Family Fun
‘Frozen’ at the Hollywood Pantages is like a Warm Hug
If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday family outing, I have just the place – the Hollywood Pantages Theatre to see the Disney Theatrical Production of “Frozen,” with performances through Feb. 2. TheFrozen North American tour stars Caroline Bowman and Caroline Innerbichler as Elsa and Anna, sisters with a mysterious family secret. My daughter and I so enjoyed the […]
Declutter During the Holidays
It seems that even before the Christmas songs start on the radio, the hourly emails come pouring in about the steals and deals for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Ads appear on TV for the must-wants and the kids start writing their lists for the must-haves. The messaging this time of year […]
How to Disconnect from Work and Reconnect with Your Family During the Holidays
We’re all guilty of it – only being half present when we’re with our families over the holidays. Maybe you’ve found yourself sneaking off to a quiet room to answer a few work emails or taking multiple work-related calls. If so, you’re not alone. Americans have a hard time disconnecting once on holiday vacation, and […]
Our 7 Favorite December Events for L.A. Families
Top events this month take you to the aquarium, the circus, a family festival of lights, the land of Peanuts, the snow, the stage and the world of PJ Masks.
Lights! Chill! Cheer! Where to Find Holiday Lights, Skating and Snow in L.A.
Sunny L.A. weather runs counter to the festive vibe of the winter holidays. Without bare trees, snowy streets and a good reason to snuggle up next to the fireplace with peppermint hot chocolate and a candy cane, finding the spirit of the season can be a challenge. Luckily, a flurry of activities and events around Southern […]
Beyond Holiday Shopping
We all know that L.A.’s malls will host Santa and his friends this month for wish list requests and special snaps, but what about the holiday extras? We’ve compiled a handy list of tree lightings, musical performances, cozy crafts, special deals and pet-friendly fun so you can make the most of the season at your […]
The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and Holiday Family Theater in Los Angeles
We’ve come to the season when sugar plum fairies, Scrooge and Santa populate Southern California theaters. Here’s where to find them – plus Snow White, Peter Pan and other holiday surprises. A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK Local productions of “The Nutcracker” are too numerous for a complete listing here (check our Calendar for more), but […]
History, Hiking and Good Times in Santa Clarita
After our third child, Megan, was born in 1995, we moved from Burbank to Valencia, one of four communities (including Newhall, Canyon Country and Saugus) in the city of Santa Clarita. Our kids grew up riding bikes on tree-lined paseos, hiking on local mountain trails and attending great schools within walking distance of our home. While Valencia […]
A Wonderful Life in Hollywood: How Dads Cope During the Holidays
Now that it’s dark at 5 p.m. and traffic seems to have gotten infinitely worse overnight, I find myself in the holiday mood. In L.A., there’s no apparent reason for this feeling. The weather is still sunny, the hills are still a bit fire-scorched, but some of the trees have fall colors and at least one radio station is playing nonstop holidays jams […]
An Emerald Island Christmas
The Christmas spirit in Ireland seems to have spilled over, with several holiday-themed concerts exported to SoCal. “Christmas with The Celts,” which comes to the La Mirada Theatre (www.lamiradatheatre.com) at 3 p.m. Dec. 22, is based on the popular PBS program of the same name. This show combines Irish carols and contemporary Christmas songs with spirited […]
New Year’s Eve, Family Style
Ring in 2020 as a family on New Year’s Eve – or even New Year’s Eve day. Preserve your little one’s early bedtime with a Noon Year’s Eve celebration. The party at The Children’s Museum at La Habra (www.lhcm.org), from 10 a.m.-noon, includes DJ music, themed crafts and a balloon drop at noon for $12. […]
Tween Time: Hitting the Wall
When is a wall more than just something to hold up a ceiling? Take your tweens to these local spots to find out. The Annenberg Space for Photography’s fascinating “W|ALLS: Defend, Divide, and the Divine” (www. annenbergphotospace.org) exhibit’s photographs use walls to take a multisided look at society, politics and history. The exhibit, on view […]
