Ready for fireworks? Here are the July 4th events happening in and around LA. Celebrate Independence Day 2017 with fireworks shows, parades and patriotic concerts. 4th of July Block Party July 4, 2017 from 2pm-9:30pm Grand Park - The Music Center 200 North Grand Ave Los Angeles, CA This 4th of July Block Party takes place between Temple and Second Streets in downtown Los Angeles. Each year, it launches one of the city’s most dazzling rooftop fireworks displays for all to enjoy after an evening filled with live music and cheer. At this block party, everyone is a neighbor and welcome to come out to the downtown area to take part in the festivities. Attendees can enjoy music of all genres on three different stages and sample some of the best distinctly American foods from local restaurants and food trucks. Free admission. No alcohol or outside beverages allowed (free water filling station for empty, non-glass bottles) and no chairs. Check website for parking and transportation options, other rules and park map. Fireworks starts at 9:00pm. Parking: $10 under the park or at the Music Center, Bike Valet at 1st and Hill. Metro: Red Line to Pershing Square Station (Civic Center/Grand Park station will be partially closed). Metro users are encouraged to load their TAP card with round trip fare in advance, either online or on their way into the station, in order to bypass the TAP vending machine lines later in the evening. 4th of July Community Festival & Firework Show July 4, 2017 from 12pm-10pm Exposition Park 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA Fourth of July Community Festival and Fireworks Show at Exposition Park features games, food, music, and rides from noon-10 p.m. International fireworks starts at 9 p.m. LA Freedom Festival July 4, 2017 from 5:30pm-10:30pm Santa Monica Blvd between Avenue of Starts & Century Park East Iranian-American comedian Max Amini is master of ceremonies for the unveiling of the Freedom Sculpture, by artist Cecil Balmond, at a street party that includes music by international singers Ebi and Arash plus international food and fireworks. The L.A Freedom Festival will be a celebration of diversity and unity in Los Angeles, featuring amazing multi-ethnic foods, diverse musical acts, a range of celebrity speakers and much more. The festival is anticipated to be attended by thousands of Angelenos from a wide variety of cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds. Dodgers 4th of July Spectacular Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks July 4, 2017 from 6:10pm 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles, CA The Dodgers will have a night of fireworks on July 4 after their game with the Diamondbacks. Game begins at 6:10 p.m. Fireworks starts after the game around 8:45pm. Purchase ticket through this link to receive a Dodgers’ Fourth of July T-Shirt, or check Goldstar for discount tickets. $35 and up. Marina Del Rey Celebration July 4, 2017 at 9pm 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Spend the day in the Marina with a picnic in the park, enjoy a waterfront dinner with firework views, or hop aboard an observation cruise for a front-row seat to the show. Traditional fireworks extravaganza over the main channel programmed to patriotic music broadcast over FM radio KXLU, 88.9 and relayed over loudspeakers in Chase Park. Chase Park is one block west of Admiralty Way. The firework will also be viewable from Fisherman's Village and Marina Beach. This is a free event. Paid parking in County lots. The Culver City 4th of July celebration July 4, 2017 at 4pm West LA College 9000 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230 The Culver City 4th of July celebration includes live music, food trucks, family-friendly midway games and a fireworks display at West LA College. Gates open at 4 pm. $5 per person, children under 6 are free. Parking: $10. Check the website for carpool deal if you can fit 6 or more in your vehicle. Three day 4th of July Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl July 2 through July 4, 2017 at 7:30pm Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave,, Hollywood, CA 90068 For 2017, Pentatonix will be headlining the three-day Independence Day celebration with fireworks each night at the landmark Hollywood Bowl. Tickets from $7-$266 + fee. Get more info at Hollywood Bowl Visitors Guide. 4th of July Late Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific July 4, 2017 at 5pm Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way,, Long Beach, CA 90802 Celebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families will be able to witness the ambiance of the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks display. Wave the flag, watch the fireworks, and enjoy some freshly grilled BBQ with the Aquarium of the Pacific. You’ll also be able to journey inside the Aquarium to see wonders of the sea until 10 p.m. Reserve tickets online for the cookout ($64 adults, $28 kids), which will feature classic summer treats like coal slaw and hot dogs, in addition to fancier fare, including brisket and s'mores bars. A kid-friendly menu is also available. The aquarium is open all day, but discounted admission ($14.95) starts at 5pm. Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade July 4, 2017 at 1:50pm Palisades Charter High School 15777 Bowdoin Street., Pacific Palisades, CA As the sun sets, the town will be dancing, singing and waving the American flag at Palisades Charter High School. Family-friendly activities and music from local musicians are available in the parking lot adjoining the concert/fireworks viewing area. Parade opens with skydivers at 1:50 p.m. (via de la Paz to Sunset Boulevard, east on Sunset to Drummond Street). Food trucks start serving at 4 pm. Covered grandstand parade seating ($10- 50, purchase on the website). Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Bring blanket or low-back chairs. Parking is extremely limited so reserve as early as possible. Knott's Berry Farm 4th of July Celebration July 1, 2017 through Jul 4, 2017 at 9:30pm Knott's Berry Farm 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620 Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the holiday with fireworks displayed across the western skies of Knott's Berry Farm at 9:30 pm. Prices vary. July 4th Fireworks and Extravaganza in Woodland Hills July 4, 2017 from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Warner Ranch Park 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Celebrate Independence Day in Woodland Hills during July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. Hosted by Valley Cultural Center, this fun event takes place at Warner Ranch Park. This is known as one of the spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, with a 15-minute long spectacular display following a free concert. 15-plus local restaurants will be on hand to sell their wares, as well as arts and crafts vendors and local businesses purveying their goods. This event is free, but there’s also a VIP option for $10, which reserves you a seat. For $25, you can get a reserved seat and a parking pass. You can buy tickets via this link. 4th of July at The Queen Mary July 4, 2017 from 2pm-10pm The Queen Mary 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802 It’s an “All-American” summer aboard the Queen Mary! Experience July 4th as special live entertainment, family games, arts & crafts, special historic tours and a patriotic theatrical movie in the Queen Mary Theater, and so much more fill the decks of the legendary ship. It’s a true red, white and blue celebration like no other. To top off the night the Queen Mary will present its signature fireworks spectacular filled with patriotic music while you enjoy a summer evening under the beautiful Southern California night sky with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. If that wasn’t enough there will be a special performance by the hit 80’s artist The Pointer Sisters. The event sells out each year, so get your tickets early to secure your spot in this “All-American” celebration! Prices are $44.00 per adult (ages 12+) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th. On July 4th at the door the price is $49 per adult (ages 12+) Prices are $24.00 per child (ages 4-11) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th. On July 4th at the door the price is $29 per adult (ages 4-11) Coca-Cola 4th of July Fest at Six Flag Magic Mountain July 1, 2017 through July 4, 2017 from 10:30 am - 9:30pm Six Flags Magic Mountain 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy Valencia, CA 91355 The July 4th weekend festivities at Magic Mountain include a nightly fireworks show. Celebrate with a musical salute featuring bands in the Park throughout the day capped off each evening with a dazzling star-spangled nighttime show set to patriotic music. The best place to view is from the Full Throttle Plaza. Approximate show time is 9:30pm nightly. Exclusive Ride Time on at least four separate rides one hour before the park opens on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th! Bring in any can of Coca-Cola® product with you along with your admission ticket or season pass to Six Flags Magic Mountain on those four days for early entry. #weekendfun #LosAngeles #Outdoor #FamilyEvent

