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Sesame Place San Diego is now open! A longtime favorite of children and adults, Sesame Street, is now at Sesame Place San Diego. Sesame Place is a new theme park in San Diego that brings all your favorite Sesame Street characters to life. From your child's first roller coaster to exciting water slides, there will be plenty of whirls, twirls, splishes, and splashes to experience at Sesame Place San Diego. Sesame Place features 7 Sesame Street-themed rides, an interactive musical play area, and 11 water attractions including a 500,000-gallon wave pool – one of the largest in Southern California. The park also has an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, live character shows, an award-winning daily parade, unique photo opportunities, and everyone's favorite furry friends! The park is a Certified Autism Center Sesame Place San Diego is a Certified Autism Center, and designated quiet spaces with comfortable seating have been incorporated into the park’s design. A park-specific sensory guide is featured on its website, making it easier for you to plan activities that satisfy your child’s specific needs and accommodations. Family-Friendly Rides Abby's Fairy Flight A sprinkle of magic from Abby Cadabby’s wand will send you flying around and around on this family swing ride themed after everyone’s favorite fairy-in-training. It’s a magical adventure the whole family will enjoy. Your kid must be at least 36" tall to ride. Rosita's Harmony Hills Climb, crawl, and create beautiful “música” as you play on the rolling green hillsides of Rosita’s Harmony Hills! This attraction is recommended for kids 5 years old and younger accompanied by a supervising companion. Sunny Day Carousel The Sunny Day Carousel is a cute, colorful, classic ride that’s perfect for everyone who likes a good go-round. Children under 42" tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) standing next to the rider on the inside of the Carousel to ride. Cookie Climb Get carried away in a cloud of cookie crumbs as you pull yourself to the top of a Cookie Monster-themed towers and then hang on tight for a giggling good ride back down! Children must be 38" tall to ride. Super Grover's Box Car Derby Super Grover's great box car race is about to begin! This family-friendly coaster is full of fun hills, big turns, and mini-dives. This action-packed race is the perfect first steel roller coaster for kids and adults! Children must be 38" tall to ride Elmo's Rockin' Rockets Hop in one of Elmo’s rocket ships as they fly up, down, and all around on an imaginary trip through outer space. Children under 48" must be accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) to ride. Rub-A-Dub Sub Buckle up and get ready for a bubbly adventure aboard Ernie’s toy submarine. The S.S. Duckie goes around and around both forward and backward, bringing smiles to everyone on board! Sesame Street Soar & Spin Choose your favorite furry friend’s balloon and get ready to go up high on the Sesame Street Soar & Spin! Parents and kids get a bird’s-eye view of the whole park as they soar and spin atop this lively family ride. Children under 42" tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) to ride. Splashy Water Slides Water attractions open Memorial Day weekend! Bert's Topsy Turvy Tunnels Grab your best buddy for a splish-splashing tube ride down one of the three 60-foot water slides. Bert’s Topsy Turvy Tunnels has two enclosed slides and one open-air slide that will have you laughing all the way down this splashy water ride. Children must be 42 inches tall to ride. Proper swimwear is required to ride. Big Bird's Beach Catch a wave at Big Bird’s Beach – a family-friendly wave pool surrounded by a sandy beach. Splash around and float on man-made waves in 500,000 gallons of water, making Big Bird’s Beach one of the largest wave pools in Southern California. Everyone will have a “swell” time at this attraction! Children under 48" must be accompanied by an adult and are required to wear a life vest. Big Bird's Rambling River Grab a tube and enjoy this relaxing, fun-filled water adventure through bubbling, swirling waters, and splashy waterfalls. Float along a 1,250-foot lazy river in a single or double tube. Big Bird’s Rambling River is the perfect place for the whole family to unwind and enjoy the view! Cookie's Monster Mixer Climb aboard this four-person raft and get ready for a monstrously good time! This 6-story family raft ride sends you on a swirling, swishing, splashing adventure before dropping you through a giant funnel of fun for a final splashdown! Children must be 48" tall to ride. Elmo's Silly Sand Slides Your little ones will love this colorful, hands-on water adventure with 6 slippery slides and lots of splashy fun. Slides in this area require children to be no taller than 48" to ride. Ernie's Twisty Turny Tunnels Choose between three 60-foot slides and get ready for a tubular adventure! Ernie’s Twisty Turny Tunnels has two enclosed slides and one open-air slide that will take you on an exciting ride with a splashy ending! Children must be 42" tall to ride. Children under 48" are required to wear a life vest and proper swimwear. Honker Dinger Dash This fun-filled water slide has 6 lanes to choose from so everyone can get in on the family-friendly action. Start off in an enclosed tunnel with a 180-degree turn and then enjoy the thrilling race down these colorful water slides! Children must be 42" tall to ride, and proper swimwear is required. Oscar's Rotten Rafts Climb aboard a family-size raft and share a grouchy good time sliding down a watery path with long twists and turns. Oscar’s Rotten Rafts allows up to four people at a time to enjoy this water ride together. Don’t “scram” before you check out this water slide! Children must be 42" tall to ride, and proper swimwear is required. Snuffy's Spaghetti Slides Swoosh down one of six different, 60-foot-long body slides straight into a splashy ending. Snuffy’s Spaghetti Slides has four enclosed and two open-air water slides that will take you on an exciting ride that ends in a splash pool. Children must be 42" tall to ride. Children under 48" are required to wear a life vest and proper swimwear. The Count's Splash Castle The Count’s Splash Castle is a multi-level, interactive, water-play attraction featuring multiple water slides and loads of hands-on fun with slides, hoses, jets, geysers, and more! For even more splashy fun, a 500-gallon bucket drops water on