Outdoor Fun Archives - L.A. Parent

SoCal Summer Rituals

Ash Wang — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:36:03 +0000

Chelsea Parrish and her family luxuriate in the lavender fields at 123 Farm in Palm Desert. PHOTO COURTESY CHELSEA PARRISH

School has been out for weeks now, but before your kids start complaining of boredom, remind them that in a place like SoCal, there are endless ways to take advantage of our long, golden days. If you’re fresh out of ideas, the L.A. Parent team shares our summer rituals, favorite hidden gems and must-have treats that we seize each summer to ensure the season feels complete.

New Swan Shakespeare Festival

A couple of years ago, my mom surprised me with tickets on my birthday to see “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival hosted at UC Irvine. Ever since then, it’s been a tradition for my mom and me to see a production on my birthday. I never liked reading Shakespeare in school, but I love watching Shakespearean performances. I particularly enjoy the beautiful theater that New Swan sets up in the middle of UC Irvine’s campus. The warm lights shining through the summer night as someone performs poetry is my favorite way to end my birthday. –Ash Wang

Palm Desert

My family and I love going to the desert for July 4^th weekend. We stay together in our house and enjoy the fireworks from our backyard. We love swimming and playing board games as a family. After dinner, we usually get Handel’s ice cream and watch a movie. In the mornings, we get breakfast from our favorite restaurant, Wilma & Frieda. The homemade pop tarts and cinnamon rolls are amazing! We also love heading to 123 Farm, where they have unique festivals like the lavender festival we went to last year. It’s my kids’ favorite weekend of summer. –Chelsea Parrish

Summer looks like lotus blooms and swan boat rides at Echo Park Lake. PHOTO BY CASSANDRA LANE

Echo Park Lake

I love that we have this wetlands oasis just on the other side of Downtown L.A. Early in the morning, there are more Canada geese than people here, and they make you move around them as you get your steps in; this is their world, and we’re just allowed to co-exist in it. People from all walks of life flock to this bountiful lake to work, fish, daydream, take their lunch break and exercise. My favorite time to visit is in late spring and early summer, when the lotus flowers bloom and the lotus pads are thick and emerald, catching the sunlight as they sway against the water. It’s easy to find parking around the park, and yummy spots like Stories Books and Café and Little Fish Echo Park are just a short walk away. –Cassandra Lane

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long” at the Hollywood Bowl

The season is not complete without a concert at Hollywood Bowl. For Elena Epstein’s family, that must-see is “The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long.” PHOTO COURTESY HOLLYWOOD BOWL

This is two of my favorite things wrapped into one: A night at the Hollywood Bowl with a showing of my favorite movie on the screens, with the Philharmonic playing in the background. Is there a better way to spend a summer night than at the Bowl? Bring food, wine, family or friends. It’s such a beautiful setting. Arrive early for this show because people dress up as characters from the movie, and they are invited on stage prior to the show. We started going to the Hollywood Bowl when our daughters were in early elementary school and have continued as they have become young adults — with the Sing-A-Long being the first show we look for on the schedule. –Elena Epstein

Theatricum Botanicum

The Shakespeare productions at Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon have a long and loyal following. PHOTO BY IAN FLANDERS

In high school, I fell in love with Shakespeare — and Topanga Canyon — through Theatricum Botanicum’s summer theater camp, learning Elizabethan songs, sonnets and monologues among the oak trees. Summer became synonymous with the magical outdoor theater, and to this day my summer isn’t complete without attending the theater company’s signature production, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Now that I live in East L.A., I love driving out early so I can stop by Hidden Treasures to browse the eclectic mix of clothes, accessories and trinkets followed by a picnic in Theatricum’s gardens before the show. –Nina Harada

Zuma Beach

It takes me less than five minutes to throw a beach chair, towel, snacks, sunscreen, a book or magazine and my boogie board into the car. The short prep time is part of what makes this a great excursion. The beach takes minimal planning. From there, it’s pretty much 30 minutes until I’m set up in the sand at Zuma Beach — and the relaxing begins. When the heat comes to the Valley, my escape is to hit the beach, and it doesn’t get any better than Zuma. I enjoy the cooler weather, the waves and the fact that I can usually find (free) parking along Pacific Coast Highway. It’s total serenity. –Ron Epstein

Salt & Straw: Berries, Berries and More Berries

Zuma Beach is an easy and much cooler escape for L.A. Paren Publisher Ron Epstein, who lives in the San Bernadino Valley. PHOTO BY RON EPSTEIN

Salt & Straw is an ice cream shop that, along with being delicious, is known for its unconventional flavors such as pear and blue cheese and strawberry-honey-balsamic with black pepper. The shop has a set menu of flavors available year-round and a seasonal menu with flavors that rotate every month. My favorite monthly menu lands in July, when all of the flavors are centered around berries. My love for berries only increases in the July heat, so enjoying a scoop of the goat-cheese-marionberry-habanero ice cream at the Salt & Straw in Downtown Disney is a summer staple. I especially enjoy eating my ice cream in one of the rocking chairs by the fireplace in the Disneyland resort lobby while being serenaded by Disney songs played on the piano. –Ash Wang

Newport Beach

My family and I love driving down to Newport Beach for the day. We go to the pier and get frozen chocolate-covered bananas, our favorite! We usually walk on the beach and put our feet in the ocean. We love spending the rest of the day at the outdoor shops and eating dinner at True Food Kitchen before heading back. It’s always a quick trip, but it feels like a little vacation. –Chelsea Parrish

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Bonding in Big Bear Lake

Nina Harada — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:17:51 +0000

Paddleboarding during mother-daughter adventures at Big Bear Lake. PHOTO BY MICHELE RAPHAEL

If you’re craving some crisp mountain air this summer, Big Bear Lake is a convenient, picturesque vacation spot for families, couples and solo nature lovers looking for adventure.

You can get there in just two hours, and other than the scenic switchbacks during the last few miles before town, the route is relatively easy — especially in the warmer seasons when snow- and ice-covered roads aren’t a factor — as long as you’re a confident mountain driver.

The confident driver in our mother-daughter trip up to Big Bear Lake was Mirabel, a 19-year-old who enjoys new challenges. Under the watchful eye of her mother, Michele, she drove us from our home in the suburbs of L.A. to the low-key, family- and pet-friendly Noon Lodge, where we checked in for the first part of our stay.

Olive Wren Den, a cabin in Big Bear Lake, is perfect for large family gatherings and entertaining. PHOTO BY MICHELE RAPHAEL

Settling into charm

On the first floor of our cabin stood a quaint kitchen, a small full bathroom with a shower and a living room decorated in a western and Native American style that accentuated the mountain environment without feeling kitschy.

Up a flight of stairs, we were delighted to find a master bedroom and a larger full bathroom with eco-friendly Terra Pure green tea-scented amenities, plus a second bedroom with two twin beds. On the wall above each twin bed hung small lamps that could be turned on and off by pulling a metal cord, which felt charming, old-fashioned and perfect for lovers of nighttime reading (Dear reader: That’s us).