One of the major concerns for parents is to keep the kids active and engaged after school. If you are on a tight budget, you should know that there are so many after school programs that are inexpensive or cheap and are mostly offered at your own kids' school. Take a look at our list to find out the best match for your kids. Beyond the Bell Type: Academic Levels: Elementary+ Location: Los Angeles Contact: (213) 249-7900 The mission of the Beyond the Bell is to ensure that all children and youth in LAUSD have access to high quality, safe, and supervised academic, enrichment, and recreation programs that inspire learning and achievement beyond the regular school day (before and after school and Saturdays). Parents should request an application directly from your schools' after school provider. ​ Star Nova Type: Academic, STEAM, Arts, Sports Levels: Elementary+ Location: LAUSD Contact: Nova@starinc.org STAR Education offers a wide breadth of exciting and original STAR NOVA enrichment classes in the areas of Academics, STEAM Education (science, technology, engineering, art and math), Language, Performing Arts, Sports & P.E., Recreation, Visual and Media Arts and so much more! STAR NOVA enrichment classes take place once or twice a week, allowing for a university quality class with a more individualized approach tailored to the specific needs and interests of each student. STAR collaborates with artists in residence, universities, and professionals in each field to create stimulating classes that give each student invigorating insight into the real world. ​ Star Galexy Type: Academic, Homework lab, Sports ​Levels: Elementary+ Location: LAUSD Contact: registration@starinc.org STAR Galaxy offers a balance of academic support, enrichment classes, fitness and recreation programs as well as special events on campus, community events and activities. It’s a recipe for a balanced childhood and a preparation for future success! STAR Galaxy offers a daily dose of scheduled classes, August through June, from the end of the school day until 6 pm. Students rotate through group tutoring, a homework lab, sports/fitness/recreation, and enrichment classes. ARC Type: Academic Levels: Elementary to High School Location: Los Angeles Contact: (310) 671-4400 ARC is an award-winning, nationally recognized after school and experiential education provider. ACR bridges the opportunity gap by creating transformational learning opportunities that empower youth to realize their full potential, serving 19 high schools, 16 middle schools, 2 K-8 schools, and 15 elementary schools in the Los Angeles area.​ L.A.C.E.R. Type: Academic, Art, Sports Levels: Middle School to High School Location: Los Angeles Contact: (323) 957-6481 The award-winning L.A.C.E.R. After-school Programs provide middle and high school students in Los Angeles with free arts, athletics, and academic activities after school. By allowing young people the opportunity to expand their learning, improve their skills and develop new ones in a safe, supportive setting, L.A.C.E.R. fosters scholastic achievement, self-confidence, and good citizenship. Classes and supplies are free to all students, with a nutritional snack served daily. The program operates five days a week from immediately after school until 6:00 pm. To enhance learning, weekend and evening field trips to cultural and sporting events are scheduled throughout the school year. Check the website to see if your child’s school is on the participating schools list. CREST Type: Academic, Sports Levels: Elementary Location: Santa Monica Contact: (310) 458-8540 The CREST programs are available to students attending SMMUSD schools. It is an easy way for parents to add more fun to their child's day with before, after, and out-of-school activities that appeal to a broad range of interests. The highly-trained, professional staff work with children year-round, right at their school site! Check the website to see if your school is one of the participant. ​ Los Angeles Public Libraries Type: Academic ​​​Levels: Elementary+ Location: Los Angeles Contact: Click here Most Public Libraries offer variety of free after-school programs and activities. Kids and teens can explore, create and experiment, and have fun at the same time. Variety of free STEAM-related programs and workshops are offered which will inspire and motivate kids and teens with fun, hands-on learning activities. Contact your nearest public library to learn more! ​ THINK Together Type: Academic ​​​Levels: K-8th Grade Location: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County Contact: Click here THINK Togehter's Afterschool Expended Learning Programs provide meaningful academic and enrichment activities to K-8 students. THINK Together Afterschool programs keep kids safe, provide them with homework support and dynamic learning time, while helping working families. THINK Together's curriculum is focused on English Language Arts, Math, STEM, Youth Development, and Arts & Enrichment. THINK Together programs are available in schools and at sites in the Bay Area, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County. Contact THINK Together to find out if this program is available at your school. ​ LA's BEST Type: Academic ​​​Levels: Elementary Location: Los Angeles County Contact: (213) 978-0801 At LA’s BEST, children go straight into the program after the last bell rings, without ever leaving school grounds. From Sun Valley to San Pedro, El Sereno to Venice, students at 193 elementary schools across LAUSD are greeted after their last class of the day with a nutritious snack, help with their homework, and exciting things to do and learn. Click on the link above to see if your school is a participant. ​ LA County Parks & Recreation Centers Type: Sports, Homework Club ​​​Levels: Elementary+ Location: Los Angeles County Contact: Click here Various LA County Parks and Recreation Centers offer after-school programs, and a fun place to meet new friends, receive healthy snacks and receive helpful homework assistance. The After School Programs are managed by trained recreation staff and ensure participants a balanced curriculum of fun and educational activities. Click here for locations. ​ Boys & Girls Clubs of America Type: Sports, Art, Homework Club, Technology ​​​Levels: Elementary+ Location: Los Angeles County Contact: info@BGCA.org For a minimal annual membership, kids can take part in the club’s sports, arts, homework help, and computer lab, and even eat a free snack while they’re doing it at Boys and Girls Club. Many local clubs offer daily transport from the public school to the club for an extra annual fee. Find your nearest location near you here. ​ YMCA Type: Sports, STEM, Art ​​​Levels: Kindergarten through Middle School Location: Various locations Contact: 1-800-872-9622 There are nearly 10,000 local kids’ programs across the country at YMCA. The YMCA is helping all children reach their full potential by supporting their unique youth development journeys. At more than 1,000 YMCA sites nationwide, youth are engaged in year-round activities that nurture their curiosity, inspire creativity and teach them how to succeed. ​ 826LA Type: Academic, Homework Club ​​​Levels: Elementary through High School Locations: Echo Park & Mar Vista Contacts: (213) 413-3388 & (310) 915-0200 826LA provides a variety of free programming for students ages 6–18, designed to challenge and enchant while strengthening writing skills. During the school year, 826LA offers tutoring Monday through Thursday, for students ages 6–11; and in the evening, Tuesday and Thursday, for students ages 11-18. Students gather into our writing labs at both 826LA in Mar Vista and 826LA in Echo Park to complete their homework, read, and respond to writing prompts based on a monthly theme. Daily writing prompts are posted for students when they complete their homework and reading. ​ After-School-All-Stars Type: Academic, Homework Club ​​​Levels: Kindergarden through High School Locations: Los Angeles County and Lucerne Valley Contact: (323) 957-4426 Email: info@la-allstars.org Founded in 2002 by Arnold Schwarzenegger, ASAS-LA serves over 14,000 students annually and average 6,000 students a day at 48 schools throughout the Los Angeles County and Lucerne Valley, offering a broad enrichment curriculum and homework help. After-School All-Stars' mission is to educate, enlighten, and inspire young people by providing exciting and dynamic opportunities for their success, while cultivating students’ self-esteem, leadership and respect for one another to help build healthier communities. Contact ASAS-LA to find out if this program is offered at your school.