everyone below. Children must be 42" tall to ride. Live Character Shows & Parades Live Character Shows Sing and dance along with exciting live shows in the outdoor theater high-energy featuring Sesame Street characters, plus enjoy daily Sesame Street Party Parade! Sesame Street Party Parade The Sesame Street Party Parade will be marching excitement throughout Sesame Place San Diego in 2022! The parade features fantastic floats and high-energy music that will make you want to clap your hands to the music, stomp your feet to the beat, jump in, jump out, shake it all about! Sesame Street Party Parade features familiar tunes as well as Sesame Street favorites, plus performers jumping rope, hula hooping and moving & grooving with their Sesame Street friends. Sesame Street Neighborhood Explore the colorful Sesame Street including Hooper’s Store, Abby Cadabby’s Garden, Big Bird’s Nest, and the iconic 123 Stoop. Be sure to look for special interactive elements throughout the Neighborhood that will make your visit even more exciting! Interactive Play Play with a world that plays back when you engage with interactives around the all-new Sesame Street Neighborhood. Play a game at the Bike Shop window; get hands-on with a wacky washing adventure at the Laundromat; talk to the Two-Headed Monster at the pipe telephone; and more. Storytime with Big Bird The best storyteller on Sesame Street welcomes you to his nest during Storytime with Big Bird. Enjoy a tale and take pictures with your favorite feathered friend during this interactive experience. Character Photo Opportunities Photos with Elmo & Friends Meet your Sesame Street friends and take unique photo souvenirs on Sesame Street. Sesame Street Meet‑and‑Greets Meet your Sesame Street friends in various locations throughout the neighborhood and grab the perfect selfie! The Sesame Characters for photo opportunities include Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, Zoe, Bert & Ernie, Rosita, Count van Count, and Telly. Dining Options Grover's Grill Enjoy a variety of delicious food offerings with quick window service. The Menu is still not available. Monster Snacks Enjoy a variety of delicious food offerings with quick window service. The Menu is still not available. Telly's Trattoria Enjoy a variety of delicious food offerings with quick window service. The Menu is still not available. Gift Shops Hooper's Store Hooper's store will feature a variety of exciting and new Sesame Place merchandise including plush characters, exclusive clothing, branded souvenirs, and more. Sesame Souvenirs Hooper's store will also feature a variety of exciting and new Sesame Place merchandise including plush characters, exclusive clothing, branded souvenirs, and more. Online Merchandise Store You can also shop Sesame Place merchandise online. Tickets & Season Passes Any Day Tickets You can purchase day tickets for any operating days on Sesame Place's website. The tickets for 2022 are $49.99 per person and are valid for one visit during 2022. Children under 2 are free. Season Passes With a season pass, you will get unlimited visits and benefits for one year, including free parking, free guest tickets, and up to 50% off in-park offers. Special events like Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas are included with Sesame Place Season Passes. Check out exclusive rewards for Season Pass holders for every month of the year. There are several options for Season Passes: 2022 Silver Season Pass 2022 Silver Season Pass is $129 each. You will get unlimited visits through January 2, 2023 with no block-out dates; Free Parking; 2 Free Guest Tickets; Up to 20% off in-park purchases and experiences; and FREE 1 Digital Photo download. 2022 Gold Season Pass 2022 Gold Season Pass is $165 each. You will get unlimited visits through January 2, 2023 with no block-out dates; Free up-close Parking; 4 Free Guest Tickets; Up to 30% off in-park purchases and experiences; FREE 1 Day PhotoKey. 2022 Platinum Season Pass 2022 Platinum Season Pass is $282 each. You will get unlimited admission to 11 parks through January 2, 2023, with no block-out dates; Free up-close Parking; 6 Free Guest Tickets; up to 50% off in-park purchases and experiences; Savings on Discovery Cove; and FREE Parade Viewing Reservations Each Visit. To find discounted tickets on other San Diego attractions, or to find a hotel nearby, visit Get Away Today. Theme Park Hours & Show Times Theme Park hours are from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends, and 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays. During summertime, the park is open from 10 am to 7 pm on weekends, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays. Hours are subject to change. Please check the calendar for show times. Map of Sesame Place San Diego For a map of Sesame Place, click here. Things to Take with You to Sesame Place To visit Sesame Place, you should pack bathing suits, change of clothes, extra socks, towels, hats, and sunscreen for the kids. We highly recommend strollers for the little ones because the park is big and their little feet will get tired. Also, take refillable water bottles or purchase them at the park. Swim diapers are required for diaper-wearing children. Water shoes are recommended. Swimsuits, water shoes and swim diapers are available for purchase inside the park as well. Don't forget to charge your smartphones to take some awesome family photos with Sesame Place Characters. We also recommend a selfie stick for your selfies. Other things that will come in handy are hats and sunglasses for adults, hand sanitizer, and pain relievers (just in case), If you don't like getting wet on water rides, you should also consider taking Ponchos. Don't forget a few snacks for the kids, and maybe one or two small toys to give to them while they stand in the lines. Changing Rooms & Lockers There are plenty of changing rooms for kids and adults. We recommend putting on your bathing suit while you arrive to enjoy all the water rides and water activities (for kids and adults), and then change while you are ready to move on to other rides, or ready for the parade. You can also purchase a locker to leave items that you won't be carrying around all day. Private Cabanas All cabanas have free Wi-Fi, plugs to charge your cell phones, a little safe, and a small refrigerator. You can also purchase food and beverage right from your cabana using a bar code. Cabanas are assigned based on a first-come, first-serve basis at the park. Reservation includes the