Feliz, Feliz Navidad
Here are four ways to add a Mexican flavor to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy a merry Christmas concert with the return of the “Merry-Achi Christmas” to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (www.cerritoscenter.com) Dec. 6 and 7. Topping the bill is the 14-person ensemble Sol de México de José Hernández, the first mariachi band […]
Disney Frozen and On Ice
You can forecast a “Frozen” December for Southern California – at least where entertainment is concerned. On Dec. 4, the hotly anticipated stage adaptation of “Frozen” arrives at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre (www.hollywoodpantages.com/frozen), running Tues.-Sat. through Feb. 2. The Broadway musical features songs from the film and new numbers by the movie’s award-winning songwriters, Kristen […]
A Dreidel in Time – A New Spin on an Old Tale
Fans of “Magic Tree House” will love “A Dreidel in Time” by Marcia Berneger with illustrations by Beatriz Castro (ages 7+), which transports readers via a magical dreidel to when Hanukkah began. When the grandparents of 9-year-old Benjamin and his 12-yearold sister, Devorah, visit on Hanukkah, the siblings hope to receive gifts. Instead, they’re offered a large, […]
Cayton Museum Launches Free Access Initiative
Through a partnership with Entertainment One (eOne), Cayton Children’s Museum has launched a free admission program for low-income families. The Free Access Initiative from eOne grants access for up to 10,000 visitors through July 31, 2020, and is part of eOne’s commitment to create everlasting childhood memories through its celebrated family-friendly brands, including “Peppa Pig,” “PJ Masks” and “Ricky Zoom.” Families (up to six people per group, per visit) […]
Smart Holiday Shopping for Kids on the Autism Spectrum
Parents and other loved ones who provide holiday gifts for children with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual and developmental challenges may or may or may not know that there is special care that can be taken when making gift choices. Those with children or relatives on the spectrum can follow a few guidelines to make the […]
Easier Holiday Travel with Disabilities and Special Needs
The season of celebrations is here, and traveling to visit family and friends can be part of the joy of the holidays. It can also be challenging for those with disabilities and special needs. With a bit of advance planning, though, families can smooth the path to holiday cheer. For those on the autism spectrum, […]
Cabin Fever Remedies
It’s the time of year when Angelenos long for a little cocoon time. Unlike most of the rest of the country, we sun-drenched SoCal residents actually crave cabin fever! But we like it in our particular way. Cabin retreats? Sure, if they include saunas, breathtaking views and enough comfort. We’ve got you covered with unique […]
Go With the Flow on a Family River Rafting Adventure
We Angelenos are always on the go, so whenever an opportunity to unplug from technology and spend a glorious day out in nature with my family presents itself, I jump at the chance. For this particular get- away, we decided to try an outdoor activity we had yet to experience as a family: white-water rafting […]
Family Exploration in the Yucatán Peninsula
About 65 feet underground in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, my family and I recently swam in a cold river flowing through one of the region’s many cenotes – collapsed portions of caves – considered sacred by the Maya people. As we navigated the cave single file through narrow passages, our guide explained that to the Maya, […]
Let the Birthday Parties Begin
My son Hank, who is in transitional kindergarten now, likes to ride his scooter to his new school. With our toddler, Leo, in tow, my wife, Kate, and I rush to keep up. On a recent morning, hot coffee spurted out of our mugs and onto our wrists as we raced after the 5-year-old. Hank […]
Sunday Fundays at the Wallis
Maybe you’ve spent a Sunday at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (www.thewallis.org), dancing along with the free Dance Sunday program led by Debbie Allen and friends or giggling with one of the frequent free performances by the Story Pirates. This season, the Wallis has added a third to these two programs to […]
A Weekend Date in Carmel
