Getting around L.A. is both the bane of our existence and an ongoing project of discovery and improvement. And the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s fourth season of its NHM Online series, “L.A. on Wheels,” celebrates the diversity of Los Angeles through the lens of creative modes of transportation.

As part of the ongoing “Being L.A.” initiative, the video series explores how Angelenos have transformed movement into a celebration of creativity and community, showcasing the city’s innovative spirit and cultural identity. It highlights various forms of transportation, from bicycles and skateboards to lowriders and food trucks, demonstrating how mobility connects people and contributes to the vibrant tapestry of life in Los Angeles.

The first video of the 2025 season, now available on the museum’s website, focuses on “Biking While Black,” an organization founded by Yolanda Davis-Overstreet that advocates for safer streets and promotes justice, equity and joy. Davis-Overstreet’s work includes organizing community bike rides, educating people on mobility justice and collaborating with local agencies to improve cycling infrastructure in Los Angeles.

Throughout 2025, “L.A. on Wheels” will feature stories about various wheelers and rollers, including the Derby Dolls, Velo Pasadena Bikeshop, Kanya Sesser, Hot Wheels, Lady Lowriders and CicLAvia. NHM also plans to host an in-person event later this year to support the initiative, with more details to be announced.

The post Natural History Museum Unveils ‘L.A. on Wheels’ Online Series appeared first on L.A. Parent.

More than 30 Southern California museums join SoCal Museums Free-for-All day on March 16. The annual event offers free general admission to museums and cultural institutions across Southern California, giving Angelenos of all ages an opportunity to access a wide array of art, film, natural history and more.

“As Los Angeles and Southern California continue to recover after the devastating fires, we hope to offer a space of comfort and connection for people. It is an honor for us to open our collective doors and welcome visitors in to experience the broad range of cultural experiences available in the region. The Museums Free-for-All has become a touchstone for our community, a time to try something new or return to an old favorite,” says Alexa Nishimoto, SoCal Museums President and Marketing Associate, Japanese American National Museum. 

Some of our favorite picks for families include La Brea Tar Pits, where kids can run around Hancock Park after exploring inside, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which will have a “Drop-in and Draw” session for guests to draw their favorite animated characters and LACMA, where your free admission includes access to all galleries. Best of all, these three museums are part of Museum Row, a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard featuring major L.A. museums within walking distance of each other.

See below for the full list of participating organizations to plan your SoCal Museums Free-for-All on Sunday, March 16.

1. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
2. American Museum of Ceramic Art 
3. Autry Museum of the American West 
4. Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College 
5. Bowers Museum 
6. The Broad 
7. California African American Museum
8. California Botanic Garden (Free admission on Saturday, March 15 in lieu of Sunday, March 16.)
9. Catalina Museum for Art & History 
10. Columbia Memorial Space Center
11. Craft Contemporary 
12. Forest Lawn Museum
13. Fowler Museum
14. Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
15. The Getty Center
16. GRAMMY Museum 
17. Hammer Museum
18. Holocaust Museum LA 
19. Institute Contemporary Art, LA 
20. International Printing Museum
21. La Brea Tar Pits 
22. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
23. Lincoln Memorial Shrine 
24. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
25. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) 
26. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) 
27. Museum of Tolerance
28. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
29. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
30. Santa Monica History Museum 
31. Skirball Cultural Center 
32. Sunnylands Center & Gardens
33. USC Pacific Asia Museum
34. The Wende Museum 

The post SoCal Museums Free-for-All Day Returns March 16 appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Every February since 1976 we celebrate Black History Month, a nationally recognized time to honor, learn and recognize the vast contributions and achievements of Black Americans. Although a month is not nearly enough time to reflect on Black history, as is the case with all designated months, here are a few family-friendly events in Los Angeles to learn and uplift Black history this month and beyond.

Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Anaheim City Hall

The 45th annual Black History Parade & Unity Festival returns to downtown Anaheim.The parade and street fair features community marching bands, dancers and parade vehicles as well as music, food and more.

The event, put on by the Orange County Heritage Council, celebrates Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans to our city, region and nation.

Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of African American pride, family and community fun! More info.

Black History Month at Pretend City

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Pretend City Children’s Museum

Join Pretend City as they honor and celebrate black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of Black History Month with engaging story time and activities. Story times for “You Come from Greatness: A Celebration of Black History: A Picture Book” will take place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. More info.

Forest Lawn Celebrates Black History Month

4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Forest Lawn – Glendale

The evening features a one-night-only performance of moving and enlightening music, dance, poetry, and special-guest speeches celebrating the African American experience and culture, following a community resource fair and reception.