Cabana rental on day and time of your reservation only. Cash is not accepted. You must pay with credit/debit card or Cashless Wristbands. Cabanas rentals start at $149 per day. The cabanas are also perfect for a small birthday party for your kid! Big Bird’s Oasis Cabana Enjoy your own private cabana located in an exclusive location near Big Bird’s Beach Wave Pool. Big Bird’s Oasis Cabanas are the most spacious, private cabanas in the park, and great for up to 8 people (including children and infants). You get exclusive access to Abby's Paradise Pool and access to the private entrance to Big's Bird's Rambling River. Big Bird's Beach Cabana Enjoy your own private cabana in an exclusive area near Big Bird’s Beach Wave Pool. Relax and enjoy wave pool-side seating. These private cabanas are good for up to 4 guests (including children & infants). You will have exclusive access to Abby’s Paradise Pool. Oscar's Cabana Enjoy your own private cabana with a view of the colorful water attractions. These cabanas are located near Oscar’s Rotten Rafts and many other water attractions and are good for up to 4 people (including children & infants). You will have access to the private entrance to Big Bird’s Rambling River. Abby’s Paradise Pool Cabana Enjoy your own private cabana in an exclusive area on the island, overlooking Abby’s Paradise Pool and near the Count’s Splash Castle. These cabanas are for up to 4 people (including children & infants). Premium Day Beds You can also rent a day bed for the day for $49, and relax in a prime area of the park next to the wave pool! Address and Website Sesame Place is located at 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911. For more information about Sesame Place San Diego, visit Sesame Place's official website. Photos Credit: Sesame Place Disclaimer: This article contains affiliated links.

According to research, from the age of three, children start understanding the concepts of saving and spending. By the time they reach age seven, they have already developed basic spending habits. As parents, it is important to focus on making your child financially literate in addition to teaching them other good habits. Here, we lay down various ways to introduce financial education to your child and make them confident with handling money. Model The Behavior You Want to See As the parent, you are the role model for your child’s financial behavior, hence it is important to remain conscious about your spending habits. When out shopping with your child, avoid buying things that are beyond your budget or engage in impulse shopping. Instill the habit of pre-planning what to buy and sticking to the shopping list while at the store. Additionally, if you find yourself lacking the knowledge to handle finances, take the time to educate yourself. This includes learning how to make budgets, the basics of investment, debt management, and more. Only when you are confident in your financial abilities will you be able to pass it on to your child. Teach Them How to Spend Make your child work for the things they want instead of buying them. For example, if they want a new action figure or clothes, assign them chores through which they can earn. Once your child enters the real world, they will quickly realize that their wants will exceed their income. However, a child with years of experience dealing with this scenario will be well prepared to handle expenses and be smart with their money. Additionally, as children are exposed to numerous advertisements from clothing companies, toy manufacturers, fast food chains, and more, these advertisements influence them to want products that are branded and overpriced. According to research, Americans overspend $7,500 a year on average. To ensure your child doesn’t fall prey to this trend, teach them to make decisions based on utility rather than brand. This will involve changing your buying habits as well, for example instead of buying clothes from prominent retailers, opt to visit your local clothing store. Focus on Homeownership Currently, young adults across the country are struggling to become homeowners due to rising housing costs and other economic factors. However, a prominent reason is also the lack of planning. Teaching your child about homeownership from a young age will help them overcome the financial hurdles they face in the future. Here are two important concepts to focus on relating to homeownership: ● Good Credit Score: Use your credit score report and teach your child how you built your score. Such as paying credit card bills on time, maintaining a strong debt-to-income ratio, and more. Additionally, explain the mistakes you made and the time and effort it took to overcome them. ● Interest Rates: While you don’t have to get into the minutiae of interest rates, you can give your child a rough idea of how it pays to have a lower interest rate. Explain that the lower the interest rate, the lower the mortgage payment can be depending on the type of home loan acquired. You can even show them an online calculator for figuring sums. ● Property Taxes: Expose your child to the concept of taxes, how they are calculated and how to budget for them accordingly. Property tax is a prominent expense all homeowners incur that is calculated by multiplying the property’s value by the millage (tax) rate. It can differ based on location and market conditions. Make them Run a Business The best way to help your child learn financial management is by encouraging them to run a business. This can include pet walking, selling crafts online, the classic lemonade stand, and more. Push your child to plan how they will afford to buy supplies to make and market their product. The challenge of answering these questions will force them to think like an adult and find ways to generate funds, create budgets and spend within their means. If your child is stuck, provide them with the following financing sources: ● Using their personal savings ● Using your credit card and agreeing to pay the money back in a set amount of time ● Taking a “loan” from a family member and repaying it with interest When it comes to making your child financially literate, strive to strike a balance between teaching and practice. Involve them in creating monthly budgets, make them earn their allowances, and guide them in developing good spending habits. You May Also Enjoy: Be a Great Parent Through Every Stage of Your Child’s Life! How to Teach Your Kids To Make Smart Choices! Tips on Rewarding Your Kids For Helping With Chores!