The holidays are not complete without visiting at least one of the amazing California Theme Parks, but we know how expensive it can get during the holidays. So if you don't want to break the bank, and still want to have a fantastic time with your kiddos, keep reading for great ways to save big on your tickets to the most popular California Theme Parks during the holiday season this year. 1. Get Away Today. Save on your vacation packages, and tickets to different theme parks such as Disneyland, Legoland, and Universal Studio Hollywood when you buy through Get Away Today. 2. Legoland Cyber Monday. Save on your tickets to LEGOLAND California if you book your tickets online. SoCal residents can buy tickets as low as $59.99 (Limited Time Offer) 3. Southern California CityPASS. Save $5 per person at SeaWorld San Diego, Disneyland Park and Disneyland California Adventure, and LEGOLAND when you buy a CityPASS. 4. See California. Get your tickets through See California and save anywhere between $20 to $50 on each ticket to different Theme Parks. 5. Value Days. Purchase 1-Day Value Tickets if you are visiting Disneyland and save up to $38 for each ticket. 1-Day Value Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park on any value season dates. 6. Buy A Day Get the 2nd Day Free. Universal Studio Hollywood is offering Buy A Day, Get the 2nd Day Free if you purchase your tickets online now through December 19, 2019. 7. Costco. Purchase Discounted Tickets for SeaWorld Gold Annual Pass Ticket, or San Diego e-cards to save money on your tickets. 8. American Express. If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can redeem those points for Theme Parks tickets, depending on the type of rewards you earn. 9. Undercover Tourist. Find Discounted Tickets to various California Theme Parks at Undercover Tourist's website. 10. AAA. Take advantage of Disney vacation packages through AAA. 11. aResTravel. Purchase your Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets through aResTravel's website and save up to $25 on each adult tickets. Or bundle and save on Knott's Berry Farm & Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets and save up to $67.00. 12. Buy A Day Ticket. Pick the date you'll visit Six Flags Magic Mountain, and save up to 40% when you buy tickets online at least one day before your trip, or buy Season Passes and save up to 65%.

Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns this October to the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens for another year full of spooktacular fun, entertainment and activities – including live shows, special animal feedings, and themed photo ops. Activities include: Spooky Stroll – Enter, if you dare, and discover Halloween games, a mini pumpkin patch, frightfully Boo-tiful photo ops, and more. Visit the Endangered Animal Graveyard to honor dearly departed species and learn how you can help save at-risk wildlife today. Mystery Maze – Find your way through this cool hay-bale labyrinth and try to avoid “dead” ends! Boo Bird Show – Witness fascinating behaviors of some of nature’s most mysterious and misunderstood flying fauna – owls and vultures – at a special Halloween edition of the popular World of Birds Show at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day but Tuesday. Animals & Boo – Get up close to creepy critters – so close, in fact, you may even get to touch them at 10: 45, 11:45 a.m., with an additional show at 12:45 p.m. on weekend days. The LAIR – Come face-to-face with rare snakes, poisonous frogs, and venomous lizards. No decorations required for this goose bump-inducing excursion! Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Tour – Explore the Zoo to find wacky, creepy, or funny facts about some of your favorite animals and those that might be new to you. Swazzle’s Monster Menagerie Puppet Show – Help a lonely mad scientist create the ultimate trick-or-treating buddy by combining animal “superpowers.” Performances in Adventure Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. “Spooktacular Science” Show – Discover bubbling potions, a hovercraft-powered ghost, and more fun surprises in a mad scientist’s bustling lab. Performances in Adventure Theater at 3 p.m. Green-Screen Photo Booth – Get a snap of yourself among some of the most Halloween-y critters. Creature Craft – Bring a toilet paper roll from home to create your own cute-and-creepy bat. Fearsome Feedings & Creature Treats – Watch as the animal residents enjoy seasonal treats all their own. "Boo at the L.A. Zoo" is free with paid admission and runs weekends-only in October. Dates: Oct 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, 26 and 27.  Halloween activities, shows and animal feedings take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the last two weekends in October, additional trick-or-treat candy stations will be added throughout the grounds. Trick-or-Treating Dates: October 19 and 20 and October 26 and 27.  Costumes are encouraged. Families will find treat stations throughout the Zoo, with candy, treats and bags courtesy of 99 Cents Only Stores. "Boo at the L.A. Zoo" trick-or-treating is also free with paid Zoo admission. Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $22 for general admission (ages 13 to 61), $19 for seniors (ages 62+), and $17 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) members is free. On Oct 26 & 27, you can camp out at the Zoo. Back by popular demand, this spine-tingling overnight adventure includes Griffith Park ghost stories, meals, themed activities, and animal fun; plus Sunday daytime admission to the Zoo, so families can enjoy trick-or-treating on October 28. Additional fee and advance registration required. Space is limited. Click here to buy tickets here. Zoo members at the Family Deluxe level and above have the opportunity to experience Boo at the L.A. Zoo before the Zoo opens to the public, with exclusive shows and animal experiences on October 26, 2019 between 8:30 am - 10:00 am. To RSVP for this exclusive morning event or upgrade your support in order to attend, please call 323-644-4770. #LA #Zoo

We are excited to announce that Natural History Museum Los Angeles has reopened to the public as of April 1, 2021, and La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park has reopened as of April 8, 2021 after more than one year of closure. NHM debuts the gallery presentation of two exhibitions when the museum opens its doors: Rise Up L.A.: A Century of Votes for Women and Spiky, Hairy, Shiny: Insects of LA. Rise Up L.A. honors 100 years of passion and progress through narratives about the everyday women who shaped the suffrage movement and the political landscape through voting, grassroots organizing, and by fighting for rights in the workplace, classroom and community. Spiky, Hairy, Shiny: Insects of L.A. presents a selection of insect macrographs pulled from NHMLAC’s groundbreaking Biodiversity Science: City and Nature (BioSCAN) research project. The captivating photographs, captured unconventionally via a Keyence microscope, inspire wonder, and showcase the beauty and diversity of these “minute Angelenos.” You can visit the digital companion site here. Safety To protect you and your families, both Museums have implanted safety protocols such as reduced capacity, advance online timed-ticket reservations, face coverings for everyone on-site, self-monitoring of symptoms, designated pathways to ensure safe distancing in galleries and gardens, more frequent cleanings and self-service sanitizing stations. Upon admission, you will receive touch styluses that may be used to interact more safely with touchscreens throughout the museum. Some experiences that don’t allow for proper distancing will remain closed at each location, including NHM’s Gem Vault, Encounters performances at both museums, and the Observation Pit at La Brea Tar Pits. For a full list of health and safety protocols and to learn more about changes on site, visit https://nhm.org/covid-19-safety-guidelines. Tickets Tickets for members, community partners and the general public go on sale for NHM on Thursday, March 25 and for La Brea Tar Pits on Thursday, April 1. The 2021 Butterfly Pavilion season will be open through September 6, 2021. Tickets for the Butterfly Pavilion will remain free for members and will be $6 for non-members. The Spider Pavilion season will open later in Fall 2021. Virtual Programs NHMLAC will continue engaging audiences through its digital programming and social media channels. Virtual daily school programs cover content from archaeology, marine science, paleontology, and ecosystems. NHMLAC has also created four different virtual field trips: virtual visits to La Brea Tar Pits and NHM, as well as digital oceanic and archaeological experiences. NHM’s First Fridays Connected Series continues online on April 2 with the discussion L.A. at the Intersections: Climate Crisis, plus a performance by Sudan Archives. Hours The hours at both museums will remain 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m the days they are open. Free Museum Days Beginning April 8 at NHM and April 15 at La Brea Tar Pits, admission to NHM and La Brea Tar Pits will be free for Los Angeles County residents between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. on all days that the Museums are open. Timed tickets must be reserved online and will be available for reservation on a first come/first served basis. For more information about Natural History Museum LA, click here. For more information about LA Brea Tar Pits Museum, click here. You May Also Enjoy The Petersen Automotive Museum Reopens on March 25! LACMA is Reopening With New Exciting Exhibits! A Huge List of Places That are Open in Los Angeles!

