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(Updated for 2025) Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by heading to Big Bear Lake with your loved ones? Forget the traditional turkey roast at home; this year, it's all about trading the city buzz for the serene beauty of the mountains. Imagine cozy cabins, hot cocoa by the fireplace, and a backdrop of snow-kissed pines – that's the recipe for the ultimate Thanksgiving getaway with family at Big Bear Lake ! Whether you're a fan of outdoor adventures or simply craving some quality family time, this mountain retreat has something special in store for you. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and let's embark on a turkey-filled adventure in the alpine wonderland of Big Bear! Things To Do in Big Bear for Thanksgiving Snow Tubing at Big Bear’s Snow Play Parks Ready to laugh, slide, and maybe even scream a little (in a fun way)? Big Bear’s two popular tubing parks — Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Snow Play — are perfect for kids of all ages. With groomed hills, inner tubes, and conveyor lifts, it's the ultimate snowy playground. Bonus: Night tubing is available Fridays and Saturdays for an extra splash of winter magic under the lights! Ziplining – Action Zipline Tours Soar above the trees with breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Mountains on this thrilling zipline adventure. Action Zipline Tours offers a safe, high-flying experience that’s perfect for families with older kids looking for an adrenaline rush. Trained guides, scenic backdrops, and a dose of mountain air make this an unforgettable highlight of any Big Bear trip. Get $35 OFF Zipline Tours. Use code TGSALE when booking online or call to book. actiontourscalifornia.com  909 866-0390 Off-Roading – Big Bear Off Road Experience Hop in a rugged 4x4 and hit the dirt trails for an epic off-roading adventure through Big Bear’s backcountry. Whether you're behind the wheel or riding along, this experience is all about adrenaline, rocky trails, and jaw-dropping vistas. It's a great way to explore the wild side of the mountains with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Hiking – Big Bear Hiking Adventures Take in the alpine beauty of Big Bear on a professionally guided hike with Big Bear Hiking Adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a more challenging trek, these tours cater to all skill levels and offer insights into the region’s wildlife, geology, and history. Ideal for families who love to move and learn together. Horseback Riding – Baldwin Lake Stables & Petting Zoo Saddle up for a scenic ride through meadows and forested trails with Baldwin Lake Stables. Their gentle horses and friendly guides make this a relaxing and family-friendly way to explore Big Bear's natural beauty. Little ones will also love the on-site petting zoo featuring goats, donkeys, and more. Scavenger Hunt – Riddle Routes Looking for something fun, interactive, and screen-free? Riddle Routes offers a self-guided scavenger hunt that turns Big Bear Village into a puzzle-filled adventure. Using riddles, clues, and teamwork, your family will explore the area while solving challenges together. It’s educational, active, and a total blast! Flight Tours – Helicopter Big Bear Get a bird’s-eye view of the mountains, lake, and surrounding forest with a scenic helicopter ride from Helicopter Big Bear. These guided flights offer jaw-dropping perspectives and are an unforgettable treat for families looking to make their trip extra special. Bonus: Kids (and grown-ups) who love aircraft will be thrilled before takeoff even begins! Dress Up & Stroll the Village Throw on your coziest fall costume — turkey hats, fuzzy bear suits, or autumn leaves are all fair game — and take a festive walk through Big Bear Village. Browse charming local shops, grab a hot cocoa or coffee from a café, and snap photos with the mountain-town backdrop. It’s a playful, free-spirited way to soak in the season’s vibes and start your day with some fresh mountain air. Events 2025 Big Bear Turkey Trot November 27th, 2025 Work up an appetite this Thanksgiving during the annual Turkey Trot. Walk, jog, or waddle like a turkey on the 3-mile course starting from Dank Donuts. The Big Bear Turkey Trot benefits local food pantries. The Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, November 28th, 2025 The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at Christmas Tree Corner at the intersection of Village Drive and Pineknot Ave. Mountain Christmas Boutique November 28th - December 30th Get some Christmas shopping in at the Mountain Christmas Boutique arts and crafts event. This year’s boutique features a huge variety of vendors, FREE arts & crafts for children, FREE visits with Santa, and holiday libations and food. Each paid admission receives a raffle ticket to win prizes! For all the activities at Big Bear Lake, see our Awesome Family Guide to Big Bear and Beyond! Restaurants that serve Thanksgiving Dinner in Big Bear are as follows: Alpine Country Cafe Open until 3 PM with turkey dinner and traditional sides. 909-866-1959 Barnstorm Restaurant Take out only. Pre-made traditional Thanksgiving meal for 6. Must reserve 2 days in advance. 909-585-9339 Big Bear Lake Brewing Co Open with regular menu. 909-878-0283 Boneyard Bar & Grill Open with regular menu and fried turkey legs. 909-878-0401 Country Kitchen Open until 2 PM with regular menu. 909-878-0364 Dynasty Open with regular menu. 909-866-7887 Himalayan Restaurant Open with regular menu. 909-878-3068 Nottingham's Tavern Open 1 PM - 8 PM with a special menu with prime rib, turkey, chicken masala, shrimp scampi, black forest ham. Reservation only, call 909-866-4644 Old Country Inn Choose from traditional turkey or prime rib plus sides. 909-866-5600 Pines Lakefront Open with regular menu and traditional turkey dinner. Reservations preferred. 909-866-5400 Royal Thai Bistro Open with regular menu. 909-866-2808 Santana & Maverick's Open 2 PM - 9 PM with turkey, ham, prime rib plus traditional sides. 909-878-0047 We recommend making early reservations for the restaurants. If you don’t want to get out on Thanksgiving Day and stay in your cabin, you can pre-order your food from Barnstorm Restaurant and pick it up on Thanksgiving morning. To find a great hotel or a cabin, head on to BigBear.com to reserve a cabin or a hotel room. For any questions or to find information from various lodges, restaurants, shops, recreation, services, and attractions, stop by Big Bear Lake Visitors Center at 630 Bartlett Rd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 from 9 am to 5 pm. For more Winter Family Fun Trip Ideas in Big Bear, Click here ! Also see: 8 Cozy Big Bear Lake Cabins for Your Family Getaway!

(2025 Edition) When a loved one passes, adults often struggle to decide whether children should be part of the funeral. The question is never simple. It touches both love and protection. Parents want to shield their kids from pain but also teach them what loss means healthily. Funerals can be heavy, yet they can also show children what community looks like when people come together to remember someone. Seeing tears and comfort side by side helps them learn that sadness doesn’t stand alone. It comes with support. Families are asking this question more today because grief looks different in modern life. People move often, live far apart, and share fewer family rituals. So this decision carries weight. Understanding when, how, and why to include a child can make a difference that lasts long after the day itself. Why This Question Matters for Families Today Grief used to be something families faced together. Children saw how their elders mourned, and through that, they learned what love looked like even after loss. Today, many parents hesitate because life moves faster, and families often live apart. The rituals that once helped children understand death aren’t always part of their world anymore. Jeffrey Vaynberg, the Co-Founder of an online headstone store , shares that parents often ask how to involve children without causing fear. It’s a reminder that love and protection sometimes pull in opposite directions. The hardest choices in parenting usually come from that space between the two. Also, the way we talk about death has changed. Some families choose privacy. Others want openness. Both come from care. But the question stays the same: how do you help a child face something that even adults struggle to explain? Understanding a Child’s Age and Emotional Readiness Not every child sees loss in the same way. A child’s age shapes how they process what death means and how much they can handle. Younger children often see death as temporary, like someone going away and coming back later. They may ask the same questions again and again because their minds are still trying to make sense of what forever means. Older children begin to grasp that death is final. They might not show emotion right away, but will carry the weight in quieter ways. Teens often need space more than comfort, yet they still look for honesty. So it’s not about setting one rule for all children. It’s about meeting them where they are and watching how they respond. That awareness helps parents guide with both honesty and protection. The Pros of Letting Children Attend Letting a child attend a funeral can give them something that no explanation at home can. It shows them what love looks like when people come together to say goodbye. They see hugs, prayers, and quiet moments that teach compassion in a way words never could. Also, being present helps children understand that death is real, not something hidden or whispered about. When handled gently, this experience can make them feel part of the family’s story instead of standing outside it. It can also strengthen trust. A child who feels included learns that grown-ups don’t hide hard things. They learn that sadness is something families can face together. Later in life, that lesson becomes a foundation for how they handle loss, empathy, and connection. The Cons to Consider Carefully Funerals can be intense for children, especially if it’s their first experience with death. The quiet, the tears, or the sight of a casket can feel overwhelming when they don’t yet understand what’s happening. Some children may hold that memory with confusion or fear instead of comfort. Also, younger ones can become restless or upset during the service. That doesn’t come from disrespect. It comes from not knowing how to process the emotions. For parents already carrying their own grief, managing a child’s reaction can make the day even harder. While honesty is important, exposure must be age- and sensitivity-appropriate. If the environment feels too heavy or unpredictable, it might be kinder to let them remember their loved one in a calmer way later. Tips If You Decide to Bring Your Child Bringing a child to a funeral requires careful planning. A little preparation can make the experience meaningful instead of frightening. Children rely on honesty, tone, and steady reassurance. When those things stay consistent, the day feels safe even when emotions run high. Prepare Them Gently for What to Expect Start by telling them what the funeral is and why people gather. Use clear words. Avoid phrases like “went to sleep”  or “passed away”  if they may confuse young minds. Explain that people might cry, sit quietly, or pray. So the room may feel heavy, but it’s filled with love. Also, let them know how long it will last and where they can sit or step outside if they need a break. Let Them Ask Questions, And Be Honest Children process grief through curiosity. They might ask things that sound blunt or even strange. That’s normal. Simple, honest answers help them feel safe. If you don’t know how to respond, say so. It teaches them that uncertainty is okay, too. Afterward, ask what they noticed or felt. It keeps the door open for more conversations later. Have a Support Person Ready Just in Case If emotions rise or your child becomes restless, it helps to have someone they trust close by. A grandparent, aunt, or family friend can step outside with them or offer quiet comfort. This support lets you grieve without worry and gives the child space when they need it. Small moments of reassurance shape how children remember the day. When handled with care, attending a funeral can become less about loss and more about understanding love that doesn’t end. Alternative Ways for Kids to Say Goodbye Some children may not be ready to attend a funeral. That doesn’t mean they can’t take part in saying goodbye. Grief can be gentle when it’s personal, creative, and handled at their own pace. The goal is not to shield them from loss but to give them a way to understand it with safety and love. Creating Art, Letters, or Memory Boxes Children often express emotion better through their hands than their words. Drawing a picture, writing a short note, or creating a small memory box can help them process their feelings. Inside that box, they might place a photo, a flower, or something that reminds them of the person. These little acts turn confusion into connection. They also become keepsakes that grow in meaning as the child grows. Encourage them to share what they’ve made if they want. Some families bring the artwork to the gravesite or keep it at home as part of a shared space for remembrance. There’s no right way. What matters is giving them something tangible to hold on to. Attending a Smaller Family Gathering Instead If a large service feels too heavy, a smaller family gathering can offer a sense of peace. This might be a quiet meal, a candlelighting, or visiting the loved one’s favorite place. Children often respond better to settings where emotion feels open but not overwhelming. These smaller moments still teach the same lessons as a funeral. Love continues, and that remembering is part of healing. Besides, they give families the chance to create new traditions that feel comforting rather than difficult. In the end, what matters most is helping a child say goodbye in a way that feels kind to their heart. Closing Words Deciding whether a child should attend a funeral is one of those choices with no single correct answer. Every family, every child, and every loss feels different. What matters most is intention. To protect without hiding, to teach without forcing, and to love through honesty. Grief becomes lighter when it’s shared, even in small ways. Whether a child sits quietly through a service or draws a picture in memory, both paths lead to understanding that love doesn’t stop at goodbye. It changes form but stays present in the stories, habits, and moments that follow. So take time to see what feels right for your child. Watch how they respond, and guide them with patience. Grief doesn’t follow a rulebook, and neither does love. Funerals may mark an ending, but they also teach how to carry someone’s memory into daily life. When a child learns that, they begin to see loss not as separation but as a quiet kind of togetherness that never entirely fades.   FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Best of LA  . Classes  . Camps  . Birthdays  . Travel  . Food  . Events

