I’ve lived my entire life in Los Angeles and until June of 2015, had never set foot in the Los Angeles River. And if I’m being completely honest about it, I never really had any desire to. But when I found out that people could take guided kayaking trips on the River, I wanted to know more. It took me two years of reading about these tours online to muster up the courage to … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Holiday Tradition: LA Zoo Lights
Longtime L.A. residents may remember the DWP Holiday Light Festival, a free event held each year in Griffith Park. It had become somewhat of a holiday tradition for our family before it closed down in 2009, never to return. The Los Angeles Zoo is hoping to create a new holiday tradition for families with its LA Zoo Lights display. The self-guided walking tour takes visitors … [Read more...]
A Playful Parenting Guide to Winter Break
Just a few more days and the kids are on winter break. For three weeks. That's right - three weeks! For many parents in these parts, that's a terrifying idea. But around here, I'm getting pretty excited. No, I'm not crazy. I'm just not worried about how I'm going to occupy my kids 24-7. Because you know what? I don't have to! And you don't, either. In fact, you can even … [Read more...]
Descanso Gardens at Halloween: Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns
If you're looking for a non-scary, family friendly Halloween event in Los Angeles that isn't just your basic pumpkin patch, go see Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns. "The Rise," as it is affectionately known, is a nighttime display of 5,000 professionally carved pumpkins lit up and artfully arranged along a 1/4-mile walking path. The event takes place annually in New York and is … [Read more...]
2014 Summer Nature Photo Hunt
Over the past few months, both of The Explorers have become avid picture takers – especially when we’re out on our nature adventures. I’m happy to see them incorporating their interest in technology in such a positive way. Taking pictures allows us to slow down, be patient and focus in on things we might otherwise miss. It isn’t just fun, it’s also a great way to learn more … [Read more...]