Playing Your Way to a Better World at the Cayton Children’s Museum
Photo by Hannah Benet Those who prioritize play lead happier, more successful lives. This simple yet powerful tool for building our minds encourages new neural connections that lead to better critical thinking, problem-solving and overall learning. It also expands our worldview by understanding different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and a sense of belonging. As children grow, play builds resilience, helping them adapt to new situations and reducing stress. Plus, it is so much fun! At the Cayton, we understand the profound impact of play in fostering a deep love for self-discovery and exploration of the world around us. We...
Meet: Sonia Smith-Kang, Founder and Designer of Mixed Up Clothing
PHOTO COURTESY SONIA SMITH-KANG You have a wonderfully diverse background. Please share with us a little about your cultural background. Sure, I'm an AfroLatina and proud military brat born in Puerto Rico. After Puerto Rico, my family and I were stationed on the Hawaiian Island of O'ahu. I live in L.A. with my Korean American husband and our four children. What stands out most in your memory growing up? Growing up multicultural, what stands out the most has been calling different places home, taking in diverse cultures, eating various foods, listening to different music and being exposed to numerous traditions....
Dr. Judy Ho on ‘The New Rules of Attachment’
Judy Ho, PhD, ABPP, ABPdN, CFMHE. PHOTO COURTESY DR. HO Los Angeles-based Dr. Judy Ho, is a triple board-certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University and former host of "The Doctors." We recently had the opportunity to chat regarding her new book published this month, "The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision." Please tell us a little about why you wrote “The New Rules of Attachment” I wrote "The New Rules of Attachment" because I noticed that so many people’s self-defeating behavior...
5 SoCal Destinations to Experience Spring Blooms
PHOTO BY MARCIE GONZALEZ Looking for something fun to do with the family this spring break? Try a visit to a flower field or garden to experience the incredible spring blooms happening all over SoCal thanks to the recent rains. From California poppies to daffodils, we've rounded up five of our favorite spots to catch some spring colors. Temecula Valley Wineries PHOTO COURTESY VISIT TEMECULA Plan a day trip to Temecula Valley to see the stunning Wisteria trees, blooming in purples, pinks and whites throughout April and May. The cascading vines cover patios, walkways and gardens at the many Temecula...
April Book Corner: Books Inspired by True Stories
This month's book corner selection is perfect for young readers who are ready for a little more complexity behind their picture books. Each of these books are inspired by the events of true, real-life stories. The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle By Christy Cashman Author Christy Cashman crafts a story about kindness, inclusion, and acceptance, gaining inspiration from the true story of a brave monkey who saved the day at Kilkea Castle Ireland. In "The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle", Petri the monkey crowns himself king and learns the value of kindness. Readers can continue on Petri’s journey through Cashman’s second book...
Dino Valley Fans Will Roar for LEGOLAND’s Newest Attractions
Legoland Dinosaur costume record contest at LEGOLAND California on March 3, 2024. PHOTO BY SANDY HUFFAKER/ LEGOLAND On March 4, over a thousand Dino Valley fans dawned their dino attire and danced along to the LEGOLAND brass band at the California Resort’s dino dance party. The celebration commenced with two announcements: the reveal of Dino Valley’s newest costume character, Paleontologist Girl, and the official opening of Dino Valley Land, which is set for March 22 at the Carlsbad park. This new theme park addition features three thrilling rides, an interactive build-and-play area and prehistoric activities. Hop on a journey through...
L.A. County Students Win Big at C-SPAN’s StudentCam Competition
Third prize winners Jemma Eagle (left) and Taylor Shay (right). PHOTOS COURTESY C-SPAN MEDIA The next generation is often thought to be a source for hope and change. This year, C-SPAN, a private non-profit media affairs organization, returned for its 20th annual StudentCam competition, providing the space for youth to explore their potential. The theme, “Looking Forward While Considering the Past,” challenged L.A. area middle and high school students to address this theme through a futuristic prompt about important changes for America’s future or a reflective prompt about important changes that have occurred within the past 20 years in America's history. Applicants submitted...