Doors open at 4 p.m. for the resource fair and pre-show reception with refreshments, music and prizes, and continues with a 6:30 p.m. curtain for the performance.  More info.

Tuesday Tales: A Travelin’ Storytime (Black History Month)

10:30 a.m. Tue., Feb. 4 | Fairview Branch Library

Join the Santa Monica Public Library for this fun and engaging weekly series, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes. Free tickets are available at 10:15 a.m. More info.

Pasadena Black History Festival

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15 | Robinson Park

The Human Services and Recreation Department and volunteer Black History Parade and Festival Planning Committee host the annual Pasadena Black History Festival. Note the parade portion is canceled this year due to the devastating impact from the Eaton Fire on our community. This year’s Black History Festival will focus on recovery within the community amidst the ongoing tragedy caused by the Eaton Fire.Live bands, dance performances, community booths, guest speakers, vendors, public assistance and services, free food and more. More info.

A Black History Month Celebration

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15 | The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Join The Museum of the San Fernando Valley for a Black History Month Celebration. This year’s focus is Mental Health Awareness, Support, and Providers. The free, family-friendly event features special guests, speakers, recognition awards, networking opportunities, educational resources, food vendors, entertainment, a vendor market and more. More info.

Aquarium of the Pacific’s African-American Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22 – 23 | Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-third annual African American Festival, which features music, dance, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Guests can also experience presentations, including storytelling, hip hop and break dance, drum circles, and live bands during the festival. They can also visit participating booths with displays. More info.

Children’s Programs and Crafts

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22 | Central Library

Activities designed for children ages 3-11. Part of Central Library’s Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories. More info.

A Day In Nature

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23 | Stoneview Nature Center

Stoneview Nature Center hosts its first Black Heritage Month programming beginning Sunday, Jan. 2, with events every weekend, culminating with “A Day In Nature” event on Sunday, Feb. 23.

There will be activities for families and adults, including nature walks, drum circle, story walk and more. More info.

Black History Month Festival

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23 | Pan Pacific Park

This year’s festival will focus on African American history, music and contributions worldwide. The family-friendly festival features live music, arts and crafts, food, local vendors, jobs fair, education fair and more. More info.

Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future

11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Feb. 23 | The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is proud to announce “Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future,” an inaugural Black History Month celebration taking place at the iconic ship. For the first time ever, The Queen Mary will bring the vibrant culture of Leimert Park to life, transforming it into a hub celebrating the profound influence of Black artistry and storytelling. From visual arts to spoken word performances, guests will experience the creativity and resilience that define Black culture in Los Angeles and beyond. More info.

This Black History Month, step into a transformative experience with 

“Black History Moor Than a Month: Takes You Black Through Time”

3 p.m., Feb. 23 | YouTube Theater

This groundbreaking live performance produced by School Yard Rap, an organization dedicated to creating culturally relevant educational content that resonates with diverse audiences. The organization was founded by Brandon “Griot B” Brown, an educator, artist and entrepreneur who has made it his mission to bring history to life through hip-hop, turning history into a high-energy immersive experience.

The family-friendly “Black History Moore Than a Month: Takes You Black Through Time” show will take place Feb. 23 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood. The performance will take attendees on a powerful journey through the Black diaspora, using musical styles from different regions, spoken word and storytelling to celebrate the impact of Black leaders, innovators and changemakers — from pre-colonization to the present. Some event highlights:

• Live music performances and cultural dance performances
• Engaging storytelling that brings Black history to life
• Special tribute to HBCU’s and Divine 9 organizations
• A family-friendly atmosphere perfect for educators, students and community members

Tickets are available at schoolyardrap.com and Ticketmaster.

For more family-friendly events visit our calendar.

The post Black History Month Events in Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year. This year, MLK Day falls on Jan. 20, but we’ve rounded up family-friendly events in Los Angeles happening throughout the month to honor the Civil Rights leader, minister and activist. From volunteer opportunities to film screenings to crafts and more, these MLK Day events in Los Angeles are ways to celebrate and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jan. 11 | Veterans Memorial Park More info

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. The holiday not only honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also encourages all to volunteer to improve their communities. 

The afternoon will feature an I Have A Dream Media Gallery, live entertainment, special guests, activities for kids, a resource fair and opportunity drawings.

Celebrate MLK Day: Family Storytime

4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 12 | Compton Library More info

Join the LA County Library to celebrate MLK Day in remembering the strides he and other Civil Rights leaders made toward peace, freedom, and justice for all with a special storytime and create inspired art. For ages 5 – 12 with parent or caregiver. 

Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. To sign up, see library staff, or register online at visit LACountyLibrary.org/Events and filter by location or event date.

