Arianna Menon

Latest posts by Arianna Menon

16 Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 8:05am

Kids can build sandcastles while parents dine on the beach. Photo courtesy of Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica

Los Angeles restaurants where kids can play while parents eat do exist. You might think dining out with kids is nearly impossible, but a few spots in Los Angeles make the whole experience a piece of cake. We’re not talking about pizza parlors or bagel shops (though we love those, too), but mouth-watering restaurants and hip cafes where parents can get delectable food while kids can go a bit wild. Whether enjoying a play area, a babbling brook, or old-school games, it’s a win for everyone (especially for the parents) at these very family-friendly eateries.

Looking for more kid-friendly dining experiences in Los Angeles? These are the best coffee shops to bring kids to and gorgeous restaurants with outdoor dining not to miss. There's even more in our restaurant guide for Los Angeles and Orange County families.

Snow Play Near Los Angeles: 16 Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 10:11am

Everyone loves a snow day! Photo courtesy of Big Bear Mountain Resort

There's no snow in Los Angeles, and nobody walks in LA. Two truisms that actually aren't true! Most of us live in LA because we love the mild weather. It's fun to Facetime relatives freezing in Michigan from the pool in March. But, every once and awhile, when the rest of the world is covered in white, we wish for a day in the snow. If you or your little snow angels are longing for a day of sledding, snow tubing, and more, all it takes is a drive to higher elevations. The whole family can experience the thrill of winter sports, explore alpine landscapes, and take in the magic of winter for the day.

So, where can you find snow near Los Angeles? Even though it very rarely even gets frosty in the city, there are plenty of places where families can ski, sled, or go snow tubing, and still be home for bedtime. (And a few more that are farther afield!) Visit our Winter Activities Guide for Los Angeles Families for the scoop on everywhere you can play in LA this winter.

Best Hotels in Los Angeles for a Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly Spots That Cater to Tiny Travelers

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Sun, 01/16/2022 - 9:10am

Kids that are tuckered out from exploring are right at home at The Garland. Photo courtesy of The Garland

Finding bliss and relaxation on vacation is so much easier when the kiddos are happy. Whether you're looking for a hotel in Los Angeles because you're vacationing, housing out-of-town guests, or indulging in a staycation—here are our picks for the best hotels in Los Angeles that cater to the smallest guests. These kid-friendly resorts offer a little slice of paradise, family-friendly amenities, and unique experiences that might make you want to ditch any thoughts of other destinations and spend every weekend in SoCal. The best part is watching the kids have a blast, too.

If you're looking for other cool sleeping options near Los Angeles, we've got the Coolest California Vacation Rentals for Families, the Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, and more in our Los Angeles Weekend Getaway Guide.

Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Thu, 03/11/2021 - 8:10am

Take a stunning hike up to Cap Rock. Photo by Ken Lund/Flickr

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park is an otherworldly experience: groves of twisted trees and giant boulders create enchanting settings so unique, you might think you have stepped into a fairy tale—or landed on an alien planet. Approximately a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and a stone's throw from Palm Springs, this park is great for a family camping adventure or just a day hike because it captures everyone’s imagination. Stroller-friendly trails make it a great option for little trekkers, as do several walks easy enough for young kids (or tired grown-ups) to maneuver. But teens and tweens who never tire won't run out of rocks and boulders to climb over.

Read on to get the latest information on what's open, what to see, and how to explore this spectacular local national park. Spending the night? Check out our 10 Favorite Joshua Tree Airbnbs, Hotels, and Campgrounds for Families.

Temecula's Kid-friendly Wineries May Be the Perfect SoCal Family Getaway

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Thu, 03/05/2020 - 8:59pm

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride in Temecula. Photo courtesy of Visit Temecula Valley

Going wine tasting with kids in tow seems counterintuitive. How can you fully savor each red, white, and rosé, if you’re pulled in a thousand directions by your toddler? How can you go to a winery if children are not even allowed inside? It turns out that there are some kid-friendly wineries out there (hurray!), where being a wine enthusiast and a parent is totally feasible and enjoyable, too. Some of them are conveniently located just two hours away from LA in sunny Temecula Valley, Southern California’s Wine Country.

Looking for more fabulous SoCal wineries? Check out our list of The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries Near Los Angeles.

Driving Big Sur with Kids: 10 Spots Not To Miss Along the Way

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 11:34pm

California's rugged, woodsy, 90-mile-long Big Sur coastline is an enchanting and iconic wonderland of beautiful beaches, unspoiled state parks, and redwood forests we've recommended for families before. No doubt, Big Sur is an ideal destination for nature lovers—and perhaps in your pre-parenting days, just lovers. But while traveling this road with kids might be a little less romantic, it can be just as memorable. From hiking to exploring, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this Central California paradise.

The Children's Museum in Pasadena You Don't Know Yet

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Tue, 04/09/2019 - 3:13pm

Photo courtesy of Southern California Children's Museum

A few weeks ago, I randomly stumbled upon a children’s space that I didn’t even know existed. I was genuinely stunned and wondered how I could have missed the Southern California Children’s Museum before. Determined not to let another day go by, I made plans to visit the museum immediately with my two-year-old (I was actually way more excited to check out this place than he was!).

Santa Ynez Valley: a California Paradise of Kid-friendly Wineries

Submitted by Arianna Menon on Sun, 04/07/2019 - 5:21pm

Saarloos & Sons Vineyard Day, photo by Laura Pedrino

Located near Santa Barbara and just two hours away from LA, Santa Ynez Valley feels a world away — it features a cluster of picturesque towns with distinctive charm and hills that stretch for days. Its unusual mountain range orientation (from east to west, rather than north to south) creates microclimates that allow the growth of more than 50 varieties of grapes, making this region (like kid-friendly Temecula) every wine aficionado’s Valhalla.