As of May 21, 2020, officials have allowed Los Angeles County Bike Paths to reopen just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend! Among Bike Paths are beach bike paths in Venice, Santa Monica, and Hermosa Beach! Bikers must follow social distancing orders. Everyone needs a face covering while other people are nearby. Beach bathrooms remain open, and beach parking lots at Dockweiler State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach, Zuma Beach, and Surfrider Beach will be open at partial capacity. Santa Monica lots are closed, as are most public beach lots in coastal communities. The following map will show you some of the LA and Orange County bike paths that you may enjoy this weekend. The map was built by Scott Hendison, who grew up in LA, but now lives in Portland Oregon.

A Touch of Disney Food Event is Coming to Disneyland California starting March 18, 2021 If you have missed Disneyland, this is your chance for a visit after almost a year of closure! Beginning March 18, 2021, the Disneyland Resort is reopening in a whole new way, and you have a chance to rediscover the magic through the sights, sounds and flavors of Disney you’ve been craving. This experience will run from March 18, 2021 through April 5, 2021, Thursdays through Mondays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. At Touch of Disney Food Event, you’ll discover an array of classic and specialty menu items from around the Disneyland Resort available for purchase at an open-air Marketplaces and at select alfresco dining locations. And While your eating, your favorite Disney characters may pop by to give you a fun wave hello! Find a Nearby Hotel or Airbnb for Your Stay Also, carts from around the Disneyland Resort will have all sorts of goodies DOLE like Whip® treats churros, popcorn, ice cream novelties, and more available for purchase. You can order your food in advance through Disneyland App if you want to save time. For list of all the participating restaurants at Disneyland California, click here. The shops will also be open during your visit, and you will have a chance to shop at your favorite Disney stores. Tickets for adults and kids 3 and older will start at $75 per person. Parking for the experience at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure is free with your admission and begins at 11:30 am. Your admission also includes a $25 "A Touch of Disney Dining Card" redeemable for food and nonalcoholic beverages at select dining locations within the Disneyland Resort, and unlimited digital downloads of "Disney PhotoPass" photos captured during day of your visit. Tickets for this experience will be limited, and will go on sale on March 4, 2021. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. For more information about A Touch of Disney Food Event, and to purchase tickets, visit Disneyland's official website. You May Also Enjoy: SeaWorld San Diego Reopens After A Long Wait! Build ‘N Play Days at LEGOLAND California Resort!

The Universal Studio Hollywood is reopening its doors after almost a year of waiting. The reopening will start on March 12, 2021 on select days! The all-new limited-time event, The Taste of Universal, serves up a day of shopping and outdoor dining throughout the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Savor the flavors of exceptional food from the restaurants like Springfield, U.S.A., The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, All New Minion Cafe, and Hollywood and Dine! The event also features photo ops. Rides, shows and attractions remain closed at this time. Tickets are between $44-$49 for adults, and $25 for kids. Your ticket includes your choice of 5 menu items (3 items for kids) from an extensive menu of appetizers, entrees, beverages and desserts. Find a Hotel or an Airbnb near Universal Studios Hollywood This event is designed to be physically distanced with enhanced safety and sanitization procedures throughout the theme park and Universal CityWalk. For more information about Universal Studio Hollywood and CityWalk, click here. You May Also Enjoy California Theme Parks Can Reopen on April 1! 17 Best Places To See Spring Wildflowers in Southern California

In an effort to keep kids and adults active and healthy, Los Angeles County offers Tennis Lessons at Tennis Courts in Los Angeles County Parks. Scroll down for a list of Tennis Courts in Los Angeles County that provide Tennis Lessons. Here is the list of all Public Tennis Courts in and near Los Angeles: Ruben F Salazar Park 3864 Whittier Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90023 City Terrace Park 1126 N. Hazard Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063 Belvedere Community Regional Park 4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022 Saybrook Park 6250 E. Northside Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90022 Ted Watkins Memorial Park 1335 E. 103rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90002 Ladera Park 6027 Ladera Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90056 Jesse Owens Community Regional Park 9651 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 Whittier Narrows Recreation Area 750 S. Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733 East Rancho Dominguez Park 15116 S. Atlantic Ave. Compton, CA 90221 Loma Alta Park 3330 N. Lincoln Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 Charles S. Farnsworth Park 568 E. Mount Curve Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 Arcadia Community Regional Park 405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007 San Angelo Park 245 S. San Angelo Ave. La Puente, CA 91746 Here is the list of all Public Tennis Courts Which also offer Tennis Lessons in and near Los Angeles: Ted Watkins Memorial Park 1335 E. 103rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90002 Ladera Park 6027 Ladera Park Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90056 Jesse Owens Community Regional Park 9651 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 Whittier Narrows Recreation Area 750 S. Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733 East Rancho Dominguez Park 15116 S. Atlantic Ave. Compton, CA 90221 Loma Alta Park 3330 N. Lincoln Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 Charles S. Farnsworth Park 568 E. Mount Curve Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 Arcadia Community Regional Park 405 S. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007 Please contact each park separately for business hours and details,

