Glendale

Kids Eat Free: 21 LA Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 09/29/2019 - 12:47am

Kids eat free: three little words that make a restaurant dinner feel possible. Even if we suspect that a box of mac and cheese and a couple of chicken fingers have lured us into buying a $10 margarita, how can we regret that margarita if it comes with a free kids' meal?

We’ve put together a list of restaurants throughout the Los Angeles area that offer free meals for kids at least one night a week (and up to four!). The restaurants vary from local joints to national chains, from the Valleys to the beaches, from Italian to Hawaiian, and from seafood to steakhouses—enough to satisfy picky and non-picky eaters.

Also check out our lists of birthday freebies with more free meals for kids (and adults!), and, of course, some kid-friendly happy hours on the Westside, in Silver Lake and Los Feliz, and in Orange County.

Bowling Alleys with Free and Cheap Bowling for Kids All Over LA

Submitted by KristinB on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 2:22pm

News flash: bowling is a really great sport for kids! My son went to a bowling alley birthday party recently that sparked an obsession with the game and opened all of our eyes to what a great family sport this is. The ingrained turn-taking structure, team camaraderie, and relaxed competitiveness offer kiddos a dose of sportsmanship at a fun pace. Accommodations like gutter bumpers and starting ramps guarantee success for even the youngest bowlers. Seriously, bowling is like the unsung hero of children's athletics. And it must have been this idea that fueled the creation of Kids Bowl Free, a fantastic nationwide program designed to give youth a constructive way to beat the heat. Read on to find out how your kids can bowl free every day this summer.

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

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

Splash pads and spraygrounds have replaced the old running through the sprinkler on a lazy summer afternoon. There may be parts of the country where soaking the lawn is still OK, but here in SoCal turning on the hose for entertainment is frowned upon. Still puddle-loving Angeleno kids can 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 park!

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.

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.

10 LA Libraries with Great Play Spaces You Have To Try

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 12:37am

The Southland's rainy season may be short lived, but even if we're thrust into blazing heat again next week, either way having fun, free, indoor options for the kiddos is a must. You probably already know some local storytimes at LA libraries. Maybe you've checked out a few of our drive-worthy special libraries or any number of the awesome free perks your library card offers. But do you know the libraries where you can get a great book and engage your little one in some good old-fashioned indoor fun? You're in luck; here are our picks for LA's 10 best libraries with play spaces where you can do just that.

Free in January: 15 Free Things To Do with Kids In Los Angeles

Submitted by Brian Steele on Mon, 12/31/2018 - 10:24pm

The holidays are over, and we all deserve a long winter's nap. But just because the decorations are getting packed up doesn't mean the fun has to stop. There are still plenty of free things to do this January, when all those Christmas & Hanukkah gifts start to lose their luster. From moon gazing to dance parties, if you're looking to keep busy without breaking the bank, we've got you covered. So grab the winter coat, and put away the checkbook, because who says you can't have fun on a budget?

6 Restaurants Ideal for Throwing a Kids' Birthday Party in LA & OC

Submitted by Li Starr on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:32pm

Planning a birthday party for your kid can be tough, no matter how easy-going your little one might be. Beyond balloons and party favors, there's the question of where to have the shindig (unless you have a large home you're willing to clean extensively before and after). The location has to be family-friendly, fun—and has to serve food your kids (and a lot of other kids) will eat. A restaurant is a good pick, but which one will let you bring in a horde of hungry, bouncy kids? We've found six that serve up lunch and a side order of playtime so you can relax (or, more likely take lots of photos) while the kids run off all that great food you didn't prepare.

Free Play at Giggles 'n' Hugs!

Submitted by Tameeka Robinson on Sun, 08/05/2018 - 9:15pm

Mommy Poppins and Giggles 'n' Hugs are teaming up again! On Tuesday, August 21st, it's time for a Mommy Poppins Playdate at Giggles 'n' Hugs. We invite you to enjoy free admission at either Giggles 'n' Hugs location (Topanga Canyon or Glendale), from 6pm-8pm.

Never been to Giggles 'n' Hugs? It's a great spot, whether you're looking to plan the perfect no-stress birthday party, enjoy a healthy family meal, or just chill out for an afternoon in the action-packed, 2000-square-foot playspace. The best part is it's as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids, because while little ones play, grown-ups can enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, or locally-sourced, organic meal.

Space is limited, so you must register in advance.

A Mother's Day Gift for You: Free Play at Giggles 'n' Hugs!

Submitted by Anna Fader on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 11:32am

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Mommy Poppins and Giggles 'n' Hugs are teaming up to offer a little gift for you in honor of Mother’s Day. On Monday, May 7th, it’s Mommy Poppins Day at Giggles 'n' Hugs. We invite you to enjoy free admission at either Giggles 'n' Hugs location (Topanga Canyon or Glendale), plus a special Mother’s Day treat for you: choose a cupcake, cookie, coffee or, go on, a mimosa. You deserve it!