There are certain hot summer days when the sprinkler or the splash pad at the park just isn't enough, and the beach is a little too much—when only a swimming pool will do. Luckily the Westside has almost as many public pools as public beaches; kids can cool off with a splash at a different pool each day of the week! Most of the outdoor pools listed below are seasonal, and hours change throughout the summer. It's always advisable to call for the day's schedule before heading out.

One of my favorite things about summer is outdoor theater. There is something magical about seeing a live show under the stars, and Topanga’s Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum has long been one of LA's most delightful places to experience this magic. The rustic theater’s Sunday morning program for young children is a summertime staple, but choosing the right show to share with bigger kids from the Botanicum's evening line-up can be trickier. It would be understandable to assume that you could skip the 17th century Moliere play, for example, but you’d be missing out on some major giggles—including the biggest collection of high-brow fart jokes I have ever witnessed. Scoff if you like, but any play that makes my middle schooler laugh himself breathless makes my recommend list.

How do we love LA? Help us count the ways! We know that Los Angeles is the best place to raise kids, but even the best has its best. So we're counting on you, our Mommy Poppins readers and the most savvy parents we know, to help us pick the Best of LA. The best play spaces? We've got 'em. Family restaurants? We've got those, too. Swim classes, dance classes, and baby 'n' me? The greatest ones are all in sunny SoCal, along with the coolest theaters, museums, kindie bands, camps—heck, even our dentists are the best. But only you can tell us which is the best of the best, so we're asking you to vote for your favorites in all of these categories and more.

Of course, we know you're busy parents, so we've got some fantastic prizes lined up to thank you for sharing your expertise: how does a free bowling party at Lucky Strike sound? Or what about a family glamping trip at El Capitan Canyon? Or a year's worth of STEM activities delivered to your door? Or an Ojai Getaway? Give us 5 minutes and your expert opinions, then let us know which prize you'd prefer—it's a win-win for everyone!

Start voting now!