January 21, 2021
Why do children need poetry? Lots of reasons! We’ll tell you about great resources to find children’s poetry, activities, and podcasts that’ll inspire your kids to love and even write their own poetry—all for free!
January 19, 2021
You’re invited to The White House! Explore the ornate rooms and decor of The State Floor, The Ground Floor, and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
January 11, 2021
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. by reading along to the following picture books that help children understand this great leader who fought for civil rights.
January 11, 2021
Has your child asked about riding horses? Horseback riding offers many benefits to help your child develop valuable life skills.
January 7, 2021
Enjoy tubing, snow play, warm up by the fire pit, and more!
January 6, 2021
Looking to (safely) get out of the house for a bit? Enjoy lights, music, interactive sets, life-size dinosaurs, and even play carnival games from the comfort of your own car. But hurry—some are ending soon!
January 5, 2021
Tis’ the season to be freezin’ and during this time of the year… there’s snow place like home. Bring the snow and icy fun indoors with these brrr-illiant activities!
December 11, 2020
Tis the season for winter cheer and there is no better place to find it than the Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High. Have your picture taken with Santa and the Yeti FREE from 12pm-2pm with the purchase of any tubing or snow play activity. Now open WEEKENDS from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
December 10, 2020
Don’t miss these unique holiday experiences in SoCal!
December 9, 2020
The mission of Children’s Home Society of California (CHS) is to reach out to children and families at risk with a range of services to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop within a safe, healthy, and secure environment.
December 7, 2020
These Christmas tree farms have been working hard all year long to grow the best trees. Gather the family for the timeless tradition of cutting down your own Christmas tree and enjoy a fun, outdoor, socially-distant Christmas outing.
December 2, 2020
The City of Long Beach will offer programs to safely engage youth during the upcoming winter break. The programs will adhere to lower staff-to-camper ratios and other enhanced safety protocols. Programs include Winter Camps (ages 5-12), Teen Programs, and Winter Break Workshops at El Dorado Nature Center (ages 5-8).
November 30, 2020
Win a weekday pass to Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru! Journey into a one-of-a-kind, contactless experience where the world of Hot Wheels comes to life right outside your windows!
November 25, 2020
In this guide, you’ll find everything we could find to help your family enjoy the holidays in the most normal and safest way possible.
November 24, 2020
Win a ticket to Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms! Literally translated, Hikari means shine in Japanese, and this holiday season Tanaka Farms shines with over a mile of twinkling lights! Drive through the 30-acre farm and be dazzled by farm-themed lighting.
November 23, 2020
Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets for the North Pole Express departing from Santa’s Christmas Farm in Santa Paula. See and wave at Santa and his elves and enjoy fun storytelling.
November 17, 2020
[GIVEAWAY CLOSED] Win a memorable, magical Santa Claus photo experience with f/8 Studios and bring a sense of holiday normalcy to your family, all within an outdoor, COVID-safe environment.
October 28, 2020
Candy buybacks, recipes, and even math and science activities with candy!
October 22, 2020
Like many other things, trick-or-treating won’t be the same this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a fun Halloween! Here’s a list of so many things you can do besides trick-or-treating!
October 19, 2020
Where imagination and education come to play! Kids can create in the art studio, rescue citizens in emergency services, shop in the grocery store, and so much more. It’s the city where little pretenders have the biggest dreams.
October 13, 2020
Celebrate the house that goes completely over the top to make Halloween extra special.
October 1, 2020
Halloween is happening! Check out all of the fun and creative events including Halloween-themed classes, public displays, walkthrough and drive-thru events, pumpkin patches, trunk-or-treats, and lots more.
September 22, 2020
Follow these helpful tips on how to pick a pumpkin, carving hacks, tracing tricks, and preservation methods to keep your pumpkin lasting longer!
September 21, 2020
Did you know your 4th graders can get you free access to hundreds of national parks, lands, and waters for an entire year? Find out how!
September 17, 2020
Here’s a list of nearby family-friendly places that have recently reopened or will be reopening soon!
September 15, 2020
These fire-themed activities are great for teaching fire safety, pretend play, and learning how firefighters help our community.
September 10, 2020
We asked Kidsguide readers about their all-time favorite children’s books and here’s what they love! Plus, many of these books are part of a series, so your kids will love picking up the next book.
