Gina Ragland
Gina Ragland is a writer, editor, and mom of two boys. She’s obsessed with books, travel, and keeping her family’s calendar packed with fun. Her favorite adventures are exploring national parks, the coast, and the mountains. Gina and her family call Northern California home.
Latest posts by Gina
California is the ultimate playground for kids, brimming with unforgettable experiences and stunning natural wonders. From the magic of Disneyland to the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite, the Golden State offers endless opportunities for exploration. There are easily 100 things to do with kids in California.
In California, you can go snow tubing in Big Bear and make it to Santa Monica Beach for sunset on the same day. You can also traverse redwood trails through Henry Cowell and ride the Giant Dipper on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk next to the Pacific Ocean on the same day. Kids can experience some of the most renowned animal encounters in the world, from the San Diego Zoo to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. California is also home to the most national parks in the country.
From Los Angeles to San Francisco, California offers a diverse bucket list of experiences that will provide lasting memories for life.
A treasure trove of free things to do in San Francisco with kids awaits. From walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to admiring the beloved sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, it's easy to experience a diverse range of free things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Explore the historic charm of Chinatown, take in breathtaking views at Lands End, introduce kids to culture at the Randall Museum, and explore all the free things to do in San Francisco at the Presidio. San Francisco's cultural richness and mild all-year climate ensures kids have memorable, endless options of free things to do in San Francisco.
For more free things to do in San Francisco, discover free museum days for kids in San Francisco, check out everything you need to know about visiting Golden Gate Park with kids, and browse our Free Things To Do in San Francisco with Kids Guide.
The GRAMMY Museum is a cornerstone of DTLA and a must-visit for audiophiles. Music lovers can explore pursuing a career in the music industry, see historical musician artifacts, and delve into the rich history of iconic music milestones.
There’s no better place than LA to house the GRAMMY Museum. Los Angeles is full of music industry history and continues to be a city where many musicians start their careers. From the Sunset Strip to Hollywood, LA has fueled generations of creativity across music genres. The next generation of inspiring music professionals will soon be able to visit the GRAMMY Museum for free.
For more free fun, check out free things to do indoors in Los Angeles, and bookmark these free museum days for kids in LA. Plus, check out our Guide to Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids, and our Museum Guide for Kids in LA and Orange County.
The recent wildfires tearing through Los Angeles have brought chaos, heartbreak, and destruction to our beloved city. Pacific Palisades and Altadena, both stunningly vibrant LA communities, have been wiped out. Families have lost their homes, children no longer have local schools to attend, and historical buildings have been reduced to rubble. This is not how we envisioned starting a new year.
Amid the confusion and wreckage, we must look for the heroes. First Responders are working tirelessly to battle blazes and get Angelenos to safety. Firefighters are putting their lives on the line to save others and contain fires in poor air quality conditions.
Read on for the best ways to support these unsung heroes and where to contribute to organizations that are diligently helping displaced families.
So little traffic, so much you can do on Christmas Day!
Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder will illuminate the way to nostalgia with an immersive experience at Santa Monica Place. Parents can relive joyful memories of a classic childhood toy, while kids can get introduced to the colorful Lite-Brite world.
The Lite-Brite experience will captivate with hypnotic color and technology. Step into a futuristic iteration of the simplistic toy beloved for generations. It should be no surprise that thousands of colorful lights will be part of the experience.
For more new interactive experiences in Los Angeles, dig into slime at Sloomoo Institute and visit Dino Valley at Legoland to relive prehistoric times.
Zion National Park in southern Utah is a geological gem. The iconic red sandstone canyon cliffs are majestic, and the unique water features amid its desert landscape make this national park a true wonder to explore.
When navigating national parks, it's best to have a plan and know what to expect, especially when kids are along for the adventure and the inevitable long car rides that lead to the expedition. With Junior Ranger programs specifically for children and ample family-friendly hiking trails, Zion National Park is a fantastic choice for kids of all ages.
For more national park adventures, discover Yosemite National Park with kids, explore things not to miss in Joshua Tree National Park, and get inspired with additional outdoor adventure ideas in our National Parks Family Travel Guide.
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