Today in this post we unveil some of the best activities to do with the youngest members of your family.  Enjoy all these exhibits, and activities filled with unforgettable adventures, this year your calendar will be full of magic, entertainment and fun.

1 – Best Kid Friendly Museums and Exhibits

Description:

When it comes to family fun mark seasonal exhibits at all of our majestic museums! If you’re looking for a fun and educational outing for your kids, look no further than LA’s vibrant museums and their seasonal exhibits like the Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum.  Also take advantage of free admission days provided by our generous city to all of its residents and their families.

For free visit schedules click here: https://socalmuseums.org/free-days/

For the youngest museum enthusiasts Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica is a true wonder.  This fantastic museum that opened its doors only a few years ago, has captivated the heart of many families in LA.  It boasts over 20 hands-on exhibits spread across five beautiful themed wings.  Find climbing structures, an art studio, a market place, a playhouse and more fun exhibits. 

Upside Down House at the World of Illusions in Hollywood.  This is a great exhibit for your tweens and teens who like a great photo op.  Beyond the photo opportunity, this immersive exhibit features seven upside-down rooms!  Imagine walking on the ceiling, peering down at furniture hanging from above, and preparing breakfast in a topsy-turvy kitchen.  The possibilities for wacky photos and hilarious memories are endless.

Aquarium of the Pacific Kids Wonderland.  This venue is a favorite among little oceanographers.  Visit ocean depths at the Honda Blue Cavern Exhibit.  This massive tank replicates a kelp forest teeming with sharks, eels, batfish, and more. 

Kids will be mesmerized by the graceful movements of these underwater residents, and the viewing tunnel allows them to feel like they’re part of the action.  During your visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, your kids can enjoy touch tank experiences, birds forest, sea otters and penguins exhibits.

Location: various

Pic Credit: @aquariumofthepacific

2 – Best Adventure Parks and Kid Friendly Beaches

Description:

Let’s start with Playa Del Rey Lagoon and Children’s Playground.  This hidden gem is tucked away in beautiful Marina del Rey and it offers a large size park, lagoon and a splendid playground for young kids.  Pack a picnic too and enjoy a beautiful day with your kids and friends.

Calling all Ninja Warriors! If your kids and teens love a ninja warrior obstacle course, we highly recommend you throw some water in the mix with a trip to Adventure Lagoon in Anaheim.  This fun packed venue offers thrilling floating obstacle courses and gigantic slides. That’s right, you get to navigate your way across a series of inflatable slides, ramps, and climbing walls that will lead you right into the cool water lagoon.  There is also a Little Splasher’s Paradise for the youngest ninjas, and plenty of relaxing beach chairs for spectators.  

Many families in LA enjoy visiting Long Beach Mother’s Beach, which has a great shallow swimming area for little children.  Also, Long Beach features Wibit, this seasonal water inflatable playground is a sensation during the summer months.  It’s located south of Ocean Boulevard and east of Shoreline Drive, your kids will love the multiple floating play structures such as springboards, bouncers, and monkey bars.

More ideas for fun friendly beaches and adventure parks?  Visit Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach, Santa Monica Pier and Beach, and the Griffith Park and Observatory. Also check out our past post on best splash pads in Los Angeles and pick your new favorite park and splash pad.

Location: various

PIC Credit: @lonbeachlocalnews

3 – Spend the Day at a Theme Park

Description:

Choose one of the amazing theme parks available in Southern Cali and spend a fun filled day with the kids.  Theme parks are the perfect venues to spend the day with the kids because they have all the entertainment needed to please crowds of all ages.  

Let’s start with Disneyland, there is a reason why it is called the happiest place on earth.  Disneyland really knows how to deliver pure fun, your kids can meet their favorite characters, and princesses plus ride their favorite thrilling roller coasters.  Theme food and souvenirs make the day even more exciting.  Don’t forget to download the Disney app, and stay for Fireworks magic at the end of the evening.  To add more adventure to the day, swing to California Adventure and take the kids to see their favorite stories come to live! Let them enjoy the Avengers campus, Pixar Pier, and Cars Land.  A true Disney magic experience.