On the second Friday of the school year, my husband and I hit the road for a 330-mile road trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, that jewel of California that sits on the Monterey Peninsula. It’s always hard leaving your kid, but we had equipped my mother-in-law with detailed instructions on afternoon pickup and our complicated TV remote […]
Hilton-Disneyland Staycation a Refreshing Option for Locals, Too
With Disneyland practically in our backyards, we locals hop in our cars to spend a day or evening at the park before returning to reality, but SoCal Hilton Hotels want you to make like tourists and plan a Hilton-Disney staycation. They’re even offering hotel guests discounts to the park. Through the end of 2019, Hilton […]
Playa Vista: A Date in the Neighborhood
The excitement leading up to my pre-planned solo date was pretty intense. Then again, it always is. I try to balance the demands of life with little local get-aways that allow me solitude and self-care. Usually, I go for lunch and a movie or visit a bookstore and a cafe. This time, I decided I’d […]
Spin Wax with DJ Blackarach
Even if it’s been eons since you were in the classroom, consider becoming a student of something new now that you’ve got the kids settled back into their school rhythm. For this year’s creative parenthood idea, we recommend you “be a DJ for a day” under the master-spinning tutelage of Burt Blackarach, a Grammy-winning engineer […]
What’s New on Catalina Island
Catalina Island is consistently named one of the favorite nearby island getaways for families— and for good reason. With a rich history and laid-back vibe, Catalina is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Always evolving to entertain visitors, Catalina is celebrating its 125th anniversary with new and improved restaurants, hotels, trailheads, museums […]
Theater Company Hosts Boot Camp for Kids with Cancer
Dean Productions Theatre Company is jumping into its fifth season of free, family-friendly shows with the Shakespearean classic “King Lear,” which will be performed this fall in front of Brand Library in Glendale. While there are many companies that offer free Shakespeare in the park, what makes this one unique is its dedication to working with pediatric cancer patients and their […]
Kids for Change: LA Opera Helps Kids Dream Big
The LA Opera Camp for kids offered the perfect meaningful end-of-summer experiences for nearly 80 campers this year. And on Aug. 3, those students got the chance to showcase the performance they’d been practicing at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: “Then I Stood Up: A Civil Rights Cycle.” Over the summer, campers learned about the importance […]
A Late Night in Alhambra
Alhambra and Monterey Park are both famous with foodies for having some of the best Asian eateries not only in Southern California, but in all of North America. Dispatches on these venues are part of what made Jonathan Gold the first food writer to ever win the Pulitzer Prize. My wife and I live in […]
From an L.A. Dojo to Japan
Our oldest daughter, Ava, was 5 the first time she noticed an upper-grade classmate wearing a crisp, white gi with a white belt as she hurried from school to karate class with her mother. Pointing in their direction and whispering, “Mommy, loooooook,” Ava was instantly transfixed. I figured she was more impressed with the gi […]
Labor Day Getaways
As summer draws to a close, many of us (kids and parents alike) have difficulty stepping into a routine once again. Luckily, there’s one saving grace for those of us who want to experience summer fun before it’s gone for good: Labor Day weekend. “Labor Day weekend is always a great time to snag deals on […]
Open Captioning Comes to the Pasadena Playhouse
The 100-year-old Pasadena Playhouse is reaching out to theater lovers who are deaf or hard of hearing with a new assistive option this fall. In partnership with not-for-profit theater support organization TDF, the playhouse will add open-captioning technology to each of its five mainstage plays and musicals during the 2019-2020 season. One performance of each […]
Go Retro for a Back-to-School Film Fest
As a latchkey kid of the ’80s, I enjoyed summers that were far from over-scheduled. I watched soap operas, fried my skin with friends at the beach and never, ever missed $2 Tuesday movie night at the local theater. We’d pay for the 6 p.m. show, sneak into the 8 p.m. show and eat popcorn […]
Beat the Summer Heat … L.A. Style