Find the Best Halloween Events Near You! Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure as Halloween 2025 descends upon Los Angeles! This vibrant city transforms into a magical realm filled with ghoulish delights and eerie excitement. From haunted houses  and pumpkin patches  to costume contests  and trick-or-treating extravaganzas, our comprehensive guide showcases the BIGGEST list of Halloween events in Los Angeles for kids  and families. Whether you're seeking delightful thrills or family-friendly scares, this guide will take you on a wickedly fun journey through the city's most spooktacular offerings. So, get your costumes ready, gather your little monsters, and let the Halloween festivities begin! Quick Link to Halloween Events Near Me 🎃🦇 Nights of the Jack Boo at the LA Zoo Boney Island at NHMLA Carved at Descanso Gardens Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party at LEGOLAND Bob Baker's Halloween Spooktacular Family-Friendly Urban Death Tour of Terror: Haunted Theatre Attraction! Scarium of the Pacific Delusion: The Red Castle Absolutely Halloween at Santa Monica Playhouse! Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood Knott’s Scary Farm Knott's Spooky Farm Adventure City's Boo-Tastic Halloween Party Boo Fest at Magic Mountain Fright Fest Halloween Event at Magic Mountain Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Pumpkin Palooza Halloween at Kidspace Children's Museum BOO at Santa Ana Zoo! Sea Scare Urban Death Tour of Terror Pumpkins in the Pines ScreamFest Horror Film Festival SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular Miner Madness: A Haunted Mine Tour For fall festivals, the best trick-or-treating neighborhoods, and the best Halloween costume shops around LA, check out our Halloween Guide for LA for Kids & Families. Find Halloween Events For Your Family! Nights Of the Jack King Gillette Ranch 26800 Mulholland Hwy Calabasas, CA 91302 Sept 26 - Nov 1, 2025 Nights of the Jack is a Halloween event tailored for all ages. The immersive experience showcases thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins situated throughout the stunning property at King Gillette Ranch. Expect to see some larger-than-life pumpkin installations as well as detailed artist depictions of your favorite movie stars, sports heroes, and animated characters. In addition to the attractions, there will be seasonal food and beverage offerings from some of LA’s top food trucks and vendors. Boo at the LA Zoo Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Oct 18-19 & Oct 25-26 The Los Angeles Zoo goes wild every October with Boo at the L.A. Zoo, featuring Halloween decorations, a spooky stroll with photo opportunities, an extinct-animal graveyard, and other weird and wacky animal facts and educational experiences. Weekends include special animal feedings, merry-not-scary entertainment, take-home crafts, and trick-or-treat candy stations scattered throughout the Zoo grounds during two weekends in October. Costumes are always encouraged! Advertisement Boney Island at NHM 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 Coming Soon Boney Island at the Natural History Museum (NHM) is a Halloween-themed interactive light-up experience. The NHM's gardens transform into a luminous wonderland featuring themed areas like Deadwood Forest and Huntington Gardens, with attractions such as a haunted light trail, skeleton orchestra, and prehistoric creature exhibits. Additional offerings include Magic Theater performances, food trucks, a hot chocolate and cider bar, and exclusive Boney Island merchandise, making it a family-friendly event for all ages to enjoy. Carved at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Oct 3 – 30, 2025 Wander through a magical pumpkin wonderland—now with a brand-new route and more gourd-geous fun than ever before! The Descanso Railroad will be all aglow for Carved , lighting the way for an unforgettable autumn adventure. New ghostly characters are joining the crew of whimsical wood spirits, all hand-carved from giant logs by the incredible Chainsaw Jenna. Get ready to be wowed by glowing jack-o’-lanterns, massive hand-carved pumpkins, and the mind-bending brilliance of “Rhizome,” an immersive art installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere. It’s fall magic at every turn! Bob Baker's Halloween Spooktacular Bob Baker Marionette Theater 4949 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 Sept 6 - Nov 9, 2025 Hallowe’en Spooktacular is a lively, one-hour “boo-sical” puppet revue packed with over 100 silly, spooky characters on strings! From Frankenstein’s funky debut to a wild Venutian dreamscape, it’s a laugh-out-loud journey through the playful side of Halloween. New this year: a vibrant Día de los Muertos scene honoring tradition, community, and celebration! Scarium Family Night Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802 October 17, 202 5 Get ready for a frightfully fun night at Scarium Family Night at the Aquarium! Bring the whole crew for a splash of spooky with a self-guided scavenger hunt through the deep, creepy seas. Meet mysterious creatures like jellies and sharks (if you dare 👻), go trick-or-treating with free goodie bags, and show off your best costume in the all-ages contest! There’ll be dancing to spooky beats from our DJ, hands-on crafts, silly photo ops, and even a vampire magician who might just make your candy disappear! Delusion: The Red Castle Variety Arts Theatre 940 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 Sept 18 - Nov 9, 2025 Select Nights Dare to walk the Pagan’s Path? Enter a chilling world where a cult has taken Dante’s Inferno way  too seriously—leading guests through immersive circles of hell in search of salvation (or something far darker). Delusion: Harrowing of Hell returns with its signature "moving play" experience, where you become part of the eerie story. This year features a two-story themed lounge with sinful cocktails, bites, and moody music to match your descent. 🔥👹 (Not recommended for children under 13) Absolutely Halloween Santa Monica Playhouse 1211 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 Oct 4 - Oct 26, 2025 Saturdays & Sundays Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious Halloween adventure at the Santa Monica Playhouse! Absolutely Halloween! is a delightful musical tale about Candy, a young girl who embarks on a magical journey to save Halloween with the help of some quirky costume-come-to-life characters. This beloved family-friendly show is filled with catchy tunes, silly antics, and valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of keeping the spirit of Halloween alive. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort 1313 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802 August 22 - Oct 31, 2025 Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is back and more bewitching than ever! From Mickey and Minnie in their spooktacular new costumes to fang-tastic attractions like Haunted Mansion Holiday and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark, the parks are packed with eerie excitement. Stroll through the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, enjoy Halloween Screams fireworks, and dance your way through Cars Land’s Haul-O-Ween happenings. While the Oogie Boogie Bash is sold out, there’s still plenty of wicked fun to be had—costumed characters, glowing parades, chilling tours, and devilishly delightful décor around every corner! 🕸️👻✨ Advertisement Halloween Horror Nights Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 Sept 4 - Nov 2, 2025 Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights is back—and it's not just scary, it’s scream-your-face-off  terrifying! Step inside 8 bone-chilling haunted houses inspired by horror icons like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Terrifier, Fallout, Poltergeist, and Jason Voorhees. Hop aboard the Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse to confront villains like M3GAN and The Grabber, and watch your back in scare zones where nightmares come to life. With hair-raising rides, sinister shows, themed food, and killer merch, this is SoCal’s scariest  Halloween event for a reason. Enter if you dare! ( Not recommended for children under 13.) 👻🔪 Knott's Spooky Farm Knott's Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 Sept 25 - Oct 31, 2025 Select Dates Knott’s Spooky Farm is the perfect not-so-scary celebration for little ghouls and their grown-ups! This daytime, family-friendly event invites kids to trick-or-treat through the charming streets of Calico, enjoy Halloween-themed activities, and soak up the festive vibes with spooky (but sweet!) surprises around every corner. With playful décor, costumed fun, and plenty of treats, it’s Halloween magic made just right for younger thrill-seekers! 🍬👻🧙‍♀️ Knott’s Scary Farm 8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 Sept 18 – Nov 1, 2025 Select Nights For over 50 bone-chilling years, Knott’s Scary Farm has reigned as Southern California’s most iconic Halloween haunt — and it’s not slowing down anytime soon! This scream-inducing event turns the entire theme park into a full-blown nightmare zone, packed with twisted mazes, spine-tingling shows, and over 1,000 creepy creatures ready to pop out of the fog when you least expect it. No tomb is left unturned, and no shadowy corner is safe. (Not recommended for children under 13) Boo-Tastic Halloween Party Adventure City 1238 S Beach Blvd Anaheim, CA 92804 Oct 3 - Oct 31 Select Nights Adventure City’s Boo-tastic Halloween Party is the ultimate not-so-spooky celebration for families, packed with festive fun and thrills. Guests can enjoy 11 exciting rides, Trick-or-Treat Street with free candy and trinkets, a glowing light show, a dizzying vortex tunnel, a Halloween-themed train ride, a scavenger hunt, free glow accessories, and a bubbly dance party. Costumes are welcome, and there’s even an optional pumpkin-themed bubble wand for extra magic. Halloween at Magic Mountain Six Flags Magic Mountain 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy. Valencia, CA 91355 Sept 26 - Nov 2, 2025 Friday - Sunday Six Flags Magic Mountain is bringing the Halloween fun without the fright with Tricks and Treats, a daytime celebration packed with playful scares, sweet treats, and festive entertainment for the whole family. Little ghouls and grown-ups can stroll the Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy Halloween-themed rides, dance along to live shows like Drivin Mama Crazy, and meet friendly characters like Willoughby the Bat and Cariño the Alebrije — all before the real scares roll in after dark. It’s the perfect way to enjoy spooky season with just the right amount of silly and spooky! Fright Fest at Magic Mountain Six Flags Magic Mountain 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy. Valencia, CA 91355 Sept 19 - Nov 2, 2025 Select Nights Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a scream-worthy nightmare during Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®, where nothing is quite what it seems… or screams. As darkness falls, the park fills with thick fog, eerie Scare Zones, and hauntingly good live shows that’ll keep you on edge all night. For those craving more terror, the pay-to-panic Haunted Mazes offer a whole new level of fear, while signature coasters like Twisted Colossus take the thrills to terrifying new heights after dark. Grab your bravest crew — this Halloween, the park of your dreams becomes a full-blown fright fest.. (Not Recommended for Children under 13) Brick-or-Treat Monster Party LEGOLAND One Legoland Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Sept 20 - Nov 1, 2025 Select Dates LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat Monster Party is a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration packed with family fun, from live shows and LEGO monster meet-and-greets to themed rides, costume contests, and trick-or-treating throughout the park. Kids can dance at the Brick BOOOOO-gie party, snap photos with festive LEGO decor, and even extend the fun with a Halloween sleepover in LEGOLAND’s kid-themed hotels — making it the perfect fall getaway for little monsters and their grown-ups. The Count's Halloween Spooktacular Sesame Place 2052 Entertainment Cir. Chula Vista, CA 91911 Sept 13 - Nov 2, 2025 Select Dates The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place is all about silly, not-too-spooky fun the whole family will love! Kids can come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating at Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, dance parties, and the festive Sesame Street Halloween Parade. With fun extras like a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, themed rides, seasonal games, and adorable photo ops with favorite furry friends in costume, it’s a colorful fall celebration that’s big on smiles and low on scares. A Faery Halloween Party Tarzana Community & Cultural Center 19130 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356 Oct 12, 2025 Looking for a magical escape from the everyday hustle? A Faery Hunt invites families into a whimsical world of fairies, music, and adventure with their interactive outdoor performances designed just for kids and the young at heart. This Halloween, join the faery folk on a gentle, musical quest to find the Fairy Royalty — where costumes are encouraged and imagination reigns! After the show, the fun continues with a Fairy Fun Halloween Party featuring dancing, games, snacks, storytelling, fairy unicorn readings, and plenty of frolicking. Little ones can dress up, meet the fairies up close, and celebrate Halloween in the most enchanting way possible! ​Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Hollywood Forever 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90038 Coming Soon The annual Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration where the community gathers to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The cemetery will transform into a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and flavors. Over 100 altars created by community members will adorn the grounds while Grammy Award-winning artists and other talented musicians perform on five stages. Children's activities, contests, and a festive atmosphere make this a truly unforgettable experience that beautifully blends tradition, art, music, and community spirit. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Sept 19 - Nov 2, 2025 The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is back for 2025 with even more frightful fun, transforming Midnight Falls into a terrifying Halloween haven. New this year are two Elvira-themed attractions — a spooky pop-up shop and a candy-coated maze full of tricks and glam. Guests can scream their way through the haunted hayride, explore Monáe Manor, meet spirits with Madame Aurora, and battle zombies in a live-action Gellyball apocalypse. With axe throwing, escape games, creepy carnival rides, and nightly shows by undead host Monte Revolta, this immersive Halloween experience is packed with thrills, chills, and haunting surprises around every foggy corner. (Not recommended for children under 13) Pumpkin Palooza Discovery Cube Orange County 2500 N Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92705 October 2025 Get ready for another thrilling adventure as Discovery Cube Orange County proudly presents the return of the highly anticipated Pumpkin Palooza! Come back for more details and the dates for the 2025 season. Halloween at Kidspace Kidspace Children’s Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103 Sept 19 - Oct 31, 2025 Grab your capes and costumes because the Kidspace Halloween Bash is casting a spell of family fun all season long! From costume parades where kids can dance and strut their stuff, to spooky trike rides and monster-making in the Imagination Workshop, there’s something magical around every corner. Little witches and wizards can mix up potions in the Witch’s Kitchen, go pumpkin bowling, and even adopt a silly or spooky monster. It’s a whimsical, hands-on Halloween celebration packed with creativity, laughter, and boo-tiful memories for the whole family. BOO at Santa Ana Zoo! 1801 E Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701 Oct 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2025 Boo at the Zoo is a “merry, not scary” Halloween festival perfect for families looking for festive fun without the fright. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, glowing lights and decorations, a spooky scavenger hunt, and special encounters with nocturnal animals. With themed rides available (ride tickets required), it’s a wild and whimsical way to celebrate the season surrounded by creatures of the night and plenty of Halloween cheer. Sea Scare Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen M. White Dr. San Pedro, CA 90731 Oct 18, 2025 Dive into a hauntingly fun evening where mystery and marine life collide! Families will journey through spooky scenes like Skull Alley, the Mad Scientist’s Lab, and a Haunted House as they help unravel an eerie underwater puzzle. It's thrills, chills, and plenty of gills for one unforgettable night by the sea. Pumpkins in the Pines Santa's Village 28950 California 18 Skyforest, CA 92385 October 4 - 26, 2025 Weekends As autumn paints the mountains in golden hues, SkyPark at Santa's Village invites families to celebrate the season with Pumpkins in the Pines. On Saturdays and Sundays, the park transforms into a festive fall wonderland with a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a costume parade, seasonal eats, and the enchanting Legend of Sleepy Hollow Puppet Show. With cozy vibes, endless photo ops, and the best pumpkin spice latte around at Kringle’s Coffee & Gifts, it’s the perfect way to enjoy crisp mountain air and family-friendly fall fun. ScreamFest Horror Film Festival TCL Chinese Theater 6925 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028 Oct 7 - 16, 2025 ScreamFest Horror Film Festival is a thrilling celebration of all things terrifying, dedicated to unearthing original stories, spotlighting creative storytellers, and showcasing spine-chilling films from around the globe. With a focus on lesser-known gems and future cult classics, the festival partners with filmmakers, cinemas, and film archives to elevate the horror genre and introduce audiences to their next favorite fright. While it's a must-attend for horror fans, this scare-filled event is not recommended for kids under 13. Advertisement SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular 500 Sea World Dr. San Diego, CA 92109 Sept 5 - Nov 2, 2025 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular is a swashbuckling, family-friendly celebration full of pirate-themed fun, trick-or-treating, and whimsical fall festivities. Guests can enjoy the all-new Spookley Dance Party, the hilarious Bones Brothers Quartet, pumpkin patch photo ops, spooky storytime with Captain Sweet Tooth, and toe-tapping tunes from The Scurvy Squad. Kids can trick-or-treat along the Candy Trail, meet a friendly mermaid, explore the park with a pumpkin hunt, and join O.P. Otter for a spirited Halloween surprise. With Halloween thrills, live entertainment, and Día de los Muertos celebrations, Spooktacular is the ultimate fall adventure for the whole crew. Urban Death Tour of Terror ZJU Theatre 4850 Lankershim Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91601 Oct 3 - Nov 1, 2025 Fridays & Saturdays This terrifying journey through a labyrinth of horrors will leave you trembling. Expect the unexpected as you encounter ghostly figures, sinister creatures, and eerie scenarios that defy explanation. It's an experience that blends live theater with a haunted attraction, creating a unique event that's as disturbing as it is exhilarating. Whether you're a horror enthusiast or just looking for a thrilling night out, Urban Death is an event you won't want to miss. Urban Death Tour of Terror is not for the faint of heart! Ages 16 and up. (Parental discretion is advised due to intense and disturbing content.) Disclaimer: FUN WITH KIDS IN LA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. We strongly recommend that you confirm event details, such as date, time, location, and admission, with the event producers. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list.

