Matt Matasci

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

24 Things To Do with Kids in Redondo Beach

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 07/06/2025 - 2:22am

Get out on the water or go under the water. Photo courtesy of Redondo Beach Glass Bottom Boat Rides.

Redondo Beach is a sunny seaside gem offering a wealth of family-friendly fun. It may even feel like a vacation within a staycation. This South Bay favorite locale is perfect for a day with kids. It's more laid-back and less busy than, say, Santa Monica if you want to enjoy a day at the ocean without crowds and tourists.

From sandy beaches and the kid-favorite Seaside Lagoon to a dinosaur museum, playgrounds, and glass-bottom boat rides, there is no shortage of ways to play, explore, and make lasting memories. Whether your family loves nature, adventure, or laid-back coastal vibes, Redondo Beach offers something for every little explorer.

For more coastal gems in Los Angeles, explore Palos Verdes with Kids, discover things to do in Manhattan Beach with kids, and browse our Beach Guide to Los Angeles and Orange County.

Best Kids Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Los Angeles

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 02/02/2025 - 7:35am

Climbing is encouraged at Wild Child. Photo courtesy of Wild Child Gym

Indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Los Angeles let kids climb, and their imaginations fly. Colorful rooms full of slides, play structures, ball pits, and engaging activities hold a special kind of magic for kids. Adults can appreciate indoor playgrounds too—places where the Wi-Fi works, coffee is (usually) available, kids remain contained, and someone else cleans.

Rainy days, birthdays, hot days, cold days—no matter why you need indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, these are the best of the best. For more indoor fun, discover free things to do indoors in LA, research these indoor birthday kids' birthday party places in Los Angeles, and check out our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Where To Find Free Turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving 2024

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sat, 11/09/2024 - 9:20am

***Most of these events are at capacity or not happening in 2025. Check back in 2026.

Looking for free turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner? We found local organizations that are here to help.

While some are fortunate enough to fill their table with an indulgent dinner spread, many families in the Los Angeles area are struggling to make ends meet. With the ever-increasing cost of living in Los Angeles, families living paycheck-to-paycheck may not be able to afford the costs of an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of organizations in Los Angeles that are easing the burden for families during the holidays by giving away FREE turkeys and Thanksgiving meals.

If you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, consider donating to one of these exceptional organizations to help others across the city. Find more tips for your Thanksgiving celebrations in our Thanksgiving Guide and fun throughout the holiday season in our Family Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles.

The Best Spots to See the Hollywood Sign

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 07/05/2024 - 7:59am

View of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park. Photo by Gina Ragland

In a city full of tourist draws, the Hollywood Sign is arguably the most iconic. While it faced decades of disrepair in the middle of the 20th century, it's back to its former glory. The downside? It can be really hard to get up close for that perfect shot! And as Hollywood continues to build up with high-rise hotels, offices, and apartment buildings, it's increasingly difficult to see it from the streets.

photo of the best place to see Hollywood sign
Photo by Gina Ragland.

Luckily, we have the inside scoop on the 10 best places to view the Hollywood sign. From rugged hillside vistas to Central LA buildings' rooftops, there are quite a few great places to see the sign.

If you're looking for other fun things to do with kids, check out 77 free things to do with kids in Los Angeles during the summer, the ultimate guide to Discover Cube: LA, and themed restaurants and dinner shows in Los Angeles.

32 Best Things To Do with Kids on Catalina Island

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 10/08/2023 - 2:05am

There are tons of Catalina adventures on the water. Photo courtesy of Catalina Tours

Catalina Island offers a quick getaway that will make you second guess if you left California and somehow found yourself on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Easily done in a day trip or longer if your family prefers, Catalina Island is reachable by an hour-long boat ride (or slightly longer, depending on the port you depart) from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point.

There are endless activities for kids on Catalina Island, from glass-bottom boat tours to bison expeditions and just playing in the sand at the beach. Plenty of entertainment and activities will keep little ones and grown-ups happy for a day or a weekend trip on Catalina Island.

When departing from Long Beach, check out these things to do in Long Beach with kids. If islands are your thing, drive up the coast to explore Channel Islands National Park with the family, and plan your next adventure with our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families.

Best Acting Classes for Kids in Los Angeles: Musical Theater, Drama, Improv

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 08/31/2023 - 2:30am

Little minds get curiouser and curiouser as they explore on stage. Photo courtesy Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

As the home of Hollywood, it's no surprise that Los Angeles has a wide range of acting classes available for kids. Young thespians can get pretty specific and take theater acting classes, musical theater classes, improv classes, and more! Below are the best acting classes for kids in Los Angeles, from young kids who want their first taste of being in the spotlight to teens who see a future in show biz. It's time to get your little ham in front of an audience!

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs.

Extreme Sports and Thrilling Activities for Kids in Los Angeles: Go-Karts, Axe Throwing, and More

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sat, 08/12/2023 - 10:15am

Test your agility skills through endless obstacles. Photo courtesy of American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park

Extreme sports in Los Angeles might be the thrilling solution for kids that are getting older and aren't necessarily as entertained by the prospect of an afternoon at the playground or a Chuck E. Cheese birthday.

It might be time to graduate to more action-packed activities that are a little more grown up! There are plenty of activities in Southern California that fall under the umbrella of extreme sports but are still kid-friendly. From go-karting to axe throwing, read below for the best extreme sports for kids in SoCal.

Thrill-seeking kids can jump into these trampoline parks in Los Angeles or soar to new heights at Los Angeles's best skateparks. Discover more electrifying activities in our Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for LA and OC Kids Guide.

39 Things To Do with Preschoolers in Los Angeles Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 9:15am

Imaginative play for preschoolers is music to our ears. Photo courtesy of Pretend City

Preschoolers in Los Angeles will be awed by all there is to do in Southern California. With its vast size and endless diversity, it’s almost hard to know where to start. After working your way through these great things to do with babies in LA, it’s time to move up the age ladder.

It's easy to get stuck in your neighborhood bubble. These awesome activities for toddlers and preschoolers in Los Angeles are a mix of well-known Southern California favorites and under-the-radar experiences, and they’ll take your family to every corner of the city.

Keep preschoolers in Los Angeles entertained at home with these toddler activities to entertain little ones, and explore our Los Angeles Preschools, Public Schools, and Private Schools Guide.

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

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