Want to see Hollywood for the day? Stop at Universal Studios Hollywood for a day of fun.  You should arrive bright and early and head towards Nintendo World, secure a reservation at Toadstool cafe and then head straight to Mario Kart Bowser Challenge ride.  Then continue on your quest to explore every corner of the land and don’t forget the cafe reservation.  After that, take your family to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Your kids will spend hours at their favorite Harry Potter theme shops, rides, and immersive experiences.  Universal Studios features a lower lot where the bravest guests can find the most thrilling experiences including Revenge of the Mummy, and Jurassic World.  Plenty of other fun rides here for the whole family to spend a day of fun including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, Transformers 3D, and the Simpsons ride.  

More fun theme parks to take the family for the day?  Visit Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm, Soak City, Wolf Lodge,  and Six Flags Magic Mountain.  Looking for more budget friendly parks with plenty of fun activities? Consider Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park

Location: various

PIC Credit: @sanBernardinosun

4 – Greatest Libraries for LA Kids

Description:

Our first pic is the recently renovated Beverly Hills Children’s Library on Rexford Dr.  It is considered by Angelenos as one of the best libraries for kids. This children’s library is bright, inviting and it is completely separated from the main library.  It features a generous play area with toys, blocks, and even a toy kitchen.   And of course there is an oasis of books for kids of all ages, and a great stage for story time.

Next in our list is Cerritos Library.  This beloved community treasure features a beautiful and giant books frame right at the entrance.  Whimsical exhibits highlight a “Save the Planet” theme, and a domed ceiling showcases a changing constellation display.  Even the floor features a compass rose design to help little ones navigate their surroundings.  It’s one of our favorites, and we are sure your kids will love it too.

Huntington Library is known for its vast art, rare book collections, and historical artifacts.  This beautiful venue also welcomes young explorers to participate in classes and workshops.  It also features a beautiful children’s garden where kids of all ages can experience interactive sculptures, and observe animals and plants.  The garden also features fun exhibits perfect for kids including a tunnel illuminated by prism-diffracted sunlight.  But there is more, the library offers a Just for Kids Tour, this fantastic experience takes visitors  through the most magnificent galleries in a very playful way where they become detectives, and will participate in finding precious pieces of art and artifacts while learning and exploring the galleries.  

Last in our list is The Children’s Literature Department at the Los Angeles Central Library.  Equipped with over 250,000 books in English, Spanish, and 22 other languages, this department caters to the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles. It’s a place where every child can find stories that resonate with their own heritage or pique their curiosity about new cultures.  The Children’s Literature Department comes alive with a year-round calendar of engaging programs including captivating puppet shows, interactive author readings, creative craft activities and special story-times.  Find this awesome space on the second floor of the beautiful and historical Goodhue building.

Location: various

PIC Credit: @huntingtonlibrary

5 – Best Kids Shows and Presentations This Year

Description:

Here in Los Angeles we are of course the center of the entertainment industry! So let’s take the kids to the best shows coming up this year that are specially curated for the younger years.  Disney has several wonderful presentations this year for the young audience.  Let’s start with The Little Mermaid at La Mirada theater! This fabulous presentation is back by popular demand, and it will captivate everyone’s heart with its magical kingdom beneath the sea, and the beautiful young mermaid Ariel.  This show is for audiences 3 years and up.  Starting on May 31st through June 23rd, tickets are on sale on their website.

Probably one of our favorite events to take the kids to is Disney on Ice.  Check out the extensive calendar and amazing list of upcoming shows with several fantastic locations around town.  Disney on Ice experiences include Mickey’s Search Party, Frozen and Encanto, Magic in the Stars and more.  Take your little ones to see their favorite princess performing beautiful ice skating shows, and singing their favorite songs.  Check out disneyonice.com for tickets, and schedules this year.