After touring our cabin, we went outside and found ourselves only steps away from the pool, fire pits, picnic tables and an outdoor play area where families can indulge in bocce, cornhole and shuffleboard.

Two Adirondack chairs, sitting dockside in the shade of a pine tree and overlooking Noon Lodge’s tethered canoes (bikes are also available for guests), promised a relaxing afternoon if we would give them some of our time. However, we had competing priorities — namely, making it to the marina before the Get Boards rental shop closed — so we set off on our first adventure with a promise to return to the chairs later.

Kayaking and candle making

With Michele ensconced in a kayak and Mirabel comfortably set up on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), we made our foray onto dazzling Big Bear Lake by mid-afternoon. After a few hundred meters, the waves picked up, but Mirabel was determined to have a real adventure, so we kept paddling out for about an hour.

The Twisted Tasting Tray at Barrel 33 features a tasty array of artisan cheeses and meats in a soft Bavarian pretzel. PHOTO BY MICHELE RAPHAEL

Close to the marina, the lake revealed splendid sights like the silver arc of a fish leaping out of the water and a family of ducks slowly trailing their way around. Farther out, the lake was even more clear and sparkling, but we soon realized the ducks had the right idea with their slow approach. We returned to the shallow end to spend time chatting while savoring how the current gently swayed our fiberglass “boats.”

When our two-hour rental was up, we checked out Big Bear Village, perusing gift shops, restaurants and flower beds. We sat down for a quick snack at Barrel 33 (we recommend the Twisted Tasting Tray, an artisan cheese and cured meats sampler served in a huge, soft Bavarian pretzel), before heading to our next activity — candle making at Mystic Moto’s Ritual Provisions Candle Bar. Neither of us had made candles before, and at first glance, the motorcycle-themed shop didn’t seem conducive to crafting a gently scented, sparkly candle. Yet somehow the edgy glam began to make sense, and our candle-making process completely made sense after the shop’s co-owner Molly Williams gave us instructions.

First, we chose our glass vessels and two scents from a variety of tiny, amber-colored bottles. Intoxicating options included rose and oud, burnt umber and sea minerals. Williams gave us larger bottles, and, using long, golden spoons, we measured out our preferred ratio of scents, then mixed the scented liquid with molten wax inside our vessels.

While we waited for our candles to harden, we explored the rest of the shop. Michele picked out a couple of candles — expertly handcrafted by Williams on nights of the full moon — as gifts for friends. For herself, she bought a delicate gold necklace with an upward-facing horseshoe charm for luck. And for Mirabel: a box of celestial-themed, reprinted vintage postcards.

Mirabel’s finished candle at Mystic Moto featured rose quartz and sprinkles of glittering mica. PHOTO BY MIRABEL RAPHAEL

When our candles were almost set, we pressed crystals and sprinkled mica glitter on top to complete the luxurious look.

Good food and a good night

Tired and hungry (but relaxed and happy!), we walked to the nearby scratch kitchen Stella Luna for dinner. We shared the butter board, which was loaded with thick slices of toasted focaccia bread baked daily at the neighboring Sister My Sister Bake Shop. The crusty goodness was accompanied by thin petals of honeyed, spiced butter. Our meal included a well-balanced prosciutto and burrata salad, a perfectly seared steak with broccolini, crispy smashed potatoes and a slice of gluten-free, flourless vegan chocolate cake that was light yet rich.

As we made our way back to the cabin, the sky was dark and full of glittering stars. The outdoor communal fireplace created a cozy scene. But our beds beckoned, and we settled deeply into the serenity of mountain rest.

From leisure to adrenaline-fueled fun

The next day, we woke up refreshed and ate breakfast in the sunlight at a wooden picnic table decorated with chunky candles in glass votives.

After breakfast, we joined a nature walk at the Big Bear Discovery Center. Sand, our enthusiastic, seasoned guide, led our group of about a dozen or so curious walkers, made up of families, couples and one puppy, through a peaceful path surrounded by California’s native plants and trees. We smelled the vanilla-like perfume of a Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) and learned that the purple, yellow and red flowers dotting the terrain were mountain phlox, wild wallflower and Indian paintbrush, and that the San Gabriel Mountain range contains seven ecosystems, more than any other mountain range in the world. Once we understood the elements of Big Bear Lake’s ecosystem — the flowers, the trees, the woodrat dens, the overturned, hollow logs full of beetles — we saw them repeating across the hillside in a poetic elaboration of natural beauty.

Charming accents abound at the cabins at Noon Lodge in Big Bear Lake. PHOTO COURTESY NOON LODGE

Next, we headed to The Bowling Barn for a friendly family faceoff. Three takeaways:

1. The Bowling Barn, a pristine and state-of-the-art 16-lane bowling alley and arcade tucked inside a red, country barn-like building, is extra fun even when it’s broad daylight outside (or for glow bowling at night!). This is thanks to the animated electronic scoreboard, which features playful clips with photos of bowlers’ faces performing a variety of gags on screen after each shot. After bowling a seven, Mirabel’s face was attached to a wolf who shaved the wool off sheep-faced Michele. When Michele bowled a nine, the roles were reversed.

2. Mirabel discovered that she needed to bowl lower to the ground for her shots to be successful — and that she was in the habit of bowling upside down in a manner best described by Michele as “overhand.” Fixing her technique allowed her to win one game before resoundingly losing the following two games to Michele.

3. No matter how questionable your overall performance, you will walk away happy if your last shot was a good one. Case in point: Our last shots were both strikes, the memories of which overshadowed our recollections of the more-than-zero gutter balls we each bowled.

Surprise hellos, inevitable goodbyes

Still savoring the dopamine released by light exercise, the exhilaration of our strikes and near-constant laughter from our ribbing of each other, we made our way to Pine Knot Marina to board the Miss Liberty, a patriotically decorated 2-story paddlewheel boat (and former ice breaker) that took us for a two-hour tour of the lake.

The charismatic Captain John narrated Big Bear history and lore, pointing out impressive lakeside homes with equally impressive owners, including the late cowboy actor Roy Rogers, recording superstar Olivia Newton-John and Mel Blanc, best known as the iconic voice of “Looney Tunes” characters. To our surprise, Captain John called out Mel’s son, Noel Blanc, a voiceover actor who lives in the family home. Noel came out on his deck and performed a Bugs Bunny impression over his own megaphone.

To commemorate our trip, we bought Big Bear baseball caps at the Big Bear Marina shop before going to Sweet Basil Bistro for our last dinner in Big Bear Lake. We enjoyed a plate of focaccia and olive oil and split a lobster lasagna creatively accompanied with vanilla beurre blanc, which did, in fact, taste like vanilla. Luckily, we had scored an early reservation, so we beat the dinner rush that we could see building at the popular restaurant toward the end of our meal.

All smiles after a fun afternoon and bonding chats on the water. PHOTO BY MICHELE RAPHAEL

After dinner, we made it to our final lodging, Olive Wren Den, a tasteful, modern-yet-rustic, spacious three-bedroom cabin (sleeps eight) with a chef’s kitchen, two full bathrooms (with shower-bathtubs) and an outdoor hot tub and barbecue in the pine-tree-lined backyard (ideal for hosting parties and for family dogs and kids to play). We relaxed on the plush couches in front of the living room’s large gas fireplace, which warmed us before we headed to our rooms and bath-obsessed Michele took a luxurious soak to induce another restful sleep.