DIY Dream Board

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jan. 14 | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library More info

Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., famous for his “I have a dream” speech, and be inspired by the values that he shared with the world. Create your own “I have a dream” board. For ages 5 – 12 with a parent or caregiver.

This program is in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All materials will be provided.

Attendance is limited and advance registration is required.

Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Necklaces

4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 14 | Florence Library More info

Join the LA County Library in remembering the strides Martin Luther King, Jr. made towards justice for all and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Make a paper people necklace that includes your dreams for a better future! For ages 3 – 12 with parent or caregiver. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2025

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Jan. 18 | Rancho Sierra Vista More Info

Join the National Park Service in planting native vegetation and restoring natural habitats to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Join park staff and partners for a safe and educational session to help restore native vegetation along the hillsides of Potrero Creek at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Work will consist of planting hundreds of live plants grown from locally collected seed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to join a ranger-led interpretive walk to explain the significance of everyone’s work and prepare seed bombs to improve wildlife habitats and help establish resilient, healthy ecosystems.

All are welcome, no experience required! All attendees are asked to bring water, sunscreen, and sun-protective layers. Hiking attire, closed-toed shoes, and long pants and shirts are strongly recommended. Gloves and tools will be provided.

Kingdom Day Parade

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. More info

The 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade on Jan. 18 features the theme, “Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us.” Seats open at 9 a.m. and parade begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine, from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at Arlington.

Mask Making Workshop with Grace Warren

1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Art + Practice Public Programs Space More info

Mask making is an ancient tradition with deep roots in many cultures worldwide. Throughout history, masks have been used for various purposes, such as ceremonial rituals, storytelling, community events, and a means of expressing identity, culture, and history.

In the context of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the tradition of mask making can be seen as a symbolic way to explore and honor the power of identity, unity, and self-expression. This activity will provide a creative way for children to reflect on the themes of identity, freedom, and equality—core values that Dr. King championed throughout his life. Masks can also serve as metaphors for the many different “faces” of resistance, resilience, and progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

In this workshop, children can explore the cultural tradition of mask making by creating their own masks using simple materials. They will learn how masks are used to represent different identities, stories, and emotions, and will be encouraged to think about the values and ideas that they want their own masks to represent.

This activity will use paper plates as the base for each mask, offering an accessible way to create a personalized mask. Children will be guided through the process of designing their masks, selecting colors and materials that reflect their individual personalities, and exploring the symbolism behind their creations.

Materials will be provided for the mask-making activity.

10th Anniversary of the film ‘Selma’

2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Academy Museum of Motion Pictures More info

David Oyelowo gives a stirring performance as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this powerful historical drama from Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay. Avoiding the traditional approach to the Hollywood biopic, DuVernay’s film focuses on Dr. King’s struggle for equal voting rights, culminating in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. Bradford Young’s sensitive, nuanced cinematography is one of the highlights of the film, a Best Picture nominee that won Original Song for “Glory,” by Common and John Legend. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the film’s wide release, this program will conclude with a post-screening conversation that will dive into the craft of the filmmakers, DuVernay’s approach to biographical filmmaking, and a detailed history of the film’s production.

In person appearances include actor Omar Dorsey, filmmaker and Academy Directors Branch Governor Ava DuVernay, actor Carmen Ejogo, actor Andre Holland, actor David Oyelowo, actor Wendell Pierce, actor LaKeith Stanfield, actor Lorraine Toussaint, actor and producer Oprah Winfrey.

DIRECTED BY: Ava DuVernay. WRITTEN BY: Paul Webb. WITH: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, André Holland. 2014. 122 minutes. USA. Color. English. Rated PG-13. DCP.

Santa Monica Symphony: Annual MLK Concert

3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 18 | Barnum Hall More info

The Santa Monica Symphony and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles come together for a powerful celebration of unity at the Annual MLK Holiday Concert, presented in partnership with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition. Guest conductors Gary Pratt and Charles Dickerson lead an inspiring program, beginning with Kenechi Fortune’s Festival Overture. The beautiful final movement to Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 , What Love Tells Me, follows and then Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait pays tribute to the enduring fight for justice. The afternoon concert concludes with the combined orchestras performing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” and the audience sing-along of the anthem of the civil rights movement, “We Shall Overcome.”

MLK Volunteer Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 20 | LA Memorial Coliseum More info

On Jan. 20 join L.A. Works for their annual MLK Volunteer Festival, held at L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The family-friendly festival will feature hands-on service activities, food trucks, live music, guest speakers, family zone, raffle and merch from local Black-owned businesses. Volunteer check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. General admission begins at 12:30 p.m.