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello is bringing the Sesame Street fun to California. Get ready for a fuzzy hug of nostalgia and delight because Sesame Street Live is rolling into town with their brand new interactive show, “Say Hello.” This exciting production brings your favorite Sesame Street friends to life on stage for a sing-along, laugh-out-loud experience.  This beautiful event featuring characters including Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby will be in Southern California this June with presentations in Long Beach, Riverside, Thousand Oaks and San Diego.  Visit sesamestreetlife.com for tickets.

And there are many more fun and interactive shows to take the whole family to in Los Angeles.  Monster Jam lovers can attend the show coming to Sofi Stadium on May 18th.  Cirquedusoleil is also inviting guests to attend their kid friendly show Kooza in Laguna Hills, Peter Pan will be at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood on July 9th, and the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus will be at Crypto Arena on August, and also at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

And there you have it dear Angelenos.  Plenty of activities to do with kids this year in our glorious city of LA.  Enjoy everyone!

Location: various

PIC Credit: @allevents

Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!

The post 5 Things to Do in the LA Area with Kids appeared first on LifeHacksLA.

But navigating those warp pipes, collecting virtual coins, and facing off against Bowser Jr. can be a little tricky.

That is why in this post, we bring you the best tips and tricks to level up your Super Nintendo World experience.  We recently made a visit and not only had a blast but hacked our way through the experience so we could share with you for your next visit. Enjoy everyone!

1 – Early Entry Pass

Description:

Make sure you have a plant to beat the Koopa Troopas aka the crowds!  If you want to access Nintendo Land without spending your whole day standing in endless lines, be sure to get an early entry pass. 

Explore Peach’s Castle, ride Bowser’s Challenge coaster, and collect Power Stars with minimal wait times by accessing the park one hour before it officially opens to everyone else. It’s like having the Mushroom Kingdom practically to yourself.

With shorter lines you can get on your favorite rides multiple times, and collect more coins with the mini games, all before the big crowd rushes in and the lines get crazy. 

Early access tickets to the park also gives you a better chance to get reservations to the Toadstool Cafe (more on that below), and to enjoy shorter lines when meeting the characters.  I hope you are an early bird like me, because this hack is the best one for enjoying as much as possible. 

We were able to access more attractions during the first hour then we were for the rest of the time we were there.

Location: Universal Studios hollywood

Pic Credit: @nintendo

2 – Power Up Bands

Description:

Nintendo World is an interactive experience, so ditch the spectator role and become an active participant! Collect digital coins throughout the land, tap your band on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge to track your score, and complete Key Challenges to earn virtual keys. 

It’s like stepping straight into your favorite Mario game.  Did I forget to mention the bands are super cool looking? Your young gamer will love to choose a Power Band with their favorite character Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, or Yoshi.

Also the character band you choose is actually your team! When you get into Bowser’s castle your team character is the one in your Power Band.  You will want to keep your band because you can bring it with you the next time your at the park and will not have to buy another one. 

Location: Universal Studios hollywood

PIC Credit: @KTLA

3 – Reservations at Toadstool Cafe

Description:

Entrance to Toadstool Cafe can be tricky, so we highly recommend an early entrance pass to the park for your best chance at eating here. In our experience, arriving at Super Nintendo World before the park opens is the best way to snag a high demand spot at Toadstool cafe. 

The trick is to scan the QR code posted at the entrance of the cafe as soon as you step into the land, that’s right before you even rush to ride Nintendo Kart.  This is because of limited capacity to the Cafe and all the other Koopa troopas who, like you, are hoping for a spot.

There’s no way to completely guarantee access or a reservation to Toadstool Cafe, and the time slots available are only for the same day.  So trust us when we say, get there early.  But for everyone else who absolutely can’t be at the park at 8:00 am, try making a reservation through the app while you are in the park.

Other options include purchasing VIP or express passes.  Is it worth all this trouble?  Well it kind of does match the theme of Nintendo Land, after all you have to conquer something to move on to the next level. 

Once you make your way into the cafe, enjoy the vibrant recreation of the iconic Mushroom Kingdom.  You’ll be delighted with all the details, colorful murals, and interactive pipes and clouds. 