Nicky Hilton Celebrates Launch of Exclusive ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Merchandise at Universal Studios Hollywood
PHOTOS BY HAMILTON PYTLUK/ COURTESY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD On March 16 fashion designer, model and mom of three, Nicky Hilton visited Universal Studios Hollywood with her daughter Teddy Rothschild to browse the latest collection of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” merchandise, which is only available at the Animation Studio Store inside the park and at Universal’s Cartooniversal store at Universal CityWalk. DreamWorks Animation’s mixed media pre-school series “Gabby’s Dollhouse” follows Gabby and the fun, creative adventures she goes on with her cat friends. The hit show has spawned an extensive line of toys, apparel and accessories like the popular cat ear headbands and...
Hop Into These Easter Events in L.A.
Greet the Easter Bunny and capture it all with beautiful photos. PHOTO COURTESY THE GROVE L.A. The days are stretching out longer and the temperatures are growing warmer, which means spring — and Easter — are right around the corner! Whether it be capturing a family photo with the Easter bunny, bringing your little ones to an egg hunt or enjoying a lavish brunch, these L.A. Easter events will help you and your family celebrate the holiday. Meet the Easter Bunny as he makes his way through L.A. What better way to begin your Easter festivities than with a photo...
Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
The family-friendly cross-country board game Ticket to Ride connects cities, friends and families. Now players of all ages can have fun cooking snacks, meals and more inspired by the iconic game. "Ticket to Ride: The Official Cookbook" features dining-car menus inspired by the various cities the game travels through. Try making New England Clam Chowder from Boston, Poutine from Montreal or West Coast recipes like California Roll, Guacamole and Chips and Baja Fish Tacos. Baja Fish Tacos Excerpted from Ticket to Ride™: The Official Cookbook. Copyright © 2024 Ulysses Press. Reprinted with permission from Ulysses Press. New York, NY. All...
Meet: The Painted Turtle
Here in Los Angeles, we’re blessed with dozens of summer-camp options for our kids. If your child is into coding or sports, comedy, theater or robotics, or almost anything else, chances are there is a great summer-camp program for them. You’ll find many of these listed in our Summer Camp Guide, which is a great tool for parents. In recent years, we’ve uncovered (and added) camps that offer leadership, international travel and much more. But The Painted Turtle is unique. It began as a dream in 1999 when Paul Newman and Page Adler, along with a group of other dedicated...
New In Town: Horizon Music Studio and owner Jessica Chen
Jessica Chen, owner of Horizon Music Studio. PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA CHEN Please tell us a little about yourself and why you started Horizon Music Studio. I’m a professional violinist and music educator, and it’s been my dream to start my own music studio for the last ten years, since I was studying music as an undergraduate student back in New York (where I grew up)! Since then, I’ve had so many beautiful opportunities to learn, perform, play and teach music all over the world and across the United States-- particularly in Colorado, where I went to graduate school for my...
Easy Easter Treat: Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies
Food blogger and founder of Tastes Better from Scratch Lauren Allen shares one of her family-friendly recipes from her new cookbook, "Tastes Better from Scratch: Easy Recipes for Everyday Life." These thick and chewy Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies make the perfect, easy Easter treat the whole family will love. Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 20 minutes Ingredients 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (good quality) , chopped2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract5 Tablespoons butter , room temperature1/2 cup light brown sugar , packed1/4 cup granulated sugar1 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking powder1/4...
St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Festivals and More
PHOTO COURTESY ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET Looking for a place to don your green? We've rounded up the best St. Patrick's Day parades, festivals and celebrations happening this weekend in L.A. and the surrounding areas. From a bagpipe band to balloon art to green beer-themed happy hours, everyone in your family can partake in St. Patrick's Day festivities. Looking for more weekend fun? Check out our calendar of events, which we update daily. St. Patrick's Day Events St. Patrick's Day at SeaWorld 11:30am - 9:00pm Fri, Mar 15 - 17 | SeaWorldSeaWorld is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with three days full...