For the first few days in July, summer in L.A. felt more like summer in San Francisco. Sometimes June gloom takes an unwavering hold over the city, continuing well into July. It’s all par for the course when you live near the great air conditioner unit, we call the Pacific Ocean. It can be a […]
Go Downtown and Take to the Skies
It started in modern-L.A. fashion. I was on time for 6 a.m. sunrise yoga at OUE Skyspace LA, having made the drive to downtown Los Angeles from Altadena in traffic-free time, parked in the convenient garage (Westlawn Parking Garage) on Flower Street next to Central Library and climbed one flight of the lovely Bunker Hill […]
Hot-Air Adventure at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
It’s 4:30 a.m., and the alarm is squawking. You are – on purpose – shaking the kiddos out of their warm beds as they moan and complain. Begrudgingly, they pull on warm layers and gloves while the grownups grab blankets and snacks. “Is this going to be worth it?” you wonder aloud as you cajole […]
This Boutique Airline is Autism Certified
A couple of years ago, Alex Wilcox was on a business trip when he encountered a family with a child on the autism spectrum. The child was so distraught by the sights, sounds and overall airport experience that it was impossible for the family to board the plane. As co-founder and CEO of airline JetSuiteX, […]
Dream, Explore, Create in Octavia Lab
The library was once the place we ventured to research, study, check out books. Along came the internet, and some of us began viewing libraries as halls of dusty irrelevance. In response, the Los Angeles Public Library has for some time positioned itself as a hub of state-of-the-art technology and learning, and its latest foray […]
Tips for Healthy Summer Travel
Summer is the time to get outdoors and travel. Whether your family is headed for the beach, the mountains or even venturing overseas, smart preparation goes a long way toward helping to ensure a safe and healthy vacation. Here are some preventive health measures and treatment tips to help family members enjoy their time away […]
Taking the Road Less Traveled
We Angelenos love our cars (there are almost 8 million of them on our roads), but if you dig a little deeper, you can find many other fun ways to travel, particularly if you have a husband and son to entertain – and tire out. Here’s my take on anything but a road trip with […]
Smorgasburg LA: Opening Up Taste Buds and Business Opportunities
In 2009, my husband and I left our beloved West Adams neighborhood in L.A. and moved to the ’burbs so that I could be closer to a new job in Cerritos. I salivated over my 15-minute commute but desperately missed being in the “center of it all,” particularly the vibrant literary, artistic and culinary communities […]
Anthony Alabi: on Family, Fatherhood and Failure
For four years, Anthony Alabi lived what many would consider the NFL dream. He played offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. After those stints, another team was angling for him, but Alabi was already in L.A., pursuing a different dream that had been with him since childhood: acting. It was 2010 […]
L.A. by Foot: Exploring Walkable Neighborhoods
My boys are at the age now where we can take neighborhood walks without strollers. Hank, who’s 4, either runs at full velocity down the sidewalk or saunters at varying speeds, zigzagging this way and that as he checks out every flowery bush or squirrel-infested tree we pass. “Hey, Henry, try one speed and in […]
9 Family-Friendly Wineries
Separating “grown-up time” from parenting is crucial to creating a healthy life balance, but today’s busy parents often yearn to include their kids in their recreational activities. According to the Wine Institute, travel and wine-tasting with the little ones is on the rise. That’s good news for those of us who love wineries– and there are […]
Review: Disney’s ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’
Like so many Star Wars fans, I eagerly awaited the May 31 opening of Disneyland’s new “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” I recently got my chance to visit the park and its new land, set on the planet Batuu, a busy marketplace and trading post in an uncharted region called the Outer Rim. At the beginning […]
Legoland Turns 20; Still an Escape for Families
Legoland is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, and it’s still a perfect and fun weekend getaway for L.A. families.