Expect Mario theme dishes, with playful presentations.  You and your kids will love this one of a kind experience.

Location: Universal Studios hollywood

PIC Credit: @wdwnewstoday

4 – Pro Gamer Pointers

Description:

Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood is the ultimate playground for kids and grown ups who are  Mario fans.  The amazing recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom will make for awesome family pictures, and the land comes with a Mario Kart ride, a Bowser challenge experience, a beautiful castle with all the princess Peach decor, gift shop, and of course the ultimate dining experience at Toadstool Cafe.

Strategy is key to optimize your time and explore the entire land, so here are our pro gamer pointers that will help you dominate the game and unlock the land’s hidden secrets.  

Early Bird Gets the Warp Pipe.   This is our first pointer, aim to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays. This gives you a precious head start on exploring the land before the crowds descend.  Also scan the QR code for Toadstool cafe posted at the entrance, do this right when you arrive if you wish to dine at the cafe.  If you skip this step you may miss the chance to visit the cafe.

Get a map.  Also trust me on this, there are a number of interactive activities in this fantastic land and you don’t want to miss any of them.  Get familiar with the locations of the mini games, so you and your little gamers can conquer the challenges and collect the coins.  You and your team will need to do this to enter Bowser’s castle.

Experience Mario Kart.  Mario Kart is the only actual ride in Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood, so of course it is as popular as you can imagine.  Get there as soon as possible.  Otherwise you’ll be waiting in endless lines.

Meet Mario and Friends.  Our last pointer, keep an eye for characters meet and greet, follow your map and find the meet up points.  Also remember by getting there early you can be first in line to meet princess Peach, Mario, Luigi, or Toad.  You can also follow showtimes using the Universal Studios App.

Location: Universal Studios hollywood

PIC Credit: @Theunuofficalguides

5 – Virtual Line Experience

Description:

All visitors have the option to use Virtual Line, so if you  and your team are not early birds, you can use this virtual line option instead, to reduce wait times.  It will save you wait time for sure while you explore the rest of the park.

Virtual line experience is for land entrance only and it doesn’t hold you a spot at Mario Kart, or Bowser’s challenge.  It doesn’t guarantee a reservation to Toadstool cafe either.

To use virtual line experience you need to download the Universal Studios app first.  Once you are inside the park, open the app and check virtual line reservations for that day.  If you have Universal Express privileges, then you will enjoy reservation free entry to Super Nintendo World.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and use all these great pointers.  It will surely help you to maximize your Nintendo World experience.  Have fun visiting the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom!

Location: Universal Studios hollywood

PIC Credit: @Undercovertourist

Want LA’s Best Hacks Delivered to Your Inbox Free Every Week? SUBSCRIBE HERE!

The post Our Favorite Hacks to Super Mario World appeared first on LifeHacksLA.

There are plenty of beautiful, striking and glamorous hotels in LA welcoming locals to enjoy their pools and poolside service all day long. Yup you don’t need to be a tourist and pay expensive over night rates to enjoy some of the amenities if you are purchasing a day pass.

Besides cooling off in the water you will find lounge chairs, daybeds and cabanas to relax.  Most also have poolside service for you to order delicious food and cocktails and make the day a true vacation.

You deserve to spoil yourself so check out our list and choose the pool that best fits your style.

1 – La Casita at Hotel Figueroa

Description:

La Casita is a Spanish – Mediterranean two story villa and cocktail lounge located in Hotel Figueroa, it has an amazing menu of Mexican food and drinks to be enjoyed poolside.  Come to enjoy some Ceviche classico and shrimp tacos, along with an ample list of cocktails made with premium ingredients.

Pool vibes and live music, this is what the Socal lifestyle is all about!  Get a daycation pass and enjoy the pool for the day until 6:00 p.m. 

You can reserve morning or afternoon, a lounge chair or a cabana, all day cabanas are also available. 

Purchase online at Resortpass.

