Laguna Beach California is a mecca for sun, surf, and sand. It's casual while still offering luxurious hotels and fine dining, relaxed while still upscale. The only downside? Families can find themselves with time to kill during spring and summer Laguna Beach mornings, waiting for the fog to clear. Where to play while you wait? Our top five park picks for Laguna Beach: Bluebird Park: A … [Read more...]
Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
December 27, 2012 By
The La Brea Tar Pits has a Kidscore of 80. What's a Kidscore? If you have any natural history lovers in your family, you can’t miss a stop at the Page Museum (home of the La Brea tar pits) during a visit to the Los Angeles area. I’m going to go ahead and fill you in now, although you’ll hear it a hundred times at the museum: there are no dinosaurs in the La Brea tar pits! This is a common … [Read more...]
A stay at Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
December 24, 2012 By
The best Disney theming never seeks to replace what you know and love. It simply taps into it to touch you on an emotional or visceral level. Disneyland Resort's Grand Californian does this for me. A lover of wilderness lodges (the real ones), I know what they should look like, feel like, and smell like. While the Grand Californian is clearly the romanticized version, its magnificent six-story … [Read more...]
Manzanar National Historic Site
December 20, 2012 By
If you're driving along US Highway 395 through California, take an hour or so to stop at the Manzanar National Historic Site, the site of a World War II Japanese-American Internment Camp, outside of Bishop, CA. Built only in 2004, this National Park Service site is wonderfully well run and free for visitors. When you enter the site, you'll be struck by the stunning high desert views and … [Read more...]
A stay at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA with SPG Kids’ Pass
August 2, 2012 By
The desert oasis of the Westin Mission Hills is located adjacent to Palm Springs, CA in Rancho Mirage, CA. While it may seem slightly on the crazy side to visit this part of the California desert in summer, we had a wonderful stay here, even in July. Our plan of action: tackle Palm Springs family attractions in the morning, then spend every afternoon near the pools! The Westin Mission Hills is a … [Read more...]
Downhill mountain biking with Northstar Bike Academy
July 25, 2012 By
In the process of soaking up all the summer ski resort activities on offer at Northstar California this July, the whole family took part in the Northstar Bike Academy Bike 101 package. Bike 101 includes a full day lift ticket, half-day bike and protective equipment rental, and Bike 101 lesson, and is perfect for families new to the sport of downhill mountain biking. Families sign up for Bike … [Read more...]
Best Beach Towns: Monterey CA
July 15, 2012 By
There are so many things to do in Monterey, CA with kids, it's hard to know where to begin. Families can enjoy beaches, biking, nature walks, shopping, world-class educational attractions, nature, and fine (or fun) dining, all in a few square miles of stunning coastline. I can't guarantee you won't need a sweater at times (average summer temperatures are in the 60s), but the typical California … [Read more...]
Hearst Castle State Park
July 12, 2012 By
Families traveling on a California Highway 1 road trip will want to stop at Hearst Castle State Park, especially if their car-load comprises of school-aged kids, tween, and teens. Visible (and impressive!) even from the highway, Hearst Castle is a half-day stop right outside San Simeon, CA. From the visitor's center located near the coastline, guests can choose from several tour options before … [Read more...]
How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids
July 9, 2012 By
Families looking for things to do in San Francisco will want to devote at least one day to exploring and enjoying Golden Gate Park. In fair weather or foul (San Francisco gets a few of those, you know), Golden Gate Park offers indoor and outdoor fun for families in a unique San Francisco environment. How to spend a day in Golden Gate Park with kids? Read on for our itemized Golden Gate Park … [Read more...]
Exploratorium Museum of Science
July 5, 2012 By
A short MUNI bus ride from just about all points in the city, the Exploratorium is a wonderful activity for kids in San Francisco. Located conveniently at Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a hands-on science mecca for preschoolers through teens. We love how this cavernous building is set up to encourage kids (and their parents) to really let loose: explore its exhibits in any order, for any … [Read more...]
