Meghan Rose

A mom of twins, Meghan and her family live in Los Angeles and love to explore the city, as well as the world at large together. As national editor, please send her ALL your correction requests and pitches on national parenting subjects and travel at meghan@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Meghan

20 Favorite Swimming Pool Games for Kids

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:36am

Keep kids laughing and splashing in the pool with these fun games you can play anywhere! Photo by Blue Orange Studio courtesy of Canva

It's time to dive into some fun pool games! Whether you’re hitting a local pool or lake, on vacation at a hotel with an amazing pool, or hosting a pool party in your own backyard, these fun water games keep kids active and entertained all day.

We’ve rounded up the best swimming pool games that you can play anywhere because they don’t require props and a few more that you’ll need a good ball, rubber ducky, or pool noodle to play. From Marco Polo to Atomic Whirlpool to Colors, these games will keep kids occupied so mom and dad can catch a breather.

Don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen for kids and babies, and for lazier days of just floating around, check out our favorite pool and water floats.

57 Alternative Activities to Screen Time

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Thu, 08/10/2023 - 12:57pm

Playdough, homemade or store-bought, provides hours of creative play. Photo by Jennifer Murray via Pexels

Can you accurately add up your kids’ daily screen time? With texting friends, social media, video games, and streaming services, it’s almost impossible to track. But all parents can agree that screen time can get out of hand! While it's tempting to let our kids stay glued to these devices, finding alternative activities for kids that are fun and engaging things to do is essential for their development.

Thinking outside the box is the best way to reduce daily screen time for your kids, without them complaining. Need some inspiration? We’ve rounded up our 57 tried-and-true activities for kids, games & crafts, and family fun that will keep kids entertained, happy, and screen-free!

For more ways to cure the boredom blues, check out our list of 100 Things To Do When Kids Are Bored - it’s in our aptly named Boredom Buster Guide that’s packed with games, activities, crafts, and more.

Malibu with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Malibu, CA

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 10:15am

Malibu is swell! Photo courtesy of Malibu Makos Surf Club

Malibu with kids is as breezy as the ocean air sweeping over the picturesque shores and breathtaking cliffs. From movie-famous beaches to wildlife encounters and museums to fantastic playgrounds, Malibu has loads of things to do for kids of all ages. Hit the beach, go surfing, visit the Getty Villa, eat at the end of the pier, go hiking—Malibu’s not just for movie stars, it's easy to enjoy Malibu with kids. Though, if you want to see movie stars, there are plenty of them around!

Here are the coolest places to visit in Malibu with kids for a day (or weekend). Once you’re in the neighborhood, check out our local mom’s guide to Santa Monica, and tips for visiting the Santa Monica Pier with kids, as they’re right down the PCH.

Amazon Prime Day 2023: Our Favorite Deals for Parents and Kids

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Thu, 07/06/2023 - 10:55am

Lego is on sale. Stock up for birthdays, holidays, and rainy days! Photo courtesy of LEGO

Amazon Prime Day is July 11 & 12 this year, and we've rounded up our favorite items at Amazon's biggest sale of the year that parents and kids adore.

Every year, the Amazon Prime Day sale has some of the best deals and lowest prices of the year. And as parents, we're most excited about the deals and steals on the baby gear, toys, and more that we happily pay full price for the rest of the year.

However, it's easy to get swept away by big discounts. So this year, I've done a ton of research and have been asking friends and coworkers to determine which of the sale items are really worth the money. These are huge brands, beloved products, toys, and home hacks that make parenting easier. And during Amazon Prime Days, you'll save a fortune on them.

While we can't know everything that will be on sale yet, here are the early announced deals we're tracking... come back Tuesday to see what we recommend that's newly on sale!

For more favorite products we have tested and love, check out our recommendations for the best backyard toys, coolest pool floats for kids, and very best beach gear for families.

Sunburst Railbikes in Ventura: Riding the Rails Makes for a Fabulous Family Day Trip from LA

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Mon, 07/03/2023 - 6:45am

Teens will think railbikes are all the rage!

Sunburst Railbikes in Ventura is a totally unique and exciting outdoor activity for the whole family. And I do mean the entire family—my teens were shocked by how much fun they had, and the electric nature of the bikes means even little ones can feel like they're in charge. Nestled in the picturesque coastal city of Ventura, just a short day trip from Los Angeles, Sunburst Railbikes offers a thrilling and memorable experience.

Read on for details on the only railbikes in SoCal, including practical tips and recommendations for an unforgettable family adventure.

I mentioned that my teens were, and I quote, "surprised by how exciting it was." Which, for teens, is like a rave. For more things to do in Los Angeles that teens will enjoy, check out our Guide to Teen Activities in LA. And when you've finished railbiking, get fish tacos, savor ice cream, and check out more things to do in Ventura in our guide by a local mom.

Best Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 11:00am

Look for whales and dolphins right from your table at Malibu Farm. Photo by Meghan Rose

Outdoor dining is aplenty in Los Angeles. If you want to eat al fresco, Southern California is the place to live. We can find restaurants with outdoor dining pretty much year-round— and they're all comfortably furnished, give kids space to play, and have fabulous food for adults & kids alike.

Whether you crave Mexican food, pizza, vegan meals, dim sum, or afternoon tea, we found it. If you want to eat on the beach, dine with peacocks, or on a fairy-light-strewn patio, it’s on the list below. Bon appètit!

Check out our Restaurant Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County Families for more kid-friendly eating experiences in Los Angeles, including restaurants where kids can play while parents eat and mouth-watering treats that dazzle kids of all ages.

50 Mother's Day Gifts Moms Actually Want

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 12:35pm

Moms want alone time, quiet, and the chance to relax. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Moms always deserve the world, but even more so after the last couple of years. So how about getting them Mother's Day gifts they really want? No scented candles, please. No scented bath soaps. (What is it with scented gifts, anyway?) And—say it with us—no robes.

So, what do moms really want for Mother's Day? We asked, and our readers answered—loud and clear. Yes, we all want a tasty Mother's Day brunch and homemade Mother's day cards. But as for Mother's Day gifts? Hold the flowers, please.

Here’s what moms really want for Mother’s Day 2023. May this list of 50 Mother's Day gift ideas provide some much-needed inspiration!

33 Things To Do on Mother's Day 2023 in Los Angeles

Submitted by Meghan Rose on Sun, 05/07/2023 - 2:15am

Let Mom relax, and enjoy the flowers! Photo courtesy of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023. If you are a mom, chances are you've had that date circled on your calendar—if you're not a mom, now is the time to pay attention. Mom deserves something special, and what is more special than a fantastic, memory-making experience? This list is packed with super fun outings that the whole family will enjoy, but they're especially focused on the woman of the hour.

Start with brunch, of course, whether made by your kids from one of these easy recipes or at a spectacular spot serving one of the best brunches in Los Angeles. Then, bellies full and happy, move on to one—or more—of these 30+ options that will delight and surprise the mothers in your life.

Happy Mother’s Day, from all of us at Mommy Poppins!