Indoor Museums can officially open their doors to the public as of March 15, 2021, and LACMA has announced that they are opening their doors to the general public on April 1, 2021 with 6 new exhibitions. The new exhibits coming to LACMA on April 1st are as follows: Cauleen Smith: Give It Or Leave It Give It Or Leave It features a series of experimental portraits of different sites related to spirituality, creativity, and utopianism. This Exhibit is available from April 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021. NOT I: Throwing Voices This exhibition stages dialogues across LACMA’s collections, focusing on the misdirection of voice, silence, and sounds. Favoring conversations among objects over singular masterpieces, NOT I includes a special project by Meriç Algün in collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library, as well as commissions by Raven Chacon, Patricia Fernández, and Puppies Puppies. This exhibit is available from April 1, 2021 through July 25, 2021. Bill Viola: Slowly Turning Narrative On view at LACMA for the first time in almost 20 years, Slowly Turning Narrative is a room-sized video installation in the museum’s collection. Slowly Turning Narrative includes two projections on a large central rotating screen. One presents images of virtually everything that constitutes life, embracing the broadest sweep from birth to death. The other shows a close-up of Viola’s head incanting “the one who lives,” “the one who acts,” “the one who reads,” and more. This exhibit is available from April 1, 2021 through June 27, 2021. View From Here: Recent Acquisitions View From Here: Recent Acquisitions presents a selection of 16 works newly acquired by LACMA and on view for the first time. This exhibition explores themes of interiority and vastness, isolation and collectivity, stasis and movement and find resonance in our current cultural moment. Representing a range of generational and global perspectives, these artworks are critical additions to LACMA’s collection. This exhibit is available from April 1, 2021 and will be an ongoing exhibit. Yoshitomo Nara Spanning over 30 years from 1987 to 2020, Yoshitomo Nara views the artist’s work through the lens of his longtime passion—music. Featuring album covers Nara began collecting as an adolescent, paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, an installation that recreates his drawing studio, and never-before-exhibited idea sketches that reflect the artist’s empathic eye, this exhibition shines a light on Nara’s conceptual process. One of the main highlights will be Miss Forest, a 26-foot outdoor painted bronze sculpture that will grace Wilshire Boulevard. This exhibit is available from April 1, 2021 through July 5, 2021. Vera Lutter: Museum in the Camera Vera Lutter: Museum in the Camera features the compelling photographs made during her two-year residency at LACMA. By building room-sized cameras and placing unexposed photo paper across from a pinhole opening, Lutter has adopted the camera obscura as her singular working method, resulting in photographs with an ethereal, otherworldly beauty. For other exhibits that will be open on April 1, 2021, click here. Advance timed-entry tickets are required and are available online as of March 5th at 10 am. Face masks are required throughout the museum, including mandatory online health screening, and temperature check at the door. LACMA Café Airstream will reopen on March 26. Ray’s & Stark Bar and Coffee+Milk (C+M) will reopen on April 7. Dining at LACMA follows the guidelines provided for restaurants by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The LACMA Store at the Resnick Pavilion is open with reduced capacity. In-person public programs (tours, talks, film, concerts, and art classes) remain closed until further notice. Art Classes for Kids Various Virtual Art Classes for kids are available online Starting Mar 17, 2021. In these classes your kids will experiment with drawing materials and spark their imagination for super fun art activities. Pre-registration is required for all classes. Classes are $20 for members and $30 for general public. Also, Andell Family Sundays will be popping up every Sunday on LACMA’s YouTube channel or on Unframed. Live links drop at 12:30 pm with creative activities. LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

Get ready to cook with Michele Obama on March 27, 2021 on a YouTube Event, “What's Cooking Tonight with Michelle Obama"! "What’s Cooking Tonight with Michelle Obama" is a talk show-inspired special event to help the whole family prepare a healthy, delicious dinner, and get excited for Netflix's new preschool series, Waffles + Mochi! Families will be treated to three segments including “Can You Outplay a Crudite,” “Top 5 on Netflix,” and “The Queen’s Yambit.” Each segment will culminate with Mrs. Obama and chef Samin Nosrat preparing a delicious meal. The event's premier is on March 27, 2021, at 10 am (or anytime after on YouTube) on Netflix YouTube and Netflix Facebook. Grab your family and prepare for some fun in the kitchen with your new favorite friends Waffles and Mochi in this YouTube event. The new preschool series Waffles + Mochi is streaming globally on Netflix. About the Series: Waffles + Mochi Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waffles and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs! The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like the supermarket owner, Mrs. Obama, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities. Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe.

When Disneyland California Will Reopen? Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Park will reopen their doors to the public on April 30, 2021 after one year of closure! This exciting news was announced on March 18th. Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests on April 30th. Experiences that draw large group gatherings are still not allowed at the park, and will not be available at this time. Certain attractions, experiences, services and amenities will be modified. Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour offerings are suspended upon reopening of the hotels and theme parks to manage capacity. Characters will be in the parks in new ways to entertain and delight you and your family. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date will be required for Guests ages 3 and up. Touch of Disney will go on as planned at Disney California Adventure from March 18 through April 19. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will reopen on April 29, 2021 with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is planning to reopen on May 2nd. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel has not announced reopening date yet. You need to reserve your tickets in advance through Disneyland's new reservation system. At this time, only California Residents may visit the park. To learn more about reopening and restrictions, click here.

