Jackie Jones

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

13 Kid-Friendly Always-Free Museums in Los Angeles

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 12/31/2021 - 1:51pm

Kids check out the current exhibit at the CAAM. Photo by HRDWRKER

What's better than a free day at a museum? How about a museum that's free every day? A place where you can expose your children to some of the best artwork, science, and history that Los Angeles has to offer without paying admission, ever. Several of this city's most iconic museums offer free admission every day (if you don't count parking, that is). And then of course there are the ones that just offer free admission to kids. So what are you waiting for? Take your whole crew out for some culture and creativity at one of these FREE museums.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters—and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Los Angeles Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

See the World's Largest Display of Lego Art: The Art of the Brick Is Back at the Science Center

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Mon, 05/17/2021 - 9:37am

I'm looking through you, where did you go? Photo courtesy of California Science Center

Get ready to see Legos in a whole new light. The Art of the Brick is the current exhibit at the California Science Center, featuring more than 100 sculptures and other works of art, all made exclusively with Legos (more than one million of them to be exact.) This exhibit had just opened when the museum closed down last year, so when the Science Center reopened, the bricks came back, too!

See a re-imagined Lego version of the Mona Lisa and Van Gogh's Starry Night. Be dazzled by a giant Lego T-Rex and a multi-colored peace sign. And the exhibit has recently added a whole new section with sculptures of the world’s most endangered species that no audience has seen before. There are also some thought-provoking original works by the artist, Nathan Sawaya. It's a must-see for families that love Legos. (And who doesn't?!) I took my kids to experience the ultimate block party; read on for the highlights.

Iconic LA Street Art and Murals for Must-Have Angeleno Kid Photo Ops

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 12:40pm

Here in Los Angeles, art is everywhere—and you can enjoy it even when our fabulous museums are closed. LA has plenty of beautiful and inspiring street art, from giant wall murals to painted utility boxes. Seemingly everywhere you look, there's a street display that's colorful and thought-provoking, not to mention Instagram-worthy. And in this time of so much uncertainty, the messages street art conveys can be uplifting. In fact, in the aftermath of some of the damage that occurred when looters hijacked recent protests and demonstrations, street art has helped communities heal.

Here are some of our favorite photo op street murals for LA families.

This Cool Indoor Playground in the Valley Is Super-sized and Our Kids' New Favorite

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sun, 03/08/2020 - 11:32pm

Kids Empire in Woodland Hills is like an indoor playground on steroids—and I mean that in the best possible way. It's super-sized fun, with a giant, multi-level play structure, a babies-only area, a disco room, and tons of seating for parents. It's the kind of place that can entertain toddlers and tweens alike, making it a great option for families with mixed aged siblings. The Woodland Hills location is one of several in greater LA including spots in South Gate, Monrovia, Anaheim, and Northridge (which just opened this winter). Perhaps because of its widespread age appeal, Kids Empire Woodland Hills can get very busy, especially on weekends. Here's what to know before you go, and reasons why this play space is quickly becoming my daughters' favorite go-to indoor playground on a cold or rainy day.

Visit Rescued Seals and Sea Lions for Free at LA's Marine Mammal Care Center

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Sat, 02/22/2020 - 12:01am

Photo courtesy of the Marine Mammal Care Center

Who doesn't love California sea lions? Their cute, puppy-like faces turn up periodically at our favorite SoCal beaches, but did you know your kids can visit with seals and sea lions for free, every day of the week, at the Marine Mammal Care Center?

The San Pedro facility is a haven for injured seals and sea lions, where families can make an impact on the rescued animals' rehabilitation—all while educating kids and maybe inspiring a spirit of volunteerism. The Marine Mammal Care Center has taken in more than 8,000 patients from local beaches in the 27 years it's been open. That includes sea mammals who needed treatment for gunshot wounds, entanglement in fishing nets, and injuries from ocean trash. If you've been to all the local zoos and are looking for a new experience, a visit here could be just the ticket. My daughters and I (all animal lovers) decided to check it out, and we were very touched by what we saw.

The Playground at Cross Creek: Malibu Gets a Touch of Shane's Inspiration

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Thu, 01/09/2020 - 1:27pm

As if you needed another reason to love Malibu, the swanky beachside community just got a new inclusive playground that is utterly awesome. A focal point for the Park at Cross Creek strip mall, across from Malibu Country Mart, this play space is super clean and has all of the amenities a parent on-the-go could want.

The Autry: A City Slicker's Guide to LA's Cowboy Museum

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Tue, 12/24/2019 - 2:15pm

The Autry Museum offers an immersive exploration of the American West's rich heritage. With interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy, young visitors can journey through time, discovering the diverse cultures, adventures, and stories that shaped the Los Angeles region. There are plenty of things young cowpokes will love at the Autry Museum of the American West, LA's "Cowboy Museum" in Griffith Park.

With its blend of education and entertainment, the Autry Museum offers an enriching experience for families looking to delve into the spirit of the American West. The Autry boasts several hands-on exhibits, a kid-friendly movie studio, and a lovely outdoor garden.

Discover more adventures to do in Griffith Park with kids, bookmark these free museum days in Los Angeles, and check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Skyslide: The Thrill Ride High Above Downtown LA at Oue Skyspace

Submitted by Jackie Jones on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 10:56pm

Skyslide is fast becoming an LA rite of passage. We are a family of thrill seekers, so for my daughter's fifth birthday we decided to try the ultimate LA thrill—Oue Skyspace and Skyslide in Downtown Los Angeles. California's tallest open-air observation deck and its all-glass slide sit atop the US Bank tower. The view alone is priceless, but the slide takes it to a whole new level. My kids are already asking to go back. Here is what you can expect:

Latest posts by Jackie Jones

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