The next morning, we made our way down the mountain, witnessing the steady stream of cars heading up for Big Bear Lake’s Memorial Day weekend festivities, including a 5K run and family events. As we continued, we observed that we were above the breathtaking marshmallow-like, white cloud layer. We drove through the mist of the clouds, a dreamy experience to cap off our getaway.

Though we had each visited Big Bear Lake separately — Michele with Mirabel’s dad for her 30th birthday in snowy January, when they focused on a Bald Eagle count, and Mirabel with her dad, stepmother and siblings when she was younger, we had not returned in years. After trying so many shops, restaurants and activities in town and on the shoreline, we appreciated how much this fun, down-to-earth SoCal gem has to offer. We also agreed that Big Bear Lake is most special when you travel there with loved ones.

Mirabel Raphael is a rising sophomore at Yale University, where she studies global affairs, competes as a member of the Yale Debate Team, writes for Yale Daily News and hikes as much as possible.

Michele Raphael is an L.A.- based culture, health, lifestyle and travel writer and editor and proud mom of Mirabel and Leo, a rising high school senior. Find her at @michelebraphael.

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Summer Sounds Under the Stars

Nina Harada — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:23:17 +0000

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s summer concert series kicks off with a block party on July 4. PHOTO COURTESY GLORIA MOLINA GRAND PARK

No matter how scorching our summer days get, nighttime in Los Angeles is usually a welcome breeze of slightly cooler temperatures, beckoning us outside to bask in the Southland’s magical after-hours. And there’s nothing like enjoying music with your friends and family in a communal outdoor setting.

Whether swaying to jazz at LACMA or dancing to global beats, here are some of the best ways to make memories under the stars through the sound of music.

KCRW Summer Nights

Grand Performances hosts an array of family-friendly evening concerts. PHOTOS COURTESY GRAND PERFORMANCES

July & August; locations and times vary

The beloved local radio station’s seasonal all-ages, outdoor parties present DJs, live bands, food and drink at various venues including Union Station on July 19 (DJs José Galván), Kidspace Museum on Aug. 2 (“Yo Gabba Gabba” DJ Lance Rock) and Descanso Gardens on Aug. 29 (DJ Jason Bentley), plus so much more. Visit kcrw.com/summer-nights-2025.

Grand Performances

July & August; 6 p.m.

Downtown’s California Plaza backdrops an array of family-friendly early evening music events reflecting the city’s diverse culture and creativity — from “Mystical Melodies” on July 12 to Latin ska on Aug. 9. More at grandperformances.org.

Levitt Pavilion is home to MacArthur Park’s summer concert series. PHOTO BY FARAH SOSA

Levitt Pavilion

July & August; 6-7 p.m.

MacArthur Park’s summer concert series showcases bilingual evening gatherings where jazz, hip-hop, rock and more uplift the local community and visitors alike. Visit levittlosangeles.org.

Jazz at LACMA

Friday nights; 6 p.m., now through October

Every Friday night, the iconic Urban Light display outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art makes for an atmospheric free live jazz experience and kickoff to the weekend. More at lacma.org.

Gloria Molina Grand Park

Holidays and Sundays through August; times vary

Beginning with a huge summer block party on July 4 headlined by Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist D Smoke, Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown L.A. is one of the places to be for summer. Dance the night away during the park’s “Sunday Sessions” series, plus family activities and food truck stops. More at grandparkla.org/blockparty.

Off the 405 at the Getty

July & August; 6 p.m.

The Getty Museum’s free outdoor music series features top music artists including Nashville-based singer Madi Diaz on July 12, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Empress Of (Lorely Rodriguez) on July 26 and musician/film composer Emili Mosseri on Aug. 23. Reservations required. Visit getty.edu.

The music series at Skirball Cultural Center features genres from around the globe. PHOTOS COURTESY SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER

Sunset Concerts at the Skirball

July & August; 6 p.m.

The annual music series features genres from around the globe via local and touring artists in the museum’s courtyard. Guests can arrive early and stroll through the exhibits for free, but there is a $20 parking fee. Check out Helado Negro and Rodrigo Amarante (July 17), Meridian Brothers and La Perla (July 24), Frente Cumbiero and MULA (July 31) and Say She She (Aug. 7). Reservations recommended. skirball.org/sunsetconcerts.

Lina Lecaro is an award-winning editor and journalist born and based in L.A. covering entertainment and culture. Follow her on Substack and @linalecaro on Instagram.

Michele Raphael is a culture, lifestyle and travel writer and editor based in L.A. Find her @michelebraphael on Instagram.

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Multigenerational Hiking: Trails for the Whole Family

Nina Harada — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:59:41 +0000

Darrell Rohman, grandfather of 5-year-old twins, strolls the Crystal Lake trail.

With more than 3,700 miles of hiking trails in Southern California alone, you could spend every day exploring a new trail, but if you’d like your family to join you on some of those excursions this summer, consider choosing trails that everyone — all ages and abilities — might enjoy.

These suggestions for outdoor activities take into consideration the contrasting needs of hyperactive young children and aging adults with limited mobility, including those using powered devices and walkers. Bring water, sunblock, hats, shades, snacks, binoculars and comfortable shoes to all of them. All parks listed are ADA-compliant.

South Coast

Wetlands and marshes

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center – Torrance; Tues-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Little kids love this small park, which offers a series of educational programs tailored to them. There are brochures in the parking area for self-guided tours. At least 275 species of birds live in this park. Dogs not allowed.

Deep-forest vibes at El Dorado Park in Long Beach.

El Dorado Nature Center – Long Beach; Tue-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

In this manmade environment built with the soil extracted from construction of the 605 Freeway, children can enjoy watching turtles bask in the sun while older folks can rest by the lake to look at the waterfowl. With three connecting loops, the park offers a total of 3.25 miles of trail, mostly shaded. The soil is so soft that people often walk barefooted. Parking $8-$9 on holidays; passes with senior discounts. Dogs not allowed.

Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve – Marina del Rey; daily

Enjoy about four miles of soft trail. Watch for butterflies. Look for easy parking on Bluff Creek Drive.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – Seal Beach; daily, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Originally home to the Tongva people, this rich coastal ecosystem surrounding a tidal mouth has been a restoration project for decades. The 1,300-acre park offers four miles of flat trail accessible to powered mobility devices and strollers. From the trails, visitors have a vantage point to observe Bolsa Chica’s biodiversity far beyond the beautiful birds, including endangered plants and even sea lions. Pamphlets are available at the two free parking lots. Dogs not allowed.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park –Wilmington; daily, dawn to dusk

Around 300 species of migratory birds enjoy the freshwater lake, the tule marsh and the willow forest. The two flat trails have a total combined distance of 5 miles. Free parking. Fishing permit needed.

Point Vicente Lighthouse from the Vincent Bluff Trail.