The wait is over! The Petersen Automotive Museum will reopen to the public on March 25th, offering free admission to health care workers and first responders for the remainder of 2021. During the closure, the Petersen virtually launched three exhibits, and now you can visit the exhibits in person. The new exhibits include: “The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina,” which will convey the significance and evolution of the Italian car design firm and coachbuilder through a curated display of four key automobiles representing its storied 90-year history. “Supercars: A Century of Spectacle and Speed,” which showcases the evolution of the supercar “Extreme Conditions,” which highlights 11 custom competition, recreational, and utilitarian off-roading vehicles “Redefining Performance,” which features Porsche’s most innovative road and race vehicles. The Mission of Petersen Automotive Museum is to explore and present the history of the automobile and its global impact on life and culture using Los Angeles as a prime example. At Petersen Automotive Museum you get to drive into the world of the automobile in lots of different ways. There are interactive exhibits, art projects, automotive awareness workshops and more. Tickets to the museum must now be pre-purchased at petersen.org/tickets. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $11 for children. In order to receive complimentary access for healthcare providers and first responders, and 3 immediate family members, you need to reserve tickets online and provide a physical copy of professional verification at museum check-in. Also, on March 28, 2021, you can join the Petersen Automotive Museum for their Global Virtual Cars & Coffee Event from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. This is open to the world, and as you watch, you’ll see enthusiasts from around the globe sharing their stories. Petersen Automobile Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036. For more information about Petersen Museum, click here. You May Also Enjoy: A Huge List of Places That are Open in Los Angeles! LACMA is Reopening With New Exciting Exhibits!

We all want our kids to live healthy lives and make smart choices. Helping them develop good, solid life-long habits starts when they are young and is bolstered by modeling the behaviors we want them to emulate. For example, you can teach self-discipline through activities like sports, good eating habits, and conflict management. Read on for more ideas on how to help your children to make good choices in life. Food and Diet Teach your kids the mantra “all things in moderation.” Taking the approach that there are no inherently “good” or “bad” foods, a person’s relationship with food should start with the knowledge that some foods are simply healthier--and make you feel better--than others. Teach kids to read food labels, plan grocery lists, visit grocery stores and farmer’s markets, and comparison shops. According to Super Healthy Kids, involving kids in meal prep is another way to teach them how to make smart food choices. Also, discuss caffeine and sugar drinks and the physical impact too much of either can have on how they feel. Encourage water as a primary beverage of choice. Health and Exercise Help your kids recognize the connection between how they think and feel and the benefits of exercise and eating right. Don’t make exercise feel like a chore; instead, present it as a fun way to care for their bodies. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, kids need at least an hour of physical activity every day. Go for a bike ride, play backyard baseball, or take a twilight hike and learn about astronomy. Moon and Back offers tips for beginners, including how to buy and use a telescope. Drugs and Alcohol Don’t just forbid kids from experimenting with drugs or alcohol; discuss various vices and the dangers they present to users. Start with age-appropriate lessons and stick with the conversation throughout the formative years. This is also a good time to help kids make smart choices about the places they go and the people they associate with. Always make yourself available when a child needs a ride, and educate yourself about symptoms of drug use so you can spot them early. Mental Health and Well-Being Kids today are under a lot of stress from media overload, online and in-person bullying, and worries about their futures and the future of our planet. In addition to maintaining an ongoing and open dialogue, talk about mental health and issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. These subjects are no longer taboo or off-limits; in fact, these kinds of conversations can be lifesavers. Kids may need help to learn coping techniques and practices like relaxation meditation and breathing exercises to help them manage stress. Personal and Professional Behavior How people behave and act, whether with friends, family, or colleagues, says a lot about their character. Teach kids about ethics and morals and about treating others as they want to be treated. Identify bullying, racism, and microaggressions when you view media together and use the discussions as a starting place for conversations around respect. Also, model responsibility by being accountable, keeping your word, and treating others with kindness and generosity. You can also lead by example and live out your determination to finish a lifelong goal, such as continuing your education. Maybe you’ve been putting this off because it seems you don’t have time or because it seems too daunting, but, the fact is, it’s easier than ever to enroll in an online degree or certification program. If you want to become a teacher, for instance, the University of Phoenix is a leader in online education, so check out their course offerings to start earning--or finish earning your degree. Open Communication Perhaps the most effective way to help kids develop good lifelong habits is to exemplify the behaviors you want to see and create a relationship that centers around open and honest conversation. It can be tough to talk to your kids about sex, drugs, cheating, and bullying, but staying mum doesn’t mean those things don’t exist--only that you’re out of the loop. Lead by example, commit to openly discussing all subjects, and let your child know you are their advocate. If you need intervention in the form of child or family therapy, use it as a resource to help you grow strong, healthy, and independent kids. You May Also Enjoy: Tips for Small Apartment Living with Kids

As of June 25th, Santa Monica Pier has reopened to public with restriction and limited hours. You can safely enjoy the pier and grab a bite as one of the restaurants that are open now. What to Expect at Santa Monica Pier The Pier will be open daily from 10 am - 8 pm. You can fish at the Pier, but all amusement park rides at Pacific Park, including the Ferris wheel, remain closed until further notice. The merry-go-round is closed until further notice. Pandemic, street performers will not be allowed to perform on the Pier until further notice. Perry's Cafe and Beach Rentals is open. You can rent Bikes, Boogie Boards, Chairs, Umbrellas and more. Marlene's Beach Comber is open to shop for sunscreen, towels, beach mats and more. The Arcade is closed till further notice. If you are expecting to visit a specific business during this limited phase, you are encouraged to contact that business directly to confirm their hours and offerings. The Pier entrance and exit ramps are on Ocean Front Walk on beach level (1614 Ocean Front Walk). The Pier bridge at Ocean & Colorado and all beach stairs will be closed. Once the Pier reaches its limited capacity, guests will be asked to queue up and will be allowed to enter as capacity allows on a first come, first served basis. Both the entrance and exit are handicap accessible. The Pier bridge will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Restaurants that are open at Santa Monica Pier Seaside on the Pier 310.883.7437 The Albright 310.394.9683 Pacific Park Food Court 310.260.87443 Bubba Gump Shrimp 310.393.0458 Mariasol Cocina Mexicana 310.917.5050 Pier Burger 310.587.2747 Pacific Park Food Court 310.260.87443 Soda Jerks 310.393.7632 Rusty's Surf Ranch 310.393.7437 Japadog (Stand) Big Dean's Ocan Front Cafe 310.393.2666 Health & Safety You are required to wear a face covering or mask when outdoors or inside a business and near other people. You need to maintain a 6’ physical distance from others not in your household. It is also recommended to wash your hands and regularly use hand sanitizer. The pier now has hand sanitizing stations throughout the Pier. Getting there Bicycles are a great option and are allowed on the Pier. Lyft, is continuing services with new health & safety guidelines (pick-up and drop-off on Ocean Ave.).  Big Blue Bus and Metro are also continuing service with new health & safety guidelines. Parking The Pier Parking Deck and 1550 Lot (Lot 1 North) are both closed to the public. There are other nearby lots available as well as parking in Downtown Santa Monica garages. Vehicles displaying handicap license plates and hang tags are permitted to park at Lot 1-S 1640 Appian way. For more information, please visit Santa Monica Pier's official website.