Joyreal, which makes and sells inclusive Montessori-based learning materials, now restates its mission to empower children with autism, nonverbal children, and minimally verbal children through its Joyreal AAC communication devices line and Joyreal communication board solutions. These tools are developed with care, clinical understanding, and a profound understanding of the individual learning journeys. Thus, they fill the gap between thought and expression by giving every child an opportunity to express, build relationships, and develop. Changing Autistic Children's Communication Communication is not a luxury; it is an inherent right. In most children with autism, conventional speech developmental patterns could be delayed or unavailable. This is where AAC communication devices  and communication boards come in: they provide meaningful, evidence-based alternatives that allow children to express their needs, desires, emotions, and ideas. The products offered by Joyreal go a step further, combining play, design aligned with development, and ease of use. Why Joyreal AAC Devices Are Different — A Review Perspective Critically, the performance of an AAC tool is determined by usability, flexibility, accessibility, and practical integration. Several reasons can distinguish the devices and boards created by Joyreal: Ease of Use & User-Centered Design All interfaces — digital, low-tech, and hybrid — are designed to reduce cognitive load. Navigation is easy, icons are clear, and customization is built in, allowing caregivers and therapists to tailor layouts to each child's changing needs. Seamless Scalability There will be no difficulty transitioning from a child using a low-tech communication board to one using a more advanced digital tool. Joyreal has been designed so that vocabulary size, complexity, and interface complexity can grow as the user continues to learn, without necessarily subjecting the user to a steep relearning curve. Durability & Safety Using actual-life situations where these tools are applied (classrooms, therapy, home), Joyreal devices are designed to be dropped, spilled, and handled frequently, while still meeting toy safety standards. Therapy and Learning Goals Integration Joyreal tools are not independent devices; they are intended to be used alongside speech therapy programs, special education programs, and communication in everyday life. Therapists can incorporate device use into behavioral goals, social scripts, and routines. Community and Support Materials Empowerment Joyreal supports its equipment with training resources, user groups, training videos, and customer support. This ecosystem will make caregivers and other professionals comfortable with adopting the device and using it consistently. Compared with generic AAC tools, Joyreal has the highest frequency of higher rankings across user satisfaction, ease of adoption in the initial phases, and long-term engagement. Authentic Voices: Testimonials & Impact Children who used Joyreal AAC tools during pilot programs and in their caregivers' reports demonstrated quantifiable improvements in expressive communication, reduced frustration-related behaviors, and greater willingness to interact socially. Teachers note that the design makes sense, saves time on staff training, and enhances the consistency of intervention. These results are consistent with the general studies of the effectiveness of AAC devices for autism, particularly when integrated into everyday activities and coaching. Product Highlights & Use Cases Talk Aid Autism Communication Device — A flagship product that combines both core and contextual phrases, which is suitable when it comes to early and mid-stage communicators. Although these people were not the founders of the present fundamental communication devices, their innovations continue to impact our everyday lives. These people did not invent the modern basic communication devices, but their inventions in the communication industry still influence our daily lives. Use case:  During a meal, a child can press the buttons, eat, say "all done," and then thank you, all without any assistance. Joyreal AAC Communication Tool Autism Speech Therapy - A more personalizable and therapy-specific device aimed at clinicians. More lists the following symptoms as indicators of autism, the following issues are symptoms of autism: Use case:  A speech therapist can design personalized scenes (e.g., school routines, social scripts) to align with the individual therapy objectives. Joyreal Communication Board - A low-tech physical or fallback (or primary) method of communicating in situations that cannot use electronic equipment (e.g., outdoor, large group, battery limitations). Use case: During a session in a playground, a child uses the board to say things such as 'want swing,' 'help,' and 'play with me.' Vision Forward Joyreal currently has the opportunity to grow by collaborating with schools, therapy facilities, and special needs agencies. The company also believes in the spirit of continuous research and development, so its Joyreal AAC communication devices continue to improve with advances in technology, customer feedback, and emerging best practices. Therapists, clinicians, parents, and educators will be invited to taste this mighty weaponry and add to the bigger picture of giving every child a voice. Collectively, we can ensure that communication is not determined by speech alone, but by the liberty to express, associate, and engage. About Joyreal Joyreal is a manufacturer of Montessori-inspired toys and assistive learning materials, whose mission is to promote cognitive, sensory, social, and communicative growth, particularly for children with special needs. By designing, engaging the community, and producing ethically, Joyreal aims to empower children and families globally.   FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Best of LA  . Classes  . Camps  . Birthdays  . Travel  . Food  . Events

Looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained and engaged this Thanksgiving season? Free Thanksgiving printables are a great way to add festive fun without much prep! From coloring pages and word searches to craft templates and gratitude activities, here are 9 Free Thanksgiving printables your kids will love . Thanksgiving Facts Worksheet This Thanksgiving Facts Worksheet is a colorful, simple activity designed to teach kids key facts about Thanksgiving. With a fun and engaging chart format, children can fill in details about the holiday, such as when and where it is celebrated, what people do, and traditional foods and attire. It’s a fantastic educational resource for classrooms or at-home learning, blending history and creativity! Thanksgiving Color by Numbers Worksheet: Printable This Thanksgiving-themed Color by Numbers  printable is perfect for younger kids! Featuring simple, numbered sections to fill with fall colors like orange, black, brown, and green, this worksheet is a fun way to practice number recognition and coloring skills. Kids can reveal a surprise Thanksgiving picture as they color, making it a festive activity to keep them engaged and entertained during holiday preparations. Build-a-Thanksgiving Turkey: Printable This fun, hands-on Build-a-Thanksgiving Turkey  printable lets kids create their own colorful turkeys by coloring, cutting, and gluing the pieces together. Each worksheet includes turkey body parts in a cheerful, orange-themed illustrative style, making it easy and engaging for kids to assemble their own Thanksgiving turkey masterpiece. Perfect for a Thanksgiving craft activity that combines creativity with fine motor skills! Related: 38 Incredibly Fun Thanksgiving Games to Play with Your Family! Thanksgiving Word Search: Printable This Thanksgiving Word Search  printable is a fun and educational activity for kids, packed with Thanksgiving-themed words like “turkey,” “pumpkin,” and “family.” Set in a colorful grayscale style, this worksheet is perfect for building vocabulary and keeping kids entertained while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a great way to bring a touch of holiday spirit to learning! Thanksgiving Spelling Worksheet: Printable This Thanksgiving Spelling Worksheet  combines coloring and spelling, perfect for helping kids practice beginning sounds in a fun, holiday-themed way! With an engaging green pattern, children can identify the first letters of Thanksgiving words like “pumpkin” and “corn,” then color in their answers. This interactive worksheet is a great way to enhance early literacy skills with a festive twist! Thanksgiving Patterns Recognition Worksheet: Printable This Thanksgiving Patterns Recognition Worksheet  is a fun and interactive activity designed for kindergarten-aged kids. Children can color, cut, and paste Thanksgiving-themed items to complete each pattern, helping them develop early math and recognition skills. With visuals like turkeys and pumpkins, this worksheet brings a playful twist to pattern recognition, perfect for adding some holiday cheer to learning time! Fun Thanksgiving Coloring Worksheet: Printable This Fun Thanksgiving Coloring Worksheet  is perfect for bringing holiday creativity to life! With festive Thanksgiving-themed illustrations in black and white, kids can use their favorite colors to decorate turkeys, pumpkins, and other fall symbols. Ideal for a relaxing, no-prep activity that keeps kids entertained while celebrating Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle Worksheet This Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle Worksheet  is a fun and challenging activity that helps kids improve their vocabulary and spelling skills with Thanksgiving-themed words! Using engaging clues, children can fill in words related to the holiday, such as “turkey” and “pumpkin.” It’s a great way to keep young minds active and entertained during the Thanksgiving season! Related: 15 Fun Thanksgiving Crafts to Make with Your Kids! Roll-A-Thanksgiving Story Worksheet This Roll-A-Thanksgiving Story Worksheet  is a delightful storytelling game that sparks kids' creativity! By rolling a dice three times, children can select a character, setting, and conflict, creating a unique Thanksgiving story each time. With options like “a turkey in a cornfield” or “a Pilgrim at Thanksgiving dinner,” kids can write or tell their funny and imaginative holiday stories. This worksheet is perfect for family gatherings or classroom fun! Free Thanksgiving printables are a delightful way to bring joy and creativity to your holiday season. Whether your kids are coloring turkeys, solving festive puzzles, or crafting their own Thanksgiving masterpieces, these activities offer hours of fun while fostering imagination and gratitude. Plus, they’re perfect for keeping little hands busy while you prepare for the big day! So, grab your favorite printables, set up a cozy crafting station, and watch your children create memories that will make this Thanksgiving even more special. FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Classes . Camps . Birthdays . Travel . Food . Events

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get creative and celebrate gratitude with your little ones. These festive, easy-to-make Thanksgiving crafts are not only fun but also a great way to decorate your home and keep kids entertained while waiting for the big meal. Let’s dive into some ideas that are sure to make this Thanksgiving memorable for your family! 1. Paper Plate Turkeys What You’ll Need : Paper plates, colored paper, googly eyes, glue, and markers. How-To : Help kids cut out feathers from colored paper, then glue them onto the back of a paper plate. Draw or glue on eyes, and add an orange triangle beak and red wattle. Let kids use their imaginations with colors for a truly unique turkey! 2. Thankful Leaves Garland What You’ll Need : Colored construction paper, scissors, a hole punch, string, and markers. How-To : Cut out leaf shapes, and have each family member write something they’re grateful for on a leaf. Punch holes and string the leaves together for a festive garland that reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving. 3. Pinecone Turkeys What You’ll Need : Pinecones, craft feathers, googly eyes, felt, and glue. How-To : Glue feathers onto the pinecone for the turkey’s tail. Add googly eyes and a felt beak to create an adorable tabletop turkey decoration. Related: How to Make Thanksgiving with as Little Prep as Possible! 4. Gratitude Pumpkin What You’ll Need : A mini pumpkin, markers, and stickers. How-To : Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, write something each family member is thankful for on the pumpkin. This is a lovely way to visually display your family’s gratitude during the season. 5. Handprint Turkey Placemats What You’ll Need : Large sheets of paper, washable paint, brushes, and markers. How-To : Paint your kids’ hands with different colors and stamp their hands on the paper to create turkey shapes. Add faces, feet, and other fun details to make personalized placemats for the Thanksgiving table. 6. Paper Bag Turkey Puppets What You’ll Need : Paper lunch bags, construction paper, googly eyes, markers, and glue. How-To : Decorate the bottom of the bag with a turkey face and add paper feathers to the back. Kids can use them as puppets and put on a Thanksgiving-themed puppet show! 7. Corn Husk Wreath What You’ll Need : Dried corn husks, a foam wreath form, glue, and ribbon. How-To : Glue dried corn husks around the foam form in a circular pattern to create a rustic Thanksgiving wreath. Tie a bow with a ribbon at the top, and it’s ready to hang on the door! 8. Coffee Filter Turkeys What You’ll Need : Coffee filters, markers, water, glue, paper coffee cups, and googly eyes. How-To : Color the coffee filter with markers, then spray with water to make the colors blend like feathers. Once dry, glue on a turkey face using construction paper for a cute, colorful turkey. 9. Gratitude Jar What You’ll Need : A jar, colored paper, scissors, and markers. How-To : Cut paper into small slips, and have family members write things they’re grateful for each day. Place them in the jar, and on Thanksgiving Day, take turns reading them out loud. 10. Thanksgiving Thankful Tree What You’ll Need : A small branch, construction paper, scissors, markers, and a vase. How-To : Place the branch in the vase to create a “tree,” then cut out leaf shapes from paper. Write things you’re thankful for on the leaves and hang them from the branches as a festive reminder of gratitude. 11. Pumpkin Seed Mosaic What You’ll Need : Pumpkin seeds, paint, markers, and glue. How-To : After cleaning and drying pumpkin seeds, paint them in fall colors. Once dry, kids can arrange them on paper to create a mosaic in the shape of a turkey, pumpkin, or leaf. 12. Leaf Painting with Nature Stamps What You’ll Need : Real leaves, paint, and paper. How-To : Dip leaves in paint and press them onto paper to create beautiful fall leaf stamps. Encourage kids to use a variety of colors for a lively design. 13. Toilet Paper Roll Pilgrims and Turkeys What You’ll Need : Toilet paper rolls, construction paper, markers, and glue. How-To : Wrap the rolls in construction paper, then decorate them as pilgrims, Native Americans, or turkeys for a fun Thanksgiving story set. 14. Pumpkin Spice Playdough What You’ll Need : Flour, salt, water, cream of tartar, oil, pumpkin pie spice, and food coloring. How-To : Make a homemade batch of pumpkin spice-scented playdough by mixing ingredients in a pot over low heat. This sensory activity is perfect for little hands and brings a festive smell to the home. 15. Turkey Napkin Rings What You’ll Need:  Toilet paper rolls, colored construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers. How-To:  Cut the toilet paper roll into small sections (about an inch wide) to serve as napkin ring bases. Cut out feather shapes from construction paper and glue them to the back of each ring. Draw or glue a turkey face on the front using construction paper pieces. Slide a folded napkin through each ring, and place it on the Thanksgiving table for a festive touch! Related: 38 Incredibly Fun Thanksgiving Games to Play with Your Family! These Thanksgiving crafts are perfect for creating festive memories and decorations that will brighten up your holiday celebration. Letting kids participate in Thanksgiving preparations with hands-on crafts is a fantastic way to bring your family together and make Thanksgiving even more special. Happy Thanksgiving crafting! FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Ticket Deals . Classes . Camps . Birthdays . Travel . Food . Events

Find The Best Deals on Black Friday! Black Friday has become synonymous with incredible discounts and unbeatable deals. Shoppers eagerly anticipate this annual shopping extravaganza to score huge savings on everything from electronics and fashion to home goods and appliances. If you're looking to make the most out of Black Friday, you need to know where to find the best deals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top places to hunt for Black Friday bargains. Black Friday is on Nov 28, 2025. Amazon - Amazon is one of the best sites to find great holiday deals. You can choose your category at the top of the page and find the best deals on what you are looking for. And if you have Prime, you will get your product in 1-2 days. Flipp - Download the Flipp app on your smartphone to find listings of everything that is on sale on Black Friday at your favorite stores. Rakuten - Another good app to find Black Friday and Holiday deals, and you can earn up to 10% cashback on your purchases from different merchants. BestBlackFriday.com - BestBlackFriday.com is a complete and well-rounded source for Black Friday information on the web. You can find your favorite stores and find out what deals are the best, or find deals on specific products. This website will also show you the best and the worst deals of the year. You can also search for a specific product and compare prices at different stores. Best Buy - Best Buy has some of the best Black Friday deals on electronics in stores and online. Target - Target usually has great deals on top 100 toys (up to 50% off), clothing, kitchen supplies, apple deals, and more. You can shop online or at the stores. Macy's - You can save anywhere from 20% to 65% off on clothing, shoes, handbags, kitchen supplies, makeup, accessories, and more. Shop online or at stores. Walmart - You can find great deals at Walmart on toys, video games, electronics, home products, sports, and outdoor gear, and much more. Kohl's - Save top dollars at Kohl's on toys, electronics, games, kitchen supplies, home supplies, clothing, and more. You can also earn Kohl's cash on selected items. A good tool to use to see if the price is really as low as it seems is checking the history of the price of the item on CamelCamelCamel.com , which shows the price history of an item on Amazon and you will get an idea if you are getting a deal or not. Before you begin your shopping, review Black Friday ads and emails to see which items are available online and which are in stores. Decide what you want to order online or for pickup in a store. Also, break out what you will buy on Black Friday. Prepare your online orders and plan your store visits. Remember to take note of the times listed as some items may only be available during specific time slots. For more tips on Black Friday Shopping, check 8 Common Black Friday Shopping Mistakes at Hip2Save.com . Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate link(s).