Most people know that moving to LA takes careful planning and, more importantly, some serious savings. But once you’re already there, moving to another neighborhood should be easy enough, right? Well, sure — if you only need to pack your things. However, if you’re looking to move to a different Los Angeles address with children in tow, you may be in for a rude awakening! After all, working out a moving plan is close to impossible when you have little ones running around. Between building up a budget, organizing movers, and packing, even the most patient people can lose it. Luckily, there are ways to entertain youngsters while directing their limitless energy toward productive tasks. 7 Tips to Make Moving in Los Angeles Fun for Kids 1. Make a Memory Book When you’re planning a move, even within city limits, start by taking photographs of your old place. Ideally, this should be done before you start packing so it’s the ideal task for your children. It will let them come to peace with the move while also allowing them to say goodbye to their old house. Of course, the pictures will serve a practical purpose. Namely, they’ll help you figure out how your furniture should fit into the new space. It’ll also let the kids look at the way things used to be if they feel homesick at the new place. In fact, they could go around taking both pictures and videos, for good measure. 2. Include Kids in the Decision-Making Process When a family starts preparing for a move, they often neglect to let kids — particularly the little ones — in on the process. That’s a mistake for several reasons. For one, even if they’re only moving a few blocks away and not even changing schools, kids still feel powerless most of the time. Try to remember what it was like, not knowing what the adults in your life were planning. With that in mind, ask for your kids’ opinions on important matters! Introduce the move as your family’s next big adventure and take their input seriously. If you’re choosing between several neighborhoods that are close to each other, like Mid-City and Pico, what’s the harm in asking for the kids’ preference? Take a stroll through each area to get the general vibe or take the whole family apartment hunting. When you decide on a place, bring your kids over and have them choose a color for the walls in their new rooms. That should keep them involved and excited about the move. 3. De-clutter as a Family Most parents know that kids come with a special kind of mess. Over the years, toys and clothes seem to materialize out of nowhere. So use the move as an opportunity to declutter — and allow your kids to choose items they couldn’t bear to part with. Doing so will restore a feeling of agency. In any case, when you sift through the things and sort them into toss and donate piles, take your kids on the donation trip with you. Showing them how their things will make other kids happy will be a good teaching moment. You can drop off the donation at a women’s shelter like the Los Angeles House of Ruth. Alternatively, take them to another homeless shelter or charity. Children’s hospitals usually require donated toys to be brand new. 4. Have Them Pack Up Their Own Rooms Properties in LA County tend to disappear from the market as quickly as they show up — particularly in family-friendly areas like Pasadena, Glendale, or Sherman Oaks, to name a few. So while you’re refreshing real estate sites, tell your kids to pack some of their things. You’d be surprised by how willing they’ll be to help. Just show them what to do once or twice, and they’ll take over from there. At the very least, they should be able to pack up their own toys. 5. Get Their Stamp of Approval If you’ve already decided to let your kids pack certain items, you might as well let them decorate the boxes too. Simply hand them some stickers, ribbons, and markers when they finish packing. After writing, drawing, and pasting images on the boxes, they’ll be ready for the movers. Moreover, seeing their rooms empty, with their stuff neatly packaged and ceremoniously marked, will let the kids say goodbye to the old space. Of course, if you want to keep this tip practical too, have the kids write (or draw) the contents of each box on the side before they close it. That should give them peace of mind if they’re worried about forgetting things. In fact, you could let every child take a box of important things when you drive over to your new property. That way, they’ll get to enter their home all ready to move in. 6. Have a Last Hurrah in the Old Home When most of your stuff is ready to go, ask your kids how they want to say goodbye to their old home. You could organize a: ● Going away party. However, since you’re moving within city limits, you can still keep seeing everyone. ● Tour of your family’s favorite neighborhood spots. Visit your favorite parks, zoos, and restaurants the day before the move. ● Small family dinner during which each child can share their favorite memories of the house. In addition to allowing the kids to say goodbye to their friends and favorite haunts, these ideas would also represent a symbolic break between their old and new lives. 7. Encourage Your Kids to Explore Their New Environment Upon reaching your destination, you’ll have two options. If your kids want to participate in setting up your new home, let them. They can take their boxes to their rooms and direct you as you arrange their beds and desks. After you set up the bulkier pieces, let them unpack and organize the smaller items on their own. Alternatively, you could let the kids explore the neighborhood while you unpack. If you’re worried about them getting into trouble, have your spouse or a babysitter go with them. They could meet new friends at the local playground or discover new favorite diners. Thankfully, LA has never had a shortage of interesting places to hang out. You May Also Enjoy: Tips for Small Apartment Living with Kids Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Oz Moving & Storage.