Ladies’ Day Out at Third & Fairfax
One of my favorite lunch spots is The Original Farmers Market, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. No matter what food I’m craving, I usually find it there. With more than 100 grocers, retailers and restaurants, and year-round activities, it’s also where I like to bring out-of-town guests. My visiting friend Kim Orlando […]
John Ratzenberger: Seasoned Actor’s Work Spans Generations
You and your parents probably remember John Ratzenberger as the know-it-all mailman and bar regular Cliff Clavin on the hit TV show “Cheers,” but your kids have never heard of him. At least, not by those names. Depending on their ages, they may know him as the animated voices of Mack in “Cars,” P.T. Flea […]
Family Fun Around Orlando and Florida’s Space Coast
Think of Orlando and you might think of everything you can probably visit and do much cheaper right here in sunny, Southern California. Disneyland? Check. Universal Studios? Check. Surfing? Double check. Why go all the way to Florida to do what we can do right here? Two words: space coast. And that’s just the beginning. […]
Go Wild in L.A. This Summer With an NHM Guide
The words “wild L.A.” might conjure images of Hollywood celebrities and lavish parties, but this story is about the flora and fauna that exist in our urban sprawl. In the book “Wild LA: Explore The Amazing Nature In And Around Los Angeles” by Lila Higgins and Gregory B. Pauly with Jason G. Goldman and Charles […]
Marvels of Representation
When my son Noah managed to discover his early 5th birthday present, an authentic special-edition Miles Morales Spider-Man costume, the look on his face proved the costume was well worth the $40, plus shipping and handling. After seeing the animated movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” he came home and told me, “I really am Spider-Man, […]
A Day of Relaxation and Rejuvenation in Westlake Village
We moms know to-do lists well. Keep going, keep doing. Take care of everyone and every project – that’s the mom life. But recently, I’ve been granting myself permission to embrace a different mindset: Treat yourself; no guilt allowed. Trust me: Your mind, body and especially your family will thank you for it. For my […]
Leo del desierto: Toddlers in the Desert
Some kids don’t mind the heat. But mine, when the sun beats down just right on their porcelain little foreheads (we’re the descendants of peoples that dealt mainly with dark Brittonic clouds that nay bent to the sun’s relenting power), melt into cranky, lifeless puddles. This is what keeps us on the Westside. So why […]
HBO’s ‘FOSTER’ Reveals Complexity of Foster Care in L.A.
L.A. has the largest county foster-care system in the U.S., and an engaging new documentary explores it from the inside. “FOSTER” was written and directed by Mark Jonathan Harris and produced by Deborah Oppenheimer, the pair that worked together on the Oscar-winning documentary “Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport.” That movie told […]
Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle
With the castle as the projection screen, the World of Harry Potter comes alive in a way that is even more multidimensional than watching one of the Harry Potter movies on a theater screen.
See D.C. With the Family in Five Days
Washington, D.C. is well known for its monuments and lawmakers, but there’s much more to the area than its statues and politicians. Ask Washingtonians, and we’ll rattle off a list of our favorite bits of history, neighborhood restaurants, museums, theaters and parks. The Trust for Public Land’s 2018 ParkScore ranks Washington, D.C. third and nearby […]
Dodger Season! It’s Time for … a Date in Echo Park
Sometimes, as parents, we have to squeeze a quick date in after school drop-off. Such was my treat on a recent Wednesday after I dropped my son off at his school near Dodger Stadium. I used to work for the Dodgers, and one of my favorite ways to take a break from Blue Heaven was […]
Just Say Yes to ‘No More Poems’
Life on the road led Americana singer-songwriter Rhett Miller to write his first book, a collection of children’s poems entitled “No More Poems” The poems, however, weren’t inspired by wild rock band escapades (except maybe for “Stinky Mouth You”). They were created as a way for Miller to extend his Facetime conversations with his two […]
Good Food, Culture and Pampering on the Hill
Growing up with a mom who is a great home-cook-turned-chef, I learned not to be surprised when a restaurant’s food doesn’t stack up to Mom’s cooking. Still, even with our discerning palates, my little sister Bobbie and I were excited to visit the bustling intersection of Overhill Drive and Slauson Avenue for our Date with […]
A Parent’s Ode to Kidspace