Location: 939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Pic Credit: @letsnailmoscow

2 – Tropicana Bar & The Roosevelt

Description:

Legendary Hollywood glamour, breezy palm trees and a sleek design makes this pool café a must visit hot spot!  While the menu is casual there’s lots of choices.

The Cocktail menu is ample with variety of drinks and also beer and wine available.  The bar is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Get your day pass online at Resortpass and enjoy the pool and poolside food and drink service from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

You can reserve your lounge chairs for up to 2 people.

Location: 7000 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.LOS ANGELESCALIFORNIA 90028

PIC Credit: @25degreeshollywood

3 – Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel

Description:

Add to your glamorous Summer daycation plans a visit to the rooftop terrace at the Chamberlain West Hollywood Hotel.  Head over to this gem in West Hollywood if you want stunning city views, comfortable lounge chairs and great cocktails and food served poolside.

This hotel offers day room passes for up to 4 people where you can choose a guest room with a king bed or 2 queen beds from 10 am to 6 pm, all amenities included.   Or you can reserve a very comfortable cabana for up to 4 people.

Your day pass includes rooftop heated pool, poolside food and drinks service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Reserve today online at Resort Pass

Location: 1000 Westmount Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

PIC Credit: tablehotels

4 – Mr. C Beverly Hills

Description:

Have you ever experienced Poolside cinema? Mr. C in Beverly Hills is presenting movies poolside after sunset.  Dinner, cocktails, popcorn and candles by the pool make for a great romantic activity.  Doors open 45 minutes before sunset and you can buy tickets online.

If you’re not interested in poolside movie after sunset, then there is still some great things to enjoy for the day.  The pool at this hotel is heated and you can get a day pass online at Resortpass and relax all day if you wish.

Choose from a variety of day passes including lounge chairs, daybeds for up to 4 people, or cabanas for up to 6 people.  Add fresh pressed juices or a cocktail pitcher.

Location: 1224 Beverwil Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90035

PIC Credit: @mrchotels

5 – Caravan Swim Club at Hotel June

Description:

Caravan Swim Club is one of the top spots in the city to go for a quick poolside daycation! Cabana drinks, firepit gatherings along with excellent food and cocktails.  An afternoon of enjoying the views and music by this beautiful pool will help you escape and get reenergized.

Day passes here are great and you can reserve a lounge chair for the afternoon or get an all day cabana.  You can also attend a yoga or Pilates class.

And of course order some delicious food from Caravan Swim Club Restaurant.

Get your pass to Hotel Caravan online by visiting Resortpass.

Location: 8639 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

PIC Credit: @instaworthyla

Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Best LA Pool Bars For Summer 2021 appeared first on LifeHacksLA.

That got us thinking about weddings and the best places to have them in Los Angeles.

Choosing a wedding venue is an exciting time and a huge decision for any couple that is preparing for their very special day.

There are plenty of magical and memorable spots to get married in Los Angeles but getting hitched at a Downtown venue holds a special appeal.

Whether its the rich history or modern beauty that you want, a DTLA wedding definitely has all the romance you could hope for.

With Downtown LA you can choose from, many venues offering a wide variety of amazing alternatives, from large weddings or more intimate gatherings,  all of them sure to be beautiful and memorable.

Here are our top picks for Wedding Venues in DTLA to make that special day even more magical than you dreamed.

1.  Hotel Figueroa

DESCRIPTION:

Looking for a venue with comfortable suits for pre-wedding preparations and that can also accommodate guests from out of town? then look no further than the Hotel Figueroa in DTLA.

This hotel underwent a huge remodel that replaced the old Moroccan style for a more modern look.  It is ready to welcome your event and to give you new suits with larger bathrooms, a new restaurant and bar.

You can choose the outdoor terrazza or the Gran Sala for a larger event.

Location:939 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Credit:@hotelfigueroa

hack:

If you get married at the Fig you should consider staying at the hotel. Its right in the heart of DTLA so your out of town guests will love it and they have special rates for room blocks.

