Matt Matasci

Latest posts by Matt Matasci

30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) Days

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 4:05am

Climbing encouraged at Wild Child. Photo courtesy of Wild Child Gym

Indoor playgrounds and play spaces in LA let kids climb, and their imaginations fly. If you ask my kids if they'd rather go to Disneyland or an indoor playground, they would have a hard time making the decision. Colorful rooms filled with slides, play structures, ball pits, and engaging activities are a special kind of magic for kids. They can run, bounce, and play pretend to their hearts' content without losing sight of mom and dad. They are a special type of magic for adults as well—places where the Wi-Fi works, coffee is (usually) available, kids remain contained, and someone else does the cleaning.

Rainy days, birthdays, hot days, cold days—no matter why you need an indoor playground in Los Angeles, these are the best of the best. Check out indoor party spaces, spots where kids can play while parents eat, and more indoor fun in our ultimate indoor fun and play spaces guide for Los Angeles kids.

17 Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 9:00am

We guarantee you'll have to share your pastries with the kids. Photo courtesy of La Monarca Bakery

A great coffee shop in Los Angeles is a wonderful respite where parents can get that much-needed daily caffeine fix. Unfortunately, it can be challenging for a parent with kids in tow to find a nice, relaxing place to grab a cup (or several cups) of coffee. Of course, this is Los Angeles; a place you can find just about anything. That means there's an abundance of coffee shops in Los Angeles that are great for kids.

The best coffee shops in Los Angeles go the extra mile to provide entertainment for kids, comfortable seating and outdoor spaces, and kid-friendly fare so they can join in on recharging (even if they're skipping the caffeine). Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly coffee shops across the Southland.

Snow N Glow: Snow Tubing, Fireworks, and Christmas Lights by the Beach

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 12:06pm

Exploring the Snow N Glow Light Trail. Photo courtesy of the author

One of the perks of living in Los Angeles is that you can go from the beach to the snow in one day. One very looooong day. And between holiday events and Christmas activities—it's hard to find the time. That's why I was excited to take my girls to Snow N Glow; this family holiday outing lets kids experience snow without spending the day strapped in the car. We got to go snow tubing, play in the snow, and have some s'mores without digging out our tire chains. There are two locations, one at the Ventura County Fairground and another at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, so you can pick the one closest to you.

Read on for the details, and check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for a complete rundown on where you can go snow tubing, skiing, or ice skating near Los Angeles.

Where To Find Free Turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving 2022 (And More Thanksgiving Giveaways)

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 11/03/2022 - 12:38pm

Looking for free turkeys in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner? We found local organizations that are here to help.

While some are fortunate enough to fill their table with an indulgent dinner spread, many families in the Los Angeles area are struggling to make ends meet. With the ever-increasing cost of living in Los Angeles, families living paycheck-to-paycheck may not be able to afford the costs of an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of organizations in Los Angeles that are easing the burden for families during the holidays by giving away FREE turkeys and Thanksgiving meals.

If you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, consider donating to one of these exceptional organizations to help others across the city. Find more tips for your Thanksgiving celebrations in our Thanksgiving Guide and fun throughout the holiday season in our Family Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Los Angeles.

Cemetery Lane at Heritage Square Is a Candy-Filled Historical Haunt for All Ages

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Mon, 10/24/2022 - 2:09pm

The Victorian-era buildings at Heritage Square are the perfect backdrop for a haunted trick-or-treat outing.

For most of the year, Heritage Square is a living, open-air architectural museum that hosts guided tours of the buildings—and while they are purportedly haunted, visiting is not a spooky experience. However, when mid-October rolls around, Heritage Square transforms into Cemetery Lane. It’s a land of monsters, ghosts, games, and, of course, candy. The ghouls have a lighthearted approach to spooking, focused on handing out candy and not terrifying small children. Open until Halloween night, Heritage Square’s Cemetery Lane is a perfectly unique way to celebrate both Halloween and Los Angeles.

I took my two little girls, and our whole family had a wonderful time. This taste of LA will become part of my family's Halloween tradition for years to come. Here's why...

And if you're looking for more Halloween outings that are great for kids of all ages, check out our reviews of Haunt O' Ween and Nights of the Jack. You can find those reviews, and loads more fun activities for the spooky season, in our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles 2022

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Sun, 10/23/2022 - 10:25am

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains for everyone in the family who likes to ride the rails, from an LA staple in Griffith Park to a book or movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So pull on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, chow down on Christmas cookies, and even chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that run from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

For more Holiday adventures, like Christmas lights in Los Angeles and Santa visits, be sure to visit our Los Angeles Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide.

Halloween Trains near Los Angeles: Trainspookulars and Pumpkin Express Trains

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Thu, 09/29/2022 - 10:41am

Hitch a ride to the El Dorado Frontier Pumpkin Market. Photo courtesy of theeldoradofrontier.com

Halloween trains are an excursion the whole family can agree on: While teens and tweens might love the terror of Halloween haunted hayrides and mazes, and younger kids need something a little kinder and gentler, a Halloween train is something that kids of all ages can hop aboard and enjoy. From the El Dorado Train to Orange County's Irvine Park Railroad, there are plenty of opportunities to ride the rails in spooky fashion this Halloween season. Read on for our scoop on the best Halloween trains in Los Angeles.

And if you're looking for more Halloween events in Los Angeles, including a monster list of free Halloween activities, check out our Los Angeles Halloween Events and Activities Guide.

Best Acting Classes for Kids in Los Angeles: Musical Theater, Drama, Improv

Submitted by Matt Matasci on Wed, 08/31/2022 - 9:06am

Little minds get curiouser and curiouser as they explore on stage. Photo courtesy Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts

As the home of Hollywood, it's no surprise that Los Angeles has a wide range of acting classes available for kids. Young thespians can get pretty specific and take theater acting classes, musical theater classes, improv classes, and more! Below are the best acting classes for kids in Los Angeles, from young kids who want their first taste of being in the spotlight to teens who see a future in show biz. It's time to get your little ham in front of an audience!

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs.