Matt Matasci

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

15 Top Playgrounds with Shade in Los Angeles

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 07/29/2021 - 8:11am

The shaded playstructure at Ferndell is in the middle of the trees. Photo by Amanda Schutt

You can't spend all summer in the pool (though kids often wish you could), and some days the perfect way to burn off some energy is to head to a playground in Los Angeles! Of course, it's hot in LA during the summer (and spring and fall—even sometimes in winter!), and playing on equipment that is too hot to touch is no fun. Not to mention the sunscreen factor—even when kids let you apply it at the beginning of the day, it can prove impossible to reapply. The solution? Be armed with a list (like the one below) of the best parks that offer shaded play throughout the day.

Keep bodies (and tempers) cool at these playgrounds in LA with plenty of shade. And when the temperature dips, check out our favorite playgrounds that are worth the drive and the best toddler playgrounds in every corner of the city.

The Best Boat Rides for Families in Los Angeles

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 07/04/2021 - 7:43am

Hop on the WaterBus in the Marina. Photo courtesy of Visit Marina del Rey

There are so many great places in Los Angeles to get out on the water with your family. From the many harbors and marinas to the vast Pacific Ocean (and even local lakes and reservoirs), the opportunities for boating in Southern California are endless. However, not all boating experiences are family-friendly, so we’ve highlighted the best boating options by vessel type and setting. So whether you want to whale watch, take a trip to a local island, or just swan around a lake, these are the best boat rides in LA for kids of all ages.

My Little Paris Indoor Play Space: C'est Magnifique, Say Our Kid Testers

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 07/01/2021 - 9:40am

Checkout time at the Fresh Mart at My Little Paris.

There’s nothing better than a kids’ play space that keeps the kiddos entertained while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a perfectly crafted latte. Actually, one that's indoors and opened just in time for the summer heat might be a little better! My Little Paris Cafe and Play in San Gabriel is just that place, with a French-themed menu and a huge play area filled with cool toys. This European experience requires no plane ticket, just hop on the freeway to enjoy a spectacularly entertaining (for kids) and relaxing (for parents) outing.

12 West Coast Beach Camping Sites for Families

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 11:56am

Whether it’s the smell of the air, the crashing of the waves, or the chilly nights and warm days, beach camping on the West Coast has a definite allure. Kids love the novelty of camping by the beach, and many of the best locations are kid friendly. From the California/Mexico border to the Olympia Peninsula in Washington, the West Coast has a plethora of seaside campgrounds where families love to pitch a tent or park an RV. Here are some of the best beach campsites California, Oregon, and Washington have to offer.

Road Trip on the PCH: Where To Stop and What To Do with Kids from LA to San Francisco

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 05/20/2021 - 9:50am

Elephant Seal Vista Point in San Simeon. Photo by Meghan Rose

My in-laws live in the Bay Area, so we make the trip up north several times a year, and whenever we can, we like to take our time and travel up the coast along the PCH and the 101. There are so many things to see and places to stop that a road trip up the PCH should be on every family's bucket list. There are kid friendly-activities and great food everywhere, not to mention hikes and places to explore the unique California landscape— including beaches filled with elephant seals, dinosaur caves, goat dairy farms, and hikes through Redwood Groves.

This is the perfect first family road trip because if you break the trip into a few days, the distances between destinations are easy for even little kids. So load up your device with great podcasts for kids, learn a few new road trip car games, and put rubber to the pavement with these must-see destinations for kids along the California coast!

Secrets of the LA Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 05/14/2021 - 9:46am

My family loves spending a day at the zoo. There are so many zoos around Southern California but for us, nothing beats the good old LA Zoo. It’s close by, appeals to kids of all ages, has great exhibits and programs, and even has a petting zoo where kids can get hands-on experience with animals. The LA Zoo also hosts amazing holiday activities, camps, and sleepovers. Over the years we’ve picked up a ton of helpful tips and secrets that make spending a day with the wildlife an easy and memorable experience for your family.

Located in the middle of Griffith Park, there are so many other things nearby for kids to do! The Autry Museum of the American West is right across the street, Travel Town is around the corner, and Shane's Inspiration (one of the best playgrounds in LA) is just down the street. So when you visit the LA Zoo, plan on spending the rest of the day exploring Griffith Park.

21 Things To Do in Manhattan Beach with Kids

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 11:21am

Kids can get up close to marine life. Photo courtesy of Roundhouse Aquarium

Though at first glance they're very similar, each of the Beach Cities in the South Bay has a distinct flavor and vibe. Manhattan Beach is considered the most family-friendly of the Beach Cities with some of the best schools in the country, over two miles of pristine beaches, and oodles of activities for kids and adults alike.

With spacious parks and nautical playgrounds, a compact and walkable downtown area by the beach, and a historic pier and aquarium, Manhattan Beach is a great city to experience with kids.

Best Amusement Parks Near Los Angeles for Preschoolers

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 05/09/2021 - 9:06am

Kids are in the drive seat at Pacific Park. Photo by Matt Matasci

Southern California is world-famous for family-friendly theme parks like Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, but the swoops and thrills of many of the rides can be too much for younger kids. That doesn't mean you have to wait until kids grow up to visit your favorite amusement park—you just need to know the secrets to finding the rides, play spaces, and dedicated spaces that are best for preschoolers. Also, the LA area has several amusement parks with gentle rides and tame attractions that provide just the right amount of thrills for toddlers and preschoolers.

Skip the uncertainty of wondering if an amusement park is age-appropriate for your preschooler with this handy guide, filled with insider tips and secrets to getting the most out of these theme parks with even the youngest members of the family.

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

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