It is a digital world and education is easier then ever with digital resources. From math, science, literature, to chemistry, history, coding and more, we have curated a huge list of digital education resources to help your kids catch up just in time for back-to-school. You can also find apps that can help you monitor your kids' accomplishments and to create an award system. 2Simple Here children can engage with publishing, story creation, game design, concept mapping, collaborative writing and art, to name a few. AdmitHub Based on extensive experience partnering with higher education institutions across the nation, AdmitHub has developed a unique, three-pronged approach for a successful student communication platform. AdmitHub combines artificial intelligence, proactive nudges, and a vast knowledge base to engage students in authentic, personalized conversations. ABCMouse/Adventure Academy Adventure Academy blends education best practices, innovative technology, and insightful creativity to create engaging and effective educational experiences that bring learning to life. ALBERT Learners can customize their learning experience to fit their needs and interests to stay motivated and engaged. Alchemie The content specialists have put together a lot of resources available to students and teachers offering review materials from stereochemistry to 2nd semester organic chemistry. American Chemistry Society Here you will find a selection of articles arranged by the chemistry concepts. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Backpack Sciences This program will change the way of teaching science, increasing the amount of science taught, yet reducing the headache of figuring out the details. Boardmaker Jump-start your teaching and maximize student learning with printable activities for students in K-12. BookCreator App With Book Creator online you can bring creativity to your homes not just your classrooms! You will get the ability to collaborate together on books in real-time. BrainPop Consider using BrainPOP’s animated movies, assessment resources, and creative tools for Distance learning Support, for projects, and homework keeping students on track with their studies. Breakout Edu Breakout Edu has put together a collection of digital games that students can play at home. Students can click on any game and start playing! Buncee With Buncee’s assortment of media options, creating a virtual lesson is quick and easy. Teachers can include text, video, audio, or even links to additional resources. Century Students will receive access to thousands of CENTURY's learning resources in English, maths and science. CheckMath Boost your math understanding by getting instant feedback on your work. CircleTime Fun Learn and bond with your 0-6 year old. Follow and interact with an expert instructor. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids CiscoWebex Teachers can plan and teach their class virtually, while keeping students engaged. CK-12 Foundation CK-12 creates high-quality and free K-12 resources that are easy to set up for online learning during school closures. They'll walk you through how to use our deeply interactive digital textbooks (FlexBooks) and find engaging content. ClassDojo ClassDojo connects teachers with students and parents to build amazing classroom communities. Classroom Secrets This is a brand new website full of fun and practical activities for kids. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids ClassHook Create a free ClassHook account, and join your school during onboarding. Classtime Classtime is a solution for classrooms that complements in-class teaching with immediate feedback on students’ level of understanding. Perfect for teachers and students in the modern classroom. CMU CS Academy CMU CS Academy provides free, online, interactive computer science curriculum for high schools that is engaging, creative, rigorous and fun. CS Academy also includes teacher training, an online interactive textbook, online technical support and more! CommonLit A reading program that reaches all students. Access the tools to implement an effective literacy program in your home. Also featuring Spanish reading passages and questions. Conjugemos Teach Language through fun activities & games. Coursera for Campus Access 3,800 courses and 400 specializations for colleges and universities. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Curriki Share and Explore High Quality K-12 Content. Deck.Toys Build complete lessons within minutes with your existing teaching content such as study sets, PPT or Google Slides. DeltaMath DelthaMath is a website that allows teacher to assign content to students from middle school to college. Discovery Ed Unlock the power of discovery with standards-aligned, digital curriculum resources and easy-to-use technology. Dyslexia Academy The Dyslexia-Academy is an online dyslexia school of support for Parents, Teachers and Pupils. EdConnect EdConnect is a video messaging tool that brings the classroom environment online, increasing student engagement and retention. Edmodo Edmodo organizes your work with class folders and a built-in Planner, so that you can stress less. EdPuzzle EdPuzzle standardizes the way K-12 teachers deliver their video lessons and allow students to access personalized video learning safely. Education Perfect A progressive teaching and learning toolkit for the modern classroom. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Eduflow Make learning and teaching more effective with active participation and student collaboration. Edulastic Technology-enhanced assessments that work for teachers. Edu-Together Edu-Together offers full courses in all academic subjects. Elementari Elementari is a K-12 online platform to read, write, code, share, and remix interactive stories using professional illustrations and sounds. Emile The Emile range of resources has been developed by a group of teachers, academics and game developers supplying games-based learning resources. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Epraise Epraise is designed to do three things; motivate students, engage parents and save teachers time. Epic! Epic! is the Leading Digital Library for Kids 12 & Under. EverFi EVERFI provides students of all ages the critical skills that work and life demand. Explain Everything From sketches, through PDFs, to videos, Explain Everything lets you turn an infinite canvas into a mixed-media playground that captivates and inspires. Fiveable Learn Science, Math, History, Social Science and more. Flipgrid Flipgrid is social learning for PreK to PhD learners ... and beyond! Fluency Matters E-courses include Comprehension-based E-book, audio book, and E-quizzes and activities. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Freckle Students automatically work on the Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science lessons that are perfect for them. That way, they are always engaged and challenged, never facing material that is too difficult or easy for them. Free Math Kids create their assignments directly from problems in existing school materials. Gamilab Gamilab is an online platform where you can find and create easy, fun and educational games. Genially Create stunning presentations, infographics, and more in just seconds. GoGuardian GoGuardian’s suite of tools helps you maximize the learning potential of 1:1 school technology program. Good2Learn Online Maths and English Lessons for school aged kids. Google For Edu You’ll be able to put up to 250 people on a Hangouts Meet call—an entire class or group of classes can join a lesson simultaneously. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Gynzy Gynzy is the all-in-one educational software that combines standards-aligned lessons, bite-sized games & activities, and class management tools. Hapara Hapara lets you view, organize and personalize digital learning from top to bottom. Hawkes Learning EBooks, instructional videos, and interactive tutorials HippoCampus Explore more than 7,000 free videos in 13 subjects areas. Ideas Roadshow An extensive database of reliable video and print resources. IDEA Free mini courses in various subjects. InThinking InThinking promotes and supports the development of high quality educational resources which incorporate cutting-edge ideas, encourage independent thinking, and help students to prepare effectively for exams. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids i-Ready i‑Ready is a comprehensive assessment and instruction program that empowers educators with the resources they need to help all students succeed. Izzit.org FREE High-quality educational materials to educators: teachers, homeschoolers, parents, grandparents, scout troop leaders – to anyone interested in learning/teaching! Kahoot Engage students in learning even when they’re not in class and stay on track with curriculum while instructing online. Kami Kami is the leading PDF & document annotation app for schools. KET’s PBS Learning Media PBS SoCal | KCET and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for California teachers. Khan Academy Free, world‑class education for anyone, anywhere. Kids Discover Online The Premier Cross-Curricular Online Platform for Elementary and Middle School Learners. Kognity Kognity is an award-winning digital publisher which combines the power of technology and textbooks to create a vastly elevated learning experience. LabsLand Real laboratories, on the Internet Learning Apps LearningApps.org is a Web 2.0 application, to support learning and teaching processes with small interactive modules. Libby App Download books and audiobooks for offline reading from your public library with your library card, or stream them to save space. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids ListenWise The Listenwise platform supports distance learning by allowing you to roster students, make online customized written assignments, and assign multiple-choice autos-cored listening quizzes. Manga High With Mangahigh, you can assign and assess students’ performance online and exchange messages in a virtual environment. Microsoft Education A game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in an immersive digital environment. MobyMax MobyMax helps struggling learners quickly catch up to grade level and closes learning gaps for all students. Mozi When students use Mozi, they create focused, organized, evidence-based writing in any course. MusicFirst MusicFirst Classroom is the only comprehensive learning management system for K-12 music education NearPod Nearpod is an instructional platform that merges formative assessment and dynamic media for collaborative learning experiences. Newsela Newsla is ffering free access to Newsela’s entire product suite for the rest of the 2020 school year. Outschool Explore fun, social, and safe learning experiences—taught over live video chat. 10,000+ classes led by qualified teachers. More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Sight Reading Suite SightReadingFactory.com makes practicing the important skill of sight reading easy, effective and fun! SmartMusic SmartMusic is a web-based suite of music education tools that support efficient practice, helping musicians to develop and grow. StoryBoard Create your own digital story with over 2,000 Lesson Plans and Activities. TechSmith Create training content, tutorials, lessons and step-by-step instructions & more. Typing Club Learn Touch Typing for free! More Digital Educational Resources For Kids Vidcode Vidcode offers the #1 research-backed standards-aligned computer science courses, focused on open-ended projects. Vroom App Vroom Tips help you do more with your shared moments. Add learning to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, or anytime with 1,000+ fun, free activities. Wakelete Save, organize and share content from across the web. We Video WeVideo empowers every learner to discover their voice and make an impact in their world by promoting deeper learning while making it fun and easy for students to express their ideas with creativity and authenticity. Zoom Video communications platform that simplifies how people communicate.