Overlooking the Ocean

Point Vicente Coastal Trail –Palos Verdes Peninsula; daily, dawn to dusk

Also known as Vicente Bluffs, this trail runs several miles east and west parallel to the south rim of the peninsula. Stroll west as long as you can, taking in the spectacular view. Don’t miss the interpretative center, the whale-watching deck or the lighthouse, which opens only on second Saturdays. Have a picnic or watch the sunset. It’s all free, including parking. Bring a jacket. Leashed dogs are OK.

Urban

Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area – Los Angeles; March to October, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Nestled between La Cienega Boulevard and La Brea Avenue in Baldwin Hills, Kenneth Hahn is an urban gem with a network of hiking trails at varying difficulty levels. The trail closest to the Japanese garden is ADA compliant. To avoid parking fees, use the shuttle bus for 25 cents.

Suburban

Powder Canyon Trail – La Habra; dawn to dusk

The best family-friendly trail of the entire Puente Hills Preserve is a 1.1-mile portion of the Powder Canyon. Equipped with complete facilities. Leashed dogs allowed.

Mountain

Crystal Lake Recreation Area/Campground – Angeles National Forest, accessed from Azusa via California Highway 39

This overnight camping trip requires planning. Adventure pass and fishing permit are needed. Senior discounts are available. Pack all you need to feed and shelter your family for a weekend, but think simple, practical and economical. California Highway 39 is a long, winding road shared with cyclists going uphill. Kids might need something for motion sickness.

At 6,000-feet elevation, Crystal Lake campground has running water, clean bathrooms and 120 tent sites. Arrive late on Thursday or early on Friday ahead of Labor Day to secure one of the three ADA-compliant sites. Use only designated, bear-proof garbage containers. Leave no trace is the principle.

There are two ADA-accessible, interpretative trails with brochures: Golden Cup Trail (0.25 miles) and Pinyon Ridge Trail (a new 1-mile loop). The lake trail is 2 miles long and mostly on the road, then you hike down the last .25 miles on a wide trail. Swimming is not allowed. For a greater challenge, older children and strong adults can take an adventure day of their own. Windy Gap Trail is 2.5 miles long (one way) with an 1,380-elevation gain of moderate difficulty. It serves as a popular path to the Pacific Crest Trail and to Little Jimmy Trail Camp. Visit sierraclub.org for a list of 10 essentials to bring. Pick up a trail map at the ranger’s office.

If you can only stay in the Crystal Lake recreation area and walk the short trails around camp, do not be discouraged. Disconnect from your digital devices and play camp games, creating beautiful memories for your family along with the breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Canyon.

A family enjoys a day in the outdoors. Snow melt, rain and a spring feed water to this small lake.

Born in Venezuela, Lisbeth Coiman is a trekker of intersecting paths and an avid hiker with aching knees. She is the author of “I Asked the Blue Heron: A memoir” and “Uprising/Alzamiento,” a poetry collection that calls attention to the humanitarian crisis in her homeland. Visit lisbethcoiman.com.

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Camping With Kids: Embrace the Wild (and the Chaos!)

Nina Harada — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:41:16 +0000

Get kids involved in setting up camp. PHOTOS COURTESY RICK PERILLO

The first step in camping with kids is to bury the notion that you’ll get a good night’s sleep on the trip. Your kids will crawl over you, walk around the tent half asleep and pepper you with “What’s that?” a thousand times over.

And even if they manage to sleep soundly, you will wake up every 30 minutes to make sure they are still tucked into their sleeping bags (they won’t be). Every rustle outside will have you peeking through the mesh, ensuring a bear isn’t lurking outside your tent. While my family was camping in Joshua Tree National Park one night, the wind whipped so fiercely that the tent walls pressed down on our heads. I stayed awake for hours, convinced we’d blow away while my kids slept through it all.

But if you embrace the reality of these less-than-restful nights, you’ll unlock an unforgettable family adventure. Camping builds resilience — not just in your children, but within your entire family unit. You’ll learn to collaborate with fewer comforts and resources, putting electronic devices aside to spend truly present, undistracted time together. You might find yourselves captivated for an hour by a family of turkeys wandering the campground, finally be inspired to learn a few constellations and perhaps even embrace a little dirt.

Sometimes people ask me, “Should our first camping trip be in the backyard?” No. The temptation of the house is too great — not for the kids, but for you. Inside are your soft bed, Netflix and a carton of Häagen-Dazs in the freezer. Save backyard camping for after you have completed your first campground excursion.

Getting started camping with kids can feel daunting even for experienced campers, but the adventure is far more accessible than it may seem.

Where to go

Los Angeles is full of campsites within a one- to two-hour drive. Try these options for a good time:

Leo Carillo and Sycamore Canyon Campground. These are two separate campgrounds about 10 minutes apart, located right off Pacific Coast Highway. Both are excellent spots to introduce new campers. They are a close drive from most parts of Los Angeles, campsites are shaded under oaks and sycamores, you can walk to the beach and Leo Carillo even has a small general store. Both campgrounds can be reserved up to six months in advance, and for spring and summer months, you will need to book that far out. However, you can also check back for last-minute cancellations. Book sites through reservecalifornia.com.

Wheeler Gorge. Wheeler Gorge is eight miles north of Ojai, which is convenient if you need to pick up forgotten hot dog buns! The campground is shaded and has a creek running through it with some great swimming holes. Weekends fill up fast for the summer months, so reserve in advance at recreation.gov.

Black Rock Campground (Joshua Tree National Park). If you are willing to drive a little farther and already have a one-night camping trip under your belt, head out to Joshua Tree National Park. This campground sits within the park’s boundaries, but you will have to drive about eight miles before the park’s main entrance. This is a family-friendly campground with a ranger station. Stop into the ranger station to get your Junior Ranger Handbook and participate in the activities. At the end of your trip, stop back in to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger. Learn more at nps.gov.

Bicycling in Joshua Tree National Park.

What to bring

Here’s the essential gear you need for successful camping:

Shelter. Tents are usually classified by how many people they sleep (e.g. four-person tent). If your family does not want to be too cozy, size up. For example, get the six-person tent if you are a family of four). Coleman makes good starter tents that are sturdy and affordable. Make sure to practice setting it up at home before your trip. You don’t want to be fumbling with tent poles while the sun sets.

Air mattresses. You’ll rest more comfortably on an air mattress.If you use an electric pump, make sure you have extra batteries or that it is fully charged. I avoid this by using a hand pump and having my 5-year-old pump it up. Young kids are fine on roll-out foam sleeping pads, but you might want something nicer for older kids. When choosing sleeping bags, pay attention to their temperature ratings, which indicate the lowest temperature at which the bag should be used. For Southern California’s warm season, you won’t need anything extreme; a 30-degree-Fahrenheit-rated bag should provide ample warmth.

Food and cooking essentials. Two-burner portable camp stoves work great for keeping the family fed. You will want to bring a couple of small propane tanks for fuel. Use a storage bin to hold all cookware, pots and pans, cutting boards, lightweight plates, utensils, salt, pepper, cooking oil, paper towels, plastic cups, trash bags, etc. A cooler packed with ice for perishables is essential. For one- or two-night trips, there’s no need to replenish ice. But if you’re staying longer than that, you will have to head into town for a fresh supply.