MLK Jr. Day of Service

9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Jan 20 | White Point Nature Preserve More info

Join Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at the White Point Nature Preserve! You will help care for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more! Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Jan. 20 | Pretend City Children’s Museum More info

Join Pretend City as they honor and celebrate Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK Day.

King Day 2025

10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Feb. 17 | California African American Museum More info

Join CAAM at King Day 2025 on its new date, Feb. 17, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a performance by Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, discussions with the King Study Group, family activities, food trucks and more.

The post 12 MLK Day Events in Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Loud noises, flashing lights and children running around, often away from their parents. This is what you find at many large-scale venues and indoor play centers. Even movie theaters. It’s not a recipe for success for a parent who has a child with sensory issues.

Many of our children’s museums in the Los Angeles area realize this and offer dedicated sensory-friendly times so that families in our community can enjoy them on their own terms. Without the noise, without the crowds and without the chaos.

Discovery Cube Los Angeles, just off the 210 freeway in Sylmar, has rolled out its Sensory Friendly Sundays, which take place on the third Sunday of every month from 8 to 10 a.m., and you’re going to like what you find when you visit.

After you park in the large (free) lot across the street, walk in to find early admission dedicated to guests and members with sensory sensitivities, and onsite tools including:

• Noise-reducing headphones
• A sensory friendly map
• Visual cue cards
• Increased staffing
• Background music turned off
• Quiet spaces available

Discovery Cube even provides sensory backpacks, while supplies last.

If there was ever a place that all families should enjoy, it’s Discovery Cube. With its locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, each is a feast for a child’s senses. At the Los Angeles location you’ll find a multitude of exhibits, each allowing kids to touch, feel and engage. There are three featured exhibits: DC Super Heroes, The Race to Zero Waste and The Coaches Corner that was produced with an assist from the L.A. Kings – plus the Physics lab: The Raceway, where guests will learn about friction, drag, energy, speed and acceleration.

Want more? There’s Cube Studios, which is an interactive broadcast booth where kids tell stories about the environment and climate change from their perspective. There’s Eco Challenge: Planetary Research Station to explore space science, and there are three different Earth & Environment exhibits that allow kids to touch an aquifer, a helicopter and even a market as they learn about healthy and eco-friendly shopping choices.

Add a climbing wall to all of that, and even two on-site cafés, and you have more than enough reasons to visit.

The team at Discovery Cube inspires and educates young minds through engaging science-based programs and exhibits to create a meaningful impact on the communities it serves. The Los Angeles location is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and here are the Sensory-Friendly Sundays that have early hours from 8 to 10 a.m. dedicated to you:

• January 19
• February 16
• March 16
• April 20
• May 18
• June 15
• July 20

Discovery Cube Los Angeles is located at 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, 91342.

The post Sensory-Friendly Mornings at Discovery Cube Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Just because you can’t get a babysitter, doesn’t mean you can’t count down to the New Year! Bring the whole family to these kid-friendly NYE events in L.A. featuring balloon drops and confetti drops at noon, apple cider toasts and daytime dance parties.

Early Countdown Party

3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 28 | View Park Bebe Moore Campbell Library

Join the LA County Library for a pre-New-Year’s-Eve celebration in the library! They will have dancing, Bubblemania, and then a countdown and toast in the “new year” with non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Friends of the View Park Library. For ages 8 and up.

This program is appropriate for ages 8 and up, but everyone is invited to participate.

Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert

3 p.m., Dec. 28 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts
2:30 p.m., Dec. 29 | Walt Disney Concert Hall

With timeless music, dazzling costumes, breathtaking dance, stunning floral designs, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration that will enchant and delight audiences of all ages, with European singers, dancers, and full orchestra.

Freshly updated each year with a new cast and musical program, the exuberant music of Johann Strauss and his counterparts will spring to life in a joyful spectacle. The Maestro, an expert in Viennese music, will lead the orchestra and the audience on a journey through the Golden Age of Vienna with wit, charm, and more than a few jokes along the way.

Energetic, lighthearted, and full of romance, the music of Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert goes down like a smooth glass of champagne. Ring in 2025 with this celebration of music, beauty, and human connection.

Noon Year’s Eve

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 31 | Discovery Cube Los Angeles

This December 31, take the entire family to Discovery Cube Los Angeles for the popular Noon Year’s Eve event! The SUPER event features heroic adventures, apple cider toasts, your favorite science exhibits, live music, and mega balloon drops at NOON and 3 p.m. Other event features include access to your favorite science exhibits, make your very own Sparkler fireworks to help ring in the New Year, a dance floor with live music DJ, and more.

Noon Year’s Eve

9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dec. 31 | Southern California Children’s Museum

Join Southern California Children’s Museum for a new year countdown that doesn’t mess with bedtime. Ring in 2025 with open play, a special puppet show from Franklin Haynes Marionettes, confetti drop at 12 p.m., a dance party and more fun surprises!

