What's Open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Submitted by Gina Ragland on
So little traffic, so much you can do on Christmas Day!
Gina Ragland
Gina Ragland is a writer, editor, and mom of two boys. She’s obsessed with books, travel, and keeping her family’s calendar packed with fun. Her favorite adventures are exploring national parks, the coast, and the mountains. Gina and her family call Northern California home.
Latest posts by Gina
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in San Francisco
Submitted by Gina Ragland on
Admiring holiday lights is a timeless tradition and is a fantastic way to get families in the holiday spirit. Twinkling lights shine brightly throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area, adding extra shimmer and sparkle to an already magical holiday season.
Choose your holiday lights adventure from walking through glowing gardens to driving through immersive Christmas light shows. Crank up the holiday tunes, enjoy the twinkle in your children's eyes as their face lights up from the glimmer, and bask in the best holiday lights in San Francisco.
For more holiday magic, climb aboard Polar Express trains near San Francisco, don't miss the top holiday activities and Christmas events in the Bay Area, and discover more holiday happenings in our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids.
A Lite-Brite Experience Is Coming To Los Angeles
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Lite-Brite: Worlds of Wonder will illuminate the way to nostalgia with an immersive experience at Santa Monica Place. Parents can relive joyful memories of a classic childhood toy, while kids can get introduced to the colorful Lite-Brite world.
The Lite-Brite experience will captivate with hypnotic color and technology. Step into a futuristic iteration of the simplistic toy beloved for generations. It should be no surprise that thousands of colorful lights will be part of the experience.
For more new interactive experiences in Los Angeles, dig into slime at Sloomoo Institute and visit Dino Valley at Legoland to relive prehistoric times.
Zion National Park: A Guide for Families
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Zion National Park in southern Utah is a geological gem. The iconic red sandstone canyon cliffs are majestic, and the unique water features amid its desert landscape make this national park a true wonder to explore.
When navigating national parks, it's best to have a plan and know what to expect, especially when kids are along for the adventure and the inevitable long car rides that lead to the expedition. With Junior Ranger programs specifically for children and ample family-friendly hiking trails, Zion National Park is a fantastic choice for kids of all ages.
For more national park adventures, discover Yosemite National Park with kids, explore things not to miss in Joshua Tree National Park, and get inspired with additional outdoor adventure ideas in our National Parks Family Travel Guide.
Northridge with Kids: 21 Best Things To Do in Northridge, CA
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Exploring Northridge with kids might not be at the top of your Los Angeles bucket list like Santa Monica, Hollywood, or Malibu is. However, this family-friendly suburb in the San Fernando Valley provides an array of activities suitable for kids of all ages.
CSUN is a big focus in Northridge and acts as the hub of the community. Whether it's outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply spending quality time together, Northridge offers plenty of opportunities for families to have a great time.
For more family-friendly adventures in the San Fernando Valley, spend the day at Lake Balboa, head to Discovery Cube for science activities, and discover all there is to do in Sherman Oaks with kids. Find more things to do in LA with our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families.
15 Spots for Snow Tubing Near San Francisco and the Bay Area
Submitted by Gina Ragland on
Snow tubing near San Francisco and the Bay Area really does exist. Sure, to get to the snow, it's going to require a trek to Lake Tahoe, the Sierras, or Yosemite, but there might be more places than you think of where you can have a memorable snow day in Northern California.
From gentle hills to disco tubing, big air jumps, and snow tubing in a national park, magical snowy adventures await kids of all ages throughout Northern California. Snow tubing near San Francisco will provide unforgettable family experiences and the promise of a true winter wonderland. Keep reading below for the best places to go snow tubing near San Francisco and the Bay Area.
When going snow tubing near San Francisco, you'll likely pass through California's capital city, so don't miss out on these things to do with kids in Sacramento. Beyond snow tubing, check out things to do with kids in Lake Tahoe, and get inspired for more family adventures with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips from San Francisco Guide.
Best of 2023 Los Angeles Kid Edition: Top Openings, Happenings and Other Awesome Stuff
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It's time to celebrate kid-friendly openings that were the cream of the crop in Los Angeles in 2023 – yes, it's the annual "best of" season! Mommy Poppins is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the most exciting new attractions and kid-friendly openings that graced LA this past year. These are the latest gems that might have slipped under your radar.
From new theme park lands to immersive experiences featuring beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat and Bluey, Los Angeles added fantastic options for family fun in 2023. Keep reading below for our exclusive rundown of the best 2023 kid-friendly openings that stepped into the limelight in Los Angeles this year.
As we eagerly await the new attractions and kid-friendly openings 2024 has in store for Angelenos, catch a glimpse of the events already on our radar for next year by perusing our Calendar of Events in Los Angeles.
Best Places to See Giant Redwoods in California: A Family Travel Guide
Submitted by Gina Ragland on
Seeing California redwood trees should be on every family's travel bucket list. These towering trees, many dating back thousands of years, are truly awe-inspiring. There are many places throughout Northern California where families can seek a serene escape into the heart of nature while viewing these colossal redwoods.
Ancient old-growth redwoods can be found in national parks such as Redwood National Park and Muir Woods, as well as in several other state and regional parks. Most of them have a small vehicle fee to enter, but some are free. All of them provide family-friendly hiking trails and breathtaking views, and some have extra activities for kids like playgrounds and museums.
Here are our favorite places to see redwood trees in California. For more outdoor adventures in the Golden State, from exploring Lake Tahoe to road tripping through the Sierra Nevada, check out our California Family Travel Guide.
