October 14, 2021
A spooktacular Halloween is creeping up, and we’ve got the ultimate list of Halloween happenings in SoCal! From pumpkin patches to haunted mazes to trick-or-treating, this year’s Halloween is better than ever! Friendly Reminder: We’re working really hard to make sure all event information is accurate, but please confirm all details with the event organizer… View Article
October 14, 2021
Win a family 4-pack of tickets to Day Out With Thomas: Trains, Games, & Miles of Smiles.
October 11, 2021
This issue contains the top goodies we’ve found that make parenting easier, kids (and parents) happier, life better. Plus, we’re backing it up with 161 fun outing ideas to have in your pocket, along with a list of people and organizations that can help when you need it.
October 8, 2021
It’s not officially Fall until you’ve walked around a pumpkin patch! Get lost in a corn maze, feed the farm animals, play games, go on rides, and hunt down the perfect pumpkin. Here’s a list of nearby pumpkin patches and pumpkin displays.
September 23, 2021
Looking for a practically free family outing? Check out these aquariums and marine centers where kids can visit for a donation of $5 or less!
September 9, 2021
Did you know your 4th graders can get you free access to hundreds of national parks, lands, and waters for an entire school year? Find out how!
September 6, 2021
If you’ve never been in a teacher supply store… you’re in for a real shopping treat!
August 31, 2021
What’s there to do this Labor Day weekend? Besides firing up the grill, you could join the circus, taste food from around the world, go sunflower picking, or watch a super cool plane take to the skies!
August 25, 2021
Free admission to participating museums across the nation on Smithsonian Museum Day. Find out which Southern California museums are free.
August 24, 2021
Kids tend to be more descriptive about their day when asked specific, engaging questions. Here’s a list of unique questions to get the conversation started!
August 19, 2021
Looking for ways to keep your kids engaged after school? We’ve got you covered! And we’re not just talkin sports—here’s a whole list of ideas you can do at home or within your neighborhood.
August 17, 2021
To celebrate National Aviation Day, we’ve rounded up a list of Southern California aviation-themed places you could take off to with your kids!
August 12, 2021
Check out all the fun things to do before summer ends and school starts!
August 10, 2021
Looking for a great after school activity? Start with theatre arts!
August 4, 2021
Does your child love to sing? Have them try singing in a choir or chorus! Stan DeWitt, Executive Director of the Long Beach Youth Chorus, talks to us about the positive impact choral singing has on kids and teens. He also answers your most frequently asked questions.
August 3, 2021
Art, music, and nature highlight this month’s most exciting events for kids and families in LA & Orange County.
July 27, 2021
If your kids are inspired to try out a new Olympic sport, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to find a team/league in your area, plus a few of our favorite local organizations.
July 22, 2021
Outdoor movies are always a fun summertime tradition. Here’s a few tips to make sure you have a fun night out with the kids!
July 20, 2021
Summer is here and school is out! Camps are booked for the older kids, but wait…what am I going to do with my little ones that are not old enough to attend summer camp? Good news is, there are plenty of easy and fun things you can do to give your toddlers and preschoolers a summer camp-like experience at home. Here are 3 of our top summer activities that will encourage your child to play, learn, and get messy!
July 19, 2021
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!
July 15, 2021
CLUE! Live – A Walking Experience Westfield Century City in Los Angeles Now – August 8 www.cluewalkingexperience.com In this all-new immersive experience, guests become detectives to solve the mystery of who murdered the elusive Mr. Boddy. The newly minted detectives will be led by Mr. or Ms. Butler through the game board come to life…. View Article
July 8, 2021
Summer heat gettin to ya? Grab the family to spend a couple of hours at the movies! Watch your family’s favorite film for just a few bucks, enjoy the air conditioning, and discounted popcorn too!
July 6, 2021
South Coast Repertory is excited to partner with Mission San Juan Capistrano to present a family-friendly, world-class theatre production under the stars. Win a Family 4-Pack of premium tickets to see You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Saturday, July 24 at 7:30pm.
July 6, 2021
Now that 4th of July festivities are done, here’s a list of events we’re excited about happening the rest of the summer! Live theatre performances, county and state fairs, festivals and more—summer fun is in full swing!
July 1, 2021
Cardboard City is a 10,000 square foot pop-up art center with free exhibitions of cardboard sculptures and architectural models, free family crafting activities, a schedule of classes, and a shop selling tools and materials so families can make cardboard art at home. Free and open to all visitors!
