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

Pageant of the Masters in Laguna: These Paintings Are Not What They Seem

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 07/13/2021 - 7:00am

A pageant sculptor helps volunteer cast members into their poses at a rehearsal

Every city has something uniquely its own, some quirky event or phenomenon that defies description yet defines by association. Houston has its rodeo; Boston has its tea party, and Laguna Beach has the Pageant of the Masters.

If you've never experienced this curious gem, the private treasure of the people of Laguna, opportunity awaits you every night all summer long. But get ready to clean your glasses, because you won't always be sure what you're looking at. The extraordinary event is unlike anything else I've seen; it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're raising a budding artist, if your family rocks art museums, or if you just love outdoor entertainment on a summer evening, you owe it to yourselves to check the Pageant of the Masters off this summer's bucket list.

Go Camping This Weekend: Last Minute Campgrounds near LA

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 06/25/2021 - 8:34am

Camping at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Hannah Schwalbe/NPS

Wouldn't it be great if you could go camping this weekend? Well, guess what—you can! Just because you didn't plan your camping trip months in advance doesn't mean your tent has to stay in the bag. Pitch that tent tomorrow at one of these SoCal campgrounds that accommodate last minute campers (even on holiday weekends!), and then break out the marshmallows. And if you think your kids need a little more incentive to embrace disconnecting for a weekend, check out these SoCal campgrounds with extra entertainment.

Hidden Gem Beaches: LA's Secret Seaside Spots that Only Locals Know

Submitted by Roberta B on Thu, 06/17/2021 - 10:01am

There's so much to do at Victoria Beach. Photo by Carl Glover/CC BY 2.0

SoCal has no shortage of beaches, including plenty of classic, family-friendly beaches right here in Los Angeles. The only problem is all those other people who seem to know about them, too. As locals, we deserve a few beaches that only we know about, where we can enjoy the Pacific Ocean in our backyard without running into all the tourists who are just as happy at Santa Monica Pier anyway. Read on to discover the beautiful hidden beaches that even some Angelenos have never visited.

Best Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 06/11/2021 - 10:40am

Photo courtesy of Head Above Water Swim School

With a pool, beach, or even lake around every corner in LA, it's extra important to get kids feeling safe and confident around the water at a young age. Group swim classes at a local YMCA or community pool can vary widely in quality, so many parents opt for private or semi-private lessons. The great news is, these lessons don't necessarily require a private pool or cost a mint. But they do get kids on the fast track to independent swimming. Check out these great options for getting kids safe in the water.

Movie Premieres and New Series To Stream in June: What To Watch on Netflix, Disney+, HBO, & More

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 05/31/2021 - 1:00pm

Peter Rabbit 2 - The Runaway. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

It's been exciting watching so many things reopening in recent weeks, including movie theaters in most areas. If you're ready to take the plunge and see a movie in a cinema, you can catch some of these premieres on the big screen. But with most children still waiting to get vaccinated, movie night at home may remain the safer choice for many in June. Movie studios continue to make that easy, by offering most of their big premieres streaming at home—plus there are some big series kicking off on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Disney.

Marvel is releasing its next much anticipated limited series this month on Disney+; we're crossing our fingers that Loki will be just as exciting as WandaVision was. Hamilton fans are excited to catch Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights on HBO Max, and Netflix makes sure we remember dear old Dad in time for Father's Day with its new release Fatherhood.

If you missed Raya and the Last Dragon in theaters, it debuts in June as an included film on Disney+. And if you've been waiting patiently for the Peter Rabbit sequel, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway finally premieres this month as well—though in a last minute change, it will only be available in theaters.

Looking for more family movie night ideas once homework is off everyone's plate? Check out our favorite summer movies to watch with kids.

Read on for our top streaming picks in June!

New! Find and Book Drop-in Play, Classes, Camps, and More in the Mommy Poppins Calendar

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 6:49pm

We are so excited to be getting out and doing things again that we've added a whole new way to find and book activities directly on Mommy Poppins! Our activities calendar has new categories for camps, classes, parties, and attractions, as well as the events, both virtual and in-person, that you are used to. In addition to the new types of activities in our calendar, some activities now have the option for you to book directly from our calendar, making signing up quick and easy.

Read on for a sample of some of the fun things you can book right now in NYC. Simply click through to the listings and select BOOK NOW to reserve your space for comedy shows, art classes, drop-in play, summer camp, party entertainers, or even a Father's Day scavenger hunt. Keep checking back, because as businesses reopen, we're adding more options every day.

Free (or Super Cheap) Archery Classes for LA & OC Kids Who Love Bows and Arrows

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 05/10/2021 - 6:07am

Archery classes sound like something for Robin Hood, but a fair number of kids who see Brave or The Hunger Games end up curious about archery. Which means a fair number of their parents end up scratching their heads and saying, "Where do we do that??" Gymnastics classes, swimming classes—those are easy. But where to bring a would-be archer to string a bow and shoot some arrows? Less obvious, perhaps, but not as hard as you might think. And the even better news? These archery classes are usually free! (Or very low cost.)

Check our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Los Angeles for more kids' activities and programs for kids of all ages, including the best Parent and Me classes for babies and toddlers.

The Best Easter Brunches in LA: Dine-in or Take Home These Amazing Holiday Meals

Submitted by Roberta B on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 9:25am

Dine in or take a traditional Easter brunch home! Photo courtesy of Seasons 52

Your Easter table might not have as many family or friends as usual this year, but that doesn't mean the meal can't be festive. Restaurants all over town are offering Easter brunch up any way you want it: There are dine-in options at restaurants with outdoor seating, special to-go family meals, takeout options, and delivery. All of them taking cooking off your plate, so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Decorate the table with Easter crafts and dyed eggs, hug a vaccinated grandparent for the first time in ages (or connect with loved ones via Zoom or FaceTime), and have a Happy—and delicious—Easter!