In Celebration of Walt Disney World Resort's 50th anniversary, two new nighttime spectaculars are coming to the resort starting October 1, 2021. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza will take you on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. “Harmonious” will invite you to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world. There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be your hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50th anniversary. You’ll get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom Park several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.” For more information about Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, visit their official website.

Travel Tips For Better Family Travel! ✈️ 🧳 Vacations can provide great family memories for years to come. That said, planning for these adventures can often seem daunting and expensive. But if you keep reading, we will show you 21 awesome travel tips that will help you plan a budget-friendly vacation, and will also reduce your stress while planning. 1. Take Advantage of Travel Sites While it may seem obvious, many people still forget to maximize the benefits of online travel sites like HotelsCombined and TravelZoo. These sites allow you to compare rates across a variety of airlines and hotels and often offer discounted packages. You may find the fares you are looking for right off the bat, or you can set up alerts to ensure you get notified when prices drop. 2. Opt for the Off-Season The natural path is to go to the mountains in the winter and the beach in the summer. These tourist areas, however, still need visitors in their off-seasons, and they often offer dramatically reduced pricing both on lodging and nearby attractions. You can also expect fewer crowds at some top attractions, and have a better experience, and get to do more. 3. Be Flexible Flights are more expensive on weekends. Explore mid-week flight prices for the best deal. If you are flying around the holidays, consider flying on the actual holiday. Most people will avoid traveling on holidays, leaving the best fares up for grabs. 4. Book early If you are trying to plan a summer vacation, a winter vacation, or a holiday trip, you should book early to get the best deal on your stay and on airline tickets. You don't have to book several months in advance to get the best deals. All you need is to book at least 15-20 days before your travel date. Travel rates usually start rising 10 to 14 days before a major holiday, so make sure to avoid booking anything within that period. 5. Ditch the Hotel Alternatives to hotels are becoming more and more common. Sites like Airbnb or Vrbo allow you to shop for alternative and more cost-effective lodging options all around the world. Renting a condo, apartment, or house also gives you access to a kitchen, allowing your family to buy food at a local grocery. Another alternative to a hotel is a campsite. Camping gives you front-row access to some of the country's greatest natural wonders. They also give your family a great opportunity to bond. 6. Cash in Points Many credit cards offer airline miles or points towards hotel rewards programs. If you know there is a vacation in your family's future, make sure you understand your credit card benefits. Also, be sure to tap into any existing travel reward or loyalty programs you are a member of. 7. Look for Deals Many sites offer deals on hotels, entertainment, airlines, and more. For example, Groupon has a section only for travel, and you can find great deals on hotels. You can also find deals on things to do, and save money on activities. Another great website to check for deals is Goldstar. On Goldstar, you can find many family-friendly events and things to do in so many different cities. To find great deals on a cruise, check out Cruisesheet. To find good deals on transportation, check out FlixBus. If you need to rent a car, you can find great car rental deals on Turo. 8. Rent Out Your House If you plan your vacation ahead of time, you can also plan to rent out your house on Airbnb or Vrbo while you are on vacation to make up for your lodging expenses. All you need to do is to create an account on airbnb or Vrbo, take some photos of your house, and list your house for rent. 9. Exchange Your House HomeExchange is a great website where you can list your house for a home exchange. Home switching allows you to go on vacation without spending a fortune on accommodation fees. On HomeExchange you can find 450,000+ homes in over 187 countries around the world. The sign-up is free and you can set up your account in 3 easy steps. 10. Try All-Inclusive Resorts Use Costco All-Inclusive Travel to find great deals on all-inclusive resorts that will save you lots of money on food. Also staying at an all-inclusive resort that is family-friendly, you can save on activities because most all-inclusive family-friendly resorts have so many different entertainment and activities for the kids. You can also use ClubMed to find all-inclusive family-friendly resorts. Another great website to find all-inclusive family-friendly resorts is Sandals. 11. Get Paid While Traveling Yes, you can get paid while you are traveling, and I will tell you how if you keep reading. You can make some extra cash on your vacation when kids go to bed and you have some free time. You can teach English online while you are traveling, and you don't have to be a professional teacher to do that. As long as you are fluent in English, you have a laptop, and an internet connection, you are good to go. As an online English teacher, you can earn around $14–$25 USD an hour working for companies like GoGoKid. 12. Save Money on Your Hotel Booking Use Apps like Pruvo to save on hotels that you have already booked. Hotel prices tend to drop after reservations are made. Pruvo will get you the exact same room you booked for a lower price. Pruvo tracks price drops for existing hotel reservations, and once the price drops, it will notify you. Once you get notified that a better price is available, you can call the hotel and request a lower rate. 13. Take Snacks With You We all know that kids get hungry every 10 minutes even after a full meal. Instead of buying snacks from expensive hotel shops, take a bag full of snacks that your kids love and are easy to carry. You can also purchase snacks from a market once you get to your destination, and store them in your room's refrigerator, if necessary. 