Best Easter Gifts
These recent NAPPA Award winners are wonderful Easter and anytime gifts. PEEPS® Bunny Eggmazing Egg Decorator This whimsical bunny-shaped decorator holds and spins hard-boiled eggs. Using the included vibrantly colored, non-toxic markers, kids create custom, colorful Easter eggs without the mess. $27.99, ages 3+, heybuddyheypal.com BIZYBOO Easter Hide ‘N’ Seek Busy Bags A perfect mess-free, on-the-go and low-fuss companion. Using both written and visual prompts found on an attached card, children will have a blast prodding and shifting the beads around, seeking out the Easter objects. $9.99, ages 2+, vangotoys.com Sprinx – My Bumpas Weighted Character Helps promote a sense of security,...
Miracles for Kids Celebrates 20 Years of Community Support
The only way an organization can continue helping others and serving its mission is through support from others. Individuals, businesses and organizations in the community choosing to support the non-profit charity help make it possible for them to continue their work. Miracles for Kids is celebrating 20 years of community support that has helped the organization continue its mission of helping children with life-threatening illnesses. "The ongoing support we get from the community is everything," explains Autumn Strier, co-founder of Miracles for Kids. "We could not do what we do without the support we have received over the last 20...
5 Family-Friendly SoCal Harbor Havens
Ventura Harbor Village is your one-stop destination for harbor fun.PHOTO BY DAN HARDING If you’re looking for a summer adventure that incorporates play, learning and much-needed cool breezes, look no further than some harbor-based family fun. Nearby harbors are a special way to create life-long memories while exploring nature on land and on sea — with some museums, shopping and eating thrown in for good measure. Here are five of the best the region has to offer you and your family. Road trip Take a picturesque drive an hour up the coast to Oxnard and Channel Islands Harbor. Enjoy classic...
Managing Showbiz Kids: The Challenges and the Joys
Pamela Warner knows first hand about managing showbiz kids. Her son is the award-winning actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on "The Cosby Show." Warner's book, "A Parent's Guide to Managing Showbiz Kids," was released in February. The mission of the book is to assist parents in navigating the multifaceted world of working in the world of entertainment. Please tell us a little about why you wrote “A Parent’s Guide to Managing Showbiz Kids.” I wrote “A Parents Guide to Managing Showbiz Kids” to empower parents who desired to have their children in show business....
March/April L.A. Parent Overview
Welcome to our March/April 2024 issue of L.A. Parent magazine, which is all about fostering a love of nature and nurture! In this issue: Five Animal-Themed Summer Camps: Your kids will learn how to care for animals and the environment Grooming Young Birders: How birdwatching can transform your child’s life and family bonding Cooking through Grief: Navigating loss one recipe at a time Scenic River Cruises: A family-friendly adventure in France Napa Valley: Wine country is best savored slowly and with family Editor’s Note: Mothering is always in season We Love It: A few of our editors’ favorites Community News:...
Reimagining the Griffith Park Pony Rides Site
Los Angeles city officials are working to reimagine the now-closed pony ride site at Griffith Park that, for 74 years, was a beloved place for kids and families. And they are looking for input from the community to help with this mission. The Griiffith Park Pony Rides program was the largest pony ride operation in the U.S., offering pony rides for children aged 1-14, as well as a party corral for private events. That all changed when, in December of 2022, a contract between the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) and the concessionaire who oversaw the operation...
Meet Caprice Crane: L.A. mom and Hollywood writer
We recently caught up with Caprice Crane, Los Angeles-based writer, mom and founder of Royal Orchard Clothing, to talk about growing up in Hollywood, her writing career and being a mom. Caprice Crane with her twins. PHOTO COURTESY BRANDY YI You grew up in Hollywood with a famous Hollywood family. Please tell us a little about your childhood years and growing up in L.A. Growing up in L.A. was really wonderful. We lived in what felt like a magical neighborhood in the hills, on a private street surrounded by nature. It was mostly just me and my mom [renowned film,...
