Roberta Brown

Editor-in-Chief

Years spent at Nickelodeon prepared Roberta to launch Mommy Poppins' Los Angeles branch in 2011, eventually becoming Mommy Poppins Editor-in-Chief in 2013. Previously she served as LA Editor for GoCityKids, National Editor for ParentsConnect, and Editor for NickMom—all of which works out well for her son, who has grown up serving as Chief Guinea Pig for all things fun in LA and beyond.

Latest posts by Roberta

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 9:00am

Kids can do homework, hear stories, do arts & crafts, and more at free afterschool programs in LA.

Afterschool programs provide enriching and fun activities for kids in Los Angeles when life orients them back to school. It's even better when those afterschool programs are free and affordable. Options for kids' sports activities, arts programs, and other activity classes for kids in Los Angeles are essentially endless, but many can be tough to manage on a budget.

The good news is there are several inexpensive and free afterschool programs for kids in Los Angeles. You don't have to throw your paycheck at afterschool care with these classes to engage your little one's mind and body at a price you can afford.

In between the school year, there's also camp to think about so take a look at free and cheap summer camps in Los Angeles. For more enriching activities during the school year, browse our Classes Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Breaking Halloween News: Boney Island is Back and at NHM!

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 07/31/2023 - 6:31pm

Boney Island is back, baby, and with some special new twists courtesy of the Natural History Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum.

Boney Island is back this Halloween season! One of the Los Angeles area's most popular family-friendly haunts for decades, the former lawn haunt from Sherman Oaks has joined forces with the Natural History Museum to stage a spookily exciting comeback. After 5 long years, there are lots of kids who have never experienced this LA Halloween tradition, and we're so excited that this is the year a whole new generation can experience the not-too-spooky thrills.

For more Halloween news, reviews, and events, be sure to check back frequently for updates on our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Los Angeles Families. And while you're at the Natural History Museum, you'll want to spend the whole day, armed with this Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids.

100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 8:15am

Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti

Check out these iconic things to do in Los Angeles with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Angeleno really must experience!

Kids. We can't stop them from growing up so fast, but we can try not to miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in their hometown. Los Angeles is the best city in the country for raising kids, and that means there are so many things to do before little chickens spring the coop.

Being phenomenal LA parents, you've certainly already done several of these; but which of these 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings have you not yet done? There's always this weekend!

Best Mini-Golf in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 10:00am

It might be called mini-golf, but it's enormous fun. Photo courtesy of MB2 Entertainment

Mini-golf in Los Angeles is all fun and games on a cool summer morning before the height of the heat or on a weekend afternoon during any time of the year. This favorite activity is pure enjoyment for kids and parents alike, and even brings out that friendly family competitiveness. Mini-golf in Los Angeles can be a real crowd-pleaser for kids of all ages.

Like the big version of the sport, the miniature version can be a pleasant way to pass the time, and there's little chance of getting bored with all the other entertainment these places pack in. From putting purists to adrenaline junkies, mini-golf in Los Angeles will keep the whole family amused.

For more outdoor activities in Los Angeles beyond the beaches or parks, try these trampoline parks in Los Angeles, keep ascending at LA rock climbing gyms, and find even more amusement in our Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones for LA and OC Kids Guide.

Fun Car Games for Kids for Road Trips & Other Boring Backseat Moments

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:30am

Woah, did you see all those cows? Photo by Roberta Brown

These car games for kids are completely free and imaginative road trip games that keep kids happy and entertained while parents concentrate on the road!

If Mom and Dad's ideas for vacation involve hopping in the car and getting out of Dodge, games to play in the car make everything easier. Our fond childhood memories of family road trips with our own parents sometimes gloss over how boring the backseat can be. If you're looking for a solution that doesn't involve screens, try some of these car games for kids of all ages—from those strapped in a car seat to tweenagers.

For everything your family needs to plan the perfect road trip, from road trip essentials to things you can pack to keep kids entertained, head to this Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families. Want to get out of town, but you need some suggestions for where to go? Check out our Guide to Weekend Getaways and Day Trips near you.

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 10:15am

One of the coolest spots in town is by the beach, a beach playground, and a pool. Photo courtesy of the Annenberg Community Beach House, Facebook

Free and fabulous splash pads in Los Angeles can be found at many parks and playgrounds across the city— and some of them are open year-round. Entire playgrounds (plus a few swimming pools and wading pools) are dedicated to ways to keep it cool, with plenty of fountains, geysers, pumps, and water sprayers. Kids adore these spraygrounds and splash pads, and parents love that they're a great way to beat the heat without a drive to a favorite beach (not to mention, the car won't get all sandy!).

If a pool or a water park sounds like too much work (or too expensive), cool those kids down at one of these (mostly) free splash pads. And check out all our wet and wild favorites in our Guide to the Best Pools and Splash Pads in Los Angeles.

71 Free Things To Do in Los Angeles This Summer with Kids

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 7:00am

Train-obsessed kids will love this Griffith Park gem. Photo courtesy of Travel Town

Free things to do in Los Angeles are sprawling across Southern California, providing complimentary settings for summer fun. The water parks are open, camps are starting, and your wallet is draining faster than a contaminated kiddie pool— but never fear because there are so many free things to do in Los Angeles with kids in the summer. There are plenty of amusement parks and attractions that allow kids in for free. You can also take advantage of all the city's free museum days. Then, look at the list below and create your bucket list of free fun for kids in LA.

Want some ideas for free summer fun at home? Check out our Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids.

Best Mother’s Day Brunch near Los Angeles

Submitted by Roberta B on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 1:15am

Dining together is always more fun when you don't have to cook or clean up!

Mother's Day brunch might be the perfect way to kickoff celebrating Mom on Mother's Day. Newsflash: Mom does not want to make breakfast on Mother's Day. Another newsflash: Mom does not want to clean up breakfast on Mother's Day. It's best to just avoid the kitchen altogether, which means that the best way to feed mom (and the whole family) is to go out—but not just anywhere.

Mother's Day brunches in Los Angeles are full of coffee in carafes, ocean views, and maybe a harp plucked with a rose. We've rounded up the best mom-pleasing places with impressive outdoor patios, special menus for Mother's Day, and buffets that will keep the whole family happy.

Read on for some of our favorite restaurants that offer a pretty darn fabulous Mother's Day brunch any way you want. After brunch, treat Mom to a day of her favorite activities, whether a gorgeous botanical garden, a serene hike through nature, a kid-friendly museum, or sweeping sandy vistas for a walk along the best beaches in Los Angeles and Orange County.