Chinatown

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!

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

Submitted by Brian Steele on Mon, 01/28/2019 - 1:18am

Yes, it's the month with Valentine's Day smack in the middle, but that doesn't mean every day has to be strictly focused on hearts and flowers (unless you and your little ones want it to be). In a month full of eclectic holidays, it isn't hard to find some free fun for the whole family. From Chinese New Year to Black History Month, President’s Day to Groundhog Day and Mardi Gras, LA is hopping in February, and joining in doesn't have to cost a thing. So put down the box of chocolates (momentarily) and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Weekend Fun for LA Kids: Boo at the Zoo, Coast Open Streets, and Mark in the Park

Submitted by Toby B on Thu, 10/04/2018 - 3:01am

It's beginning to look a lot like pumpkins, everywhere I go. And so it begins! The Harvest. The Corn Mazes. The Hatchimals (not sure what that has to do with the season, but just go with it). We are on a crazed, giddy run to the end of the month.

But don't get spooked! Yes, there are scary things afoot. Yes, you can choose the dark and shadowy path. But you can also choose to welcome the season with laughs (and science!). You can fear the night or you can get in on the fun. Halloween is what you make it, and LA makes it easy to choose family-friendly. Or not.

Public service announcement for purists who wait to celebrate Halloween until, well, Halloween. There's still lots to do! This weekend sees festivals Greek and Korean, Manhattan Beachian and Encinoish. You can buy a ticket to the 20s, catch a plane, train, or (very small) automobile. This land is both your land and my land, and Children's Book World is 32. (Um, me too. More or less.) The streets of Santa Monica are open wide, and you can make your mark in Grand Park. So go out there and scare up some fun.

Keep reading for our favorite treats for this weekend, no trick!

LA's Best Gyms and Tumbling Classes for Kids Who Love To Bounce

Submitted by Audrey M on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 1:04pm

Every kid loves to jump around. While some kids channel that energy into competitive gymnastics programs at LA's gymnastics schools, others (toddlers particularly) really just want a place to bounce, tumble, climb, and swing. If you are looking for tumbling classes that are completely child-centered, fully non-competitive, and possibly closer to home (not to mention great options for birthday parties and summer camp), one of these kids' gyms may be just your speed.

Free in August: 21 Free Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles

Submitted by Brian Steele on Wed, 08/01/2018 - 1:00pm

It’s the waning days of summer, and the pocket book may be feeling a little light. Thankfully, you live in Los Angeles, a city never short of fun things to do for free. Whether you want to hit the beach, dance under the stars, or catch a show, there's nothing to stop you, short of heatstroke. So why not gather up the fam and squeeze those last drops out of your summer fun, because if you do what we tell you to, you won't need to spend a dime.

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

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sat, 01/13/2018 - 10:51pm

At first glance, Chinatown feels stuck in time as the rest of the city transforms around it. But the neighborhood has been experiencing a renaissance, exploding with new restaurants and galleries. For parents looking for a fun outing with the fam, Chinatown is a place with sights, sounds, and delicious smells your kids will never forget.

Tree Lighting Celebrations To Kick off the Holidays around LA & OC

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 6:49am

Carols, cocoa, and the Claus family deck the Southland halls in the coming weeks from the Westside to the Valleys and back down to Orange County. As the holidays get rolling, there are plenty of opportunities to snap photos with Santa, take in a boat parade, and marvel at some Angelenos' lawn decorations, but the best way to kick it all off is with a good old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony. Communities all over Los Angeles and Orange County have their own traditions—not to mention unspoken competitions for whose tree is the largest and whose lights up the earliest. It's all in good cheer, so pick whichever of the locations below is nearest to you, and go rock around a Christmas tree, SoCal style!

We'll keep adding more below as communities make their plans. Check our events calendar and sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up with the latest info.

Downtown LA's Golden Dragon Parade for Chinese New Year: Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 2:44pm

Hard to believe, but this year marks the 118th Chinese New Year Parade in DTLA. I grew up attending these parades, which used to be held on Friday nights when I was a kid; and I've passed the tradition on to my own children, now that the celebration is held on a more family friendly Saturday afternoon. My kids always love an excuse to go to Chinatown; it is definitely one of their favorite places to eat. Not only that, the Golden Dragon Parade is one family activity that even my teenager enjoys.