Noon Year’s Eve at Castle & Crown

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dec. 31 | Castle & Crown

Enjoy face painting, treats, crafting and a balloon drop at 12 p.m.

PCH Explorer Kids Club: Noon Year’s Celebration

10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Dec. 31 | 2nd & PCH

Ring in the new year at noon! Perfect for all the little ones who may not be able stay up until midnight. This Kids Club event will be filled with celebration, games, and giveaways to the RSVP’d guests. 

Pinstripes Noon Year’s Eve Party

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Dec. 31 | Pinstripes Topanga

Ring in the new year with Pinstripes! Bring the family and celebrate before nap time with kid-friendly activities, music and festive fun!

Noon Year’s Eve

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dec. 31 | Pretend City Children’s Museum

5…4…3..2…1… HAPPY NOON YEAR! Join Pretend City for their annual Noon’s Year’s Celebration in the middle of the day! They will celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across the different time zones.

Sloomoo Institute’s Noon Years

12 p.m., Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 2025 | Sloomoo Institute LA

To start the new year off right, Sloomoo Institute – a sensory experience with its flagship location in Los Angeles – is hosting a family-friendly spin of its own on the countdown. 

On Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at 11:59 a.m. you can walk on over 350 gallons of slime at Lake Sloomoo to watch the slime drop. Dozens of gallons of glittery slime will be headed straight for Lake Sloomoo to celebrate the New Year. 

New Year’s Party

2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Dec. 31 | San Gabriel Library

Join the LA County Library to learn about New Year traditions from around the world. Read a book, play games, make New Year’s resolutions, decorate a party hat, and have fun together. For ages 5 – 12 with caregiver.

Winter Fest OC New Year’s Eve Celebration

4 p.m., Dec. 31 | OC Fair & Event Center

Ring in the new year with a dazzling firework display and celebration among Yowie the Yeti and friends. End the night (and year!) on a high note by dancing to the tunes of fan-favorite hits and singalong songs from the Taylor Nation Tribute Band.

Early NYE Countdown & Firework Show with Taylor Nation Tribute Band at 9 p.m. followed by official NYE Countdown & Firework Show with Taylor Nation Tribute Band at midnight.

STC GardenWalk: Countdown to 2025

5 p.m., Dec. 31 | STC Gardenwalk

Countdown to 2025 at the Anaheim GardenWalk from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. This free New Year’s Eve celebration kicks promises an unforgettable evening with a vibrant dance party featuring live bands, DJs and captivating performances across multiple stages. Attendees can also explore a lively street fair filled with carnival attractions and diverse vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.

Pull My Finger – NYE Celebration

5 p.m., Dec. 31 | The Crow

Join female/mom/comic owned and operated The Crow for a special NYE edition of their family-friendly comedy show, “Pull My Finger.” This super silly and high energy show is fun for the whole family. All ages welcome. Stroller parking available.

“Pull My Finger” performs every 3rd Saturday at The Crow.

L.A. Zoo Lights: Family New Year’s Eve Celebration

6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Dec. 31 | Los Angeles Zoo

Ring in the New Year with the whole family on Dec. 31 with a special edition of L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow. This all-ages event includes express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, a buffet dinner with dessert, dancing, and a live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop. Celebrate with a New Year toast featuring sparkling wine or apple cider at 9 p.m. Pacific Time. 

New Year’s Eve Family Funfest

6 p.m., Dec. 31 | Thousand Oaks Inn

Join Thousand Oaks Inn for a fun-filled evening with games, music, food, and more! This event is perfect for children and the whole family to enjoy together. There will be a buffet style dinner, photobooth with props for you to take lots of pictures that you can receive digitally via email, magic show, music and more.

NYE Fireworks Show & Glow Party

7 p.m., Dec. 31 | Burton Chace Park

Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey! Family-friendly Glow Party starts at 7 p.m. with DJ, live music, dancing, food trucks, face painting, photo booth and more.

Countdown and fireworks display will happen at 8:59 and 11:59 p.m.

New Year’s Eve – Magic at the Biltmore

7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Dec. 31 | The Biltmore Los Angeles

Join David Minkin, International Champion of Magic for an intimate evening of magical artistry, performed by one of the world’s premier close-up magicians. The show features breathtaking magic paired with captivating narrative. Watch as solid objects melt through one another, witness time travel, experience mind reading, and feel inspired by the personal stories that weave it all together. You are welcomed into a unique world of infinite possibilities. Champagne toast for guests 21 and over included in ticket price. Kids ages seven and older are permitted if accompanied by an adult.

