La Cañada/ Flintridge

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.

12 Family Memberships Worth Having As You Raise Your LA Kid

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 2:49pm

It can be hard to find places to go with the whole family without spending a bundle. When your kids let you know they love a place, it's a lot easier to go back there again and again (and again) if you become a member. Annual memberships allow you to enjoy all the perks and discounts a venue can offer (plus the tax write-off!). Here are a few of the most affordable and enjoyable places in LA to get memberships for the whole family.

Breakfast with Santa Claus: Where LA Kids Can Share a Bagel with Father Christmas

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 11/26/2018 - 1:30pm

Doing lunch might work for some LA types, but Santa Claus does breakfast. So before you take a train with Santa, see The Nutcracker with Santa, do some holiday shopping with Santa, wave to Santa on a boat, call Santa on the phone, or take funky LA photos with Santa, first you, your kids, AND Santa all need a good breakfast. The holidays are a busy time of year after all.

Most (though not all) of the events below require reservations, and some fill up surprisingly early. It's worth making the effort, though, if for no other reason than to see how good some people's table manners can be when the man at the head of the table is wearing a red suit and wielding a list.

A Zombie Ballet? Be Still My Heart!

Submitted by Li Starr on Wed, 10/17/2018 - 12:00pm

If previous efforts to drag your kids to something as high falutin' as the ballet have misfired, Sweet Sorrow: A Zombie Ballet may be a game changer. In fact, it could make this Halloween season the perfect opportunity to convince your kids that there's more to classical music than just predating 1990.

10 Gorgeous Fall Drives To See Autumn Colors near Los Angeles

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Fri, 10/05/2018 - 4:33pm

Ready for some cool, crisp autumn air and a bright expanse of colored leaves? While there are lots of options in the city to get your pumpkin picking, haunted train riding, corn maze fix, sometimes a relaxing fall drive is more your speed. So pack some pumpkin spiced snacks and hit the road.

Mommy and Me Classes That Dads Can Love, Too

Submitted by Mike Anderson on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 7:36pm

While Los Angeles is home to lots of fun (and even unexpected) Mommy and Me classes for toddlers and babies, sometimes Daddy wants to go to spend time with his duckling. Here are some of the classes that made me feel most welcome as a dad.

Free in June: 28 Things To Do that Don't Cost a Thing

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sun, 06/03/2018 - 5:47am

For kids, nothing beats summer break. But for us parents, it can be a lot of pressure. How do you keep the calendar full without breaking the bank? Luckily, whether you want to stargaze or bike for days, there's a litany of things to do in LA this June on a budget.

Free in May: 20 Things To Do that Don't Cost a Thing

Submitted by Brian Steele on Tue, 05/01/2018 - 12:10pm

Summer is just around the corner, and so are the camp fees, vacation expenses, and hefty ice cream budgets that come with it. So why not be responsible for once and make May your month to get frugal?Whether you’re looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo free of charge, or just check out a movie without breaking the bank, here are a few free things to do this month with the whole family.

We have included a few great outdoor festivals with free admission; if you need to avoid shelling out for cotton candy and a carousel ride, just scroll on to the next fun thing!

10 Reasons to Explore La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge

Submitted by Lindsay Halladay on Wed, 12/06/2017 - 3:43pm

Most LA parents know that Pasadena has loads to offer families, but far fewer have discovered nearby La Crescenta and La Cañada Flintridge. These quiet suburban enclaves remain two of the San Gabriel Valley's best-kept secrets, boasting an outdoorsy, family-friendly appeal, with bucolic highlights like Descanso Gardens and its unique Enchanted Forest of Light. These communities are just a short drive up the 2 freeway yet feel like a world away from Los Angeles' big-city bustle.

Enchanted: Forest of Light Is Descanso Gardens' Christmas Walk in the Woods

Submitted by Roberta B on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 5:22am

If you are one of the many Angelenos whose paths rarely lead them through La Cañada-Flintridge, then perhaps you've never visited Descanso Gardens. It would be understandable; most of us need to drive a befuddling combination of highway numbers to get there. Well, 'tis the season to download Waze and get there, because Descanso's holiday light display, Enchanted: Forest of Light, is worth the drive and then some. Home holiday lights are lovely and cheery. Boat parades are delightful and so SoCal. But Descanso's holiday woodland light show is an experience unto itself and one to bundle up the kids and make time for.