September 3, 2020
Try these creative ways to use all kinds of print materials to incorporate reading at any time of the day. Great for reluctant readers!
September 1, 2020
Looking for ways to motivate your kids to read more? You could try using the traditional flashlight under the covers, but take it up a notch and use finger lights or a head lamp! Start a family book club, or have the kids record their own audiobook. Lots of ideas here!
August 26, 2020
With some school campuses remaining closed, these family-friendly places are offering supervised distance learning support to help students focus and keep up with their classwork/homework while offering an awesome place to play too.
August 24, 2020
Encouraging words can really help young kids and teens thrive in school and life! Positive words ignite inspiration and motivation… and we could all use a little more of that!
August 19, 2020
If you’ve never been in a teacher supply store… you’re in for a real shopping treat!
August 18, 2020
A beach bonfire is a ritual California families have enjoyed for years. Check out this list of beaches in LA and Orange County that allow bonfires.
August 13, 2020
Celebrate one of the coolest ocean predators with shark-themed activities, crafts, and snacks! Sink your teeth into Shark Week with these fun activities for the kids!
August 10, 2020
Go for a round of mini golf, take a spin on the go-kart, travel back in time at a retro arcade, or duck and dive at a paintball park! These fun centers are open for your family to (safely) enjoy!
August 6, 2020
Looking to get outside? A trail ride on horseback is a great, outdoor outing for families. Of course, there’s plenty of social distancing happening (the horses will take care of that for you)!
August 4, 2020
Whale watching is one of those things every Southern California family should do at least once. Here’s our reasons why we think every kid should go and what parents need to know before going!
July 30, 2020
If your kids will be learning from home this school year, they’ll need a space they can call their own. We found inspirations that will work for small spaces or big spaces—perfect for any home. Let’s get learning!
July 28, 2020
Is your home overflowing with books your kids have outgrown? Start a free children’s library to share with neighbors! Make a library from a newspaper stand, bunny hutch, wash tub, dollhouse, old TVs and lots more. Check out these ideas to get you started.
July 22, 2020
Foxes, camels, ostriches, cheetahs, oh my! Check out this list of animal sanctuaries, ranches, and zoos that are outdoors and open. Many offer private tours for an extra special way to connect with animals you don’t get to see everyday.
July 20, 2020
With just a little bit of time and a roll of tape, your kids could be entertained for hours! We’ve all got some tape lying around the house, so grab what you’ve got and let’s play!
July 13, 2020
Visiting a botanical garden while social distancing is a great way to get outside. Many gardens have reopened and are following all necessary precautions.
July 9, 2020
Drive-in theaters may be a thing of the past, but they’re the modern-day solution to help us maintain social distancing. Here’s a list of SoCal drive-in theaters and 10 tips for an awesome moviegoing experience!
July 7, 2020
Seems like the summer heat is here to stay, so let’s cool off with ice cream themed activities! Make ice cream in a bag, edible ice cream playdough, bake yummy ice cream cone cupcakes and more!
July 1, 2020
SCR’s two-week summer acting camp for kids and teens helps build confidence and self-esteem!
June 29, 2020
Take a stroll around the neighborhood and see how many patriotic things your kids can find! Going out of town? Take this scavenger hunt on the road to keep kids busy during the car ride.
June 24, 2020
Fresh air, fresh produce, and tractor-drawn wagons… it’s the perfect summer outing!
June 16, 2020
Step aside newlyweds, this game is all about dads! Celebrate Father’s Day this year with a fun game the whole family can play. If you’re familiar with The Newlywed Game, then you’re ready to go.
June 12, 2020
Keep track of reopening dates for fun, family-friendly places. This list will be continually updated as information becomes available. Stay safe!
June 11, 2020
Local libraries are launching their Summer Reading Programs to help motivate kids and teens to read during the summer! See if your local library is participating.
June 10, 2020
In this upside down world, The Help Group’s summer camps will be virtual! Camps begin June 15th and siblings are welcome. 2020 Virtual Summer Camps Camp Sunshine | June 15 – July 2, August 3-21 Focus on life skills building while having fun. This creative and fun camp program is designed to help young… View Article
June 10, 2020
Help support oncology families and Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation by participating in a series of summer experiences that will not only spark creativity, but also raise funds for research with the best hope for a cure for childhood cancer.
