Downtown

Water Feature: 16 Water Playgrounds and Parks with Splash Pads in LA

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 11:16pm

Remember those great summer afternoons running through a sprinkler with the neighborhood kids? Over in New England and Nebraska that’s probably still happening, but here in SoCal turning on the hose for entertainment is frowned upon these days. Instead, packs of puddle-loving Angeleno kids splash through hot days at parks with free and fabulous water features, like the ones below—many of which are open year-round. So if a pool or a water park sounds like too much work today, cool those kids down at a splash pad!

10 Great LA Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Sun, 04/14/2019 - 9:06pm

Whoever said that dining out with kids is an impossible task probably didn’t know that there are a few spots that make the whole experience a piece of cake. We’re not talking about pizza parlors or hot dog stands (we love those, too), but wonderful restaurants and hip cafes where parents can get delectable food while kids can go a bit wild, whether enjoying a play area, a babbling brook, or old school games. It’s a win for everyone (especially for the parents) at these very family-friendly eateries.

Dogs, Kids, and Science Meet at this New Museum Exhibit for Dog Lovers

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Thu, 04/11/2019 - 11:09pm

I’m a big dog person (meaning I like dogs, not that I am some sort of half man, half dog). Luckily, so is my toddler. A real perk of having a child who loves dogs is that she gives me an automatic excuse to pet a lot of strangers’ dogs (“Oh, my adorable little girl just wanted to say hi”). But no excuses were necessary for both of us to get a really good dog fix at the new exhibit Dogs! A Science Tail at The California Science Center.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens: 9 Spots for LA Kids and Parents To Chill Together

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Mon, 04/01/2019 - 1:21pm

After a long week of parenting, there’s nothing more rejuvenating to me than sitting outside in sunny California gorgeousness and tossing back a cold beer and pretzel while my toddler runs around like a maniac. If our recent review of family friendly wineries sounds great but too far, a kid-friendly brewery in town may be just the ticket. Here's a list of inviting places in the Los Angeles area to drink outside with the kiddos, ranging from super traditional German beer gardens to family-friendly brewpubs with outdoor spaces.

Free in April: 24 Fun Things To Do that Don't Cost a Thing

Submitted by Brian Steele on Fri, 03/29/2019 - 2:23pm

The wallet’s looking light and the kids are acting needy, which means it's time to hit up one of the many free events this city has to offer this month. Whether you're craving a full belly, a little fishing , or a star lit night sky, there is family fun to be had without breaking the bank.

40+ Easter Egg Hunts and Bunny Events for Kids in LA and Orange County

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 1:42pm

Some of us have lovely gardens and the inclination to creatively hide eggs in them early on a Sunday morning. Others have an inclination to sleep late and find eggs hidden in someone else's garden. We find no shame in that and are more than happy to help guide you to lots of places where Peter Cottontail has evidently just been moments before. Most of the egg hunts below take place Easter weekend; keep an eye on our Event Calendar for last-minute additions, and check out these other places to find the Easter Bunny for more photo ops!

Easter Bunny Photo Ops and Events: Where To Find the Bunny in LA & OC

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 03/17/2019 - 6:28am

Hippity hoppity, hippity hoppity: your kids might not want to sit still, but at least the Easter Bunny will! There are plenty of spots to set up the perfect Easter photo in LA and Orange County in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. We've lined up a whole Bunny Trail to hop down, ranging from mall photo ops to trains and spring festivals. Have fun catching up to Peter Cottontail in one of the following Southland locations.

The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 03/11/2019 - 3:23pm

Everyone's all a-flutter at the Natural History Museum. The seasonal re-opening of the Butterfly Pavilion takes place this month, giving us six months of access to the unfettered joy that is an afternoon among the butterflies. The new, expanded pavilion which debuted in 2017 is still on the museum’s South Lawn, offering delightful flutterby time on the same site where the creepier Spider Pavilion sets up in autumn. From chrysalis to butterfly, the Butterfly Pavilion is full of magical moments, which is why it rates as one of our 100 things to do with LA kids before they grow up.

Free in March: 25 Things To Do that Won't Cost a Thing

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sun, 02/24/2019 - 10:48pm

Spring may not have sprung quite yet, but it promises to at any moment. So get ready, because when the temps start to spike, there's loads of free fun to be had. Whether you’re looking for a lucky Leprechaun, or some Seussical silliness, Los Angeles has got it going on. With migrating whales and incoming swallows, you aren’t going to have any trouble keeping the family busy all month long; and if you want to do it all without spending a cent, we've got your back with the 25 free outings below!

Egg House Set To Open in LA with Pop-up Playground and Museum

Submitted by Li Starr on Sun, 02/24/2019 - 4:28am

Got a kid with an appetite for eggs? Even if you don't, chances are your kids will crave a chance to climb into The Egg House, an interactive, sensory play pop-up with a funky story that, after wowing visitors in Manhattan, is due to open in DTLA March 20, 2019. The exhibit will be open until May, and pre-sale tickets are available now.