Food is truly one of the great joys of camping! Simple classics like hot dogs are perfect for beginners, but as you get more comfortable, experiment with tacos, pasta dishes and even steaks. In the mornings, instant coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids will be much appreciated. Bring lots of snacks and lots of water. They go fast while camping.

Safety essentials. Always pack a well-stocked first-aid kit, including plenty of Band-Aids and wipes.

What to do

Setting up the tent, cooking and cleaning take up a lot of time when camping, so you don’t need to overpack your activities. Simply allowing kids to explore and connect with nature is often the most valuable activity. However, here are a few ideas to enhance the adventure:

Roasting marshmallows is a great way to introduce kids to campfire safety.

Biking. Bicycling around the campground is consistently a top favorite for kids. It offers a sense of independence, allows them to explore their temporary neighborhood and burns off that boundless energy. My kids often rate the quality of a campsite on how many good bicycling hills there are.

Scavenger hunt. Grab a folding guide on local trees, birds, reptiles, animal tracks and wildflowers of Southern California (Sibley makes excellent ones). Challenge your family to see how many items they can find and identify. If you’re feeling ambitious, do a little research beforehand and create your own customized scavenger hunt tailored to your specific campground’s ecosystem.

Build campfires. The campfire is the heart of any camping trip. Involve the kids in the entire process, from safely gathering kindling to carefully stacking logs. This is also the perfect opportunity for a conversation about campfire safety. Once the fire is going, see where the conversation takes you.

Create a family tradition. Create a tradition unique to your family that you will do on every trip. You can designate a s’mores master to oversee the marshmallow roasting. (Consider rotating the position each night.) Everyone can bring a poem or song lyric to share on each trip. I have my boys pick up five to 10 pieces of trash as the last thing we do before leaving the campsite. They find a lot of beer bottle caps and learn “leave no trace” principles at the same time.

Camping will take you and your family out of your comfort zone, unexpected moments will arise (changing diapers in a tent is much trickier than at home) and sleep may be at a premium. But your family will strengthen its bonds through shared challenges and connect on a level that the outdoors is best at facilitating. Less than two hours from home, Angelenos can camp in the mountains, the beach or the desert. Make it a goal to try all three.

Happy camping.

Rick Perillo is the seed-to-table manager at MUSE Global Schools in Calabasas.

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Family-Friendly 4th of July Events in L.A.

Nina Harada — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 23:17:17 +0000

Celebrate Independence Day with fun for the whole family at these kid-friendly 4th of July events happening across Los Angeles. From fireworks displays in Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Long Beach and Woodland Hills to music and movies in the park, we’ve rounded up our top picks for festive and fun ways to spend the holiday.

July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire

7:30 p.m. Wed., July 2 | Hollywood Bowl

Earth, Wind & Fire fold a message of peace and love into their funky, soulful jams. The party-starting Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have won Grammys—including the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award—and have become a music institution thanks to hits like “September” and “Shining Star,” and have influenced new generations of musicians. Together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Thomas Wilkins, and a sky full of fireworks, Earth, Wind & Fire make it a huge July Fourth at the Bowl. More info.

Independence Day on the Back Bay

July 3 – 6 | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

From thrilling on-the-water adventures and laid-back live music to local food trucks, outdoor movies, and a spectacular fireworks display co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach, the four-day holiday weekend offers a full lineup of family-friendly activities and classic Southern California summer fun.

Highlights include Tunes at the Dunes free live music on the Bay, food trucks and full bars, movies on the beach and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular presented in partnership with the City of Newport Beach at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. More info.

Big Bang on the Bay

5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Thurs., July 3 | Boathouse on the Bay

Long Beach’s annual Independence Day event features aircraft flyovers, paragliding displays and live music with a special DJ, concluding with a 20-minute fireworks display. Block Party ticket supports local nonprofits and charities. The event starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. More info.

Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade

9 a.m. Fri., July 4 | Old Town Newhall

Santa Clarita Valley’s Fourth of July Parade returns to Old Town Newhall with this year’s theme “Home is Where the Hart is…Welcome Hart Park!” Starting at 9 a.m. at the Newhall roundabout, the parade will make its way north on Main Street, west onto Lyons Avenue in front of the Newhall Library, and then north onto Orchard Village Road, ending at Dalbey Drive. More info.

Santa Monica 4th of July Parade

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Ocean Park Library

Join Santa Monica for 18th its annual Fourth of July Parade celebrating the vibrant artistic spirit of the community. Pick up your free goody bag from the Main Street Visitor Information Center to receive an art kit, coloring sheet and Santa Monica-themed treats, available to the first 200 kids. Parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at Pico and Main Street and ends in Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library. More info.

4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific

12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Aquarium of the Pacific

Celebrate the 4th of July at the Aquarium of the Pacific with their annual BBQ lunch. Ticket includes all-day admission so you can explore the aquarium after lunch. Reservations are available for 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. with each lasting an hour. Lunch incudes BBQ ribs, mini hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans and more. Cash bar is also available. More info.

Fourth of July on The Queen Mary

3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Fri., July 4 | The Queen Mary

The family-friendly experience features themed parties spanning every decade, games, kid-friendly activities, delicious food and live performances. The 1910s themed area on the Sports Deck has a Kids Zone. The evening culminates in a 15-minute fireworks show. More info.

City of La Habra 4th of July Celebration

4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri., July 4 | La Bonita Park

City of La Habra’s annual 4th of July celebration features food, retail vendors, “Kid-Chella”, WWII Texan Aircraft Flyover and firework display. Gates open at 4 p.m., live music starts at 6 p.m. featuring Super Diamond, the Neil Dimond Tribute band and fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. More info.

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party

4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Gloria Molina Grand Park

Celebrate Fourth of July L.A. style at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s annual block party. The free, community event features art activations, two stages of live music, a Family Fun Zone, giant ferris wheel and drone light show. More info.

Music in the Park: Bruno & the Hooligans

5 p.m. Fri., July 4 | McCambridge Park

The City of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department presents a reimagined Independence Day celebration, featuring free live music and a vibrant drone light show at 9 p.m., in place of traditional fireworks.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with live performances by The Ultimate Rock Band and Bruno and the Hooligans and concludes with a spectacular drone light show at 9 p.m., which will launch from the Starlight Bowl parking area. While the show will be visible from various parts of the city, the Starlight Bowl itself, will be completely closed to the public for safety reasons. More info.

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza

6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Warner Park

With one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza delights with a free concert and 20-minute spectacular fireworks display and accommodates up to 40,000 people in the park. Thousands more tune in to view and listen from neighboring residences and community areas. There are over 15 food trucks on hand along with arts and crafts vendors and local businesses promoting and selling their goods. More info.

Marina del Rey 4th of July Fireworks Show

9 p.m. Fri., July 4 | Burton Chace Park

Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show over the water in Marina del Rey! View the show from almost anywhere in Marina del Rey and surrounding areas like the Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. Enjoy live music synchronized to the show at Burton Chase Park or Fisherman’s Village. More info.