L.A. isn’t often described as a “beautiful city,” which is to say that no writer would rank it among towns such as San Francisco or Paris. OK, sure, there’s the Riviera of Malibu, the exquisite beaches of the South Bay, the golden oak-laden hills of the Verdugos and the lush residential canyons that make up […]
Living the Pop-Star Dream in Punta Cana
A family vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana includes a KIDZ BOP fan experience as part of the all-inclusive package. Expose kids to music early, and a river of melodies and beats is likely to course through their blood for a lifetime. A lullaby or Beethoven can calm them when they’re […]
Historic and Hip, Pasadena is a Romantic Treasure
By Mimi Slawoff To celebrate our anniversary, my husband Bruce and I headed for the storybook town that sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains: Pasadena. Rich with greenery, architectural charm, art and all manner of restaurants, Pasadena is a great place to spend a day with your valentine. Explore the Pasadena Playhouse […]
Great Escapes for Grown-Ups
By Sherri McGee McCovey Let’s face it: Parents need time to relax and recharge without the kids, even if it’s just overnight. Whether you are new parents nervous to be far away or seasoned veterans in need of a weekend getaway, you can’t miss with a visit to these luxe, yet budget-friendly, Southern California hotels, […]
Journeying Through L.A.’s Art Scene With Kids
My 4-year-old, Hank, and I watched a local news story the other day about award-winning class paintings rendered by kindergarteners. “I guess that’s not bad for 5-year-olds,” I said. “Why is this on TV, Dada?” asked Hank. He loves to draw, and I proudly cherish all of his renderings (to be saved in perpetuity like […]
Vintage Family Fun and Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley
Angelenos may have to contend with traffic on a daily basis, but in one car-related respect we’re lucky; there are so many cool destinations within a just few hours drive. My husband, kids and I recently took advantage of this and visited the Santa Ynez Valley. Known for farms and wineries, the relaxed, picturesque region […]
A Dozen Fun Things to do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is so pretty it could have been invented for Instagram. There’s a Mad Men wink at every turn thanks to its midcentury architecture, hot springs and vintage boutiques. However, because of the city’s reputation as an adult playground, it’s often shunned by families – which is a shame because it offers wonderful nature […]
Escape L.A. in San Francisco and Half Moon Bay
Family travel to San Francisco and Half Moon Bay offers the chance to explore a new city, and nature.
A Quick Guide to San Diego for All Ages
San Diego has long been a favorite family-friendly getaway for Angelenos – and we looked into all the reasons why. Between the sun, surf and world-class attractions, we found something fun for everyone – of all ages. If you’re looking for a home base, Paradise Point Resort boasts 44 acres of lush grounds, five pools, […]
The Great Ice-scape, or How I Learned to Let My Kids Love the Snow
My boys loathe the cold. My boys loathe the heat, too, but since it’s January and about as chilly as it’s going to get here in L.A., I’ll focus on the cold. Hank, who’s 4, has always been more curious about the weather than willing to be out in it. “Tell me more about these […]
Truman’s Adventure: A Parakeet, a Dog and a Family Explore L.A.
As a resident of the city that everyone loves to hate (including many of those who live here), it’s refreshing to see works that encourage us to embrace L.A. In her new children’s book, “Truman’s Los Angeles Adventure,” Barbara Dourmashkin, originally from New York but now living in L.A. with her husband and their two […]
Where to Go Whale Watching in SoCal This Season
From late December into early April, Pacific gray whales migrate down the Pacific coast to Baja California Sur, Mexico and then back up to Alaska, giving Southern California a great chance to view these majestic ocean mammals. In Oxnard (visitoxnard.com), Island Packers and Channel Islands Sportfishing Center offer daily outings. In the L.A. area, you […]
Defying Gravity and Disabilities with iFLY
Who hasn’t imagined what it would be like to fly? To break free of the bonds of Earth and float upward? The folks at iFLY at Universal Studios CityWalk have been making that happen for folks for more than a decade. For the past year, they’ve been flying those who not only want to overcome […]
Travel: Yes, You Can!
Planning a vacation when someone in your family has a disability presents challenges. Christi Oliver is more familiar with this than most. “We often travel with three or four generations of relatives, so all of our travel has to be appropriate and engaging for everyone, whether they’re 6 months old or 16, grandparents, sometimes great-grandparents […]
Take a Snow Day!