Seating is limited in order to maintain an intimate experience. Smart casual or cocktail attire is requested. For guests only, The Biltmore’s parking fees are reduced to $25 self parking and $35 valet.

This is a “show only” event and does not include food or beverages. Food and drinks are available at the Gallery Bar inside the hotel or nearby restaurants.

The Annual One-Time Only New Year’s Eve Musical Revue

7 p.m., Dec. 31 | Santa Monica Playhouse

Champagne and sparkling juice and delightful sweets and savories accompany the 54th anniversary of this rousing, family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo in-person multi-media New Year’s event with live Playhouse artists and special guests streaming from around the globe joining in the singing, dancing, humor and other delights culled from 6 decades of audience favorite Santa Monica Playhouse productions.

From finger-snapping 40s jazz to foot-stompin’ country rock, Jewish patter songs to romantic ballads, this show has it all! Add champagne, sparkling apple juice, hats, tiaras, noisemakers, streamers and surprises and you have a not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve celebration.

Under the Big Top: New Year’s Eve Family Dinner in the Marineland Ballroom

7:30 p.m., Dec. 31 | Terranea Resort

Families can enjoy performances by Dan Delgado and DJ Ricky Rocks, building excitement for the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve countdown. The expansive buffet creates a celebratory feast for all. 

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2025

8 p.m., Dec. 31 | Gloria Molina Grand Park

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 with thousands of Angelenos at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2025. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular countdown show as we welcome 2025.

As the clock strikes midnight, a countdown light show to 2025 will be displayed on City Hall. 

Ice at Santa Monica New Year’s Eve Celebration

8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Dec. 31 | Ice at Santa Monica

Ice at Santa Monica presented by Disney+ hosts a New Year’s Eve celebration tailored for families and kids of all ages. Experience ice skating under the stars and the excitement of a countdown to midnight (East Coast time).

The post 21 Kid-Friendly NYE Events in L.A. appeared first on L.A. Parent.

American author, activist and professor Maulana Karenga created the holiday of Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way to celebrate and honor African American and Pan-African culture. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1, but L.A. libraries, museums and other cultural institutions have many ways to celebrate throughout this holiday season.

The Kwanzaa Experience

10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Dec. 14 | Houghton Park Community Center

This annual celebration highlights the seven principles of Kwanzaa—unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith—and emphasizes the vital role of social capital in the Black community through youth engagement and fostering social connections. 

Celebrate culture, community, and creativity at The Kwanzaa Experience for a day filled with crafts, music, refreshments, and family fun featuring the incredible DJ Sonny! Hosted by the April Parker Foundation and partners.

CAAM Kwanzaa Kuumba Celebration 2024

11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Dec. 14 | California African American Museum

Join CAAM for an early Kwanzaa celebration in honor of the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Kuumba—or creativity. Start your day with a yoga practice, then join Jayon and Jon Kev who will brighten your day with an interactive family storytime, and later create a zine with AbleARTS celebrating this esteemed African American holiday.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Dec. 21 | Crenshaw Yoga & Dance

Join Parenting for Liberation for their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration at Crenshaw Yoga & Dance! Come together to honor African heritage and culture during this special time of year. Bring your friends and family to enjoy Kwanzaa arts and crafts, performances, local goodies from vendors, and more.

Kwanzaa

11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Dec 27 | Pretend City Children’s Museum

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Pretend City! Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed from December 26 to January 1. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Come together to celebrate community, culture, and connection during this joyful occasion! 

36th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Dec. 27 | Jefferson Branch Library

Heri za Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa! Join the Pasadena Public Library for a joyous Kwanzaa celebration full of music, storytelling and youth presentations, in partnership with the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Celebrate heritage and tradition with family, friends and the whole community!

LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE 2024 Kwanzaa Celebrations

1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 28 | Lula Washington Dance Theatre

Bring the family to experience Lula Washington’s beloved Harambe Suite, celebrating our African roots, blending classical and street dance with traditional African dance and live drumming!

This year Umoja Circle participants will be invited to help LWDT celebrate their 45th Anniversary throughout the 2025 year! At each 45th Anniversary event, Umoja Circle participants will be thanked and acknowledged from the stage, and invited to pre and/or post performance receptions.

The two public performances and two Umoja Circle Receptions are Saturday, Dec. 28 2024 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. This Kwanzaa, the Umoja Circle receptions will begin one hour before each performance: Saturday December 28 at 12 p.m., (with a 1pm show) and 4 p.m. (with a 5 p.m. show).

African American Cultural Center of Long Beach Kwanzaa Celebration

5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Dec. 30 | Expo Arts Center

Join AACCLB for a Kwanzaa Celebration (theme is “Nia” – Purpose) featuring cultural performances, candle-lighting ceremony, children’s corner and more.