Street Food Cinema presents a fireworks-free Fourth of July celebration on July 5 at The Autry Museum of the American West.

Street Food Cinema: The Princess Bride

6 p.m. Sat., July 5 | Autry Museum of the American West

Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend with a special firework-free and four legged friendly movie night under the stars! This festive fireworks-free celebration creates a perfect environment for guests to bring their lovable four-legged friends. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. In lieu of fireworks, the night will end with a stunning celebratory Fourth of July visual displayed through projection mapping. Doors open at 6 p.m. and movie starts at 8:20 p.m. More info.

July Fireworks Sail

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sat., July 5 | West Harbor Promenade

Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) for a night of family fun and celebration on the water while you enjoy awe-inspiring fireworks displays in the San Pedro harbor. As always, you can sit back and relax or become part of the crew – your choice – and you can bring snacks and drinks to enjoy too. More info.

For more things to do with kids in L.A., check our online calendar.

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7 Life Lessons Kids Learn from Traveling the World

Cassandra Lane — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:12:41 +0000

Since before our son could toddle, he’s been traveling alongside my husband and me. We’ve bundled him, backpacked him, and “Bijorned” him on boats, planes and automobiles.

We’ve trekked together across many continents, and explored cities and deserts nearer home, instilling in all of us, a love of exploration and renewal.

Our family odyssey has taught us invaluable lessons — some profound, some hilarious, and some that smelled suspiciously like goat. Here are seven big takeaways from our travels that extend far beyond the school gates.

Curiosity creates lifelong learners

Margot Black’s son with “Lucky”, a Masai tribesman at a safari lodge in Tanzania. PHOTOS BY MARGOT BLACK

Young people sometimes show a premature weariness with life — it’s all algorithms and eye rolls. But the world outside WiFi is endlessly fascinating.

Our son’s curiosity exploded in the best way possible once he saw how kids lived around the world. We’ve watched pre-teens hunting for food with their parents in Africa, seen children clean their classrooms in Japan, and youngsters fish at dawn, in the Amazon.

In Fiji, we looked on in awe as children made music with found objects, showing a deep resourcefulness and creativity we rarely see at home. My son learned an invaluable lesson that day; when there’s no toy shop, you must make the toys.

All our minds have been opened many times — and honestly, if my son ever loses interest in TikTok, I’ll credit the children of the Andes.

Confidence comes from climbing, not clicking

True confidence stems from real achievements and a sense of being capable. While American society often promotes confidence, it sometimes leans into a “fake it till you make it” mentality. The idea of posing in front of someone else’s Maserati doesn’t build genuine self-esteem.

True, hands-on experiences create a deeper sense of accomplishment and identity, and travel is a short-cut to that. It’s important your kids, partner, and family see you trying new things, solving problems, and having fun — whether it’s figuring out where to buy sunscreen, replacing lost contact lenses, or picking the perfect picnic spot.

Taking a break while hiking the Dolomites in the Italian Alps.

Our family has learned this first hand during our travels. We’ve all faced moments of uncertainty and confusion — wondering where to catch a bus, deciphering signs to find waterfalls, or trying to figure out opening hours in another language. Tackling these challenges together has given us a “we’ve got this” attitude.

Empathy needs no translation

In this digital world, connecting both to nature and to people has never been more important. I’ve watched our son connect to a Masai tribe in Tanzania and to a woman carrying a small goat in Peru. I’ve looked on as a beautiful lady served our son soda in Japan and admired our son’s gratitude in receiving it.

I’ll never forget the time, high up in the Andes, a group of women grabbed him as he ran up the stairs to greet them at 12,000 feet altitude, and then nearly fainted in their arms as the lack of oxygen hit. They wrapped him in blankets and made him a cup of cocoa.

It was extraordinary to see him give himself over to this tribe of mothers without a word of English being spoken. It takes a village, sure — but sometimes it also takes an Andean auntie with a flask and a good sense of humor.

Think outside the goldfish bowl

Practical history lessons are a great learning experience.

Fixed perspectives can suffocate potential and understanding but shopping at a busy weekly market, doing laundry at a local laundromat, or trying a food that might be considered a pet (side order of guinea pig anyone?), creates not just curiosity but also empathy.

We’ve been to a cat park in Lima, Peru, and there was a shared sense of joy, peace and play with every human and creature in the area, and, in Madrid, a history-filled whole roast suckling pig dining, remains a family highlight.

In transit, we’ve had to visit a local eye doctor (Austria and Spain), a tailor for to fix a camera bag (Zimbabwe), and a local electronics shop to fix an iPad (Japan), which were all adventures of their own.

And it’s not just kids who can learn. Camping is not my first choice of a vacation but when my son wanted to go, I rented an RV and it turns out, that for a few days, I can enjoy life in a mobile home. And yes, I brought half my house for a three-day camping trip. And yes, I used all of it. Don’t judge.

When the plan becomes cereal in bed

RV camping.

Life doesn’t always play out as it should and neither will your vacation. Things screw up, everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes things are less than the photo presented. We learned as a family how to research, leap, pivot and that sometimes it’s okay to go back to your room to sleep and wait to get out to the next place.

On a walking trip through Japan, after a day that saw us hike at a high elevation for 7.5 miles, from Matsuzaki to Hiroshima, the three of us ended the day snuggled in our room, enjoying bowls of cereal in bed, instead of a group dinner.

While exploring the Dolomites, a magical hiking day turned into a mad dash down the mountain when torrential rain clouds arrived with lightening. It felt like an episode of The Amazing Race to return to the tram to hitch a ride down before it closed for the day. Travel is chaos with a sense of direction, and learning to pivot is part of the package.

Adventures lead to smarter choices

Many people often have an unrealistic understanding of what’s safe and what’s risky but travel can teach us valuable lessons about making sound decisions and clearly navigating through life.

In Africa, when our son asked if he could stand and put his head out of the roof of our Jeep, our guide responded: “There are few rules out here in the Bush, so do what you want. I’ll tell you this however, the nearest doctor is six hours away and he is a shaman. The nearest doctor the way you are used to it is a plane ride away, so choose your actions carefully.” He sat down.

A woman pours soda for Margot Black’s son in Japan.

On a Japanese commuter train, we watched everyone clean up before they departed, and now we’re just as committed to always leaving our public areas just as tidy when leaving.

You can tell your kid to watch their phone until you’re blue in the face, but it may take being in a group when an adult is pickpocketed, such as happened to us in Spain, for them to take notice.

Coming home with new eyes — and heated toilet seats

There’s a huge amount of joy in budgeting for a trip and anticipating the adventures that lay ahead – but mistakes happen.

Visiting a school in the Amazon.

I once had to return a bunch of scarves to a Japanese museum gift shop because I’d wrongly calculated the exchange rate. And that’s fine because we also found joy in unexpected places; for example, we learned that the Japanese use heated toilet seats, and so my husband purchased one as a souvenir!

Returning home after traveling makes us fully appreciate the comfort and security of our everyday lives. These moments of gratitude, mixed with the excitement of our adventures, inspire us to value what we have and think about how we can protect and share these experiences for future generations.