Snow days in L.A.? You bet! SoCal’s mountains get lots of snow and are within day-tripping distance of L.A. You can reach the fluffy white stuff in a couple of hours, have plenty of time for making snow angels and snowmen, sledding and tubing and be back home by bedtime. Swap your flip-flops for snow […]
Making Memories at Monarch Beach Resort
You know those mom moments when you think to yourself, This is something I will always remember? A three-day getaway with my daughter Emily before she headed back to college to begin her junior year was packed with those moments. When we were planning our end-of-the-summer mini vacation, we had specific requirements. We were looking […]
Burbank: Studios, Nature, Old Charm
Growing up in Burbank, I saw it evolve from a one-theater town (the Cornell Theatre, demolished in 1980) and the quaint downtown pedestrian Golden Mall to a sophisticated city with mega movie theaters, shopping centers and plenty of dining options. Yet, with pockets of historic restaurants and quirky boutiques, my hometown retains a charming small-town […]
Family Travel: Living it Up in Death Valley
“I’m allowed to eat the dirt?” my son asks, an incredulous look on his face. I nod and explain that the white ground we’re standing on is not dirt but, rather, salt, and the friendly park ranger said a wee taste was fine. With that, my son pops a pinch in his mouth and the […]
Best Ski Towns in the West
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned skier, you’ll find some of the best ski areas in the American West. The rugged Rocky and Sierra Nevada mountains have light, fluffy snow and varied terrain. Equally fun: après-ski winter activities in ski towns steeped in pioneer and mining history. These are our picks for best-in-the-west ski towns […]
Family Travel: Cruising to Alaska
Invited to cruise to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder, I was skeptical and a little frightened. I’ve long harbored a fear of ships and seaplanes, but, thanks to Alaska, I might end up on another cruise. Disney Wonder is luxurious and offers plenty to do – for parents and kids alike. And the routine and […]
The Parks Project Eases a New Big Sister’s Transition
In March of 2014, just after my son was born, my daughter Eka and I started traveling to as many parks around the San Gabriel Valley as we could. Eka was 4 at the time and very attached to my wife. Our almost-daily trips began as a way to distract her from no longer being […]
‘This Is Us’ Star Lonnie Chavis Expands His #FixYourHeart Message
When NBC’s “This Is Us” star Lonnie Chavis discovered that a few people trolling his Instagram account were making fun of the gap in his teeth, he clapped back. Not with retaliatory words; instead, the 10-year-old sent a message that prescribes self-reflection and self-acceptance as antidotes to eradicating a culture of bullying and low self-esteem. […]
Date Night in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is the second oldest neighborhood in L.A., and is an incredible intersection of civic, cultural and culinary history. With almost 40 restaurants between First and Third streets and Alameda and Los Angeles streets, there are only a few other districts in the city with as many eateries. Though my wife and I have […]
Rapping With Raffi at Glendale’s Alex Theatre
Raffi’s songs – from “Baby Beluga” to “Bananaphone” – remain popular decades after their releases. The iconic children’s musician continues to make new music at the age of 70. He recently released his 25th album, “Dog On The Floor,” named for his puppy. It’s the third album in six years for Raffi, who returned re-energized […]
Go On Tour with Kids in L.A. Factories
Got a golden ticket? You’d need one to enter Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But if you want to peek inside some of Southern California’s most interesting factories, usually all you have to do is ask. Local factories – which make everything from fresh marmalade to olive oil and, yes, chocolate – gladly open their doors […]
Date with L.A.: Parisian Sensibilities in the San Fernando Valley
When I lived in Paris, one of my favorite pastimes was being an urban flâneur – a stroller, lingerer, saunterer, if you will. With no hard-set agenda, I would walk around and see where the day took me. For this month’s Date With L.A., I decided to slip back into my flâneur shoes in the […]
Birthdays That are So L.A.