You can find them here: https://www.hotelfigueroa.com/meetings-events/weddings/

2.  The Majestic Downtown

DESCRIPTION:

The name ‘Majestic’ describes this venue perfectly.  Arched windows, marble pillars, 40 foot high Italian ceilings, marble floors, and hand-painted ceilings make this luxurious venue one of a kind.

The perfect choice if you are looking to make your wedding as beautiful and elegant as possible.

The Majestic Downtown has an amazing in house caterer and after booking the venue you can enjoy complimentary tastings for up to 4 guests.

However it’s not required to use their vendors, so you can bring your own if you want, just make sure they are packed and gone by 2:00 a.m.

Location:

 A.G. Bartlett Building, 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Credit:@themajesticdowntown

hack:

The Majestic actually has 4 different choices of spaces for spectacular events.

• The South Hall,
• The North Hall,
• The Grand Hall,
• and the Catwalk.

No matter which space you choose The Majestic will be sure to meet your needs if you’re looking for that next level luxurious vibes wedding to impress your guests and live in your memories forever.

 3. The Nomad Hotel

DESCRIPTION:

This beautiful hotel well known for its elegant architecture is one of the best venues for weddings.  It has a variety of choices for receptions from small and intimate gatherings in the Parlor to large events.

The Mezzanine which is a very elegant room, can accommodate up to 120 guests seated.  The rooftop is prepared to host much larger events with its indoor and outdoor space, cocktail bar, spectacular views of DTLA, and landscaped pool area.

This 5,178 square foot rooftop gives you lots of set up options for your wedding.

Location:649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Credit:@zioandsons

hack:

One of the main highlights of the NoMad for sure is the spectacular Rooftop.

If you are considering having a wedding here be sure to tour the rooftop which can hold 250 people, features an outdoor café, handsome cocktail bar, a lush pool and of course those incredible views of DTLA!

4.  The Alexandria Ballrooms

DESCRIPTION:

If impressive, historical and cultural is a combination you and your other half are looking for in a venue, then The Alexandria Ballrooms won’t let you down.

This remarkable venue is famous for hosting very renowned figures and celebrities since the early 1900s.

You will find three incredible ballrooms to choose from.

Luxurious ballrooms like the Palm Court and King Edward which display arched high ceilings, original chandeliers, Tiffany skylights, gold leaf ceilings, fireplace, and tall windows.

If you need a larger ballroom you will love the Mezz as it can accommodate up to 800 guests cocktail style.

It features exposed brick walls, candlelight iron beams, and a luxurious marble staircase.

Location:

501 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Credit:@alexandriaballrooms

hack:

If you want to attach some Hollywood history to your wedding venue (we are in LA right?) then the Alexandria Ballrooms would be a great choice.

The iconic ballrooms have hosted a number of star-studded events for famous actors, presidents, and even royalty!

One of their most famous wedding ceremonies was Charlie Chaplain’s nuptials held in the Palm Court Ballroom.

5. Vibiana

DESCRIPTION:

Last but not least on our list is the Vibiana.  This spectacular site was once the city’s first Archdiocese Catholic cathedral.

Today it is one of the most incredible and beautiful wedding venues in LA.

Vibiana has appeared in magazines, newspapers, and blogs as one of the best wedding spots in all of Los Angeles, not just DTLA.

This is a full-service event facility.  It can accommodate up to 400 guests and approximately 700 cocktail style.

Vibiana offers you a Main Hall, Garden Court Yard and a customizable backdrop for events of any style.

It also comes with a state of the art lights and sound system.

Location:

214 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Credit:@vibianaevents

hack:

If you want to step up the glamour and even more you can have your wedding catered by celebrity chef Neal Fraser.

His company Neal Fraser & Co. run the beautiful and very popular restaurant RedBird that is located inside the rectory building of the former St. Vibianas Cathedral.

They also can be hired to do the catering on your special day!

Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one?

Let us know by commenting below!

The post 5 Best Wedding Venues in Downtown Los Angeles appeared first on LifeHacksLA.