Traveling with young children may not be your idea of a relaxing holiday, but with the right planning, it can be extremely rewarding. Plus, children under the age of 2 typically fly free and take up very little space in a hotel room! If you’re planning a trip with your little ones, be careful not to blow your budget on entertainment and travel supplies. There are plenty of great ways to reduce the threat of travel stress and save money at the same time. Here are some money saving tips to keep in mind for your next family adventure. Be Prepared with the Right Gear While packing light can help you save money on luggage fees, it’s important to gather everything you need to stay comfortable and sane on your vacation. For example, you may want to pack some mom-friendly supplies in your diaper bag to get you through those long flights or car rides. Kindred Bravely recommends some handy diaper bag essentials like nursing pads, hair ties, hand sanitizer, and an extra shirt for mom. Search for deals online so you can save money on these useful items. Purchasing and packing the right supplies will save you from buying stuff on the road where it can be much more expensive. At the same time, make sure you’re prepared with toys and activities to keep your kids entertained. Create your own travel activity packs to keep everything organized and easy to find. For example, a craft kit with washable markers, stickers, stencils, and a small binder full of paper can provide endless entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers. You may also want to include some plush toys, dolls, and mini versions of kid-friendly games. You’ll find that most of these supplies are super affordable at retailer stores like Walmart, and you can save even more money by searching online for Walmart coupon codes and cashback offers before shopping. Slow Down and Be Flexible Traveling with patience is the best way to save yourself some stress on your trip. If you have several different vacation spots to hit on a tight schedule, something is bound to throw your plans off, whether it’s a flight delay or a sick toddler. Plan to be somewhat flexible and try to minimize the number of places you want to stop along your trip. Hotels and vacation rentals typically offer discounts the longer you plan to stay, so you’ll enjoy some great savings by staying put a little longer before moving on to the next place. This will also leave plenty of room in your travel schedule to rest and relax—you’re going to need it! Motherly recommends building breaks into your travel plans so you and your kids have time to recharge between your outings and adventures. Travel in the Off-Season One simple way to slow down your travel plans is to hit the road during the off-season. Take advantage of the fact that your children are not yet in school and plan your trip around dates when school is in session. This will help you avoid the summer crowds while saving money on everything from flights and accommodation to local attractions. You’ll also get to skip the high summer temperatures that can leave everyone feeling hot and cranky! If you already know where you want to travel, research the best times to visit to avoid high flight costs. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, Hopper recommends flying between October and March—so you can take advantage of the holiday season while on vacation! Taking young children on a trip for the very first time is bound to be intimidating. Don’t let travel stress stop you from enjoying a wonderful and relaxing family vacation. Take steps to plan ahead, slow it down, and pack everything you need to keep your trip trouble-free and budget-friendly.

It is a great time to visit LEGOLAND California with the opening of two new attractions, character experiences, and more in THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD! LEGOLAND announced today that for only $27 per day, you can enjoy 5 days of entry into LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium just in time for Spring Break. Join Master Builders on a Triple Decker Flying Couch, as cutting edge technology transports you all over THE LEGO MOVIE! universe. Surrounded by a full-dome virtual screen, you'll feel like you're flying through a world created completely from LEGO bricks! The all-new drop tower ride, Unikitty's Disco Drop!, will take you through a rainbow-filled journey based on Unikitty and her many moods. Swoop to the tiptop of Cloud Cuckoo Land, then drop, spin and bounce back down to earth in sync with Unikitty's wide range of emotions! New shows and meet and greets are: Emmet's Super Suite Stop by Emmet's apartment and meet some of your favorite characters from THE LEGO MOVIE! Benny's Dance Party! Join Benny and his dancing crew members as they throw a party that is out of this world! Learn some moves, and show off some of your own. Be sure to stay until the end to get a group picture with Benny and his crew. SPRING SALE HAS ARRIVED AT CAMP GALILEO, BOOK NOW AND SAVE $10 PER WEEK Emmet's Awesome Welcome Emmet and all of his friends are waiting at LEGOLAND to welcome you to the park, and start your day off with a party. Dance and play with your favorite characters, and participate in awesome activities like: Emmet's Awesome Morning Routine with Emmet himself! The Jousting Tournament with LEGO Royalty! Ninja Training with a real Ninjago Spinjitzu master! Lucy and the Brickdown, a concert starring Wyldstyle! Wyldstyle's Wave Goodbye Wyldstyle and the rest of your favorite characters from across LEGOLAND California Resort want to say goodbye before you go home! Take a selfie and do one more crazy dance move to have a great finish to your awesome day with us. The catch is 5 days must be used consecutively, with your first visit occurring by or before April 30, 2020. That is $135 per person for 5 days to visit LEGOLAND. LEGOLAND Water Park opens on March 21st. Please check opening times before booking. Photos: Courtesy of LEGOLAND