14. Write About Your Travel Experience Consider starting your own travel blog and write about your travel experiences and all the places you go. You may be able to deduct the cost of travel-related expenses including transportation and accommodations at destinations that are the subject of your blog content. 15. Prepare Your Own Meals Instead of going to restaurants all the time during your vacation, consider booking a hotel room with a kitchen, and save money on meals, by cooking your own meals. If you don't want to cook all three meals -- and we know that part of the fun of vacationing is dining out -- we recommend at least cooking breakfast at the hotel to save money. And if you don't want to cook at all, take breakfast snacks and skip a fancy breakfast altogether. 16. Put Holds On Your Subscriptions These days, we all have many different subscriptions. From book subscriptions and streaming TV subscriptions to meal preparations and more, the monthly subscriptions really add up. Save money by putting hold on all your subscriptions while you are on vacation if you won't be using them during your vacation. 17. Go Where Locals Go When you are a tourist, everything is more expensive, But if you find local attractions and local restaurants, you can save a lot. Anywhere you go, you can find events that are free for locals like free museum days, farmer's markets, and local events. Check the city calendars and plan your trip around fun local events. 18. Protect Your Money If you save up for a trip overseas, you’ll need to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting your money. Nothing can screw up a vacation as quickly as losing your money, which can be especially problematic when you’re already on a tight budget. Before heading out, set up an account with a money transfer company. For example, if you’re taking a trip to Mexico, set up an account with Remitly so friends or family members can easily and cheaply send you cash should the worst-case scenario happen. 19. Pack Your Own Entertainment Your days will probably be packed with sightseeing and travel, but if you aren't prepared, you may shell out money to keep the kids entertained in the evening. Of course, if you plan ahead, you can avoid these costs. Be sure to pack puzzles, travel games, and coloring books. Another way to fill the evenings is by packing a portable streaming TV device, which will let your kids watch their favorite TV shows and movies. These devices are available at a variety of price points, allowing you to find the one that fits your budget. 20. Consider a Staycation Many families never explore the sights readily available in their own town. If you find yourself in that category, consider planning a staycation. This avoids the costs of lodging and transportation and allows you to splurge on activities and food. If you go this route, make sure the family treats it as an actual vacation and avoids planning activities with other friends. When you’re looking for things to do as a family around town, look no further than FUN WITH KIDS IN LA. 21. Get Cash Back On Your Travel Purchases & More Consider using websites like Rakuten to get cashback when you book your travel. On Rakuten, you will see all the offers and the percentage of cashback you will receive on your purchases. You can also use Rakuten to shop for all your travel needs and get cash back on those purchases too, saving even more money. We hope you enjoyed these travel tips for your family vacation. If you have more travel tips that are not listed here, we would love to hear from you. Scroll down and write us a comment. You May Also Enjoy: 6 Awesome Tips To Save Money on Your Next San Diego Vacation! 21 Awesome Campgrounds for Families near Los Angeles! Disclaimer: This article contains some affiliate links.

Pasta lovers rejoice! A new pasta heaven has hit Los Angeles from the team at Michelina Artisan Boulangerie, and we are so excited to tell you all about it! Pasta Corner is now open at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax serving up fresh pasta made right before your eyes! At Pasta Corner a common pasta dish is done uncommonly well, with each bite more delicious than the last. You can treat yourself to traditional Italian dishes as you would find them right in the heart of Italy! Anything you order is lovely to look at and even better to eat. On the menu, you can find delicious pasta dishes such as Pasta Marinara, Spaghetti Alla Bolognese, Penne Arrabbiata, Tagliatelle Black Truffle, and many more. Each painstakingly selected ingredient contributes to the greatness of each dish with excellent flavor and consistency. One of my personal favorites, the Tagliatelle Black Truffle, is beautifully executed and is a must-try. The urbani black truffle imparts a rich flavor, amplifying the flavor of the truffle sauce, making each bite a forkful of deliciousness! You can order your food and sit at the restaurant's counter watching your food made fresh in front of you, or take it and enjoy it at the food court. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed fresh air, a pleasant atmosphere, and delicious fresh-made pasta. Pasta Corner also offers fresh-made pasta, pasta sauces, oils, and truffle that you can take home, turning dinner time with the kids into an unforgettable evening of cooking a beautiful dinner together. While you are at The Original Farmers Market, explore the various specialty food shops, stores, and more, or take a free trolly ride at The Grove. Pasta corner is located at 6333 W. 3rd St., Suite 510, Los Angeles, CA 90036. For restaurant hours and contact information, please visit Pasta Corner's official website. Disclosure: I was invited to Pasta Corner at The Original Farmers Market with my family for review purposes. All opinions are my own.