June 29, 2021
Enjoy firework displays, parades, festivals, and more! Fourth of July is sure to be a blast this year!
June 17, 2021
Reading is one of the most important things kids can do during the summer. We rounded up some of the coolest summer reading programs from Barnes & Noble, LA Dodgers, Chuck E. Cheese, and your public library! They’re giving away awesome things to motivate your kids to read—did we mention free pizza?
June 15, 2021
The most action-packed motorsports experience for families roars back into Los Angeles for a high-octane weekend at STAPLES Center from July 23-25, 2021!
June 10, 2021
Avengers Campus at Disneyland California Adventure Team up with the Avengers and explore a campus created for the next generation of super heroes! Help wrangle Spider-Bots in the new ride WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, explore the ruins of the Ancient Sanctum, watch Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in Avengers Headquarters, eat size-defying foods at Pym Test… View Article
May 27, 2021
Jump into summer this Memorial Day weekend! After not being able to operate during the entire 2020 season, local water parks are finally opening their gates and bringing on the waves!
May 13, 2021
Reopening May 28! Come see all-new science exhibits and activities including the new Science of Hockey experience.
May 11, 2021
Does your family love being around animals? Here’s four unique experiences your family’s gotta try at least once!
May 10, 2021
Looking to keep your kids curious, challenged, and connected this summer? Then look no further than Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs, which offer a full line-up of educational programming for every age group—all within a safe environment which follows rigorous COVID protocols.
May 7, 2021
South Coast Botanic Garden soars to new heights with an all-new immersive butterfly experience.
May 6, 2021
Check out the new exhibits, programs, and activities happening at our local aquariums and marine centers!
April 30, 2021
Throughout the month of May, The District at Tustin Legacy is “Going Gold for Pediatric Cancer Research!” Stop by The Warrior Wall in The Promenade, then follow the yellow ribbons to the Fountain of Hope, lit up gold at night to spread awareness. Don’t forget to stop by Nothing Bundt Cakes for Sparkle Hats & Poms Bundtinis—20% of sales goes directly to pediatric cancer research.
April 29, 2021
May 2021 TASTE: Strawberry at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, NOW – MAY 23: This is designed for families to enjoy an immersive experience of art, music, flavor, and fun. Follow the strawberry’s journey as you learn, play and taste your way through three multi-sensory stations. After visiting each station,… View Article
April 28, 2021
At Downey Unified, students are thriving and highly motivated to reach their goals thanks to 21st-century learning principles, high-tech programs, and a positive but challenging learning environment. Discover all the educational opportunities Downey Unifiedhas to offer. Now accepting applications for children who live outside the Downey Unified boundaries.
April 27, 2021
Looking for a unique summer camp? We’ve got you covered! From rockstar camp to rock climbing camp to STEM camp aboard a real battleship—there’s something awesome out there for every kid.
April 23, 2021
Join Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation virtually for the 23rd Annual Reaching for the Cure event! Voted #1 in Orange County, this “must-do” event will feature new ways to engage outside the limits of an in-person experience through a mobile application, movement challenges, and more.
April 22, 2021
Make every day Earth Day! Here’s 16 simple ways kids can help make the Earth happy.
April 20, 2021
Movie theaters, theme parks, zoos, museums—more and more places are opening up and we’re here to keep you updated! Every place on this list is open in some capacity unless otherwise stated.
April 15, 2021
Looking for something to do with the family? Here’s 101 ideas to get you started! Most ideas are even free.
April 13, 2021
Don’t just walk around like everybody else—ride around in style on a surrey bike or pedal along the waterfront in an iconic swan boat. Here’s a list of 22 locations that offer rentals.
April 9, 2021
Alpert JCC teaches each student to swim with confidence using a 9-step swim program created by the American Red Cross that will keep them safe in and around the water. All instructors are Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructors. Mention KIDSGUIDE for free registration!
April 8, 2021
See (and often times pet and feed) farm animals, such as pigs, goats, ponies, mini-cows, sheep, bunnies and lots more.
April 7, 2021
CSArts Academy is back in-person and online this summer! Aspiring artists are invited to enroll in exciting, enriching CSArts Academy classes hosted by Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). CSArts Academy allows students to explore their creativity and learn fundamental skills in visual arts, music, voice, dance, culinary arts, film and television, and much more!
