Melissa Bean Sterzick

Latest posts by Melissa Bean Sterzick

Visiting the Getty Villa with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 12:25pm

Explore the herb garden at the Getty Villa in Malibu.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole greater Los Angeles area. The Villa is a re-creation of a Roman country house—and the original home of the Getty Museum, which has since moved to its tram-accessible perch above the 405. It's filled with a spectacular collection of ancient art and statues, spilling into gorgeous gardens, and is located right by the ocean for incredible views that make you think you've been magically transported to the middle of the Mediterranean.

If all of this makes it sound like a grown-ups-only space, that's not the case at all. With room to run and smell the herbs, fruits, and veggies growing in the garden; a magical pool to linger by; 3D art to entertain; a Percy Jackson-inspired self-guided tour; and so much more, this is one of my kids' favorite museums in town. Armed with these tips and tricks for when to visit, what to see, and even what to eat, the Getty Villa will quickly become your family's favorite local destination, too.

For guides to other favorite museums for kids in the LA area, including Kidspace in Pasadena and Pretend City in Irvine, check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Mario Kart Is Coming to Universal Studios' Nintendo World in Early 2023

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Thu, 06/23/2022 - 9:32am

The new ride, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, opens next year with cutting-edge augmented reality.

You probably heard that Super Nintendo World is opening in 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood. But you might not know exactly what that means. Well, here's a sneak peek: If your kids love Mario Kart, get ready to blow their minds. When Universal Studios opens its Super Nintendo World in early 2023, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will be one of the first and hottest rides to open, featuring cutting-edge augmented reality that sets a new standard for interactive theme park rides.

Read on to get the scoop on how and when you can join Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach on an interactive ride in the park's new immersive land.

The LA County Fair Turns 100 — And Moves to May!

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Thu, 05/05/2022 - 12:23pm

Snuggle up with a baby goat! Photo courtesy of the LA County Fair, Facebook

Get ready for cotton candy, popcorn, baby pigs, bumper cars, music, and all the hoopla of the LA County Fair beginning on May 5. The Fair's brand new dates line up with its 100th anniversary, Mother's Day, and the gorgeous late spring weather in Los Angeles. It's open throughout May, including Memorial Day weekend, so you can have your funnel cake and eat it, too, all in the comfort of cooler weather.

For more May events and fun, be sure to check out our picks for the Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in May and our roundup of the coolest Free Events and Activities in May.

New Toddler Birthday Parties at Disneyland: Kids Can Have a Private Birthday Party in Toontown

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Mon, 01/17/2022 - 12:23pm

Mickey welcomes kids to Toontown for a birthday bash! Photo courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Big birthday parties have been on hold the last couple of years, and little ones have waited patiently (or not so patiently) for a big birthday bash, so it's worth the splurge to make this year's birthday a party like no other. However, we're still concerned with keeping things safe with smaller parties and mostly outdoor gatherings. How can you make a smaller, outdoor party feel super special for your preschooler's big day? It's Mickey Mouse to the rescue, with a new party that combines the magic of Disneyland and a private gathering for friends and family.

Disneyland's newest birthday experience is an exclusive party for kids and their crews in Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown. Round up the guest of honor and a few favorite friends and family members for a party filled with sweets, surprises, and a professional photographer to capture all the best moments. Read on for the scoop on this new birthday party at Disneyland that kids will never forget.

Every Immersive Art Experience for Kids in LA: Gogh To Van Gogh and See the Sistine

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Thu, 09/02/2021 - 11:58am

Mirrors put kids right in the middle of the art at Immersive Van Gogh. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

LA is having an immersive moment, and it's one of the few things we can thank the pandemic for: inspiring the proliferation of these amazing, touch-free, large-scale productions. They're popping up everywhere—in fact, there are two Van Gogh exhibits near LA—and these immersive art experiences will take you from the heart of Vatican City to the art on the street. Walking into one of these larger-than-life pop-up shows is like diving into an artist's palette (and mind!). Traditional museums around Southern California are a wonderful destination for you and your little art lovers, but don't miss a chance to visit at least one of these current or upcoming immersive shows, which are great for kids of all ages and a true treat for art-starved adults!

Read on for the scoop of when these art experiences are popping up, what each entails, and which ones are best to visit with kids.

25 Things To Do in Lake Tahoe with Kids

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Mon, 08/23/2021 - 10:22am

One of the best vacation adventures ever awaits in Lake Tahoe. Photo courtesy of Tree Top Adventure

Lake Tahoe is gorgeous all year, and whether your family likes water sports and hiking or skiing and snowboarding, there are so many cool things to do with kids in Lake Tahoe all year round that a trip there is always in order. It's one of my favorite road trips from Los Angeles with my girls, and we go as often as we can. We've learned that a family road trip is best carried out with a solid list of fun stops along the way, as well as when you get there, so I've included some of our favorite roadside activities that break up the drive. From the secret to finding Hidden Beach to the single best vacation activity my family has ever done, here are 25 great things to do with kids in Lake Tahoe.

For a lake getaway that's closer to home, check our guide to Things To Do in Lake Arrowhead with Kids, and for more California family adventures visit our Weekend Getaway Guide.

The DiscOasis at South Coast Botanic Garden Is One Groovy Outing

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 8:22am

Welcome to The DiscOasis at the Southcoast Botanic Garden.

Los Angeles is jam-packed with amazing things to do this August, but there is one event that is truly unique and outstanding—and a great end-of-summer family activity before school starts up. Last weekend I took my daughter and her friend to the coolest new pop-up event in LA: The DiscOasis. Think Bee Gees, gold lame & sequins, disco, roller skates, and tube socks. Little kids, big kids, and grown-ups alike will all have a blast at this pop-up roller skating rink in the middle of the South Coast Botanic Garden. But lace up those skates and speed right over, because this funky event disappears after Labor Day.

Best Farms near Los Angeles for Family Fun: Discover the Cream of the Crop

Submitted by Melissa Bean St... on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 9:01am

What's up, Doc? Bugs Bunny would be in heaven. Photo courtesy of Amy's Farm

Urban kids don’t have to miss out on rural life – they can try it out any day of the year at one of many family farms near Los Angeles. Farm visits are one of those things you can do multiple times a year while kids are still little for pumpkin patch visits, corn maze wanderings, strawberry picking, and animal visits. Here are 14 of our favorite farms near Los Angeles where kids can learn about how things grow, taste homegrown (and homemade) goodies, take part in seasonal festivals, meet animals, and play in the dirt. They range from giant farms with loads of animals, pick-your-own fields, bounce houses, and tractor rides, to smaller spots where city kids can learn about planting and get their hands in the dirt.

Check out our list of the best family farms near Los Angeles and Orange County to visit with your little ones.