Matt Matasci

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

Where To Find Free Turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving 2024

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sat, 11/09/2024 - 9:20am

Looking for free turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner? We found local organizations that are here to help.

While some are fortunate enough to fill their table with an indulgent dinner spread, many families in the Los Angeles area are struggling to make ends meet. With the ever-increasing cost of living in Los Angeles, families living paycheck-to-paycheck may not be able to afford the costs of an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of organizations in Los Angeles that are easing the burden for families during the holidays by giving away FREE turkeys and Thanksgiving meals.

If you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, consider donating to one of these exceptional organizations to help others across the city. Find more tips for your Thanksgiving celebrations in our Thanksgiving Guide and fun throughout the holiday season in our Family Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles.

Heat Wave Hot List: 77 Cool Things to Do in Los Angeles With Kids

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:15am

Noah's Ark at The Skirball. Photo by Mercie Ghimire.

As summer heats up, these cool things to do in Los Angeles will help provide respite from those lasting sun rays. It can be hard to soak up that sun for more than a few minutes when temperatures climb to triple digits. When it's too toasty to play at the park, ride bikes outside, or go for a walk, we've got answers and lots of ideas for cool things to do in Los Angeles.

From pools and splash pads to bowling alleys and cool museums, we've gathered the best indoor and outdoor activities to beat those summer—or even rare fall or winter—heat waves, as well as those unfortunate smoky haze days. Plus, you can always head to the beach! There are even more cool things to do in Los Angeles this summer in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

21 Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Los Angeles: Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 07/14/2024 - 11:09am

This literally cool birthday outing might even get called "cool" by teens. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Wake

Planning for any child’s birthday party can be a trying task, but finding teen birthday party ideas that your snarky teens won't deride is practically impossible. Teenagers are a particularly tough group to plan for—and you have to account for the fact that tastes vary wildly and what is exciting for one teen is a total bore for another. Luckily, Los Angeles is jam-packed with things to do with tweens and teens, and that includes places where you can hold teen birthday parties that your celebrant will truly adore.

From comedy clubs to private pool cabanas and tech wonderlands to falcon flying fetes, we've rounded up 21 teen birthday party ideas (even sweet 16 birthday ideas) that are tried and true for teens. To get more ideas for your party, like where to get the best birthday cakes in LA, visit our Guide to Birthday Party Ideas in Los Angeles for Kids. Because big kids love birthday cake, too.

The Best Spots to See the Hollywood Sign

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 07/05/2024 - 7:59am

View of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park. Photo by Gina Ragland

In a city full of tourist draws, the Hollywood Sign is arguably the most iconic. While it faced decades of disrepair in the middle of the 20th century, it's back to its former glory. The downside? It can be really hard to get up close for that perfect shot! And as Hollywood continues to build up with high-rise hotels, offices, and apartment buildings, it's increasingly difficult to see it from the streets.

photo of the best place to see Hollywood sign
Photo by Gina Ragland.

Luckily, we have the inside scoop on the 10 best places to view the Hollywood sign. From rugged hillside vistas to Central LA buildings' rooftops, there are quite a few great places to see the sign.

If you're looking for other fun things to do with kids, check out 77 free things to do with kids in Los Angeles during the summer, the ultimate guide to Discover Cube: LA, and themed restaurants and dinner shows in Los Angeles.

Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Los Angeles

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 02/04/2024 - 8:30am

Climbing is encouraged at Wild Child. Photo courtesy of Wild Child Gym

Indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Los Angeles let kids climb, and their imaginations fly. Colorful rooms full of slides, play structures, ball pits, and engaging activities hold a special kind of magic for kids. Adults can appreciate indoor playgrounds too—places where the Wi-Fi works, coffee is (usually) available, kids remain contained, and someone else cleans.

Rainy days, birthdays, hot days, cold days—no matter why you need indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, these are the best of the best. For more indoor fun, discover free things to do indoors in LA, research these indoor birthday kids' birthday party places in Los Angeles, and check out our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 01/07/2024 - 12:45pm

Right this way to all the free fun in LA, especially at the Griffith Observatory! Photo by Gina Ragland

Free things to do in Los Angeles are words that likely grab your attention, and there's no shortage of free activities and attractions in a city as large as LA. Save your funds for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, summer camps, and theme parks, and instead, take advantage and plan out your days with the kids with all the many free things to do in Los Angeles.

While it's no secret that it's expensive to live in Southern California, one of the benefits is just how many free things there are to do! From museums to tours to uniquely Angeleno attractions, you can live here for years and still not check every box. But if you're up for the challenge, here are 100 free things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

For more free things to do in Los Angeles, see restaurants where kids eat free in LA, find out when all the free Los Angeles museum days take place, and discover more free fun in our Guide to Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids.

32 Best Things To Do with Kids on Catalina Island

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 10/08/2023 - 2:05am

There are tons of Catalina adventures on the water. Photo courtesy of Catalina Tours

Catalina Island offers a quick getaway that will make you second guess if you left California and somehow found yourself on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Easily done in a day trip or longer if your family prefers, Catalina Island is reachable by an hour-long boat ride (or slightly longer, depending on the port you depart) from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.

There are endless activities for kids on Catalina Island, from glass-bottom boat tours to bison expeditions and just playing in the sand at the beach. Plenty of entertainment and activities will keep little ones and grown-ups happy for a day or a weekend trip on Catalina Island.

When departing from Long Beach, check out these things to do in Long Beach with kids. If islands are your thing, drive up the coast to explore Channel Islands National Park with the family, and plan your next adventure with our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families.

Best Acting Classes for Kids in Los Angeles: Musical Theater, Drama, Improv

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 08/31/2023 - 2:30am

Little minds get curiouser and curiouser as they explore on stage. Photo courtesy Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

As the home of Hollywood, it's no surprise that Los Angeles has a wide range of acting classes available for kids. Young thespians can get pretty specific and take theater acting classes, musical theater classes, improv classes, and more! Below are the best acting classes for kids in Los Angeles, from young kids who want their first taste of being in the spotlight to teens who see a future in show biz. It's time to get your little ham in front of an audience!

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs.