Kylie Williams

Kylie Williams is a mom of four who loves exploring Los Angeles with her kids and reporting back about the exciting events, attractions, and hidden gems she discovers. When she's not schlepping the kids around the city, she's probably at the gym, reading a book, or putting together snack bags for one of the kids' sports teams. If you know of a place she should check out, drop a line at Kylie@MommyPoppins.com.

Latest posts by Kylie

40 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Monica With Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 9:22am

Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Roberta Brown

Is there anything more iconic than the Pacific Pier, rising over the ocean with its sparkling Ferris wheel? Santa Monica is, in many ways, the most "LA" part of LA, and is number one on the list for most tourists, which is why locals tend to avoid the packed streets.

For years I was partial to beaches north of Los Angeles, but a friend recently invited me for a beach day, and I discovered that the coastline further down the PCH is less crowded, incredibly spacious, and perfect for my little crew. After a blissful day splashing in the Pacific, I was sold on Santa Monica's shoreline and the rest of the city as well.

Whether you are a local mom looking for adventure or an out-of-towner planning your day, here are 40 fantastic, tried-and-true recommendations for enjoying Santa Monica with kids. When you know where to look (and where to park), Santa Monica can be the perfect day out for everyone.

Looking for more city guides? We can help you navigate around Pacific Palisades, Ventura, San Diego, Marina del Rey, and more seaside spots. Head to our day trips and weekend getaways guide for an extensive list of adventures in and around LA.

Heal The Bay: An Insider's Guide to Santa Monica's Aquarium

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 05/05/2024 - 8:00am

Little girl enjoying the aquarium. Photo by Kylie Williams

Heal the Bay Aquarium, nestled within the Santa Monica Pier, stands as a beacon of marine conservation and education. The aquarium offers visitors a captivating journey through its exhibits, showcasing diverse sea creatures and habitats.

From colorful tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones to shark touch tanks, and interactive displays highlighting the importance of ocean conservation, Heal the Bay Aquarium provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Discover all there is to do at the Santa Monica Pier with kids and find more fun things to do with kids in Santa Monica beyond the pier. For more animal encounters, browse our Zoos and Gardens for Los Angeles Kids Guide. For more aquarium fun, check out this guide to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Popular Preschool Summer Camps in Los Angeles for Your First Time Camper

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 1:05am

Preschooolers play and learn together all summer. Photo courtesy of Ecole Claire Fontaine

Preschool summer camps in Los Angeles offer a vibrant and enriching experience for even the youngest children. Planning summer camps for your toddlers approaches faster than you may think!

Preschool summer camps provide fun activities, educational opportunities, and social interaction specifically for preschool-aged children. Whether exploring nature, participating in water play, or engaging in themed projects, preschool summer camps in Los Angeles create memorable experiences that ignite a love for learning and exploration in young minds during the summer months.

There are so many fun ways to entertain little ones in LA! Check out things to do in Los Angeles with preschoolers, find the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers in LA, test out these preschool science experiments, and discover more entertainment for preschoolers in our Preschoolers Activity Guide to Los Angeles.

NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:45am

Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California just debuted a brand-new land within the park that's Jurassic and fantastic. Dino Valley immerses theme park visitors into the world of dinosaurs with new rides, interactive places to play, and dino-sized LEGO sculptures.

I took my sons (ages 5 and 7) and their best bud (age 6) to check out Dino Valley. In their words, it was the “best day of their lives.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Discover why LEGOLAND is a beloved Southern California theme park, expand your visit with other things to do with kids in Carlsbad, and find more thrills in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

30+ Best Things to Do in Oxnard with Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:30am

Oxnard is a picturesque Southern California beach town packed with family-friendly adventures and attractions.

If the beach is beckoning, a quick flight or a scenic drive down the PCR (or the more efficient 101) will land you at one of our favorite family-friendly destinations across California: Oxnard. The picturesque beach town is packed with delicious restaurants, impressive museums, music venues, fun-filled parks, water sports, and miles of stunning sun, sand, and waves that are sure to keep your whole crew happy.

Read on for more than 30 family-friendly activities and attractions worth putting on your Oxnard itinerary. From catching a catamaran to an untouched island and taste-testing your way through a top-notch food hall, to spotting sea lions and parasailing above the Pacific, here are our tried-and-true picks.

30+ Best Things to Do in Oxnard with Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:00am

Just 60 miles northwest of Downtown LA, the salty air of Oxnard calls to Southern California families looking for an action-packed day trip or an epic (and easy) kid-friendly vacation. The picturesque beach town is packed with delicious restaurants, impressive museums, music venues, fun-filled parks, water sports, and miles of stunning sun, sand, and waves that are sure to keep your whole crew happy.

The Academy Museum Offers Free Workshops, Accessible Screenings, More for Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Tue, 03/12/2024 - 9:00pm

With family-friendly exhibitions, workshops, and screenings, the Academy Museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Photo courtesy of the Academy Museum

From catching a free movie screening to creating an animation cel to experiencing winning an Oscar, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great spot for kids to explore the wide world of cinema.

As an LA native who grew up in an “industry” family, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has long been on my bucket list. With kid-focused exhibitions, drop-in workshops, and weekly movie screenings, the Museum Row gem welcomes visitors of all ages–and with free tickets for those under 17, a family trip is that much more appealing. Sensory-friendly hours and screenings make it especially accessible.

While there’s certainly something for everyone at the Academy Museum, some exhibitions and attractions do skew towards more grown-up cinephiles. So, read on for my rundown of the most fun and engaging family attractions and a list of tips to review before booking your tickets.

School Break Camps: Holiday and Spring Break Camps Keep Kids Busy on Days Off

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 7:40am

Surfing camp will be swell. Photo courtesy of Learn to Surf LA

School break camps in Los Angeles offer an exciting and enriching experience for children during their time off from school. These camps provide a range of activities, from arts and crafts to sports and outdoor adventures, ensuring kids stay engaged and entertained while learning new skills and making friends when off from school.

With a variety of themes and programs tailored to different age groups and interests, there are school break camps for every child, providing parents with a convenient and reliable option during school breaks and holidays.

Speaking of camps, popular camps fill up fast, so check out the best summer day camps in Los Angeles, let the kids work up a sweat at the top sports summer camps in LA, and find even more options in our Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide.

Kylie Williams

Latest posts by Kylie

Pages