Kids Activities Near Me (Beverly Hills Edition) Are you looking for fun activities to do with your kids in Beverly Hills? Look no further! Beverly Hills is a great place to visit with kids, offering a variety of activities to keep them entertained and happy. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 30 fun activities that you can enjoy with your kids in and near Beverly Hills . Let’s dive in! Roxbury Park 471 S Roxbury Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Roxbury Park is a great place to take your kids for a day of outdoor fun. There are playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The park also has a community center that offers classes and activities for kids. Color Me Mine 233 S. Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Color Me Mine is a fun and creative activity for kids and adults alike. At this studio, you can choose from a variety of ceramics to paint, such as mugs, plates, and figurines. The staff will help you with techniques and ideas, and then fire your piece for you to take home. This is a great way to create a personalized gift, and the studio also offers parties and events for kids. Beverly Hills Public Library 444 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Beverly Hills Public Library offers a variety of activities for kids such as storytime, craft workshop, and more. The library also has a great collection of children's books and movies, as well as computers and other resources for kids to use. Beverly Hills Segway Tours 9615 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Take a Segway tour of Beverly Hills with your kids. It’s a fun and unique way to see the city. The tour takes you through the city's most famous landmarks and attractions, and it's suitable for kids ages 12 and up. Beverly Hills Art Walk Various Locations The Beverly Hills Art Walk is a great way to introduce your kids to the world of art. There are plenty of galleries and exhibits to explore, and the event is held every spring and fall. The Art Walk also includes live music and entertainment, making it a fun day out for the whole family. Related: 40+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Santa Monica🎡: An Ultimate Guide! Beverly Hills Tennis Club 340 N Maple Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Take your kids to the Beverly Hills Tennis Club for a day of tennis. There are lessons available for kids of all ages, as well as tournaments and other events. The club also offers swimming and fitness facilities. The La Cienega Tennis Center has 16 lighted courts and is open to the public from 7 am-10 pm. Coldwater Canyon Park 1100 N. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Coldwater Canyon Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with your kids, and it's located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The City also offers year-round preschool weekdays for 3-5-year-olds and introductory soccer classes at Coldwater Canyon Park. The Beverly Hills Trolley Tour Various locations Take a trolley tour of Beverly Hills with your kids. It’s a great way to see the city and learn about its history. The tour includes stops at famous landmarks such as Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Hills Sign, and it's suitable for kids of all ages. The City of Beverly Hills offers free trolley service between Civic Center and Rodeo Drive on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed holidays). Franklin Canyon Park 2600 Franklin Canyon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Franklin Canyon Park offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with your kids, and it's located in the Santa Monica Mountains. The park is also home to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center, which offers educational programs for kids. Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Take a walk through Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle with your kids. It’s a great way to see the city and do some shopping. The Golden Triangle is a shopping district that includes Rodeo Drive, Beverly Drive, and Canon Drive. There are plenty of high-end stores and restaurants to explore, and it's a great place to people-watch. Related: 45+ Fun Things to Do in Culver City: An Ultimate Guide! Beverly Hills Car Show Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Beverly Hills Car Show is a great way to see some amazing cars with your kids. A Father’s Day tradition since 1993, the annual Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance on features a complimentary car rally and show. It’s an annual event that includes classic cars, modern cars, and concept cars. There are also food trucks and other activities for kids. Beverly Hills Farmers Market 9300 block of Civic Center Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market is a must-visit destination for families with kids. Held every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, this market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products from local farmers and vendors. There are also activities for kids such as face painting, crafts, and pony rides. The market is a great place to support local businesses and experience the vibrant culture of Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills Dog Park 344 N Foothill Rd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Take your kids to the Beverly Hills Dog Park to watch the dogs play and get some fresh air. The park is located at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. It's a great place to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. Virginia Robinson Gardens 1008 Elden Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a historic landmark and botanical garden that offers tours and educational programs for families. The gardens include exotic plants and trees from around the world, as well as a historic mansion that was built in 1911. Beverly Hills Fire Department 445 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Beverly Hills Fire Department is a great place to take your kids. The kids would love to see the big fire trucks and learn about them. Station tours are limited to 30 minutes and are scheduled during hours of operation: 10 am to 11:30 am and from 1 pm to 4 pm. La Cienega Park 325 S. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 La Cienega Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park in Beverly Hills, offering a variety of athletic facilities, recreational classes, and programs for visitors of all ages. The park features three baseball diamonds that convert to soccer fields seasonally, a perimeter jogging track, and a new pavilion with outdoor exercise equipment for a great workout. Families with kids will enjoy the brightly colored playground equipment, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, perfect for family outings and get-togethers. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of performances and events that are great for kids. The center includes two theaters, a sculpture garden, and a café. The performances range from plays and musicals to dance and music concerts. Greystone Mansion & Gardens 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Greystone Mansion & Gardens is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which includes information on its history and architecture, or simply stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the stunning views. It's a great place to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Beverly Hills' past. The Witch's House 516 N. Walden Dr. Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Witch's House, also known as The Spadena House, is a unique and quirky attraction in Beverly Hills. This house, built in 1921, has a distinctive fairytale-style architecture with a sloping roof, crooked chimneys, and an overall spooky appearance. It's a great photo opportunity for families and a fun way to experience the whimsical side of Beverly Hills. Note that the house is privately owned and not open for public tours, but you can view it from the street. Beverly Hills Chocolate Tour Edelweiss Chocolates 444 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Taking a tour of Edelweiss Chocolates in Beverly Hills is a delightful experience for anyone who loves chocolate. During the tour, guests get to go into the kitchen and learn how chocolate is made, discovering the intricate processes involved in creating the rich, velvety chocolate that Edelweiss is known for. Related: 120+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles Sprinkles Cupcake ATM 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90210 The Sprinkles Cupcake ATM in Beverly Hills is a fun and unique attraction that kids and adults alike will love. This ATM dispenses freshly baked cupcakes 24/7, with a variety of flavors to choose from, including vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and seasonal flavors. TreePeople 12601 Mulholland Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210 TreePeople is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting people to plant and care for trees, harvest rain, and renew depleted landscapes. The organization offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages, including moonlight hikes, family tours, and self-guided tours. Laemmle Music Hall Address 9036 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 The Laemmle Music Hall cinema is a popular movie theater located in the heart of Beverly Hills. This theater is known for showcasing independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries and other niche genres.The Laemmle Music Hall features three screens, each with comfortable seating and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. They also offer a concessions stand with a variety of snacks and drinks. Saban Theatre Address 8440 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211 The Saban Theatre is a historic and iconic venue located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Originally built in 1930 as a movie palace, the theater has since been restored and renovated into a performing arts center that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy shows. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 5801 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is a great place to take your kids to learn about prehistoric animals and the history of Los Angeles. The museum includes exhibits of fossils and bones from mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other ancient animals. There are also interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an exciting museum located in Los Angeles, just a short drive from Beverly Hills. The museum is dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, with a particular focus on the Academy Awards and the incredible talent behind some of the world's most beloved films. The Academy Museum features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that showcase iconic movie props, costumes, and sets, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the filmmaking process. Visitors can explore the history of cinema, learn about the art of film restoration, and attend special screenings and events. Museum of Tolerance 9786 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 The Museum of Tolerance is a powerful and thought-provoking museum located in Los Angeles, just a short drive from Beverly Hills. The museum is dedicated to promoting understanding, respect, and empathy for all people, with a particular focus on educating visitors about the Holocaust and other instances of prejudice and discrimination throughout history. (Not suitable for little kids) Hope you enjoyed our Ultimate Guide to Beverly Hills! With all the fun things you can do with your family in and near Beverly Hills, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city! FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Where Fun and Family Come Together, All in One Place! Places to Go . Classes . Camps . Birthdays . Travel . Food . Events . Parenti ng

The Griffith Observatory has been open to the public since 1935 and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in astronomy and science. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned stargazer, this guide will take you on a journey through the observatory's exhibits, telescopes, and programs. From the 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope to the Cosmic Connection exhibit, this guide has it all. So join us as we explore the Griffith Observatory and discover the wonders of the night sky. The observatory features several exhibits that cover a wide range of topics in astronomy and science. The Hall of the Eye is an interactive exhibit that explores the human eye and how it works. The Cosmic Connection exhibit covers the history of the universe and the latest scientific discoveries. The Space Museum is home to a variety of space-related artifacts, including a moon rock and a piece of a meteorite. The observatory's most famous feature is its 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, which is located in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Visitors can take a tour of the telescope and learn about its history and operation. The planetarium also has regular shows that cover a variety of astronomy-related topics. The Griffith Observatory also offers several live shows throughout the day that cover different astronomical topics. Visitors can also take a free guided tour of the observatory, which covers the history of the observatory and the exhibits it houses. Additionally, the observatory offers several programs for children and families, including stargazing events and educational workshops. Related: 45+ Fun Things to Do in Culver City: An Ultimate Guide! Activities for Kids The Griffith Observatory offers a variety of activities and exhibits that are suitable for children. Some popular things to do for kids include: Visit the Space Museum: The Space Museum has a variety of space-related artifacts and interactive exhibits that will fascinate kids. Explore the Hall of the Eye: The Wilder Hall of the Eye illustrates the nature and progress of human observation of the sky and the tools used for that exploration. Take the Griffith Observatory Tour: The tour is a great way for kids to learn about the history of the observatory and the exhibits it houses. See a live show: The observatory offers several live shows that cover different astronomical topics and are suitable for kids. Visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium: The planetarium offers regular shows that cover a variety of astronomy-related topics and are great for kids. Take a hike: Griffith Park has many trails that are suitable for families, and hiking to the observatory can be a fun adventure for kids. Participate in children's workshops: The observatory occasionally offers educational workshops and classes for children on different scientific and astronomical topics. Attend special events for kids: The observatory occasionally hosts special events for kids, such as stargazing events or workshops. These are just a few examples of the activities and exhibits that the Griffith Observatory has to offer for children. It's always a good idea to check the observatory's website or call ahead to confirm the availability of specific activities and events before visiting. Related: 44 Awesome Museums You Should Visit with Your Kids! 🏛️🦕 Most Popular The Samuel Oschin Planetarium Show: an immersive experience where people can learn about the night sky and the solar system through high-resolution video and images projected onto a dome-shaped screen. The Griffith Observatory's exhibits : which cover a wide range of topics in astronomy and science, including the history of astronomy, the planets of our solar system, and the latest discoveries in space. The telescopes: which offer some of the best views of the night sky in the Los Angeles area. The observatory has several telescopes, including the historic 12-inch refracting telescope, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The views from the observatory's grounds : which offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. The historic 12-inch refracting telescope: one of the largest telescopes of its kind in the world, visitors can take a look at the stars, planets, and galaxies through this telescope. Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater: a state-of-the-art theater that presents live and pre-recorded shows that take visitors on a journey through the universe. A Walk Through the Solar System: a scale model of the solar system that allows visitors to walk through it and learn about the planets and their relative distances from the sun. The Hall of the Eye: an exhibit that explores the history of human's ability to observe the night sky and the development of telescopes. The Foucault pendulum: a demonstration of the rotation of the earth, it shows how the pendulum swings in different directions as the earth turns. The James Dean Memorial: a statue of James Dean, the famous actor, who was a frequent visitor of the observatory during his childhood. These are the most popular things to see and do at Griffith Observatory, however, the popularity of the attraction may change over time, so it's always best to check for updated information before visiting. Related: 120+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles Other Things to Do There are a few lesser-known "secrets" that visitors may not be aware of: Hidden Exhibits: The observatory has a few hidden exhibits that are not immediately obvious to visitors, such as the Foucault pendulum and the Tesla coil . Video Library: The observatory has a library of astronomy and science videos that are only available to members. Telescope Night Viewing: Visitors can see celestial objects like planets, stars, and galaxies through the observatory's telescopes. Free telescope viewing is available each evening the Observatory is open and skies are clear. The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater: The theater is located on the lower level of the observatory and features a 27-foot dome and a state-of-the-art projection system. The theater is used to show short films, live shows and planetarium shows. The Camera Obscura: The camera obscura is a historic device that projects an image of the surrounding area onto a flat surface, and it can be found on the observatory's grounds. It's always a good idea to explore the observatory thoroughly and ask staff for information to discover new things about this amazing place. Special Events The Griffith Observatory hosts several special events throughout the year. Some popular events include: Public Telescope Viewing: On certain nights, the observatory opens its telescopes to the public for viewing of celestial objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies. Meteor Showers : The observatory often holds special events to view meteor showers, such as the Perseid meteor shower in August. Lunar Observing: The observatory hosts special events to observe the moon and learn about its features and history. Special Lectures: The observatory hosts special lectures by astronomers, scientists, and other experts on a variety of topics related to astronomy and science. Star Parties: These events are held on the observatory's lawn and feature telescope viewing of celestial objects, as well as presentations by astronomers and other experts. Film Screenings : The observatory occasionally screens films related to astronomy and science in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. These events are not held regularly and it's a good idea to check the observatory's website or social media for upcoming events. Food The Griffith Observatory has a café called the Cosmic Café, which is located on the ground floor of the observatory. The café serves a variety of food and drinks, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages. The café also has a small selection of souvenirs and gifts available for purchase. The café is open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. Visitors can also bring their own food and eat it at one of the picnic tables located on the observatory's lawn. The observatory also has a gift shop where you can buy snacks and souvenirs. Hours and Admission The Griffith Observatory is open six days a week, with the following hours: Tuesday through Friday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday: closed Admission to the observatory is always free, however, parking at the observatory is $4 per hour and $8 per day, and parking at the nearby Greek Theatre is $8 per day. Additionally, it's worth noting that the observatory's exhibits and telescopes are extremely popular, and on peak days, the observatory can get very busy. To avoid long wait times, it's recommended that visitors arrive early or come on a weekday. Address The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027. It's located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It can be accessed by car, public transportation, or on foot. The observatory offers a free shuttle service that runs from the Vermont/Sunset metro station to the observatory. It's recommended that visitors check the observatory's website or call ahead for the latest information on parking, shuttle service, and hours of operation, as they are subject to change. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA ® IS THE BEST SOURCE OF FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN LA!