We Love It: A Few of Our Editor’s Favorite Toys and Books for Kids
Bababoo and Friends Horse Stable Play World Merge the power of storytelling and traditional playtime with this beautifully crafted wooden set that encourages caring and kindness. Includes horse stables and horse showers, play figures, horse obstacles, universal rail tracks and three vehicles. $63.99, ages 2+, us.bababooandfriends.com Rubik’s Sensory Cube Feel the colors with this unique 3x3 cube that has six distinguishable tactile markings for each color. Designed to enable visually impaired and unsighted users or those who enjoy the challenge of solving the cube by feel alone. Launched in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind. $12.99, ages 8+, amazon.com Share...
Helping Your Kids Navigate Friendships
Friendship. When it’s right, our kids feel seen, supported and connected. But when so-called friendships veer towards jealousy, disrespect and manipulation, they can make children feel sad and inadequate. Watching our children go through tough peer relationships can be heartbreaking, while also evoking a sense of helplessness. We want our kids to move through life with confidence, connecting with their peers in fun and healthy ways as they build strong and mutually respectful relationships. But we don’t always know when to step in. Suzanne Silverstein is founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program. PHOTO COURTESY CEDARS-SINAI I reached out...
Editor’s Note: Mothering is Always in Season
Ah, spring. In SoCal, we are not shoveling the last of winter’s snow from our driveways or marveling at nature’s first buds piercing through frost, but, even here, spring ushers in a shift we can feel in our bones. I like to begin preparing for this seasonal change in February (after the excitement of the new year cools) by ramping up my health and fitness goals, sketching out three-, six- and 12-month plans and staying on top of my son’s second semester progress. Cassandra Lane was the featured National African American Read-In author at Tarrant County College in the Dallas-Fort...
Cooking Through Grief
The term “grief ritual” is a relatively new one to me, although it seems I have practiced such rituals for years. I’m grateful to a random Instagram grief writer (whose feed I can no longer find) for equipping me with the words that have evaded me for the last 16 years. Grief rituals can be described as intentional actions that work to assuage the feelings of grief that envelop someone after loss. I had no idea that death would be such a constant companion in my adult life, but in the deepest throes of my grief, rituals are what save me again...
John Lithgow Explores the Power of Arts Education in L.A.
In the forthcoming PBS special “Art Happens Here with John Lithgow,” actor, author, humorist and renowned performer John Lithgow will share his passion for arts education by joining students and teachers at four organizations in the L.A. area. Lithgow and the participants will dive into four arts disciplines: dance, ceramics, silk-screen printing and vocal jazz ensemble. Celebrating how arts education nurtures and inspires the hearts and minds of students of all ages, the show follows Lithgow as he tries his hand at singing, dancing, printmaking and pottery, working alongside and learning from young people whose lives are being transformed by...
Chef Roy Choi Partners with Intuit Inc to Cook Up Something New
The pipeline from school to graduation to stepping foot into the workforce is never linear. The world we live in is a constant bombardment of networking, Glass Door postings and LinkedIn connections with budding social media influencers and corporate ladder climbers alike. There’s no denying the influx of resources that help people find jobs, but what about learning the practical skills to get there? Intuit Inc., the global financial technology platform you may recognize from pulling out the Turbo Tax disc to file your yearly taxes, has created an innovative and exciting solution to this gap in high school education....
Nurturing Young Birders
Something wondrous happened during the pandemic. Kids began to notice — really notice— the nature that’s always surrounded them. Many became transfixed by what they found in their own backyards: birds of all sizes, shapes, colors and songs thriving in mini ecosystems of plants, insects and other creatures. And they discovered something equally as precious: a sense of awe, calm, focus and curiosity about the natural world. To gain some insight into how these new discoveries are changing young people’s daily lives and, in some cases, long-term futures, I recently joined them out in the wilds of L.A. County. Their...
Scenic River Cruising: A Family-Friendly Adventure in France
Monet’s Garden in Giverny. PHOTOS BY MIMI SLAWOFF It was drizzling as we slipped on ponchos and prepared to ride e-bikes to the garden of one of the world’s greatest artists: Claude Monet. “Come on, mom,” my son Michael said, motioning for me to follow. I was hesitant about riding in the rain, but my worries were for naught. The skies soon cleared as our group of seven rode along the banks of the Seine to Monet’s house and garden in Vernon-Giverny. Pedaling to Monet’s Garden was among the many exciting port stops during our 11-night Normandy & Gems of...
