you're ready, in fact, to put it in motion. We know several deadly ways to take this haunt on the road before it's time to trick-or-treat, with everything from an old-fashioned train ride through fields of pumpkins, to a spooky tour through the bowels of a haunted ship, or even a scream-filled hayride through fields of zombies. Whatever Halloween means to your family, you can make it a ride at one (or more) of these vehicular annual haunts. After all, the family that hunts down armies of zombies together stays together.

Two LA Halloween Haunts Give up the Ghost in 2019

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 10:04am

There's no way to sugar coat this: the Griffith Park Ghost Train and Boney Island—two of the most family-friendly haunts of the LA Halloween season—are both taking a hiatus this year. The two spooky-not-scary experiences seemed perfectly paired last year, when they first became neighbors in one festive corner of Griffith Park. We had been looking forward to seeing how the partnership would grow this season, but alas the skeletons are staying in the closet.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US and Caribbean for Families

Submitted by MommyPoppins on Sat, 09/14/2019 - 1:07pm

An all-inclusive resort, or one with extra levels of service and amenities, is almost always a boon to parents traveling with their kids. All-inclusive hotels relieve some of the pressure to entertain little ones, feed them, and even make it easier to decide what to do next during a family vacation.

We've rounded up some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, as well as here in the U.S. Of course, they don't always come cheap, so we've included a couple of more budget options, too. These soup-to-nuts getaways will please the most discerning pint-sized guests (and their paying adults).

Read on for family-friendly resorts that make vacations easy, so you can kick back, relax and just enjoy.

Best Pumpkin Patches for LA, Ventura, & Orange County Pumpkin Picking

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 4:05pm

Ready to talk pumpkin patch? Yes, the time has come to surrender to the Great Pumpkin—who is, frankly, spoiled for choice around the Southland in Halloween season. We would never presume to call one pumpkin patch more sincere than the others, but LA’s pumpkin patches (and pseudo pumpkin patches) run a satisfying gamut from small to large, folksy to commercial. Whether you're hoping for a hit-and-run Halloween photo or a day's outing in autumnal reverie, your pumpkin picking destination is below...

Along Came a Spider Pavilion: Big Spiders Are Back at the Natural History Museum

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 5:02am

While some may ring in the Halloween season by smearing shrubs with 99-cent store fuzzy webbing and plastic spiders, the arachnid purists over at the Natural History Museum have a more organic approach. This weekend the screened pavilion on the museum’s South Lawn becomes seasonal home to more free-range, eight-legged tenants than anyone in his right mind could want – in short, an arachnophobe’s worst nightmare and an eight-year-old boy’s version of heaven.

Interactive 'Dr. Seuss Experience' to Tour North America

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 11:17am

Readers of all ages have probably longed to step inside the colorful and whimsical worlds that exist inside Dr. Seuss' beloved stories. Now fans can finally get their fantastical fix as "The Dr. Seuss Experience," a brand-new exhibit, tours North America. The immersive and interactive celebration of the imagination of author and illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel is billed as a "Seuss-tacular sensory spectacle" families won't want to miss.

Things To Do in LA this Weekend: Mexican Independence, Chinatown Moon, and Coast

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 12:49am

They're going to try to tell you it's pumpkin season, but it's not, not matter what the seasonal aisle at Trader Joe's may be implying. It's just plain old September, a neither here nor there month, but clearly not fall and in no way Halloweeny.

You know what it is? Fiestas Patrias, aka Mexican Independence Day. No hay calabazas ahora.

You know what it is? Talk like a Pirate Day, so shut yer gourd about Jack-o'-lanterns afore we make ye walk the plank.

You know what it is? Coast Open Streets, a day we get out and walk our way through Santa Monica. You're going to use your feet to get around, not some bippity boppity boo'ed pumpkin.

You know what it is? Opening day of the Spider Pavilion, an arachnology themed exhibit without any seasonal connotation to speak of.

To review: this weekend is many things, but pumpkiny it is not. Sorry to squash your hopes.

Keep reading for our spiciest picks for this big orange weekend....

Corn Mazes and Haunted Mazes Closest to LA and Orange County

Submitted by Audrey M on Tue, 09/10/2019 - 12:31pm

As kids are mostly settled into the new school year, and local orchards are open for apple picking, the next sign of autumn is the corn maze.

Corn mazes are created by a tractor in a growing field of corn—usually following a fairly intricate design. For large mazes, GPS is often used to create a picture that can be seen from the air. A mature corn maze is a true adventure, with walls of corn that are taller than most adults; children (and adults) can for sure lose their way! Most operators recommend kids be at least 5-8 years old before going in alone; use your judgment, of course. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for comfort (sneakers are best), as corn mazes involve walking on uneven ground amid broken cornstalks. And if you head into the maze at dusk, be sure to bring a flashlight!

Kidspace: An Insider's Guide to LA's Beloved Children's Museum

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 7:49pm

Kidspace is now entering its fourth decade in Pasadena and it's easy to see why this children's museum has such staying power. There is something for everyone at Kidspace, from animal lovers to budding scientists to those looking to get their wiggles out. There is an area for babies and toddlers and plenty of activities to entertain bigger kids (the museum is designed specifically for children ages 10 and under). In fact, there are more than 40 hands-on exhibits within the 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor property. My own family has had a membership for five years now. So what keeps us coming back again and again? Read on to find out—plus tips on how to maximize your visit.

Quebec City with Kids: 25 Things To Do in Old Quebec and Beyond

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sat, 09/07/2019 - 2:15pm

Quebec City is often touted as a European vacation alternative—a picturesque city where you can walk cobblestone streets, sit in bistros, and order in French without a transatlantic plane ticket. Yes, Quebec’s old town streets are quaint and pedestrian-friendly, but families should visit Quebec City because it’s full of wonderful and unique attractions and culture in its own right.

As the only walled city in North America and a Unesco World Heritage site, this Canadian city is full of history. Yet, the best things to do in Quebec City also include modern attractions, such as family-friendly museums, an indoor amusement park, and lots of great outdoor spaces, parks, and festivals that make it a fun place to visit.

Read on to discover the top things to do in Quebec City with kids. Then make sure to read about our top picks for Quebec City restaurants for families.