Family vacations can come in various forms from expensive destinations to simple backyard staycations. Whether you are planning on hitting the road this summer with your family or traveling via plane, you don’t want your fun to get spoiled by poor planning. Children can get restless, traffic can become unbearable and the savings you envisioned can evaporate through airport snacks and pricey meals out. With some careful planning, though, you can breeze through your trip without encountering any added stress or costs for your family. Here are the steps you can take to do so. Map Out a Detailed Plan for Your Trip If you plan on packing up the family for a big road trip, you can use apps such as Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps to plan out the best route for reaching your final destination. These tools can help you best determine when to start your trip, how to avoid snarled traffic, as well as provide information about points of interest you may want to stop for along the way. Plan to fly during your travels? You may want to schedule your flight for the morning. Flying early in the day means a less likely chance of having your flight delayed, which can equal fewer opportunities for a stressful meltdown from young children. No matter how you get to your final destination, plan a fun itinerary to keep family members of all ages engaged and enjoying themselves. Have your kids contribute to your plans, but also leave a little downtime in the schedule so everyone can relax and recharge. Find Ways to Entertain Kids Outside of Planned Activities Even if your family isn’t busy, you can still keep your kids entertained and having fun. One option is to bring along a portable streaming device to hook up in your hotel room so you can play your favorite TV shows and movies on the go. This is also a clever trick for those times when the weather decides to rain on your vacation plans. You should also plan some fun activities for those potentially boring times along the way to your destination. Kids get bored in the car and on planes, and that’s when problems can arise. You can head those problems off by having children choose some fun car games to play. One popular game is the alphabet game, where family members take turns coming up with cities, names or objects that start with different letters of the alphabet. For in-flight entertainment, you and your partner can add a few games to your smartphones so your children can stay occupied. If you decide to allow your kids to borrow your phones, make sure to switch to a tempered glass screen protector to defend your devices against serious drops and spills. Plan for Healthy Snacks Without Spending a Fortune Hunger can be the ultimate meltdown trigger on your family vacation. Although fast food and processed snacks may be more convenient, it tends to leave kids even more anxious and hungry. Before you hit the road, stock your car with healthy snacks and meals for the ride, such as PB&J and crackers or veggies with hummus. For larger appetites, make some wrap sandwiches or protein boxes using diced meats and cheeses. You may even be able to bring some of these healthy snack options on your flight to avoid costly airport food that will only leave your family cranky. You don’t need a big budget or fancy tricks to keep your family happy and having fun during your travels. All you really need is some proper planning ahead of time and a bit of patience along the way. Master those two and you’ll be able to focus on the fun memories made, rather than travel bumps. Heading to LA for a fun-filled family getaway? Check out all there is to see and do on Fun With Kids in LA. Our site has a wealth of information to help families find new and exciting experiences in Los Angeles and beyond! Photo Credit: Unsplash

Spring Break is around the corner and if you are staying in town and need to entertain your kids on a tight budget, we've got a great list of free and cheap things to do with your kids over the spring break. 1. Go to Museums Many Museums offer free admission days every month on different days of the week, so if you check the free museum days for your favorite museums, you'll be able to get free admission to at least 2 or 3 museums during spring vacation. 2. Go to the Movies See old time favorite family movies at Beverly Cinemas for only $12 per person. 3. Visit a Public Library Public libraries often offer free workshops, movies, shows and more. Click here to find a library near you. 4. Visit California Science Center The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. The admission to the California Science Center is always free. 5. Visit Noah's Ark Visit Noah’s Ark at the Skirball for Free on Thursdays. Free Thursdays are first-come, first-served only, subject to availability Free Tickets are available at the admissions desk starting at 11:45 a.m. 6. Go to a Farmer's Market Farmer's Markets are great places for social time, and opportunities to teach kids about healthy eating. Find a Farmer's Market near you here. We also highly suggest visiting The Original Farmer's Market during the spring break. 7. Explore the Greystone Mansion Explore this beautiful old mansion with distinctive English gardens located in Beverly Hills on a 16-acre land. Greystone mansion is free and open to public every day. 8. Visit Funko Hollywood Funko Hollywood is like a Disneyland for Funko Pops. There are lots of places where you can take pictures with Funko pops on Display. 9. Visit Santa Monica Aquarium See over 100 local species on exhibit at Santa Monica Aquarium, enjoy hands-on activities, and daily educational programs. Kids under 13 are free, and adults and kids 13+ are only $10. 10. Take a trip to a Dollar Store Take the kids to a dollar store for a little math lesson. Tell them how much they can spend and let them find items that don't exceed that amount. Find a store near you here. 11. Visit Cabrillo Aquarium Explore conservation of Southern California marine life at Cabrillo Aquarium. The admission is only $7 for adults and $3 for children. 12. Attend a Free Class at an Apple Store An adventure awaits each week as kids create fun, hands-on projects at the Apple store. Designed to spark imagination and creativity, kids will explore coding, storytelling, illustration, movie making, music, and more, all for free. Find an Apple Store near you here. 13. Register for a Free Workshops at Microsoft Store Kids ages 8 and up can register for free virtual lessons and workshops that are offered by Microsoft. 14. Take a little trip to Calico Ghost Town Calico is an old West mining town that has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. Explore some of the untouched buildings that remain from the silver-miming days. Ride the Calico and Odessa Railroad, take a tour through the Maggie Mine or go panning for silver. You may also enjoy: 101 Cool Places to Explore with Your Kids in And Around Los Angeles!