Helping Your Kids Navigate Friendships
Friendship. When it’s right, our kids feel seen, supported and connected. But when so-called friendships veer towards jealousy, disrespect and manipulation, they can make children feel sad and inadequate. Watching our children go through tough peer relationships can be heartbreaking, while also evoking a sense of helplessness. We want our kids to move through life with confidence, connecting with their peers in fun and healthy ways as they build strong and mutually respectful relationships. But we don’t always know when to step in. I reached out to Suzanne Silverstein, a registered art therapist and founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share...
Family recipes shine bright at Nong Lá Vietnamese Cafe
A colorful and tasty spread at Nong Lá Vietnamese Café. PHOTO BY DISHNOMIC Many moons ago, when life was all about hanging out with friends as soon as the workday wrapped, Elaine Phuong invited me to her home in Culver City to try her mother’s cooking. It was a dinner party, a taste test and a pop-up event all in one, with steaming bowls of pho, crispy fried egg rolls and more delivered to about a dozen guests gathered around the table. The dishes we tried — each one seemingly more flavorful and delicious than the last — eventually became...
Private School Village Expands Access for Underrepresented Students
Private School Village students enjoy a back-to-school picnic. PHOTOS COURTESY PRIVATE SCHOOL VILLAGE When Lisa Johnson attended a private school in Atlanta as a youth, she experienced racial and social isolation, a lack of cultural affirmation and countless microaggressions. When she enrolled her children in a Los Angeles private school decades later, her oldest child’s experiences, starting as early as kindergarten, mirrored hers. Johnson was dismayed, but she was also determined to foster change for Black and brown students in private schools. In 2018, she founded Private School Village (PSV), an organization designed to help Black and brown students in...
5 Animal-Themed Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love
Humane education is the goal of spcaLA: Friends for Life Summer Camp. PHOTO COURTESY SPCALA In my home, the pets outnumber the humans. Our furry friends’ cuddles, goofiness and unconditional love support us through our days and connect us as a family. And studies show that interacting with animals decreases levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and boosts our moods, so any time spent with animals is a good time. PHOTO COURTESY SPCALA This is why an animal-themed summer camp can be a great option for our kids. Whether your children love marine life, exotic animals or want to spend...
March Book Corner: Easing Worries and Stress
Spring into the month of March by keeping your little one's anxieties at bay with this selection of books. Oh Olive: Oh No! A Thunderstorm By Kelley G. Lamm Children's fear of stormy weather conditions is put at ease in Lamm's latest work, "Oh Olive: Oh No! A Thunderstorm." Young readers learn to embrace their fears and leap towards their dreams with courage alongside Olive as he grows from pup to canine. Isabella Brouster's vibrant illustrations capture the emotions that are intrinsic to humans and animals alike. Ages 4-8. The Drama Llama By Rachel Morrisroe Children begin to learn the...
Celebrate Women’s History Month in L.A.
Have a girl’s night out at ¡DAMAS! at Segerstrom Center for the Arts on Mar. 22. PHOTO COURTESY SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS March is Women's History Month and this year's theme is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." One way to celebrate Women's History Month in L.A. is with these events for kids, teens, tweens and adults. From pop-ups celebrating women-owned businesses to kid-friendly crafts and films, these local events are a great jumping-off point to talk with your children about women's accomplishments and contributions to politics, science, art, literature and beyond. Smorgasburg x Art Share L.A....
3 Simple Summer Science and Engineering Projects For Kids
Time passes different at summer camp. It’s a year each time you go back, yet it’s like you’ve never left. Presented by Stratford School Learning should not stop when a child leaves the classroom. In fact, the driving philosophy of STEAM schools is rooted in instructing children using real-life scenarios and experiences. As a parent, you can expand your child’s education far beyond the classroom with some easy and fun STEAM-related projects at home. If your child is partial to engineering, there are some simple engineering projects for kids that you can do with them at home when school...