This special event is an opportunity for the community to come together to honor African American heritage, reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), and embrace unity, culture, and purpose.

This event is open to all, whether you’re new to Kwanzaa or have celebrated for years.

The post 7 Kwanzaa Events in L.A. for Families appeared first on L.A. Parent.

After limited runs in Rome, Paris, Milan, Madrid, New York and more major cities across Europe and the U.S., Balloon Museum brings its award-winning contemporary art exhibition “Let’s Fly” to Ace Mission Studios in Downtown Los Angeles from Oct. 30 through April 13, 2025 (extended from its original closing date of March 16, 2025). All the installations encourage viewers to become participants in some way, creating a fun and interactive museum experience for all ages.

Featuring installations by 21 world-renowned artists including Oakland, CA-based LED artist Christopher Schardt. His Mariposa installation, a large-scale butterfly sculpture illuminated with over 39,000 full-color LEDs, which debuted at Burning Man in 2023, is Balloon Museum’s newest work. Other installations include Cyril Lancelin’s “Flying Maze,” a giant inflatable maze where visitors can wind their way through or hide and Karina Smigla-Bobinski’s “ADA,” a PVC sphere inflated with helium and covered in charcoal sticks that make markings on the floors, walls and ceiling as it moves freely in space.

The final installation lets visitors fully immerse themselves in inflatable worlds with artist Sila Sveta’s “Airscape,” a whimsical virtual reality journey designed specifically for the Balloon Museum. Before exiting the museum, a series of colorful photo backdrops make for great family photos or your next profile picture!  

Balloon Museum is located at Ace Mission Studios at 516 S. Mission Rd., Los Angeles, 90033. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 8p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Tickets start at $29 for children ages 4-13 and $39 for adults. 

Tip: Stroller parking is available, so feel free to bring the littlest art lovers.

The post Balloon Museum Lets Adults (and Kids!) be Kids Again appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Museums are the perfect place to keep kids entertained, while serving as an indoor oasis from Southern California’s heated summers. Read along for our roundup of local L.A. museums for kids and families!

To stir the kids’ imaginations and help geographical history come alive, take a trip to The Autry Museum in Griffith Park. The Autry is dedicated to telling the stories of the American West and how it was won, and it offers a family play space with free entry days once a month.

The Getty in West L.A. offers several family creative courses, such as creating your own scent, ceramics and pressed-flower cyanotypes (a photographic technique of using the sun to create floral images without a camera.)

Meanwhile, over in Exposition Park. The California Science Center will display 30 recreations of Leonardo da Vinci machines including The Great Organ and the Flying Bicycle. For “Goosebumps” fans, there is an exhibit with the books — one that will dive into the science of fear. Getting a little spooky beats the heat any day.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

The post Muse on Local L.A. Museums This Summer appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Welcome to a dazzling summer in Los Angeles, the city that is home to Hollywood’s glitz, glamour, TV and film studios. Whether you’re a local entertaining your film buff kiddos or hosting out-of-town guests eager to discover our city’s special charms, we’ve got the perfect studio tour itinerary lined up for you. 

Get ready for an exclusive peek behind the curtain of Tinseltown with our guide to the top movie studio tours in L.A. These unforgettable tours offer a unique opportunity to witness a bit of the magic of crafting cinematic masterpieces. Delve deeper into the making of iconic films and marvel at the creative ingenuity employed in perfecting the sound, visuals and storylines that have grabbed our hearts for generations.

Studio tours can sell out fast, so make sure to secure your tickets ahead of time. Each studio has its own parking procedures, so prepare beforehand to ensure a smooth visit. The guide below will assist you in determining which experience aligns best with your budget and schedule. Enjoy your picture-perfect summer in L.A.!

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank

Prices start at $73; parking is $15 

No children under 5; minors under 18 require an adult

Reservations suggested

wbstudiotour.com

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a great tour to feel like you’ve got some Hollywood pull. The moment your tram starts moving, you and yours are treated like movie stars. Despite the tour’s popularity, with only 10-12 guests per group, it’s an intimate experience for everyone. You’ll get to drive by exciting outdoor sets and sound stages, and at nearly three hours long, the tour is packed with engaging activities.

Highlights include the 110-acres backlot, the new Storytelling Showcase, which dives into almost 100 years of Warner Bros. magic, and the Stage 48 Interactive Soundstage with Central Perk from “Friends.”

The grand finale is a hit with kids: the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stage! A fresh addition is the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) Classic Films Tour, celebrating 30 years of TCM. This tour is a fantastic trip through the Golden Age of Hollywood. 