March 31, 2021
This summer, the Y is igniting the best in every camper. Through exciting educational and recreational activities, field trips, challenges, art, and more, campers will learn some of life’s most necessary skills, like resiliency, positivity, adaptability, relationship-building, and caring for others.
March 30, 2021
Let’s build better brains at Pretend City, a place where imagination and education come to play. Your child is invited to explore a city made just for them!
March 18, 2021
City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine’s Afterschool Program is dedicated to providing youth ages 5-12 a safe, fun, healthy and positive atmosphere. Participants will enjoy recreational activities and homework help while practicing social distancing and other guidelines set forth by the CDC.
March 16, 2021
Now that LA and Orange Counties are officially in Red Tier, many of your favorite family-friendly places have been given the green light (or, red light?) to reopen at limited capacities. But, just because these places can open, doesn’t mean they will right away. Here’s the latest reopening updates from your favorite SoCal family destinations.
March 11, 2021
The Junior Lifeguard program is a treasured summer tradition for many who live near the coast. Year after year, this popular program teaches valuable life lessons and skills to thousands of Southern California kids and teens.
March 10, 2021
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up! Make the day memorable with these sneaky shenanigans!
March 9, 2021
Food festivals, sheep shearing, leprechaun hunt, and real-life unicorns?! There’s lots of magical things happening this month!
March 9, 2021
Knott’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival is here! Here’s 5 tips you need to know before going and a review of the food and overall experience.
March 5, 2021
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles will open the Butterfly Pavilion and parts of their 3.5 acre Nature Gardens to the public from March 18 – September 6, 2021.
March 4, 2021
If you are part of the 89% of California parents who are concerned that your child has fallen behind during the pandemic, perhaps it’s time to consider Fairmont Schools. Join Fairmont Schools for their preschool – 8th grade virtual Open House events to learn about their academic program, and the social and emotional support their nurturing community provides.
March 4, 2021
Drive-in theaters may be a thing of the past, but they’re the modern-day solution to help us maintain social distancing while still enjoying a night out to the movies! Here’s out top 10 tips you need to know before visiting a drive-in.
March 3, 2021
Excited to see Disney’s new movie, Raya and the Last Dragon? These drive-in movie theaters are making it possible for your family to go out for a movie premiere night! All enjoyed safely from your car, of course.
March 2, 2021
Original artwork and poem written by 12-year-old Swasti Dhagat, a student from Sounds of Color Studio in Orange County.
February 25, 2021
North San Diego’s world-renowned spring experience for the past 40 years is blooming once again! From March 1 – May 9, immerse within 50 acres of giant, colorful ranunculus flowers.
February 24, 2021
A Touch of Disney, a new ticketed experience within select outdoor areas of Disney California Adventure Park, will be making its debut beginning March 18 and continues through April 5, 2021 on select dates.
February 24, 2021
Looking to get outside in this beautiful SoCal weather? Here’s a list of local botanical gardens that are blooming this spring! Most of these places are open with advance reservations and safety guidelines. Be sure to check each location’s website or social media for updated information.
February 19, 2021
Iconic feature films are coming back to the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Guests can enjoy the moviegoing experience with socially-distant pod seating.
February 18, 2021
The movie theaters may still be closed, but that doesn’t mean your family still can’t have an amazing movie night! Keep reading for seating ideas, popcorn recipes, and a movie ticket printable!
February 11, 2021
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinosaurs, piggies, ponies, princesses and more! Roar and snore at an overnight safari, cruise in a classic car, or join Alice for a tea party. Lots of sweet things happening this Valentine’s Day!
February 9, 2021
What’s your child’s love language—words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, gifts, or physical touch? We’ve got the sweetest list of simple ideas to show your love in a way your child understands.
February 3, 2021
We love STEM activities! Learn how to make a heart out of PVC pipes, make a coding project with the binary alphabet, grow interlocking heart crystals and more!
February 2, 2021
Dinosaurs, ponies, trains, even an outdoor broadway musical! We’re excited about the fun things happening this month.
January 28, 2021
Here’s the latest reopening updates from some of your favorite kid-friendly places in SoCal. Be sure to read and follow all safety guidelines.
January 26, 2021
Need a laugh today? These parents don’t hold back when it comes to parenting—and we’re here for it!
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.
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 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 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!