Find the best camping sites for your next family adventure! Hey, nature lovers! Want to give your kids a camping trip they'll never forget? There's nothing quite like snuggling up by the campfire, toasting marshmallows, and soaking up the sweet sounds of nature. Lucky for you, we've got a stellar list of campgrounds near Los Angeles that'll make your family's camping dreams come true! From top-notch amenities to fun-filled activities, these camping spots are ideal for families  seeking an outdoor adventure. So pack your s'mores gear, grab your tents, and get ready for a camping trip your kids will talk about for years to come! 🏕️ 🫕 Quick Link to Campgrounds Near Me ☀️🌳 Point Mugu State Park Doheny State Beach Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground Lake Casitas Camp Williams Resort Lake Hemet Catalina Island Leo Carrillo State Park Wheeler Gorge Campground Campland on the Bay Table Mountain Angeles La Jolla Indian Campground Green Valley Campground Serrano Campground El Capitan State Beach Carpinteria State Beach Hesperia Lake Mojave National Preserve Black Rock Campground Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Kern River Campground Point Mugu State Park 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 818-880-0363 Nestled within the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is your gateway to a whopping 4,000 acres of pure outdoor bliss, boasting an impressive 15-mile trail network. Picture this: meandering creeks, inviting rock pools, serene lakes, lush chaparrals, and a forest canopy that's home to countless trees – it's nature's playground on steroids! Now, let's talk campgrounds – Sycamore Canyon Family campsites are your ticket to a memorable outdoor escape, accommodating up to eight adventure enthusiasts. These well-equipped campsites come with a medley of goodies, like fire pits or fire rings for marshmallow roasting, picnic tables for epic al fresco feasts, and, during the summer months, the ever-watchful lifeguards ensuring your water fun stays safe. And guess what? You'll find hot water waiting for you in the bathroom showers – a little luxury in the wilderness! Plus, if you're in the mood for some Hollywood trivia, this park has been a backdrop for movie magic, featuring in classics like Planet of the Apes and M A S*H. So, lace up those hiking boots, dust off your bike, grab your fishing gear, and get ready for a family adventure that's bound to make memories that last a lifetime! And don't forget, when the fire level permits (checked daily), you can fire up the grill with firewood, Duraflame, or charcoal briquettes right in the designated rings for some tasty campfire cuisine. Doheny State Beach 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629 800-444-7275 Ah, welcome to the sun-soaked wonderland that is Doheny State Beach, a beloved gem in the Golden State's treasure trove of beaches! At the north end, you've got a day-use surfing paradise, where you can ride the waves to your heart's content. But that's not all – head south, and you'll stumble upon a sprawling five-acre lawn where picnics turn into epic feasts, and volleyball courts keep the fun rolling. For the beach aficionados, the southern end boasts campgrounds, some so close to the shoreline that you can practically hear the waves sing you to sleep. Nature's playground doesn't stop there – explore tide pools and dive into the underwater world at the visitor center, where aquariums come to life. Whether you're a swimming champ, a wave-chasing surfer, or an angler seeking the big catch, this place has something for everyone in the family. Safety first, folks – lifeguards keep watch year-round, with the towers manned from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Now, if you're planning to make this beach your temporary home, you can reserve your slice of paradise up to six months in advance. And don't worry about roughing it – flush toilets and showers are on standby to keep you fresh and clean. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your board, and get ready for a beach adventure that'll have you grinning from ear to sun-kissed ear! 🏄‍♂️🌞🌊 Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground 8471 N Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 800-444-7275 Embark on a camping adventure at the captivating Crystal Cove State Park, where you'll find not one but two extraordinary camping experiences awaiting your choice. Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of primitive camping or savor the coastal elegance of bluff-top camping. Families in pursuit of the ultimate getaway need look no further than the Moro Campground, a serene haven featuring 58 family-friendly campsites thoughtfully furnished with handy picnic tables. Of these, 28 have been expertly designated for RVs and trailers, while the remaining 30 await those seeking a "low impact" escape, be it in soft-sided trailers, van conversions, or the cozy embrace of tents. Rest assured, modern comforts are abundant, with accessible restrooms and rejuvenating showers at your disposal. When it's time to whip up a culinary masterpiece, don't hesitate to unveil your compressed gas BBQs or bask in the inviting glow of outdoor fireplaces. However, please note that wood and charcoal fires are prohibited throughout the park. With a coastline stretching a remarkable 3.2 miles and a vast 2,400-acre expanse of pristine backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove State Park is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Delve into the secrets of offshore underwater worlds, explore enchanting tidepools brimming with marine wonders, and uncover hidden sandy coves that exude tranquility. Crystal Cove's multifaceted landscape offers an enthralling mosaic of sandy shores, crashing waves, rocky reefs, untamed ridges, and bewitching canyons – a veritable playground where recreational bliss awaits adventurers of every persuasion. 🏕️🌊🌅 Lake Casitas 11311 Santa Ana Road Ventura, CA 93001 805-649-2233 At Lake Casitas, where adventure knows no bounds, you're spoiled for choice with a staggering array of over 400 camping sites, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your family's camping dreams. Picture this: some sites are tucked right beside the serene lakeshore, close enough to serenade you with the gentle lapping of the water, while others nestle amidst the lush embrace of towering trees. For those who yearn for a dash of elevation, you'll discover sites perched on hillsides, treating you to breathtaking vistas of the glistening lake. The variety is astounding, catering to tents, tent trailers, campers, and RVs, all generously furnished with picnic tables and fire rings, and some even boast convenient children's playgrounds nearby. When it's time to freshen up, shower houses with bathrooms await, conveniently stationed both at the park's front gate and towards the back. Furthermore, there are secure dry storage facilities designed to house recreational vehicles, boats, canoes, and kayaks, ensuring your outdoor gear is well taken care of. As for amenities, the options are nothing short of spectacular. Get your taste buds dancing at the Marina Café, set sail for aquatic adventures like boating and fishing, or take advantage of boat rentals from the Lake Casitas Marina. Seek solace in idyllic picnic areas, explore the scenic bike trails, or lose yourself in the world of birdwatching. For the playful souls, there's even Disc Golf and a host of other activities just waiting to be discovered. Lake Casitas truly offers a camping experience beyond your wildest dreams! 🏞️🚣‍♂️🏕️ Camp Williams Resort 24210 East Fork Road Azusa, CA 91702 626-910-1126 Just a stone's throw away from the bustling heart of Los Angeles lies Camp Williams, a tranquil oasis hidden amidst the awe-inspiring San Gabriel Mountains. Here, you can pitch your tent right along the picturesque banks of the San Gabriel River East Fork, or opt for the full-hook-up RV sites, luxuriously shaded by majestic oak trees. But that's not all – for a dash of whimsy, they offer cozy camping cabins that might just transport you to a Hobbit House adventure! Modern conveniences abound, with restrooms and showers at your service, and the added bonus of a Café and General Store on-site for all your cravings. When it comes to fun and adventure, Camp Williams has your back. Dive into refreshing swims, cast your line for a fantastic fishing experience, embark on scenic hikes and exhilarating bike rides, or even try your hand at striking gold in the shimmering streams. For those looking for a more permanent escape, the Mobile Home Park has both sites and units available, with the added perk of access to a splendid in-ground pool. So, whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, Camp Williams promises a getaway that blends the beauty of nature with modern comforts, all within easy reach of the vibrant city of Los Angeles! 🌲🏕️🌄 Lake Hemet 56570 Highway 74, Box 4 Mountain Center, CA 92561 951-659-2680 Nestled amidst the San Jacinto Mountains near the charming mountain town of Idyllwild, Lake Hemet boasts a picturesque landscape that's bound to steal your breath away, no matter where your gaze falls. Towering pines, graceful manzanita trees, fragrant sage, and magnificent oaks paint a vivid tapestry of nature's beauty. This Southern California gem, Lake Hemet, stands as one of the most sought-after destinations for camping and fishing enthusiasts. Summer holidays bring an extra dose of fun, with a three-night minimum stay requirement. You'll find a delightful Café Shop right on the lake's edge, offering delectable bites to fuel your adventures. Whether you're an angler looking for the perfect catch, a swimmer seeking refreshing waters, or a thrill-seeker, Lake Hemet's Splashing Waterpark is a must-visit. Open Thursday through Monday during the summer season, this colossal inflatable water-play structure dances upon 470 acres of the lake's Swim Cove, promising aquatic delights for visitors of all ages. For those who prefer a touch of luxury in the great outdoors, Lake Hemet has you covered with "glamping" cabins. These cozy retreats are equipped to comfortably accommodate up to six people, but act quickly, as only ten lake view cabins are up for grabs. So, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for a memorable getaway, Lake Hemet beckons with its idyllic charm and a world of outdoor wonders waiting to be explored! 🌄🏞️🎣 Catalina Island Avalon & Two Harbors 310-510-8368 Catalina Island, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, beckons you to immerse yourself in its pristine natural beauty through an unforgettable Catalina Island camping adventure. Whether you choose to pitch your tent in charming Avalon or picturesque Two Harbors, this island paradise offers diverse camping experiences to cater to your every desire. Venture deep into the island's heart with rustic Inland Camping, or access hidden gems only reachable by boat at the Boat-in Camping sites. Amidst your outdoor escapades, don't miss out on the chance to explore the vibrant culture of Catalina Island. Discover a myriad of shops and restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your shopping cravings. Right at the heart of Avalon Bay lies the Green Pleasure Pier, serving as the launchpad for an array of thrilling ocean expeditions. Dive beneath the waves with the Undersea Expedition, marvel at marine life through the Glass Bottom Boat, or witness the mesmerizing Flying Fish Voyage. You can also embark on captivating tours like the Discover Two Harbors Tour and Ocean Expedition, and that's just the beginning! For those seeking a blend of comfort and adventure, consider the cozy Cabins available in Two Harbors. These cabins offer a budget-friendly option for accommodations and can comfortably accommodate two guests. Each cabin comes equipped with handy amenities like a small refrigerator, heater, and closet. These charming cabins are available from November 1 to March 31, making them a perfect choice for an off-season island retreat. Catalina Island awaits, promising an unforgettable camping experience amidst its natural wonders and a taste of its vibrant island life! 🏕️🌅🚤 Leo Carrillo State Park 35000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265 818-880-0363 Nestled away from the bustling PCH, the campsites at Leo Carrillo State Park offer a serene escape with convenient access to a world of outdoor wonders, including hiking trails, the stunning beach, and mesmerizing tide pools. Starting from May 24th, the majority of Leo Carrillo SP's campground and day-use areas are set to open their welcoming arms to visitors. To secure your spot in this idyllic haven, simply head to reservecalifornia.com and make your reservations. Planning ahead? Great news! You can reserve your campsite up to six months in advance, ensuring you snag your slice of paradise. Family campsites, thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to eight people, await your arrival. These well-developed campsites come equipped with an array of amenities, from inviting fire pits or fire rings to convenient picnic tables and refreshing showers. Plus, you'll have access to a reliable water supply and a neatly cleared area ready to host your tent, promising a hassle-free camping experience. Leo Carrillo State Park invites you to bask in the beauty of nature while relishing in the comforts of modern camping. 🏕️🌊🌅 Wheeler Gorge Campground 17017 Maricopa Highway Ojai, CA 93023 805-640-1977 At Wheeler Gorge Campground, the options for an unforgettable outdoor experience are as diverse as the landscape itself. With 69 family campsites, 5 specially designed handicap-accessible sites, and 6 double sites perfect for larger groups, there's a spot for everyone. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a table, barbecue, and fire ring, setting the stage for memorable meals and cozy evenings by the fire. Surrounded by rocky mountains, most of these sites offer welcome shade, making your stay even more comfortable. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the Wheeler Gorge Natural Trail, a picturesque half-mile hike that meanders along a serene stream. This scenic trail, open year-round, guides you through riparian and chaparral habitats, offering a delightful glimpse into the local ecosystem. To start your adventure, simply head to the trailhead on the west side of Highway 33, just half a mile north of the Wheeler Gorge Campground entrance. Beyond the campground's borders, an array of exciting activities awaits. Cast your line for some fishing fun, explore the wilderness with proper hunting permits, take in the scenery on horseback, dive into water activities, or embark on a hiking adventure. Wheeler Gorge Campground invites you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, where every day brings new opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. 🏞️🏕️🌄 Campland on the Bay 2211 Pacific Beach Dr. San Diego, CA 92019 858-581-4200 For over half a century, Campland on the Bay has been the go-to destination for families seeking a dose of wholesome fun amidst breathtaking surroundings. Whether you're in search of full hook-ups or the ultimate Super Site experience, this place has you covered with a wide range of options to cater to your every need. Their sites come in various sizes, perfectly accommodating everything from cozy tents to spacious RVs and trailers. Notably, Campland on the Bay has earned its stripes, being crowned "One of the Top Ten Urban Campgrounds" by none other than USA Today. Now, let's talk about the crown jewel – the amazing Super Site. Picture this: a sprawling, gated oasis complete with a private hot tub, a crackling fire pit for those cozy nights under the stars, an outdoor BBQ and sink for your culinary creations, and even your very own shower, bathroom, and laundry facilities. This Super Site is perched along the waterfront, treating you to awe-inspiring vistas overlooking the Kendall Frost Wildlife Preserve. As for amenities, Campland takes it to the next level. Dive into refreshing pools and bubbling Jacuzzis, stay in shape at the Fitness Center, explore the surroundings on rented bicycles, perfect your slam dunk at the Basketball Park, or set sail on watercraft adventures. Your furry friends are in for a treat too, with the Dogwood Park at their disposal. And for the little campers, there's no shortage of entertainment with Kids Activities, a Game Room, a Skatepark, and Huff & Puff Park designed just for them. Now, when hunger strikes, you won't have to venture far – Campland spoils you with an on-site restaurant, a convenient market, and a cozy coffee shop. Campland on the Bay truly is a paradise for families and outdoor enthusiasts, where every day brings a new adventure and a world of cherished memories. 🌅🏞️🏊‍♂️🍔☕ Table Mountain Angeles Angeles National Forest 877-444-6777 Nestled just a stone's throw away from the bustling Los Angeles metro area, Table Mountain offers a serene haven, inviting you to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here, campers are greeted with a wealth of outdoor adventures, from invigorating hikes and thrilling mountain biking to birdwatching and a plethora of recreational activities that cater to every taste. The surrounding landscape sets the stage for breathtaking scenic drives, making every journey an exploration of natural wonders. Situated within the embrace of the Angeles National Forest, spanning a staggering 694,187 acres across the majority of the San Gabriel Mountain range, this campground is a gateway to unparalleled beauty. The forest itself boasts awe-inspiring vistas and an impressive network of 557 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, just waiting to be explored. When it comes to your camping experience, Table Mountain offers a diverse range of campsites, catering to various preferences. Whether you're seeking a level meadow location or a site tucked away amidst the shade of rolling hills, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Rest assured, all sites are conveniently located near vault toilets, with paved spurs and fire pits for your comfort and convenience. Water spigots are thoughtfully spaced about every six sites, ensuring you have access to this essential resource throughout your stay. Table Mountain promises a camping getaway that combines the beauty of nature with modern comforts, making it an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. 