Kick your child’s star power up a notch on their special day the L.A. way, with a one-of-a-kind celebration served up with a touch of the delicious, the wild and a side of the fantastic. Why not knock a few things off the bucket list while they’re young, and let the adults come along for […]
Malibu Wine Safari Offers Grown-up Mother-Daughter Fun
When my three children were growing up, we visited kid-friendly L.A. attractions ranging from A-Z. The kids are grown now, but we still enjoy spending time together and chatting about life, sometimes even over a glass of wine. So, for this “Date with L.A.,” my daughter Christina took me on a mother- daughter trek to […]
EasyLunchboxes: Packing Meals is now a Breeze for Families
With her company, EasyLunchboxes (easylunchboxes.com), L.A. mompreneur Kelly Lester helps take the headache out of school-lunch prep. Created out of Lester’s own need to prepare lunches quickly, these containers were designed to hold healthy, portion-controlled meals for kids on the go. “I love to eat and feed my family healthy food, but I don’t like […]
Net Generation Brings Tennis to Kids Across L.A.
The 2018 U.S. Open Tennis Championships, which launched Aug. 27, are a prime time to inspire kids to get in the swing of tennis, a classic sport that can be played nearly anywhere – even at home. Net Generation, a new youth initiative of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), makes it easy for ages […]
Local VR Rooms Transport You to Other Worlds
If you could strap on a headset and be transported to a different time and place, would you? With virtual reality, or VR, you can. In reality, you’re just moving around in a pod (a room about 12 feet square) but the 360-degree multisensory digital experience feels more real than real itself. And the ever-evolving […]
Retro Row Helps New Yorker Adapt to Long Beach
Years ago, when my partner, an East L.A. native who is now my husband, coaxed me across the country, I was not sure how well this New Yorker would adapt. Luckily, moving to the very walkable “Retro Row” neighborhood in Long Beach turned out to be a dream come true. Shortly after our son’s birth, […]
Rainbow Edwards-Barris: The Real Bow Tackles Parenting in New Book
If you’ve ever watched ABC’s “Black-ish,” you know that though Rainbow Johnson’s character (played by Tracee Ellis Ross) is a medical professional and mom of five, she is far from a parenting expert. Creator Kenya Barris uses irreverent humor to tackle family matters and societal issues on the show, and Rainbow, despite her best intentions, […]
Mia Cech Shines Brightly in ‘The Darkest Minds’
For Miya Cech’s first feature film, “The Darkest Minds,” she landed an unusual role: She plays Zu, a girl who can control electricity with her mind but doesn’t really talk. “That was kind of hard for me, because I talk a lot,” says Cech, 11. “You have to do everything with your face, and it’s […]
‘Making It’ Show Expands Artist’s Territory
As an artist and sports enthusiast, Billy Kheel enjoyed flexing some creative muscle while taping NBC TV’s “Making It,” a competition crafts series that premiered July 31 and will feature six episodes. Each episode consists of two projects – a fast, timed round and a longer, themed challenge. Kheel is one of eight contestants from […]
The Third Time Is Still Charming for Randy & Dave
SoCal-based songwriters Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin both have impressively lengthy resumes. The Grammy-winning Sharp has racked up seven number-one country singles while Kinnoin has written hundreds of songs for Disney, Sesame Street, and Henson TV. They’ve also reached great heights together as Randy & Dave. The duo’s first two albums earned 11 national family […]
Parental Love Wins in ‘Far From the Tree’
As parents, we hold grand dreams for our children – even while they are still in utero – but these dreams can become hindrances when they do not fit the people our children actually become. The new documentary film “Far From the Tree” explores families who have children with wildly different realities – autism, Down […]
Carnival Cruise Line and Los Angeles Dodger Kiké Hernández Bring Dr. Seuss to Kids
Carnival Cruise Line hosted a Dr. Seuss reading program on June 29, inviting more than 50 children from the Long Beach Boys & Girls Club aboard one of its ships in the Long Beach harbor. Aboard the ship, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kiké Hernández donned a red-striped Dr. Seuss hat to read “What Pet Should […]
Ripe for Satire: A Taste of this Summer’s Farmers Market Scene
On a lazy, unseasonably chilly Sunday morning in L.A. this May, my 3-year-old son exclaimed, “Let’s go to the farmers market!” It was 7 a.m. My wife Kate and I, still half-comatose, were hardly through our first sips of coffee. We looked at each other as Hank continued his demands. Defeated, we shrugged, downed the […]