Roberta Brown

Roberta to launched Mommy Poppins' Los Angeles in 2011. Previously she served as LA Editor for GoCityKids, National Editor for ParentsConnect, and Editor for NickMom—all of which worked out well for her son, who grew up serving as Chief Guinea Pig for all things fun in LA and beyond.

Latest posts by Roberta

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 09/08/2024 - 2:30am

Afterschool programs provide enriching and fun activities for kids in Los Angeles when school's back in session. It's even better when those afterschool programs are free and affordable. Options for kids' sports activities, arts programs, and other activity classes for kids in Los Angeles are essentially endless, but let's be honest, the price tag can be tricky sometimes.

The good news is there are several inexpensive and free afterschool programs for kids in Los Angeles. You don't have to throw your paycheck at afterschool care with these classes to engage your little one's mind and body at a price you can afford.

For more enriching activities during the school year, browse our Classes Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Trunk-or-Treats near Boston for Halloween 2023

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 7:25pm

Kids have to wait until Halloween to trick-or-treat, but there are trunk-or-treats near Boston all month long. Trunk-or-treating is held at central locations by different organizations and groups. Participants decorate cars and hand out candy from their trunks. These events offer a great alternative to trick-or-treating, when doorbell-ringing traditions get tricky. More communities have been hosting awesome trunk-or-treat activities near Boston each year. So candy-savvy kids end up collecting treats several times before Halloween! We've rounded up several great trunk-or-treat events in the Boston area. We hope you have a fun-filled and Happy Halloween in New England this October.

For more Halloween activities near Boston, explore our Halloween Guide for Boston Kids, and don't miss our list of the best Halloween activities and events in Boston, which includes pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and of course our top things to do in notoriously witchy Salem.

Breaking Halloween News: Boney Island is Back and at NHM!

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 07/31/2023 - 6:31pm

Boney Island is back, baby, and with some special new twists courtesy of the Natural History Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum.

Boney Island is back this Halloween season! One of the Los Angeles area's most popular family-friendly haunts for decades, the former lawn haunt from Sherman Oaks has joined forces with the Natural History Museum to stage a spookily exciting comeback. After 5 long years, there are lots of kids who have never experienced this LA Halloween tradition, and we're so excited that this is the year a whole new generation can experience the not-too-spooky thrills.

For more Halloween news, reviews, and events, be sure to check back frequently for updates on our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Los Angeles Families. And while you're at the Natural History Museum, you'll want to spend the whole day, armed with this Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids.

100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 8:15am

Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti

Check out these iconic things to do in Los Angeles with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Angeleno really must experience!

Kids. We can't stop them from growing up so fast, but we can try not to miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in their hometown. Los Angeles is the best city in the country for raising kids, and that means there are so many things to do before little chickens spring the coop.

Being phenomenal LA parents, you've certainly already done several of these; but which of these 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings have you not yet done? There's always this weekend!

Best Mini Golf in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 10:00am

It might be called mini golf, but it's enormous fun. Photo courtesy of MB2 Entertainment

Mini golf in Los Angeles is all fun and games on a cool summer morning before the height of the heat or on a weekend afternoon during any time of the year. This favorite activity is pure enjoyment for kids and parents alike, and even brings out that friendly family competitiveness. Mini golf in Los Angeles can be a real crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages.

Like the big version of the sport, the miniature version can be a pleasant way to pass the time, and there's little chance of getting bored with all the other entertainment these places pack in. From putting purists to adrenaline junkies, mini golf in Los Angeles will keep the whole family amused.

For more outdoor activities in Los Angeles beyond the beaches or parks, try these trampoline parks in Los Angeles, keep ascending at LA rock climbing gyms, and find even more amusement in our Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for LA and OC Kids Guide.

Fun Car Games for Kids for Road Trips & Other Boring Backseat Moments

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:30am

Woah, did you see all those cows? Photo by Roberta Brown

These car games for kids are completely free and imaginative road trip games that keep kids happy and entertained while parents concentrate on the road!

If Mom and Dad's ideas for vacation involve hopping in the car and getting out of Dodge, games to play in the car make everything easier. Our fond childhood memories of family road trips with our own parents sometimes gloss over how boring the backseat can be. If you're looking for a solution that doesn't involve screens, try some of these car games for kids of all ages—from those strapped in a car seat to tweenagers.

For everything your family needs to plan the perfect road trip, from road trip essentials to things you can pack to keep kids entertained, head to this Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families. Want to get out of town, but you need some suggestions for where to go? Check out our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Day Trips near you.

The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum

Submitted by Roberta B on Thu, 03/02/2023 - 2:15am

I spy with my little eye something that can flutter by!

Everyone's all a-flutter at the Natural History Museum because the butterflies are back in town! The Natural History Museum is opening the Butterfly Pavilion on the museum’s South Lawn, offering delightful flutterby time on the same site where the creepier Spider Pavilion usually sets up in autumn. From chrysalis to butterfly, the Butterfly Pavilion is full of magical moments, which is why it rates as one of our 100 things to do with LA kids before they grow up.

Tickets are available beginning on March 5, and these lovely Painted Ladies and delicate Lacewings will be on display all summer long, so everyone will have a chance to see them!

Sand Sledding: The Sand Berms in Los Angeles Return for Winter Fun

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 12/05/2022 - 9:48am

Who needs snow to go sledding? Not us Angelenos!

This is the start of sledding season in Los Angeles—at the beach! So get ready to grab a sled and hit the sand.

Sledding may involve getting cold and wet in other parts of the country, but that is so ... un-Californian. Sure, there are places near Los Angeles to go sledding on snow if that's your thing, but we're raising California kids, and that means beach sledding. Every winter a few Los Angeles area beaches get their annual sand berms, intended as protection against winter storms and violent surf. Or so they say. The real purpose is clearly to lay the groundwork for the ultimate SoCal winter sport: sand sledding. We've got the lowdown on when those ~~sledding hills~~ storm berms are going up.

For actual winter day trips from Los Angeles where you can find snow in SoCal for sledding, skiing, or snow tubing, visit our Winter Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Roberta Brown

Latest posts by Roberta

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