🌲🏞️🚴‍♂️🏕️ La Jolla Indian Campground 22000 Highway 76 Pauma Valley, CA 92061 760-742-1297 Nestled off Highway 76 within the La Jolla Indian Reservation, the La Jolla Indian Campground is a hidden gem awaiting your discovery. Here, the San Luis Rey River meanders through the campground, its pristine waters sourced from natural springs. Your camping options are as diverse as the landscape itself – choose from multiple riverside campsites tailor-made for larger groups, take advantage of the 36 RV sites equipped with hookups, or embark on a leisurely tubing adventure down the scenic San Luis Rey River. Notably, La Jolla Campground proudly holds the title of being the sole campsite in San Diego County where campfires are allowed (check before you go). Planning your getaway is a breeze, as you can reserve campsites up to one week in advance. And should you need any supplies or provisions, a convenient store awaits just up the hill from the campground, stocked with everything from firewood and gas to deli treats, delectable food, and ice-cold beverages. The La Jolla Indian Campground is your passport to an unforgettable outdoor experience, promising relaxation, recreation, and the warm glow of campfires under the starry skies. 🏕️🌊🏞️ Green Valley Campground 33900 Green Valley Lake Road Green Valley Park, CA 909-867-2165 Tucked near the charming Arrowbear, Green Valley Campground is your gateway to the San Bernardino National Forest in the heart of Southern California. This campground places you in the midst of pine-covered mountains, offering a plethora of recreational possibilities in this idyllic setting. Just a stone's throw away, you'll find the enchanting Green Valley Lake, renowned for its exceptional trout fishing. Here, boating and swimming are cherished pastimes, and the high-elevation lake is your launchpad to a captivating network of hiking trails. The campground itself boasts a selection of single-family sites, catering to both tent and RV campers. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can plan your adventure with ease. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with a table and a campfire ring complete with a grill, making it a breeze to cook up a delicious meal under the starry skies. And when nature calls, you'll find the convenience of flush toilets and reliable drinking water right at your fingertips. Green Valley Campground promises an outdoor escape immersed in natural beauty, where relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable memories await. 🌲🏞️🎣🏊‍♂️🚗 Serrano Campground 40650 North Shore Lane Fawnskin, CA 92333 909-866-8550 Serrano Campground is a picturesque destination for campers looking to bask in the splendor of beautiful Big Bear Lake. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this campground is conveniently situated within walking distance of the pristine lake. Accessible via the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, Serrano Campground offers a serene mountainous pine forest setting that sets the stage for a delightful camping experience. Modern and surrounded by stunning scenery, it's a perfect gateway to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. With over a hundred sites catering to both tent and RV camping, Serrano Campground provides options aplenty. Dozens of sites offer full utility hookups for RVs, complemented by a convenient dump station right within the campground. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with tables and campfire rings, complete with grills for your culinary adventures. Modern conveniences are at your fingertips, with accessible flush toilets, showers, and reliable drinking water provided. For those eager to explore the great outdoors, hiking and mountain biking trails are just a stone's throw away. The Alpine Pedal Path and the Cougar Crest Trail beckon nearby, granting access to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail. Serrano Campground invites you to soak in the natural beauty of Big Bear Lake while enjoying the comforts of modern camping in this pristine mountain setting. 🌲🏞️🚴‍♀️🏕️ El Capitan State Beach 100 El Capitan Terrace Ln. Santa Barbara, CA 93117 805-968-1033 El Capitán State Beach welcomes visitors to a breathtaking coastal paradise, where a pristine sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and enchanting stands of sycamore and oak trees grace the landscape along El Capitán Creek. This idyllic setting sets the stage for a plethora of outdoor adventures, making it a perfect haven for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking, and camping enthusiasts alike. A convenient stairway offers easy access from the bluffs down to the inviting beach area. For those planning a camping excursion, reservations can be secured up to six months in advance of your desired arrival date. Family campsites, thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to eight people, offer a comfortable retreat amidst nature's beauty. These developed campsites come equipped with an array of amenities, from inviting fire pits or fire rings to convenient picnic tables, showers, a reliable water supply, and a neatly cleared area ready to host your tent. El Capitán State Beach invites you to revel in the coastal splendor of Southern California while enjoying the comforts of modern camping in this pristine natural oasis. 🌊🏕️🏄‍♂️🌳 Carpinteria State Beach 5361 6th St. Carpinteria, CA 93013 805-968-1033 Just twelve miles south of the charming city of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach extends a welcoming mile of coastline, inviting beachgoers to indulge in a plethora of seaside delights. Whether you're yearning for a refreshing swim, surf fishing, tidepool exploration, or a tranquil camping experience, this coastal haven has it all. Reservations can be secured up to six months ahead of your desired arrival date, ensuring you secure your spot in this slice of paradise. Family campsites at Carpinteria State Beach are designed to accommodate up to eight people, offering a comfortable retreat with all the modern amenities you need. These developed campsites boast conveniences like fire pits or fire rings, picnic tables for alfresco dining, refreshing showers, a reliable water supply, and a neatly cleared area ready for your tent. Safety is paramount, with lifeguards patrolling the beach year-round and lifeguard towers staffed from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. For those with a passion for marine life, the tidepools are a treasure trove of discovery, teeming with starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi, and sea urchins. Carpinteria State Beach beckons, promising a coastal escape filled with adventure and natural wonders along the picturesque California coast. 🏖️🌊🐚🏕️ Hesperia Lake 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road Hesperia, CA 92345 760-244-5951 Hesperia Lake welcomes campers year-round, offering an idyllic retreat amidst open spaces and crisp, clear air—a perfect backdrop for creating cherished family memories. This inviting campground offers a range of options to cater to both RV and tent campers. Regardless of your choice, every site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, setting the stage for cozy campfire gatherings under the starry skies. Selected sites even offer the convenience of electricity and water hookups, while restrooms and showers are readily available at no additional cost. Plus, you'll find potable water stations thoughtfully placed throughout the campground for your convenience. Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat at Hesperia Lake, where fishing is a beloved pastime. This picturesque lake is pay-to-fish, eliminating the need for permits and simplifying your angling adventures. Whether you're casting a line or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Hesperia Lake offers a tranquil escape for campers seeking quality family time and outdoor relaxation. 🏕️🎣🏞️🌌 Mojave National Preserve 2701 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 760-252-6100 Mojave National Preserve is a camper's dream come true, offering a variety of options to cater to different interests and skill levels. Whether you prefer developed campgrounds, roadside camping, or backpacking adventures, this expansive preserve has something for every type of camper. Among the favorites are the first-come-first-served campgrounds at Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills. These campgrounds come fully equipped with vault toilets, trash receptacles, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. Beyond the preserve's borders, an array of nearby attractions awaits exploration. From the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, the historic charm of Calico Ghost Town, and the aquatic adventures of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, there's no shortage of things to do and places to explore year-round. The vast lakes of Lake Mead cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and avid fishermen. While the spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, it's worth noting that temperatures can vary greatly depending on your elevation. Mojave National Preserve invites you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the desert and create unforgettable camping memories amidst its breathtaking landscapes. 🏕️🏜️🌄🚣‍♂️ Black Rock Campground Joshua Tree National Park Yucca Valley, CA 92277 760-367-5500 This serene and family-friendly campground is the perfect starting point for those new to camping, offering a gentle introduction to the joys of outdoor living. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, and you'll find convenient restrooms and water sources nearby. Campsites come in various sizes to accommodate both tents and RVs, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. Additionally, a day-use picnic area and a convenient dump station are at your disposal for added convenience. Should you find yourself without firewood, fret not—shopping facilities are a mere five miles away in the charming town of Yucca Valley. For those seeking guidance and inspiration, the friendly staff at the small visitor center are eager to assist you in planning hikes and other activities in the area. The hills surrounding the campground beckon with a variety of hiking trails, including the scenic Hi-View Nature Trail. However, even without venturing far, the Black Rock Canyon area offers a delightful array of wildlife sightings. It's not uncommon to encounter ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and cottontails, while the campground is often visited by cactus wrens, Gambel's quail, great horned owls, scrub-jays, and the iconic roadrunners. Black Rock Canyon invites you to savor the beauty of the desert and embrace the tranquility of this family-friendly campground. 🌵🏕️🚶‍♂️🌅🦉 Borrego Palm Canyon Campground Anza-Borrego Desert State Park 200 Palm Canyon Dr. Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Camping is an all-season delight at this campground, welcoming visitors year-round. However, for those seeking reservations, they are available from October 1st through April 30th. It's important to note that reservations at this campground are site-specific and in high demand, so it's highly recommended to secure your spot in advance. During your stay, you'll have access to essential amenities, including drinkable water, restrooms, and token-operated hot showers for your comfort. Some fortunate sites even offer full hookups, adding an extra layer of convenience to your camping experience. Each campsite generously accommodates up to eight individuals, which includes children, making it a perfect destination for families and groups alike. When it comes to planning your trip, you can reserve your spot up to six months ahead of your desired arrival date, ensuring you have the best chance of securing the ideal campsite for your adventure. Whether you're seeking a serene escape in the fall or a refreshing camping experience in the spring, this campground is ready to welcome you with open arms. 🏕️🌄🚿💧 Kern River Campground 13775 Lake Ming Rd Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-868-7000 Kern River Campground boasts two separate sites, each offering a generous selection of 25 campsites. Within each campsite, up to 8 individuals are welcome to share the space, making it an excellent choice for group outings or family adventures. Throughout the campground, you'll find picnic tables and fire rings to facilitate enjoyable outdoor meals and campfire gatherings. Restrooms and showers are conveniently available for your comfort, along with drinking water spigots and trash barrels thoughtfully placed throughout the area. For those needing to empty their sewage tanks, a designated dumpsite is conveniently located on the road near the campground exit. When it comes to nearby activities, the options are plentiful. You can take a refreshing dip in the river, embark on a boating adventure, or try your luck with some fishing. To ensure you secure your ideal spot, reservations are open for booking at any time prior to your planned arrival, subject to availability. In fact, you can make reservations up to one year in advance, giving you the peace of mind that your camping getaway will be waiting for you when the time comes. Kern River Campground invites you to enjoy the great outdoors with all the essential amenities at your fingertips. To find more campgrounds, and to make reservations for the campsites, click here . To find RV camping sites for free, go to " Your RV Lifestyle ". Also see, this great list of games you can play while camping . 🏕️🌊🚣‍♂️🎣🌄   FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Where Fun and Family Come Together, All in One Place! Places to Go . Classes . Camps  . Birthdays  . Travel  . Food . Events  . Parenting

There’s nothing creepier than an abandoned house on a dark and stormy night. And that’s what you going to experience when you decorate your home for Halloween. The sight of cobwebs, creepy props, and ghoulish characters give you the chills. Whether this is your first time creating a spooky home or you have been doing it for many years, here are some helpful ideas to get you started. This article will help you turn your house into a spooky one in no time at all. From carving pumpkins with scary faces to hanging spider webs in strategic places, there is a lot you can do with simple decorating items. Decorate with Orange and Black Props Orange and black are the colors of Halloween so you should make the most of them when decorating your home. This is the perfect time to dust off your collection of witches’ brooms , spiderwebs , and bats . If you don’t have any of these props, don’t worry as you can pick them up relatively cheaply in most department stores or online . You can also invest in black Halloween tablecloths which are cheap and easy to find. You can use these items to decorate your fireplace, windows, entryway, and any other place where you want to create a spooky Halloween look. Using fake or real pumpkins or Jack-o-Lanterns is also a great way to decorate the entry, the fireplace, and any corner of the house. Haunt the Windows Windows are the perfect place to create a haunting Halloween scene. Drape some black fabric over the windows to give the effect of a cobweb-covered attic window. You can also cut out images of crows, bats, or other Halloween-themed items and tape them to the windows, or buy Halloween Window Stickers for the best result. If you want to go all out, you can add LED lights to your Halloween window display. You can also set a timer to turn your window display on and off at regular intervals. If you don’t have enough natural light coming into your windows, you can place candles inside orange or black cups to create a spooky ambiance. You can also invest in a Halloween-themed light set that you can use to light up your entire home. Add Spooky Sound Effects A popular Halloween trick is to play scary sounds in the background. This can be anything from the sound of a crying baby to the howling of a dog. Many people play the sound of a screaming woman to create a sense of dread and panic. If you want to create a sound effect for your spooky Halloween display, all you need to do is record a scary or creepy sound and play it through a speaker. You can place the speaker next to your display so that the sound is heard throughout your home. You can also download a scary sound app that lets you record your voice and make it sound like a zombie, ghost, or other creepy characters. Lay Out a Creepy Pathway Creepy pathways made from cobwebs are a staple at most Halloween displays. If you want to create a creepy pathway at your home, you can either buy a ready-made one or make your own. If you want to purchase a ready-made spider web, you can find them in most Halloween stores or online . However, if you want to go the DIY route, you can make your own cobweb pathway with either a spider web kit or string. If you decide to make your own spider web pathway, you will need a large roll of black fabric, a roll of white string, a large piece of cardboard, and a glue gun. First, you will need to lay the black fabric on the ground in a shape that resembles a path. Next, you will need to glue the white string to the fabric. Once you have finished, you can place the cardboard in the path and place a gooey spider in the middle. Hang Chains, Cobwebs and Fog Machines Hanging chains and cobwebs from your roof and porch will create a spooky effect on your home. You can find ready-made chains and cobwebs in most Halloween stores. You can also make your own chains and cobwebs by using a glue gun. If you want to go the DIY route, you can find plenty of tutorials online on how to make chains and cobwebs using common household items. Fog machines are another great way to spook up your home. They are best placed in a place where they can be seen through the windows. Fog machines are available in most department stores and you can order online relatively cheaply. Glow-in-the-Dark Shapes Glow-in-the-dark shapes and figures are popular Halloween decorations. They can be used to create a creepy atmosphere in any room of your home. You can buy ready-made shapes and figures or you can make your own using common household items like white paint and glow-in-the-dark paint. If you decide to go the DIY route, you can make shapes in the form of witches, ghosts, or other Halloween-themed figures. You can make them as simple or complex as you like. You can also make them in the shape of letters so you can spell out words like “ Happy Halloween ” around your home. You can use these shapes to decorate your walls, windows, and even your ceiling. You can also use them to create a spooky display on your mantle. Fill Mason Jars with dry-ice If you want to create a creepy Halloween display, you can fill a mason jar with dry ice. You can find dry ice at most Halloween stores. Place it inside a mason jar along with some twine and a spider to create a spooky display. You can also use dry ice to make a “bloody” effect in your bathtub. Simply place the dry ice in a sock and tie it to a string. Drop the string into the water and it will look like blood pouring out of the faucet.