Pro tip: After all that exploring, your family might be hungry. Head over a few blocks to the nearby the Smoke House restaurant, originally built at the end of World War II. It’s an expensive indulgence; however, you’ll feel like you’re dining in classic Hollywood as you sip a cocktail and soak in the ambiance of this old Hollywood studio favorite with a classic vibe. 

Universal Studios Tour

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

Theme park tickets start at $109; parking at CityWalk is $35

All ages; no reservations for basic tour

universalstudioshollywood.com

This tour is one of the theme park’s signature attractions, drawing audiences of movie lovers from around the globe. The Studio Tour is a ride attraction at the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. This is one of the largest TV and film production lots in the world, and you’ll be reminded of it at every turn and in every gift shop. Easy for guests of all ages (although there is significant walking throughout the park to arrive at it), the one-hour tram ride travels through a working film studio, with various film sets on the Universal Studios Lot. 

This studio tour is included in the theme park admission. It is not possible to attend the studio tour without admission to the park, so plan on spending an entire day and night of fun, rides, food and Hollywood delights here. 

Highlights include a backstage peek at Courthouse Square with the clocktower from “Back to the Future,” an amped-up “Jurassic World” section, a recreated 3D version of Skull Island from Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” and a “Jaws” lagoon attack.

Pro tip: This park includes a good deal of walking just to reach the studio tour, so wear comfortable shoes and consider a stroller (even if your kids have almost aged out of it) if you think your little ones will not make it through a heavy walking day. 

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

5515 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

Tickets start at $65, basic tour parking in Lot A is $24

No children under 10; minors under 18 require adult; reservations suggested

paramountstudiotour.ventrata.com

The Paramount Pictures tour makes you feel like you’re diving into the golden era of Hollywood. As the longest operating and only remaining major studio in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures has created celebrated movies and television shows. You’ll get to explore more than 100 years of Hollywood history and potentially witness a show in the making during this tour. There are three levels of visits at varying prices and times — something to satisfy everyone.

Tours range from two to four hours. You’ll check in as a guest and leave feeling like an industry insider.

Pro tip: Highlights connected to this studio are the New York Backlot, the Bronson Gate and a tour through the massive Prop Warehouse. 

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

3990 Overland Ave., Culver City

Theme park tickets start at $55; free parking in Overland structure

No children under 12; minors under 18 require an adult; reservations required

sonypicturesstudiostours.com

A two-hour guided walking tour will bring you behind the famed and historic gates of Sony Studios and give you the experience of a working studio. There are different levels of tours and pricing, and if walking isn’t a possibility, golf cart tours are available Monday-Friday for a higher fee. 

This tour explores various parts of a movie production, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for all the enormous amounts of behind-the-camera labor that goes into making a movie from start to finish. 

Highlights of shows and movies connected to this studio tour are soundstages once home to iconic films such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man.” Also check out the smash-hit game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

Pro tip: “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” offer free tickets to those interested in being live audience members during shooting seasons. Details at: on-camera-audiences.com/shows/jeopardy and tickets.wheeloffortune.com

Extras for Film Buffs

TCL Chinese Theatre Tour

6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

All ages; contact for rates and availability

Parking is $20 at Hollywood/Highland Center

tclchinesetheatres.com/tours

This tour is a great choice if you’re a serious movie buff with an interest in history. After exploring all the hand and foot prints of your favorite stars, learn about the history of the building with a 30-minute walking tour. With the VIP pass, get access to watch a movie inside the theater and bring home a special souvenir from the cinematic palace. 

Pro tip: Once you’re at this location, spend the day on Hollywood Boulevard with other film-based activities such as Madame Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, The Hollywood Museum and Hollywood Wax Museum, all connected by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

The Academy Museum

6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

General tickets are $25 for adults (17 and under free); parking is $20

academymuseum.org

A full-fledged movie museum opened in 2021, this is a deep-dive cinematic exploration for any film fan (Just don’t tell the kids it’s a museum). 

General admission tickets include access to “Stories of Cinema,” the core exhibition that spans three levels and explores significant movies and moviemakers, the history of the Oscars, narrative and documentary films and the art and science of moviemaking. Tickets also grant access to the Dolby Family Terrace, which sits beneath a glorious glass dome made from 1,500 glass panels that tower overhead. Check the website for “magic hour” events on the terrace, where DJs spin tunes, cocktail glasses clink and socializing buzzes through this open-air space with views of the Hollywood sign. General admission does not include The Oscars Experience, an additional $10 ticket purchase, for an immersive Oscars night simulation. 

Pro Tip: The gift shop here is not cheesy or cheap. It’s a movie lover’s paradise. 

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

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