June 8, 2020
Five Days of Broadway at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is going virtual! Enroll now in this acclaimed musical theater summer camp for students ages 11-19. Learn directly from broadway actors and leading industry professionals.
June 3, 2020
Promote meaningful conversations with your kids about showing kindness and compassion towards others. Use these printable cards as a starting point to teach and explain why our world needs kindness, especially right now.
May 28, 2020
Bubbles are simple, inexpensive, and they never fail to entertain. Here’s 15 ways to have a blast with bubbles!
May 21, 2020
Helpful tips, ways to incorporate reading, math, and science into cooking, and some easy recipes for kids. Let’s get cookin!
May 14, 2020
Ring ring! Calling all long-distance family and friends! Fire up the smartphone, tablet, computer and call up the kids for a funtastic time!
May 7, 2020
Step aside newlyweds, this game is all about moms! Celebrate Mother’s Day this year with a fun game the whole family can play. If you’re familiar with The Newlywed Game, then you’re ready to go.
April 30, 2020
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4-8! And while it looks and feels a little different this year, teachers definitely deserve our appreciation. Here’s some ways to celebrate and thank your teacher!
April 28, 2020
Are the kids feelin’ a lil antsy? Thinking about what to do when the quarantine is over might help them a bit. Make this Post-Quarantine Idea Jar, plus lots of ideas to get your family started!
April 22, 2020
Celebrate all things nature! Make playdough dyed with dandelions, try grass weaving, lay with trains on tree tracks and lots more!
April 22, 2020
The early bird gets the discount! City of Newport Beach Summer Camps extends their early-bird discount. Save 10% when you register Tuesday, May 26.
April 17, 2020
Take classes like Musical Theatre Jazz, Inside the Mind of a Casting Director, Make-Up for the Stage and lots more!
April 16, 2020
Is your child having a hard time focusing on schoolwork at home? Try one of these strategies! Hint: It includes video games (kinda).
April 7, 2020
If at the end of the day, everyone feels loved, I have done enough.
April 2, 2020
Easter’s around the corner and we rounded up some unique Easter traditions that your family will want to do year after year! Get out there and spread a little Easter cheer!
March 31, 2020
THIS. IS. IT… the day you’ve been waiting for… the day when you get to pay your kids back for their misadventures with a little mischief of your own.
March 26, 2020
The school playground may be closed, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get to have recess! We rounded up some old school (no contact!) recess games that kids AND parents will love!
March 10, 2020
Teaching healthy habits and proper hygiene is always super important – so let’s make it fun! We’ll teach the kiddos how to cough like a vampire, blow things away, and avoid the T-Zone!
February 24, 2020
Does your family love learning about our universe? Visit these awesome space centers, planetariums, and observatories for an out-of-this-world learning experience.
February 18, 2020
It’s National Random Acts of Kindness Week! Use this easy and fun bingo card to encourage kids (and adults!) to spread love and kindness.
February 13, 2020
Throw your mini Picasso the ultimate art party! There’s lots of local art studios that’ll do all the work for you or you can take on the creative challenge of throwing a party at home. Whatever the case, Kidsguide’s got you covered!
February 5, 2020
Camp is where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group, engaging in physical, social and educational activities. YMCA of Orange County has a camp for every kid this summer!
January 30, 2020
Your family can enjoy classes and workshops right at your local retailers! Many of these events are free, some might require a small fee to cover material costs.
January 28, 2020
Pottery and ceramics has many positive benefits for children. Learn why kids should try their hand at pottery and where to take a class!
November 19, 2019
Kids (and grown ups, too!) often forget all the little, amazing things we have in our lives. Here’s a few questions to get little minds thinking about all they have to be grateful for.
November 14, 2019
Turkey and feasting are go-to Thanksgiving traditions, but why not try something new or even non-traditional this year? Go on a Turkey Egg Hunt, play a family game, or watch old family videos. Here’s some ideas to get you started!
November 7, 2019
It’s National STEM Day on November 8! The day inspires kids to explore their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. And guess what parents, STEM education can happen right at home! Check out these 5 easy ways to include STEM learning on a daily basis.