School days are here again, but there are some skills schools don’t teach very well anymore — with critical thinking being one of them. Every parent wants their child to succeed, and the best way to set them up for success is to teach them to think critically and independently. If you’re wondering how to raise independent thinkers, the Tuttle Twins series includes many books that teach critical thinking. Your kids will love these titles! Books That Teach Critical Thinking and How to Spot Them With so many kids’ books on the market today, it can be nearly impossible to separate the gems from the common stones. But you can easily identify books that teach critical thinking by looking for these features in the content: ●     Curiosity – The best books that teach critical thinking will pose a variety of questions about the world, which can range from your basic “why” to more complex issues, causing your kids to think critically as they explore the world inside the book. ●      Complex problems – These books will present difficult situations with various nuances. Some examples include injustice, survival scenarios, and problems that require strategizing and logical thinking to solve. ●     A wide range of perspectives – Books that teach critical thinking and independent thought will help your kids learn how to see issues from multiple points of view so that they can understand the various arguments about a particular issue. ●     Bias analysis – Everyone has biases, and a key part of critical thinking is considering your own biases about a situation. To develop critical thinking, your kids will need to question their own viewpoints to determine whether their logic might be flawed or not. Examples of Books That Teach Critical Thinking To cultivate critical-thinking skills in your child as you discover how to raise independent thinkers, here are some examples of the types of books you should be looking for. First, look for titles that feature characters working to solve complex problems. You can also seek out books about history that specifically explain why things happened the way they did, which will help your kids consider other potential outcomes of historical events and what those outcomes would have resulted in. Mystery and science books are also great additions to any critical-thinking library. Science books pose questions about how the world works, while mystery titles present problems for readers to analyze and solve. Finally, books that specifically talk about cognitive biases will teach your kids how to explore their own thought processes. The Tuttle Twins books A perfect example of books that teach critical thinking is the Tuttle Twins series. The Tuttle Twins books are full of mystery and intrigue and will nurture critical, independent thinking in your kids. The Tuttle Twins and the Food Truck Fiasco  has the twins helping a friend who’s facing injustice as they try to operate their food truck business. In The Tuttle Twins and the Messed-Up Market , the twins launch an Entrepreneur Market, learning that people’s incentives for making confident choices differ from one person to the next. And those choices can mess up their market. The Tuttle Twins series also has something for teens. The Tuttle Twins’ Guide to Beware Your Bias  addresses cognitive biases, enabling teens to analyze their own thought processes and assess the soundness of their logic on specific issues. There are plenty of other Tuttle Twins books that teach critical thinking beyond just these titles, and now that you know what to look for in books that teach critical thinking, you’ll quickly discover how to raise independent thinkers through the use of books!   FUN WITH KID IN LA®: Your Ultimate Destination for Family Fun! Places to Go . Best of LA  . Classes  . Camps  . Birthdays  . Travel  . Food  . Events

Tanaka Farm, located in the heart of Irvine, California is a family-owned and operated farm that has been in business for over four generations. The farm is known for its high-quality produce, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Tanaka Farm, its history, and all the fun activities you can find at the farm for families and kids. A Family Tradition Tanaka Farm was founded in the 1920s by Japanese immigrants who brought their farming skills and knowledge to the United States. Today, the farm is run by the fourth generation of the Tanaka family, who continue to uphold the farm's traditional values of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to producing the freshest and most delicious produce. Farm to Table One of the things that sets Tanaka Farm apart from other farms is its farm-to-table approach. This means that the farm grows, harvests, and sells its produce directly to consumers, without the use of intermediaries. This allows the farm to ensure that its berries are picked at the peak of ripeness and are of the highest quality. It also allows the farm to build a strong relationship with its customers, who can trust that the produce they are buying is truly fresh and delicious. Related: 24 Amazing Family Farms and Petting Zoos Near Los Angeles 🚜🐖 Activities at Tanaka Farm Tanaka Farm offers a variety of activities for kids and families to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include: U-Pick Experience: Visitors can come to the farm and pick their own fruit and veggies, which is a fun and unique way to experience the farm and its produce. The farm has designated areas for u-pick, where visitors can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Farm Tours: The farm offers guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the farm's operations, including its farming practices, irrigation systems, and berry production. The tours are educational and interactive, and are suitable for all ages. Educational Programs: Tanaka Farm partners with local schools and organizations to provide educational opportunities for children and families. These programs are designed to teach children about farming, sustainability, and the importance of healthy eating. Family-Friendly Events: The farm hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, such as berry festivals, cooking demonstrations, and live music. These events provide a fun and enjoyable way for families to experience the farm and its produce. Farm Stand: The farm stand is a great place to purchase pre-picked fruit and veggies, as well as other farm-fresh products such as jams, jellies, and syrups. Visitors can also purchase a variety of homemade goods. Tours 🚜 Tanka Farm offers a variety of tours throughout the year: Strawberry Tours: Strawberry tours are seasonal and happen every year from March through May. Watermelon Tours: Watermelon tours are also seasonal and happen every year from July through August. U-Pick Tours: U-Pick Tours are very popular tours and happen all year long. U-Pick Pumpkin Patch: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch tours are also seasonal and happen every year in October. Related: Easter Festival at Underwood Family Farms Returns this Spring! Hikari: A Festival of Lights Hikari, A Festival of Lights, is an event held at Tanaka Farm during the winter season. It is a magical and spectacular event where the farm transforms into a winter wonderland of lights and colors. The festival features a variety of light displays and installations that are spread throughout the farm, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. The event usually features: Light Displays: The festival features a variety of light displays, including illuminated trees, tunnels of lights, and other creative and colorful installations. Food and Beverages: Visitors can enjoy a variety of food and beverages at the festival, including hot drinks and snacks to warm up. Entertainment and Performances: The festival often includes live music, performances and other entertainment. Family-Friendly Activities: The festival often includes a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hayrides, games and crafts. Special events: The festival may include special events such as tree lighting ceremony, fireworks, and other festive celebrations. It's important to note that Hikari is a seasonal event and the exact details and activities may vary depending on the year, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information. Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market In addition to the regular berry picking and farm activities, Tanaka Farm also offers a Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market during the holiday season. Christmas Tree Lot: The farm usually has a Christmas Tree lot where you can find fresh, high-quality Christmas Trees in various sizes and types, such as Douglas Fir, Noble Fir and more. You can choose and cut your own tree or select one that has already been cut. The farm will also provide a shaking and netting service to make it easier to transport your tree home. Holiday Market: The farm also sets up a Holiday Market where visitors can find Christmas decorations, holiday-themed crafts, and other unique and locally made gifts. The market will feature vendors selling their own products, such as handmade ornaments, wreaths, candles, and more. Special events: The farm may also host special events during the holiday season, such as carol singing, visits from Santa Claus, and other festive activities. It's important to note that the Christmas Tree Lot and Holiday Market are seasonal events and are available only during the Christmas holiday season, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information, as well as their hours of operation and availability. Related: 120+ Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles Hana Field by Tanaka Farms 🌻 Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is a beautiful flower field located at 427 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The farm is situated at the corner of Sunflower and Anton, and entry to parking and check-in is located on Anton Blvd. Visitors can pick their own flowers during the spring and summer seasons. The farm offers a variety of different flowers to pick, including roses, peonies, sunflowers, daisies, and more. The variety of flowers changes depending on the season. It is important to note that visitors must bring their own cutting utensils as the sunflowers have very thick stems and a sharp cutter or serrated knife is required. Gardening gloves are also recommended, especially if you have sensitive skin. The farm does have a limited supply of cutters available for purchase. It's important to note that the Hana Field by Tanaka Farms is a seasonal event and the exact details and availability may vary depending on the year, so we recommend checking the farm's website or social media accounts for updates and more information, as well as their hours of operation and availability. Hana Field Pumpkin Patch Hana Field Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal pumpkin patch experience that is perfect for families and kids. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch during the fall season. The farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, including traditional orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, and unique varieties such as blue and green pumpkins. The pumpkin patch also features a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Activities may include hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin decorating stations. The fields can get quite muddy, so closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting dirty are a must. It's important to note that Hana Field Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal event and the exact details and availability may vary depending on the year. Birthdays and private parties at Tanaka Farm Tanaka Farm offers birthday party and private event packages for families and groups who are looking to celebrate a special occasion at the farm. These packages typically include: Exclusive use of the farm's party area: The farm sets aside a designated area for birthday parties and private events, which includes tables and chairs for guests to enjoy. Guided tours of the farm: Party guests can take a guided tour of the farm to learn about the farm's operations and berry production. U-pick experience: Party guests can pick their own berries as part of the party package. Party favors: The farm provides party favors for guests, such as a small bag of fresh berries or a Tanaka Farm t-shirt. Food and refreshments: The farm can provide food and refreshments for the party guests, such as sandwiches and drinks. or you can bring your own. Customizable activities: The farm can work with party hosts to create a customized party experience that fits the group's interests and needs. It's important to note that the party packages are customizable, and availability may depend on the season and the farm's schedule. We recommend visiting the farm's website or contacting them directly to inquire about availability, pricing and customization options for birthday parties and private events. Address Tanaka Farm is located at 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 . You can contact them by calling 949.653.2100 or emailing them at info@tanakafarms.com. For all other events and happenings at the farm, visit Tanaka Farm's official website . FUN WITH KIDS IN LA ® IS THE BEST SOURCE OF FUN THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN LA!

It's time to summon some spine-tingling excitement and tickle those funny bones as we dive headfirst into the Halloween spirit! To ensure your family's Halloween movie nights are a scream, we've conjured up a list of 22 delightfully spooky films suitable for all ages. Don't worry, there's no need to fret – these movies are designed to be kid-friendly while still serving up just the right dose of eerie chills to keep adults thoroughly entertained. They strike a perfect balance, offering suspense that can make your kids' hair stand on end and give them goosebumps, all while leaving room for you to share in a delightful shiver of your own. Get ready for spooktacular movie nights that will have the whole family howling with joy! Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! 2020 ‧ 1h 20m Scooby and the gang join forces with Bill Nye and Elvira when toxic ooze creates an army of monstrous pumpkins. This movie is available on YouTube, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play for purchase. Watch Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo's Trailer Mummy, I'm A Zombie PG, 2014 ‧ Animation ‧ 1h 28m Dixie fights to end the battle between the living and the dead while balancing her newfound popularity at school. This movie is available for free on tubi, and Vudu, and available to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play. Watch Mummy, I'm A Zombie's Trailer Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out? PG 2008 ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 1h 38m Aspiring magician Max Doyle (Sterling Beaumon) discovers two lost ghosts -- Nicky (Luke Benward) and Tara (Madison Pettis) -- haunting the basement of his family's home and agrees to help them find eternal rest. In exchange, Max's newfound friends set out to help him win the heart of Traci (Ali Lohan), the most popular girl at his school. But, when their magical antics make them the targets of an evil apparition, Phears (Brian Stepanek), the trio must stop his maniacal plan for Halloween. This movie is available on Hulu with a subscription. You can also rent it on YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. Watch Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out?'s Trailer Girl vs. Monster TV-PG 2012 ‧ Comedy ‧ 1h 30m A tween discovers on Halloween that she is a 5th generation monster hunter. The monsters are out to stop her before she begins her calling. This movie is available on Disney+ with your subscription. You can also rent it on YouTube, and Google Play. Watch Girl vs. Monster's Trailer Monster House PG 2006 ‧ Horror/Fantasy ‧ 1h 31m No adults believe three youths' (Mitchel Musso, Spencer Locke, Sam Lerner) assertion that a neighboring residence is a living creature that means them harm. With Halloween approaching, the trio must find a way to destroy the structure before innocent trick-or-treaters meet ghastly ends. This movie is available on Netflix with your subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play. Watch Monter House's Trailer Spooky Buddies G 2011 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 28m In a race against a no-good hound, the Buddies and their new friends, Pip, Zelda, Rodney and Skip, must stop Warwick the Warlock and save the world from his dastardly deeds. This movie is available on HBOmax, Hulu and Amazon Prime with subscriptions. You can also rent it on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu. Watch Spooky Buddies's Trailer Advertisement Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King Not Rated 2008 ‧ Comedy/Family ‧ 1h 15m Shaggy, Scooby and the gang visit an eerie carnival on Halloween Night, but all is not as it seems when the evil Goblin King makes an appearance. This movie is available on Amazon Prime and Boomerang with a subscription, and you can rent it on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu. Watch Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King's Trailer A Go! Go! Cory Carson Halloween G 2020 Cory, Chrissy and Freddie are on the hunt for king-sized candy bars this Halloween! This movie is available on Netflix with a subscription. Watch A Go! Go! Cory Carson Halloween Trailer The Dog Who Saved Halloween PG 2011 ‧ Comedy ‧ 1h 25m A talking dog (Joey Lawrence) encounters a haunted house, a creepy neighbor (Lance Henriksen) and a scary canine (Mayim Bialik). This movie is available for rent on YouTube and Google Play. Watch The Dog Who Saved Halloween's Trailer The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-A-Ween TV-Y7 2019 . 46m . TV Cartoons When Melvin tries to cancel Halloween, clever best friends Harold and George create their own spooky holiday -- and it's a huge success! This movie is available on Netflix with subscription. Watch The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants Hack-A-Ween's Trailer Spookley: the Square Pumpkin G 2004 ‧ Family/Animation ‧ 47 mins A scarecrow and a spider trio help an odd-shaped pumpkin overcome his feelings of shame and inadequacy. This movie is available on Netflix with subscription, or you can rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, and Google Play. Watch Spookley The Square Pumpkin's Trailer ParaNorman PG 2012 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 33m Young Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) has the ability to speak with the dead -- and he often prefers their company to that of the living. Norman receives word from his strange Uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman) that a centuries-old witch's curse on their town is real and about to come true -- and that only Norman can stop it. When zombies rise from their graves, Norman must summon all his courage and compassion and push his paranormal abilities to the limit to save his fellow townspeople. This movie is available on Netflix with subscription. Watch ParaNorman's Trailer Starbeam: Halloween Hero StarBeam: Halloween Hero is a Canadian action and adventure animation special directed by Jon Izen. The special follows StarBeam who notices that Captain Fishbeard is stealing everyone's Halloween candy for himself, she uses her tricks to save the day. This movie is available on Netflix with a subscription. Watch Starbeam: Halloween Hero's Trailer Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween PG 2018 ‧ Fantasy/Horror ‧ 1h 40m While collecting junk one day, best friends Sonny and Sam meet Slappy, a mischievous talking dummy from an unpublished "Goosebumps" book by R.L. Stine. Hoping to start his own family, Slappy kidnaps Sonny's mother and brings all of his ghoulish friends back to life -- just in time for Halloween. As the sleepy town becomes overrun with monsters, witches, and other mysterious creatures, Sonny joins forces with his sister, Sam and a kindly neighbor to save Sonny's mom and foil Slappy's plan. This movie is available on Hulu and Sling TV with a subscription, or you can rent it on Vudu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV. Watch Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween's Trailer Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie G 2005 ‧ Family/Animation ‧ 1h 7m Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie is a 2005 American animated direct-to-video film produced by DisneyToon Studios, featuring the characters from Winnie the Pooh franchise and the sequel to Pooh's Heffalump Movie. It is the final Winnie the Pooh film produced by DisneyToon Studios before its closure in 2018. This movie is available for rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play. Watch Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie's Trailer The Addams Family PG 2019 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 26m Members of the mysterious and spooky Addams family -- Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley, Wednesday, Uncle Fester, and Grandma -- are readily preparing for a visit from their even creepier relatives. But trouble soon arises when shady TV personality Margaux Needler realizes that Addams' eerie hilltop mansion is standing in the way of her dream to sell all the houses in the neighborhood. This movie is available on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, and Paramount+ with a subscription. Watch the Addams Family's Trailer Casper PG1995 ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 1h 50m Casper (voiced by Malachi Pearson) is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey (Bill Pullman) arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci). Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics. This movie is available for rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, and Google Play. Watch Casper's Trailer Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred 2011 ‧ Comedy/Horror ‧ 1h 24m Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the TV... Fred's back, in his all-new second movie adventure. This movie is available for rent on Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Watch Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred's Trailer The Little Vampire PG 2000 ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 1h 35m After he moves to Scotland with his parents, only child Tony (Jonathan Lipnicki) struggles to make friends at his new school. But he is bullied and picked on by the other boys and has little hope of overcoming his miserable new life. Then he meets Rudolph (Rollo Weeks), a kid vampire with whom Tony becomes very close. But, when Rudolph's life and the future of the vampire race are threatened by a ruthless vampire hunter, Tony must find the courage to save his best friend. This movie is available on Tubi for free. Watch The Little Vampire's Trailer The Nightmare Before Christmas PG 1993 ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 1h 16m The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the "real world." When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life -- he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry. This movie is available on Disney+ with your subscription. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV, and YouTube. Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas Trailer A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting 2020 ‧ 1h 34m Recruited by a secret society of babysitters, a high schooler battles the Boogeyman and his monsters when they nab the boy she's watching on Halloween. This movie is available on Netflix with a subscription. Watch A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting's Trailer Hocus Pocus PG 1993 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 36m After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal. This movie is available on Disney+ with a subscription. Also, check out the new Hocus Pocus on Disney+. Watch Hocus Pocus' Trailer You May Also Enjoy: The Ultimate List of Halloween Events in LA for Kids And Families! The Best Costume Shops And Halloween Stores in and near Los Angeles!