From the peaks of Patagonia to the canyons of California, our journey continues. But the real treasures? Curiosity, resilience, empathy and an unshakable belief that cereal in bed sometimes beats fine dining.

Pack light. Laugh often. The world is waiting — with snacks.

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

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Family Adventure, New Experiences

Cassandra Lane — Thu, 22 May 2025 01:26:38 +0000

My family and I have not stepped inside a zoo for many years, but when we had a collective slice of time last Saturday morning, we headed to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to take a safari excursion and get a peek at the park’s new features.

PHOTO COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

In L.A., we charged up our car and let our newly licensed 17-year-old son, Sol, take the wheel for the 2 1/2-hour drive. On the navigation screen, he punched in the address — 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido — but before he pulled off, I handed him a foldable, laminated Rand McNally map of Southern California so that he could visually grasp where he was going. We live so much on the inside of our screens that our sense of spatial awareness continues to slip away.

Sol opened up the flaps of the map. “Wow, how much did this thing cost?” he asked, incredulous.

“It’s not an ancient relic,” I said. “It was $9.99 and I got it from Staples.”

“Wow,” he said again, his eyes wildly scanning the spread-out map, not knowing where to land.

“Find Los Angeles first,” I said. “Then, go south to find San Diego and Escondido, but take a look at all the towns we’ll pass through first before we get there. It’s like a preview of the drive, and it helps you get your bearings, I think.”

This quick exploration of our route was a prelude to our day of learning through excursion.

Jurassic Park vibes

We had not visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park since Sol was in elementary school, but driving into the the park, with its jungle-like canopies of trees, elicited a refreshing familiarity. “It makes me want to watch “Jurassic Park” when we get back home,” my husband, Marcus, said.

PHOTO BY CASSANDRA LANE

“Well, Steven Spielberg was influenced by the Safari Park,” our guide, Delaney, told us. The entrance to the fictional Jurassic Park in the movie echoes the entrance to Safari Park, which was opened in 1972 and serves as the sister location to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. The Escondido-based park, which mostly houses animals from arid environments, spans more than 1,800 acres that dip and rise like the savannas in Africa and Southeast Asia. It is home to more than 3,100 animals representing over 340 species.

Safari Excursions

While visitors have always been able to enjoy watching the animals by boarding a tram, Safari Excursions is the newest structure at Safari Park. Arriving a little early for our “cart safari” tour, my family and I lounged in the open-air, immersive gathering spot designed with a nod to a Kenyan safari camp, with exposed wood beams, lush greenery, wooden stools, rich textiles and bright wall paintings and textiles.

We listened to the sounds of birds and insects float in and out of the cool, airy space, allowed the photographer to take a family photo of us and discussed which animals we each were excited to see. While we were just a party of three, the lounge area can easily fit large groups of people at one time.

The Safari Excursions lounge. PHOTO COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

The safari excursions are an additional cost after the paying for park entrance. Options include:

Cart Safari – guided 1-hour cart tour of park highlights for $82 per person

Wildlife Safari – guided 1-hour tour in the back of an open-air truck that rides inside a savanna wildlife habitat for $118 per person (ages 3 and up).

Deluxe Wildlife Safari – For 90 minutes, guests get to venture into habitats representing Africa and/or Asia for up-close views of wildlife for $143 per person (ages 6 and up).

Behind-the-Scenes Safari – This guided 90-minute tour takes you to areas not available to the public, with opportunities to get up close to wildlife for $118 per person (ages 3 and up).

Behind-the-Scenes: Elite Adventure Safari – Here, guests can explore the park on a 3.5-hour tour to learn about how staff cares for wildlife, then hop onto a safari truck and tour the savanna. Some walking required. Cost: $80 per person (ages 3 and up).

We opted for the cart safari, hopping on the cart with a chatty and extremely knowledgeable Delaney as she drove us first around the “Asia” savanna before looping around the outskirts of “Africa.” We marveled at the massiveness of the rhinos and elephants, envied the lions lounging across fields of grass, waved at Frank the gorilla as he rested his foot on a tree stump and watched us watching him.

Msituni eating twigs. PHOTO BY CASSANDRA LANE

I asked Delaney how animal activists in recent years have responded to the safari park. While some activists believe that all animals should only live in the wild, in their original habitats, others — after taking a more intimate safari tour — develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the park’s role in conserving endangered species and extending the life of vulnerable animals through extensive healthcare even while aiming to replicate the animals’ natural environments.

One such success story is Msituni,a four-year old giraffe born at the park who was unable to walk. After months of critical care that included giraffe-sized orthotic leg braces, she gained the strength to walk around 11 months old. We watched Msituni and her older and taller fellow giraffes munch on twigs while Delaney explained that their enviably long eyelashes help keep flies and gnats out of their eyes.

Another source of great pride is that park is home to the rarest breed of horse in the world: the Przewalski’s horse — a critically endangered species of wild horse that was categorized as extinct in the wild until 1996. In recent years, scientists have used tools such as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Biodiversity Bank to expand the strength of the species’ population.

Roar & Snore: Glamping with Wildlife

Speaking of eyes, if you love the parks so much you’d like to close your own eyes and spend the night our in the wild, consider checking out the new “Roar & Snore” glamping option. The premium tents feature a queen-sized bed and two portable cots to comfortably sleep four.

PHOTO COURTESY SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

The tents overlook the savanna habitat where rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife roam freely. The adults-only option allows guests to explore the park after dark, enjoy classic camp activities and hear stories about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work around the globe. Cost: $245/person

Unique Safaris

If you like wine or beer with your safari, you’ll want to check out these features:

Sips on the Savanna: Wine Wildlife Safari, Mimosa Wildlife Safari and Craft Beer Wildlife Safari. Enjoy sipping a delicious beverage among the wildlife of the African savanna. Begin with a meet and greet mingle and your first drink in a souvenir aluminum glass. Next, board a covered, open-air safari truck and venture into an expansive habitat for up-close views of giraffe, antelope and more. Then it’s off to a breathtaking viewpoint for more drinks and savory snacks while taking in the sights and sounds of African wildlife.

Note that Wine Wildlife Safari is offered in the winter, Mimosa Wildlife Safari is offered in the summer and Craft Beer Wildlife Saffari is offered in the fall.

Another unique option is the Behind the Scenes: Wild Cat Adventure. Guests can spend the morning visiting the wild cats of the Safari Park. See the park’s wild cats, peek into some of the wildlife care areas to learn what it takes to look after these diverse cats and hear stories about the park’s current conservation projects while traveling in a tour cart with a personal guide.

Cassandra Lane is Editor in Chief of L.A. Parent.

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Free Golf Memberships for Kids: Bank of America & Youth on Course

Cassandra Lane — Thu, 08 May 2025 23:14:13 +0000

Kids and teens can sign up for the free golf membership with Bank of America and Youth on Course through May 24. PHOTOS COURTESY BANK OF AMERICA

Kids and teens across the country can now play golf for just $5 or less per round, thanks to a new partnership between Bank of America and Youth on Course. Through the Golf with Us initiative, youth ages 6-18 are eligible for a free one-year Youth on Course membership.

