The City of Angels is all about highbrow food in casual, comfortable settings, and nowhere is that more evident than the food truck scene. LA's food trucks offer up every cuisine mash-up imaginable, and between the trucks' websites, Twitter, and Instagram, it's easy to track down your favorites. A truck at a festival can be a little culinary surprise, but there's also a thriving, family-friendly, deliciously casual scene that pops up at regular local gatherings like the Santa Monica Food truck lot, Abbot Kinney’s First Fridays, Natural History Museum First Fridays, and others. A bonus for us with food trucks is no worrying about the inevitable mess left behind by my little whirlwind, or trying to keep her butt in a high chair.

Here are the LA trucks I most enjoy tracking down with my tiny food critic.

We're finally seeing the first signs of spring! On the farm at this time of year there is new life everywhere, and the sheep are due for haircuts. That means it's shearing festival time. Locally, Gore Place and North Andover are celebrating sheepshearing season with big shindigs. (It’s not that strange—think of the big deal you made about your child’s first haircut.) If you want to make a fun family day trip or even a weekend getaway out of it, there are also sheepshearing and wool festivals in nearby Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts.

Storyteller's Cottage is the place for the book loving, imagination-driven, creative and inspired child. A one-of-a-kind destination for kids, the owners have taken a turn-of-the-century home and turned it into a place where children can dig deeply into their love for all things books. Love Harry Potter? Come to a class in the Magical Castle Common-room. Adore knights and swords? There's a special classroom for you behind the hidden door in the wall. Love Narnia? Yes. There is a wardrobe! And while you are in town check out the other cool things to do as well.

History runs deep in Eastern Connecticut. From the first settlements in the late 1600's, through the battles of the American Revolution, and into modern times, Eastern Connecticut bares the marks of those who made significant contributions in the arts, military, manufacturing and more!  Just check out the amazing places you can experience a step back in time with your kiddos!

Over a million visitors flock to Sesame Place each year, giving young children a chance to spend the day with some of their favorite Sesame Street characters. Now, the 14-acre park offers something else for kids – and their parents – to love. Sesame Place has recently become the world’s first theme park to be named a Certified Autism Center.

Located just about three hours west of Houston, the historic town of New Braunfels is a hot spot for weekend getaways. This is especially true during the spring and summer months when Texan families flock to the iconic original Schlitterbahn Waterpark. While we absolutely love slipping and sliding down the signature tube chutes at Schlitterbahn, during our last few family trips to New Braunfels we have discovered many of the other family-friendly activities that this quaint town has to offer. No trip to the hill country is complete without swimming, hiking, or floating at the area's many lakes and rivers, but we found that these activities really go above and beyond what you'll find on a typical vacation itinerary. 

Whether you want to explore an underground cavern, peruse a museum, or catch a drive-in movie, New Braunfels has it all. From toddlers to teens and anyone in between, there is plenty to discover for everyone in your family the next time you visit the New Braunfels area. 

There is so much to see and do in Wilmington, Delaware. And with its proximity to Philadelphia, families can consider making a day trip or a weekend stay. A straight shot down I-95 (and even accessible by Amtrak), this family-friendly city is a delight for parents and kids alike. From sites along the Riverwalk to museums and outdoor adventures, Wilmington will have you coming back for more. Here is our roundup of the top 27 things to do as a family in Wilmington.

Still not sure where to take your next day trip? Check out our city guides for more ideas!

Patriots Day commemorates the April anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first clashes of the American Revolutionary War. It is a Massachusetts state holiday, officially observed on the third Monday in April, and is celebrated with parades and ceremonies from Boston to Roxbury, and all along the Battle Road.

We’ve rounded up some of the key reenactments, parades, and special events leading up to and on Patriots Day, as well as special events at local museums, historical houses and Minute Man National Park. Note: most of the events listed are free but also very popular, so plan to arrive early and expect crowds. (If you're interested in more happenings or places to eat while in Concord, check out our 20-plus things to do in Concord post.)