Are you looking for the best places near Los Angeles to pick your own apples this fall? Look no further! From apple-inspired treats to hayrides and cider pressing, these apple orchards offer a perfect family-friendly fall excursion. Discover the top 14 apple-picking locations near Los Angeles and plan your visit this apple season. 🍎 When is Apple Season? 🍎 Apple season typically starts on Labor Day weekend and continues through Thanksgiving weekend. However, some farms may open for apple picking as late as October. These apple farms and orchards are conveniently located about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles, making them perfect for a quick getaway. 🍎 Quick Links to Apple Picking Near Me: Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard Riley's Apple Farm Los Rios Rancho Willowbrook Apple Farm Oak Tree Village Snow-Line Orchard Parrish Pioneer Ranch Stone Pantry Orchard Knaus Apple Ranch The Apple Stand SLO Creek Farms Volcan Valley Apple Farm Julian Farm and Orchard Apple Starr Orchards 14 Best Apple-Picking Spots Near Los Angeles Los Rios Rancho 39611 Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, CA 92399 Los Rios Rancho has a seasonal fruit-picking stand located across Oak Glen Road. From the stand, you can pick apples, berries, pumpkins, and nuts. They have U-Pick Apples and U-press Cider available this year starting Labor Day Weekend, which extends through Thanksgiving. You pick your own apples in the bags that the farm provides and pay for what you've picked. They also offer locally grown apples year-round in the country store. You can get a tour around the orchards in a wagon pulled by horses or farm tractors. Some of the rides are guided and include interesting historical facts and information about how the farm functions. Join the farm on the weekends and holidays throughout the fall for live music on a small lawn in front of the bakery. Riley's Apple Farm 12261 South Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glenn, CA Riley’s Farm is famous for its apples, and they’re proud to have one of the largest orchards in The Glen. They support a large assortment of apples, with over 30 varieties. They have trees that are over a hundred years old, planted by the original Oak Glen family. They specialize in “heirloom” apples, which are apples that have been all but forgotten until recently. They also grow pears, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, Ollalieberries, pumpkins, and a small crop of peaches. The farm is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Click here for a schedule of U-Pick. Other activities at this farm include a Revolutionary War Adventure, a Civil War Adventure, a Gold Rush Adventure, an Old Joe Homestead Tour, and a Colonial Farm Life Adventure. Willowbrook Apple Farm 12099 South Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, CA 92399 Enjoy a day of apple picking in the country at this small family farm on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm. Willowbrook Apple Farm is only an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles and Orange County, where you can pick your own fresh, crisp Stayman Winesap apples and make your own cider using an old-fashioned cider press. You can also visit the farm animals and take pictures of vintage tractors. Fill your bag and pay a flat rate on your way out. The farm also invites you to spend an evening around the bonfire, enjoying some laughter and making a memory that will last a lifetime. Their wine tasting and s’more events are held every Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. during September and October. Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard 12131 S. Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, CA 92399 Stone Soup Farm is home to a 130-year-old heirloom apple orchard and provides a unique u-picking experience. U-pick apple picking will begin the first weekend in October at this farm from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends. The farm provides apple bags at the introduction talk before picking begins. And you pay for what you pick. At the conclusion of picking, apples are weighed for purchase. You can also enjoy cider pressing here. All u-pressing is by sign-up and on a first-come, first-served basis. Test your frontier skills at the tomahawk and archery range. A favorite with families, with unlimited fun. Small children (0-3) are free. More Farms For Apple Picking Near Me Oak Tree Village 38480 Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, CA Oak Tree Village has no apple picking, but you can enjoy the famous Apple Annie's Restaurant on-site with delicious apple pies, heart-warming meals, a candy shop, and many charming stores and shops. The Restaurant is open seven days a week. Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, don't forget to make a wish at the little wishing well while you visit. Snow-Line Orchard 39400 Oak Glen Rd. Yucaipa, CA Snow-Line doesn’t offer U-pick apples, but they have apples available for purchase from the end of August through the end of the apple season. The original packing shed, historic cider mill, ancient chestnut tree, and beautiful picnic grounds make the perfect backdrop for your next family outing. They carry a broad selection of products, such as fresh apples and cider, u-pick raspberries, cider mini donuts, artisan balsamic and oils, local honey, unique gifts, farm-made wine, and hard cider. Parrish Pioneer Ranch 38561 Oak Glen Road Yucaipa, CA 92399 Parrish Ranch produces many varieties unique to the area, such as the Vasquez and Parkdale Beauty, as well as heritage and antique apples no longer commercially available, including Gravenstein and Pink Pearl. The farm store also offers apple butter, syrups, and, of course, cider. While there, stop by the Apple Dumplin restaurant on the site for some hearty farm fare. It is open Friday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stone Pantry Orchard 11993 S. Oak Glen Rd. Yucaipa Ca 92399 U-Pick Apples is open on weekends on this farm from Labor Day weekend to Thanksgiving from 10 am to 5 pm. At Stone Pantry Orchard, you will receive a pickin' pole and a bag, and you can pick your own apples, which are sold in pounds. You can also press your own cider, which is sold by the gallon and half-gallon. At this farm, you can also enjoy Pears, Blackberries, Pumpkins, and Farm Tours. For more information about picking apples or picking other fruit, please contact Stone Pantry Orchards. Knaus Apple Ranch 19042 Cherry Lane Tehachapi, Ca 93561 Knaus Apple Ranch has been family-owned and operated since 1970. They grow delicious Red and Golden apples. The apple-picking season starts in early September at Knaus Apple Ranch. You need to take your own bags or boxes for apple picking. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the apple-picking experience firsthand. Or, if you prefer, the staff can pick ‘em for you. While you're there, visit the store for baked goodies, jams and jellies, butter, apple chips, gifts and crafts, apple peelers, and much, much more!! Find a Perfect Stay in San Luis Obispo More Places to Go Apple Picking Near Me The Apple Stand 2345 See Canyon Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Open daily from September through November from 10 am-5 pm, The Apple Stand is one of our favorite places for apple picking, but this place is 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles, so you should make a trip out of it and stay in a nearby hotel. This season is always filled with apples, familiar faces, friends from all over the country, and practicing juggling. Take a picnic and, with your family, enjoy some of the finest and freshest organic produce on the Central Coast. Sip some cider, and laugh with the people you love. Depending on the time of season you go, there will be various apples. Some varieties include Golden Delicious, Red Gold, Fuji, Red Delicious, Pippin, Gala, and many others. The cider is freshly pressed from the apples and has no sugar added to it. People drive from near and far to get a hold of it. During the Holidays, heat it for some yummy hot cider. They also grow many different veggies that might make an appearance at the stand depending on what they decide to plant. Some of the veggies you might see include heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, kale, basil, shishito peppers, bell peppers, and others. You can also find many furry and feathery family members on this farm. Cats, dogs, and chickens will want to play with you and will surely give you some love. SLO Creek Farms 6455 Monte Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 SLO Creek Farms is a family-owned and operated certified organic apple orchard. Located off of San Luis Bay Dr and HWY 101, it is a 44-acre organic apple orchard with 40 acres of organic apple trees and a 3-acre organic vegetable garden with organic herbs, honey, flowers, and more. They have a U-Pick apple stand in the Garden Area, which is located on Monte Rd. You can enjoy picking your own fresh apples right off the tree with your family and friends. All apples are organic, so you can enjoy eating them right off the trees. SLO Creek Farms in San Louis Obispo is Open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for U-Pick Apple Season from September through the end of November. Available for purchase at the farm stand, they also have a hard cider tasting, and you can purchase a bottle and enjoy it while sitting in the grassy area. At this farm, you can also pick veggies, flowers, herbs, and pumpkins. Find a Perfect Stay in Julian More Places to Go Apple Picking! Volcan Valley Apple Farm 1284 Julian Orchards Dr. Julian, CA 92036 Volcan Valley Apple Farm opens in mid-August and continues until the apples are gone. Apple bags hold 6-7 lbs of delicious apples and are usually $12 per bag (including admission)! Children 5 and under are free. They have seven varieties of apples, ripening sequentially through mid-September. Ripe rows will be marked with green flags. Julian Farm and Orchard 4444 State Hwy 78 Julian/Wynola CA 92036 Enjoy apple picking at Julian Farm and Orchard during the apple season beginning Sept. 19-20. The pumpkin patch opens in mid-September. The farm store, "The Farmer's Wife," will also be open. It will feature Gina's farmhouse and vintage decor, homemade candles, potpourri, goat's milk soap, and all things country. Other activities at Julian Farm and Orchard are Gem Sluicing, Gold Panning, Tomahawk Throwing, Dig Pit, Mine Tunnel train ride, Ax throwing, and Shopping the General Store. Please check the details with Julian Farm and Orchard before you go. You can also rent a cabin at the Farm. Apple Starr Orchards 1020 Julian Orchard Drive, Julian, CA 92036 Apple Starr Orchard parcels cover approximately 28 acres, of which 8 acres are planted with apples and pears. Parts of the land were used as a dairy. The old barn was constructed in the early 1900s. There are approximately 1000 trees, and their numbers are balanced between apples and pears. The trees range in age from 20 to 70 years, and the majority have low branches that children can access. They only use certified organic products here. Several red wagons are available for small children; families may enjoy bringing strollers and wagons. The picking bag (one peck/12 lbs) is $25. Each additional bag per family is $15. The available apples are Granny, Jonagold, Roma, Arkansas Black, Red Delicious, and Wealthy. MAP TO APPLE PICKING NEAR ME Apple Picking Tips: When is the best time for apple picking? For the most part, September to early October is the prime picking season. Which apples are the best for picking? Apples on the outer branches ripen first, so work your way in as the season progresses. How to pick an apple? To correctly pick an apple, roll the apple upward off the branch and give a little twist. You’ll know the apple is ripe if the stem is easily removed from the spur of the branch. Don’t pull the apple straight away from the tree, and never shake the branches. What apples are grown in California? Granny Smith Honeycrisp Spitzenburg Cripps Pink Fuji GoldRush Gravenstein King of Tompkins County Arkansas Black Enterprise Liberty Wickson Crab Gala Cripps Red Favorite Restaurants in Oak Glen With Apple Dishes: Oak Glen Steak House & Saloon 38490 Oak Glen Rd. Yucaipa, CA 92399 (909) 797-2844 Angus McCurdy's Restaurant 38561 Oak Glen Rd Yucaipa, CA 92399 (909) 797-2555 Apple Annie's Restaurant & Bakery 39062 Oak Glen Rd. Oak Glen, CA 92399 (909) 797-2311 For overnight accommodations in Oak Glen, visit this website . We highly recommend wearing closed-toe shoes when you visit the farms to avoid getting bitten by fire ants. Please also double-check the dates before you go. FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® is your source for Fun Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles . You May Also Enjoy: 22 Amazing Family Farms And Petting Zoos Near Los Angeles! 12 Awesome Weekend Getaways for Your Labor Day Weekend! The Best Ranch & Dude Ranch Vacations Near Los Angeles 2022! Disclaimer: FUN WITH KIDS IN LA® has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. We strongly urge you to confirm event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the event producers. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. Some of the events contain affiliate links.