Whether you’re a Grinch or a Who, IHOP has got a tasty treat for you this holiday season! With their new Grinch-inspired menu, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. And the best part is that kids can eat for free at IHOP every day from 4pm to 10pm with each adult entrée. The free entrée is valid for kids 12 and under on kids menu items, for a limited time at participating locations, and it is for dine in only. New on kids's menu is Mt. Crumpit Kids Combo, and young Grinch Minty Hot Chocolate. Mt. Crumpit Kids Combo is one buttermilk pancake with a hint of green topped with sweet cream cheese icing, red candy hearts and green whipped topping, which includes 1 scrambled egg, 1 bacon strip and 1 pork sausage link. And Young Grinch Minty Hot Chocolate is flavored with mint syrup and topped with creamy green whipped topping and red candy hearts. Adults can enjoy Grinch's Green Pancakes, Who Roast Beast Omelette, Minty Who Hot Chocolate, Grinch's Green Pancake Combo, and more as part of the new Grinch-inspired menu. Advertisement You can also get free pancakes on your birthday, and every anniversary if you join IHOP's e-Club. To find participating IHOPs, and to get more information about IHOP's new Grinch menu and their offers, please visit IHOP at their official website. Please check with the restaurant before you go to make sure they are one of the participants for kids free offer. You may also like:

All You Need to Know About A Day Trip To Calico Ghost Town If you want to do something different and adventurous, take a day trip to Calico Ghost Town located in the Calico Mountains of the Mojave Desert region of Southern California. At Calico Ghost Town, you and your kids will be amazed by the scenery, the old structures, and the mining sites. Calico Ghost Town was founded in 1881 as a silver mining town, and today has been converted into a county park. At its peak, Calico was at the heart of an impressive 500 mines, extracting more than $20 million of silver ore over a 12-year period. When silver lost its value in the mid-1890s, Calico lost its population. The miners packed up, loaded their mules, and moved away abandoning the town, so it became a "ghost town." Now, Calico Ghost Town is California’s only famous abandoned Wild West settlement. Find a Perfect Stay near Calico Ghost Town The fee to get in is $8 for adults, and $5 for kids (3+), and the parking is free. After you park your car and walk into the town, take an 8-minute train ride in an adorable super old train similar to those used in early mining, which will take you around the mining sites. Then take a walk through the town and take it all in. There are still four to five original buildings that are still standing, and the rest of the town has been rebuilt, which replicate the old structures. Be sure to explore Maggie Mine, which is an authentic silver mine from the 1880s, with mining exhibits and historical displays. The Mine is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Next, take the kids for a gold panning experience just how the miners did it. Another interesting thing to do is the Mystery Shack Tour. You will be amazed and confused at the same time in the house of optical illusions. Lucy Lane Museum is also very interesting to see. You will find Artifacts, photographs and documents from Calico’s origin at Lucy Lane Museum. Another fun thing to do is taking an old western family photo at Calico Photo Studio. You will get an 8x10 print for $30 for two people, plus $5 for each additional family member, or two 5x7 photos. Photo Courtesy of Calico Photo Studio Calico Ghost Town also offers private and group Ghost Tours every Saturday night, when you can experience the truest accounts of Calico's history and paranormal activity. For information and reservations for the tours, please call 760-254-371. If you can't get enough of this beautiful old town, take an Extreme Calico Mine Tour, which is a 3-4 hour educational and historical hands-on tour. At this tour, you get to experience the Calico mines as early settlers did. Another interesting tour is 20 Mule Team Off-Road Adventure. This Extreme Calico Tour will put you on the same road as the famous 20 Mule Team Borax Wagon Train did. You will depart from Calico Ghost Town on a 2 1/2 hour journey back in time. This historical and educational off-road tour will take you to the famous town of Borate, a stop at Tin Can Alley, a visit to the Bismark and Odessa mining district and finally a rough journey down the famous Phillips Loop. There are several shops at the Calico Ghost town with unique gifts and flavors of the west. Calico Ghost Town also offers three restaurants. Calico House is a full-service restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Old Miner’s Café at the top of the town serves hamburgers, a variety of sandwiches, salads, hotdogs, and more. At Lil’s Saloon, which has swinging doors just like the ones you see in the old western movies, you can order hot dogs, pizza, or a variety of snack foods, including Seattle's Best Coffee. You can also do camping at Calico, rent a cabin, and even celebrate special events. Calico Ghost town is located at 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo, California, and is approximately 1 1/2 hour drive from Los Angeles. For more information about Calico Ghost Town, please visit their official website. To find out what is open and what is closed at Calico Ghost Town due to COVID-19, click here. You May Also Enjoy: 12 Awesome Weekend Getaways for LA Families!

The beloved holiday rom-com, Love Actually is coming to life at Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts this holiday season through Christmas with pop hits by Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell and many more, performed by an eclectic mix of LA based artists from the worlds of music, stage, and screen. The screenplay delves into different aspects of love as shown through separate stories involving a wide variety of individuals, many of whom are shown to be interlinked as their tales progress. Daniel's wife has just passed away, leaving him to take care of his adolescent stepson Sam by himself. Daniel is uncertain how to deal with Sam and his problems without his wife present, especially in light of a potential budding romance within their household. Juliet and Peter have just gotten married. They believe that Peter's best friend and best man Mark hates Juliet but won't say so to his or her face. Others looking at the situation from the outside believe Mark is jealous of Juliet as he is in love with Peter himself. Jamie, a writer, is taking a writing retreat by himself in rural France. Join for this hilarious and heartwarming multimedia event, where you will find that Love Actually is all around. This production uses theatrical haze effects and contains adult content and brief nudity. It is recommended for ages 13+. Love Actually Live is playing at Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts from November 27, 2019 through December 29, 2019. As a special holiday gift, Wallis Annenberg is offering 20% to the first seven performances November 27th through December 3rd. For more information about the play and to purchase your tickets, please visit Wallis Annenberg's official website. Wallis Annenberg is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210. You may also enjoy: Photos Courtesy: Wallis Annenberg

Check out 5 of our favorite Happy Hour spots in Los Angeles that are awesome for Date Nights, where you’re promised relaxation and libations. Drago Centro (DTLA) Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles offers a Daily Happy Hour in their lounge area from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday-Friday, and 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm on weekends. Enjoy Wine specials for $8 and Specialty Cocktails like their White Negroni crafted with Bookers gin, bordiga vermouth, and amara for $9. The food menu is expansive with Saga Wagyu Mini Burgers for $9 and Pizzetta con Burrata for $8 making the top of my list for their simplicity for little fingers. The Pot Lobby Bar (Koreatown) Masterminds Roy Choi and Matt Biancanielloto have designed a bar menu at The Pot Lobby Bar at The Line Hotel with Small Bites and Drinks that all cost less than the $10 valet. Pair an Old Fashioned on Tap ($8) with some Korean Spicy Chicken Wings ($6) for a third of the price you would pay at Pot. Happy hour runs from 2:30 to 8:00 pm daily. Kettleblack (Silverlake) Kettleblack in Silverlake offers their Happy Hour from 5 pm to 7 pm daily, and any fans of "the Manhattan" will be pleased to see it on the menu ($8). More traditional Italian beverages like Peroni ($4) and Negroni ($8) are also available. As far as food goes, I dare you not to order the Wood Fired Cauliflower bagna cauda, with golden raisins, capers & pine nuts ($8). In a hurry? A Sip & Slice of cheese pizza with a choice of Peroni or House red, white, or rosé ($8) is worth finding the time for! Bourbon Steak (Glendale) Happy Hour at Bourbon Steak at the Americana Mall runs daily here from 4:30 pm to 7 pm (and 3 pm on Sundays). Snacks on the lounge menu are all half off including Duck Spring Rolls with ginger-chili dipping sauce ($8) and Australian Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri ($9). Butcher Cuts and Burgers are also specially priced at $22 and $14 respectively. So what are you drinking? Enjoy 10 specialty cocktails for $7, Sommelier’s Select Juice (red, white, or bubbly) for $6, and their Daily Brew for $4. Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (Santa Monica) Happy Hour takes place Sunday through Friday from 3 pm to 7 pm, during which you can order the always decadent JFAT Nachos with Sirloin Chili, Guacamole, and more for $8, Parmesan Garlic Fries for $5, and possibly the best Charred Brussel Sprouts in the city for $7. Beers and Cocktails are $2, “Tap Wines” are $3, but my go-to has got to be ‘Sofia’s Skinny Partida’ Margarita crafted with Partida Blanco, Agave Nectar, muddled Citrus Cucumber and Mint $7. After all, you have to keep something skinny when you’re chowing down on nachos and fries (lol). Edited by Angela M. Cantoni #HappyHours #Food #Restaurants #BestofLA