What is the Golf with Us program?

The Golf with Us program, launched in partnership aims to break down financial barriers to golf by providing free annual memberships for young players. The membership offers access to thousands of courses in 97 markets nationwide and a host of learning opportunities. The deadline to enroll is May 24, and program membership includes a registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system, along with continued development and learning opportunities.

“Through Golf with Us, BofA is showing young people what is possible in golf, and in life, when they work hard to achieve their goals,” said Raul Anaya, president of Bank of America Los Angeles. “By offering opportunities for Los Angeles kids to play golf here in our backyard, we are empowering youth and young adults through the transformational power of sports.”

David Tyrie, president of Marketing, Digital & Specialized Consumer Client Solutions at Bank of America, said: “By working with Youth on Course to help make golf more accessible, we’re helping grow the sport while also making a positive impact in our communities.”

Golf clinics and learning opportunities

Through Golf with Us, Bank of America will also bring unique instructional opportunities to youth in select markets throughout the spring, summer and fall by hosting a series of free clinics featuring professional golfers, athletes and celebrities with a passion for golf.

“Golf has the power to shape young lives in incredible ways — not just through the sport itself, but through the friendships, confidence and opportunities it creates,” said Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck. “Through this partnership with Bank of America, we’re making it possible for more kids across the country to step onto the course and discover what’s possible. This partnership is about more than just golf; it’s about opening doors and changing futures.”

Strength in partnership

Youth on Course and BofA recently announced a multiyear, strategic partnership to expand golf access across the country for young players who are challenged to find an affordable place to play. As part of the agreement, Bank of America is helping fund widespread expansion of municipal course locations participating in the program. To date, more than 2,000 courses are Youth on Course partners nationwide.

The bank will promote Golf with Us through a series of commercials beginning during the Masters Tournament. Bank of America serves as Champion Partner of the Masters Tournament and has partnered with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since 2019, hosting annual golf clinics for youth in the Augusta, Ga. area. In 2025, Bank of America became the presenting partner of the More Than Golf Invitational for female amateur golfers in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation founded by golfing legend Annika Sorenstam. In addition, the bank has partnered since 2002 with the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships.

Beyond its growing golf partnership portfolio, Bank of America also partners with iconic brands in sports that share a vision for excellence and achievement to deepen client relationships, inspire and showcase teammates, create lasting economic impact in communities and drive growth, globally and locally, through the power of sport. To learn more, visit about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/sports.

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Escape to Oxnard This Summer to Explore These Activities, Best Eats and Places to Stay

Cindy Hadash — Thu, 01 May 2025 13:05:37 +0000

Summer is nearly here — have you planned your family’s getaway? Experience Oxnard, the perfect beach town where OX Marks the Spot for your budget-friendly escape with beautiful beaches and immaculate SoCal vibes.

Best Oxnard Beaches

Nestled a beat past Los Angeles up Highway 101 lies Oxnard, equal parts vibrant and laid back. The city offers seven miles of uncrowded beaches, waterfront dining, and tons of budget-friendly fun for everyone.

Silver Strand Beach is a local favorite for good reason. This mile-long stretch is tucked between the Port Hueneme Naval Base and the Channel Islands Harbor, making it a prime spot for surfing, sunbathing, kayaking or fishing!

Did you know Oxnard is home to Hollywood Beach? Well, it is! Legends like Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino were known to hang out in the area and add to this beach’s historic charm. Now open to the public, it’s perfect for days of sun and surf.

‘Rocks’nard – For the Music Lovers

Yep, you heard that right! Oxnard strikes the right chord with its music scene. While you’re hear, kick back and enjoy the sounds of summer.

Start with the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in historic downtown Oxnard. Bring a blanket, a picnic and catch live R&B, Latin jazz and classic rock under the stars. Then catch the summer Concerts by the Sea on Saturdays and The Collection at Riverpark on Thursday nights for live sets by the shore.

Throughout the year, Oxnard keeps the party going with the Jazz Festival, California Strawberry Festival and Salsa Festival.

Free and Affordable Oxnard Activities

Drums Tour: DW Drums’ world headquarters opens its doors to give visitors a peek into crafting their renowned drums. The tour even includes a quick tuning lesson. Call (805) 485-6999, ext. 450, to secure a spot before your visit.

Channel Island Kayak Wildlife Tour: Explore the Channel Islands Harbor by kayak, meet “Chippy” the life-sized pygmy mammoth and keep an eye out for sea lions, starfish and pirate treasure!

Channel Islands Maritime Museum: Collections of maritime paintings, ship models and artifacts, including one of the largest ship models made of bones, await museum visitors. Admission is free for kids under 18.

Classic Car Shows: Cruise into nostalgia with Downtown Oxnard’s Summer Car Show and Cruise Nights on second Fridays from May through July.

Best Eats in Oxnard

The Strandwich: The perfect spot to grab a bite by the beach, surrounded by “Nardcore” punk memorabilia.

Cafe Dolce Vita: If you need coffee before you can have thoughts, try this cafe in Downtown Oxnard. Get your coffee fix and a sandwich or a macaroon! Who says a SoCal beach vacation can’t have international vibes??

Fisherman’s Catch: Fisherman’s Catch is the best place to get coconut shrimp, calamari, lobster and more — all caught daily and at prices that make the food taste that much better.

The Annex Food Hall: The ultimate “something-for-everyone” dining destination, with 13 food vendors and shops nearby!

Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery: Coffee, smoothies and ice cream, oh my! At Honeycup, you can have it all, including ice cream handmade by a master chef!

Where to Stay

Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach weekend or a luxury escape with the whole crew, Oxnard has just the place to rest your sandy feet.

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach was named the No. 1 Best New Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This all-suite beachfront resort rivals spots like Terranea in Palos Verdes and the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. If you want luxury with kid-friendly amenities, more room to breathe and less of the price tag, Zachari Dunes delivers. It’s where oceanfront elegance meets relaxed family fun.

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor brings the waterfront vibes. It sits on the scenic boardwalk, between the beloved Toppers Pizza and Peninsula Park (home of the Concerts by the Sea series). With two easily accessible public docks just steps away, it’s a breeze to launch a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a fun, family-friendly day out on the water.

For the sporty family, Staybridge Suites features Dallas Cowboys Training Camp memorabilia in the lobby and gives fans of America’s Team something to brag about. River Ridge Golf Club is conveniently next door.

Prefer something with homier comfort? Homewood Suites is perfect for longer stays with apartment-style living, basketball courts, BBQ grills and freeway convenience.

Book Your Stay in Oxnard Today!

Angelenos looking to escape the heat and crowded beaches will find cool ocean breezes and laid-back vibes right up the coast. Why shell out more elsewhere when you can soak up the sun for less in Oxnard? Plan your stay at https://visitoxnard.com. Then pack your sunscreen, grab the kids and get ready to discover where OX Marks the Spoton a memorable family vacation.

The post Escape to Oxnard This Summer to Explore These Activities, Best Eats and Places to Stay appeared first on L.A. Parent.