November 6, 2019
This 20-acre, ranch-style retreat gives children the unique opportunity to interact with animals and nature. With guided and special tours and a party space, the Children’s Nature Retreat is perfect for families.
August 22, 2019
Need an outing idea for a big group of kids? Try laser tag! It’s a great way to get your kids and their friends to avoid screens as entertainment for a few hours and run around instead. Most of these places also offer birthday party packages, public sessions and more. Check it out! … View Article
August 20, 2019
Do you know who to call in an emergency? Keep these printable sheets handy to help prepare for disasters and emergencies.
August 15, 2019
Looking for a fun, family outing? Strike up a little friendly competition between parents vs. kids with a round of mini golf or a few laps of go karts! Check out these family fun centers that’ll make for an awesome family day.
August 7, 2019
National Bowling Day is this Saturday, August 10th! Looking for places to celebrate this fun, family pastime? Kidsguide’s got you covered! Check out these local bowling spots… some offer special deals for National Bowling Day and some let kids bowl for free!
August 6, 2019
Get a jump-start on learning before school starts! These historical sites are not only fun and beautiful to visit, but they’re educational too!
July 30, 2019
All aboard the Kidsguide Express! We’re taking your train-lovin’ family on an adventure across SoCal, chugging along to must-see train stops. Let’s go!
July 25, 2019
Shark Week is coming up on the Discovery channel and who doesn’t love learning about these super cool predators? Sink your teeth into Shark Week with these fun activities for the kids!
July 18, 2019
Kids will love sea-ing, meeting, and touching awesome underwater creatures at these SoCal aquariums and marine life centers. Check it out!
July 16, 2019
World Jump Day is July 20 and that means it’s time for the kids to bounce off the walls (if they aren’t already)! But instead of jumpin’ around the house, let your kids get their wiggles out at these uber-bouncy spots! Inflatable Fun The Big Bounce America August 2-18 | Norco Bounce… View Article
June 18, 2019
Ahoy, Kidsguiders! You’ve found it, an entire treasure trove of pirate adventures in SoCal. Everything from spectacular special events to pirate-y places that “aarrgh” sure to be a great time!
June 6, 2019
Take your kids to see the all-new “Dogs! A Science Tail” exhibition, earn a pet care patch, read to therapy dogs, and visit a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to kids and dogs.
May 16, 2019
Rawr! Is your kiddo a fan of all things dinosaurs? Here at Kidsguide, we know dino-love NEVER goes extinct. That’s why we’ve put together this blogosaurus filled with ten must-see dino destinations! Dino Days at the Nature Park Lake Forest June 1-2, 2019: Experience the adventure as the Nature Park is transformed into… View Article
May 9, 2019
Have a kiddo that loves boats and ships? Lucky us, we live right near the ocean with some of the coolest boats and ships around. Set sail for these awesome outings, we bet your family will be having yachts of fun!
April 4, 2019
In need of a date night? Check out our list of Kids/Parents/Date Night events where you can drop off the kids for an evening of crafts, games, food, activities, movies, and more!
April 4, 2019
If you’ve got singin’, dancin’, actin’ kiddo (or teen), you’re in luck! Our area is full of musical theater opportunities. Check out 22 of the best theater arts programs for kids!
April 4, 2019
Hang with a monkey, feed a giraffe, have brunch with the beasts… does your family love animals? Keep this list handy, we found over 25 spots to let your wild side out!
April 4, 2019
Have a plane-lovin’ kid? You’re gonna want to visit these flight museums! Jump into the cockpit of a cool plane, go in a flight simulator, learn about World War II aircrafts and more!
April 4, 2019
Let’s go to a magical place where kids can learn through play and explorations in environments designed just for them. We’ve got six children’s museums in So Cal you are not going to want to miss!
April 4, 2019
Math games keep kids engaged and interested. Work the games naturally into their playtime for a fun way to explore the world of math. Try these eight simple math games that your kids are sure to love.
April 4, 2019
Bubbles are simple, inexpensive, and they never fail to entertain. We’ve rounded up 8 fun activities that are sure to get your kids bubbling with excitement!
April 1, 2019
If your kid (grades 5-8) is interested in business, then the Kid Entrepreneur Academy is the perfect summer business camp!