Kylie Williams

Kylie Williams is a mom of four who loves exploring Los Angeles with her kids and reporting back about the exciting events, attractions, and hidden gems she discovers. When she's not schlepping the kids around the city, she's probably at the gym, reading a book, or putting together snack bags for one of the kids' sports teams. If you know of a place she should check out, drop a line at Kylie@MommyPoppins.com.

Latest posts by Kylie

Skateboarding the Best Skateparks Around Los Angeles for Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 9:07am

Kid catching air at Venice skate park. Photo by Maxium Pandacc

Skateboarding culture is part of LA's core. After all, shaggy-haired shredders have been skating bowls and popping up half-pipes since the '70s, and some of America's greatest skateparks are peppered throughout the city.

If you have a kiddo hoping to sharpen their skateboarding, rollerblading, or even scootering skills—use this handy directory to find the best skatepark near you. Before you know it, your kids will be flying through the halfpipe with "steeze" (Did I ask my 8-year-old what this word meant? You bet I did.).

Before you head out, rub in the sunscreen—shade is virtually non-existent at skateparks. Gear up properly with a well-fitting helmet, knee, and elbow pads (most skate parks require proper gear for entry). Generally, weekdays are better than weekends at local skateparks. Check city guides to see if special hours are reserved for younger skaters, so they aren't in danger of being mowed down by active teens and adults.

If you have a little athlete at home, check out our list of amazing sports classes for kids, or consider enrolling them in a summer sports camp. Adrenaline junkies of all ages can also visit an extreme sports spot in LA.

Discovery Cube: San Fernando Valley's Science Museum for LA Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 06/28/2024 - 9:32am

Little boy having fun at Discovery Cube LA. Photo by Kylie Williams

The struggle is real for us Valley moms: you want to do fun things with your kids in LA, but you don't want to crawl down the 405 (or 101, or 10... take your pick) in rush hour traffic all the way home. Enter Discovery Cube LA. Pasadena has Kidspace (and the Southern California Children's Museum), Santa Monica has The Cayton, Downtown LA has the California Science Center, and Irvine has Pretend City; we get Discovery Cube LA: San Fernando's finest children's museum.

When I told my kids we were going for a visit, they shrieked in excitement. "I can't wait to do the hockey games!" my oldest exclaimed. "Can we go in the laser room?" my five-year-old asked. "Can I stand in the tornado?" My three-year-old begged. The Discovery Cube LA is so educational, entertaining, and engaging that I'm buying myself a season pass (no really, I am!).

Want to find more amazing museums for your kids? Check out our best museums guide and take advantage of the free museum days at many of these spots.

Best Baby Classes in Los Angeles: Mommy & Me, Baby Sign Language, and More

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 06/16/2024 - 9:45am

Little music makers learn and play together and with their grown-ups. Photo courtesy of Ladybug Music

These baby classes in Los Angeles can solve one of the biggest parenting hurdles: getting out of the house to keep your sanity! It can be so helpful to have a weekly outing on the calendar— something to look forward to and a place to socialize with other parents.

These Mommy & Me classes (and Daddy & Me classes, too!) focus on activities that babies and parents can do together, from swimming lessons to baby sign language and yoga classes to mama meetups. Find your tribe, bond with your babe, and leave the dishes, loud toys, and piles of laundry behind for an hour or two with these amazing baby classes in Los Angeles.

For new and expectant parents, we've also got a list of the best pregnancy and parenting classes in Los Angeles, or you can dive into our roundup of the top baby and toddler swimming lessons and classes in LA. Plus, find more kids' classes and programs for kids of all ages in our Guide to the Best Kids' Classes and Activities in Los Angeles.

40 Awesome Things To Do in Santa Monica With Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 9:22am

Santa Monica Pier. Photo by Roberta Brown

Is there anything more iconic than the Pacific Pier, rising over the ocean with its sparkling Ferris wheel? Santa Monica is, in many ways, the most "LA" part of LA, and is number one on the list for most tourists, which is why locals tend to avoid the packed streets.

For years I was partial to beaches north of Los Angeles, but a friend recently invited me for a beach day, and I discovered that the coastline further down the PCH is less crowded, incredibly spacious, and perfect for my little crew. After a blissful day splashing in the Pacific, I was sold on Santa Monica's shoreline and the rest of the city as well.

Whether you are a local mom looking for adventure or an out-of-towner planning your day, here are 40 fantastic, tried-and-true recommendations for enjoying Santa Monica with kids. When you know where to look (and where to park), Santa Monica can be the perfect day out for everyone.

Looking for more city guides? We can help you navigate around Pacific Palisades, Ventura, San Diego, Marina del Rey, and more seaside spots. Head to our day trips and weekend getaways guide for an extensive list of adventures in and around LA.

Heal The Bay: An Insider's Guide to Santa Monica's Aquarium

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 05/05/2024 - 8:00am

Little girl enjoying the aquarium. Photo by Kylie Williams

Heal the Bay Aquarium, nestled within the Santa Monica Pier, stands as a beacon of marine conservation and education. The aquarium offers visitors a captivating journey through its exhibits, showcasing diverse sea creatures and habitats.

From colorful tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones to shark touch tanks, and interactive displays highlighting the importance of ocean conservation, Heal the Bay Aquarium provides an immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Discover all there is to do at the Santa Monica Pier with kids and find more fun things to do with kids in Santa Monica beyond the pier. For more animal encounters, browse our Zoos and Gardens for Los Angeles Kids Guide. For more aquarium fun, check out this guide to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Popular Preschool Summer Camps in Los Angeles for Your First Time Camper

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 1:05am

Preschooolers play and learn together all summer. Photo courtesy of Ecole Claire Fontaine

Preschool summer camps in Los Angeles offer a vibrant and enriching experience for even the youngest children. Planning summer camps for your toddlers approaches faster than you may think!

Preschool summer camps provide fun activities, educational opportunities, and social interaction specifically for preschool-aged children. Whether exploring nature, participating in water play, or engaging in themed projects, preschool summer camps in Los Angeles create memorable experiences that ignite a love for learning and exploration in young minds during the summer months.

There are so many fun ways to entertain little ones in LA! Check out things to do in Los Angeles with preschoolers, find the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers in LA, test out these preschool science experiments, and discover more entertainment for preschoolers in our Preschoolers Activity Guide to Los Angeles.

NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:45am

Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.

LEGOLAND California just debuted a brand-new land within the park that's Jurassic and fantastic. Dino Valley immerses theme park visitors into the world of dinosaurs with new rides, interactive places to play, and dino-sized LEGO sculptures.

I took my sons (ages 5 and 7) and their best bud (age 6) to check out Dino Valley. In their words, it was the “best day of their lives.” If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Discover why LEGOLAND is a beloved Southern California theme park, expand your visit with other things to do with kids in Carlsbad, and find more thrills in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

30+ Best Things to Do in Oxnard with Kids

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:30am

Oxnard is a picturesque Southern California beach town packed with family-friendly adventures and attractions.

If the beach is beckoning, a quick flight or a scenic drive down the PCR (or the more efficient 101) will land you at one of our favorite family-friendly destinations across California: Oxnard. The picturesque beach town is packed with delicious restaurants, impressive museums, music venues, fun-filled parks, water sports, and miles of stunning sun, sand, and waves that are sure to keep your whole crew happy.

Read on for more than 30 family-friendly activities and attractions worth putting on your Oxnard itinerary. From catching a catamaran to an untouched island and taste-testing your way through a top-notch food hall, to spotting sea lions and parasailing above the Pacific, here are our tried-and-true picks.

Kylie Williams

Latest posts by Kylie

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