Snow in LA? Why not! Living near the beach doesn't mean sand sledding is our only winter sport. A short drive up into the mountains allows our SoCal kids the magical mixture of snow, cold air, velocity, and cocoa that makes snow sledding and tubing endlessly enticing. Skiing is great, but there's nothing quite like good, old-fashioned sledding. Most of the locations below are open for business by Thanksgiving weekend for winter adventures.

Volunteering during the holidays not only helps your community, but helps kids learn the value of giving back. Sharing traditions with our children is what the holidays are about—baking pies, lighting candles, singing songs—and volunteering to help those in need is another tradition we can offer our kids. In fact, dishing up food or singing Christmas carols may be the best gift of all, setting up our kids for a life of sharing and empathy. That's a gift we give to them and to the world they inherit.

We've collected a list of websites and resources to help you find volunteer opportunities that match your family’s interests and abilities. Also, check our calendar for more upcoming charitable events.

Beach is what SoCal is all about, but with so much sea and sand around it can actually be hard to choose which is the best spot to stake the family beach umbrella. In the years when sand-filled diapers and tired little legs feel challenging, you want to be sure you've chosen a beach that will pay off with those great summer memories. You could head for a beach with a playground (we know some good ones), but for just enjoying the wonderful Pacific Ocean with easy parking, bathrooms, snacks, or other amenities, we love to return to the dozen beaches below. Gather the shovels, sandwiches, and sunscreen, and go west, young families!