Featured SoCal Events and Services
Ventura Harbor Village Invites Families, Furry Friends and Witches to Celebrate Halloween By the Sea
Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings. Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year's Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween … [Read More...]
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Makes a Haunting Return for Its 13th Season
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns for its 13th season, opening September 18 and running select nights through November 1. Tickets start at $50.99 on select nights. This fall, the world’s most haunted vessel summons guests back into the fog with six terrifying mazes, including the all-new Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact and reimagined versions of Lullaby, Infirmary, and Big Top Terror. Across the … [Read More...]
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Illuminates South Coast Botanic Garden With More Than 10,000 Carved Pumpkins
More than 10,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns will illuminate South Coast Botanic Garden this fall as Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns returns to Palos Verdes. Presented by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, a leading producer and operator of immersive experiences, the family-friendly Halloween event will welcome guests on select nights from September 18 through November 1. Set … [Read More...]
Aquarium of the Pacific debuts first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast
Pictured: New HoloTheater® at the Aquarium of the Pacific Photo Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific. The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater has transformed into a brand-new immersive experience that opens on September 4, making it the first HoloTheater® on the U.S. West Coast. Developed by BASE Xperiential, a live entertainment and media company based in Houston, Texas, the HoloTheater® … [Read More...]
SoCal City Kids News
Santa Monica Place Brings Western Wednesday Back for October
Free weekly line dancing returns to Center Plaza, with a Halloween-themed edition on October 28! Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to kick up their heels with Western Wednesday, a free weekly line dancing experience in Center Plaza throughout October. Professional instructors lead lessons for beginners and seasoned dancers alike, with complimentary giveaways available while … [Read More...]
Hyper SoCal Launches Fall 2026 Season with Regional Arts Programming Across Southern California
LAX Gateway’s Kinetic Light Installation. Photo courtesy of Panic Studio LA. Glendale Library, Arts & Culture and Brand Library & Art Center unveiled the fall 2026 lineup for Hyper SoCal, the regional initiative redefining how audiences experience Southern California’s creative ecosystem. The fall roster mobilizes a new grouping of partner venues to deliver innovative exhibitions, … [Read More...]
Hot Wheels™ Stunt Show Revs Up For Its First-ever U.S. Tour Roaring Into Long Beach Arena & Crypto Arena
After thrilling sold-out crowds across Europe, the Hot Wheels Stunt Show is crossing the Atlantic for its first-ever United States tour in 2027, and it's coming to Long Beach Arena in Long Beach for three shows on March 26-27 and Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for three shows on June 26-27. Produced by Family Entertainment Live in collaboration with Mattel, the show transforms the world's most … [Read More...]
Jewel City Concert Series Returns, Bringing Live Music to Downtown Glendale This Fall
Maria De La Vega and the Wayward Five at the 2025 Jewel City Concert Series, courtesy of Glendale Library, Arts & Culture. The Jewel City Concert Series returns this fall with five consecutive Saturdays of free live music on the Artsakh Paseo, located at 127 Artsakh Avenue in Glendale’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. From September 26 through October 24, the community is … [Read More...]
How to Plan a Family Friendly Day on the San Diego Waterfront
A family day on the San Diego waterfront sounds simple enough to plan. Pick a few attractions, find somewhere for lunch, walk along the bay, and leave time for the kids to enjoy the water. The trouble usually starts when families try to fit too much into those few hours. San Diego's waterfront covers a lot of ground, and places that look close together on a vacation map do not always belong in … [Read More...]
Featured Products
More Back-to-School Must-Buys!
Here are some of my favorite food products for Back-to-School time! Clover Sonoma Greek Yogurt is a must-try! As families gear up for back-to-school season, many parents are looking for nutritious snacks and breakfasts that keep kids energized and focused throughout the day. I'm reaching out on behalf of Clover Sonoma. We’d welcome the opportunity to support you on a lifestyle or … [Read More...]
Back-to-School for College Students!
Here are some great gift suggestions for your college students! This Air Fryer is the coolest! Fritaire Air Fryer upgrades dorm cooking beyond ramen and microwave meals. Its 1500W halogen heating system and vortex convection technology create crispy, evenly cooked food, while the self-cleaning glass bowl makes cleanup quick and easy in compact living spaces. I love how stylish this is and … [Read More...]
More Back-to-School Food Must-Buys!
Amasar Better Breakfasts with Breadfruit: Amasar's Fiber-Forward Innovation Helps Families Fuel the School DayPuerto Rico-based Amasar helps families simplify back-to-school mornings with naturally gluten-free, fiber-forward breakfast solutions. As families prepare for another school year, one nutritional challenge continues to concern health professionals: most Americans consume far less … [Read More...]
It’s Time for Back to School!
A Must-Have this school year! The back-to-school season is all about getting organized, and adding a simple hand-cleaning solution to your family's routine can make a big difference. Handzies delivers a true soap-and-water clean in a convenient wipe. Made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils, Handzies helps keep hands fresh and clean throughout busy school days from the … [Read More...]
More Summer Fun for the Kids!
Smart Games IQ Flow SmartGames IQ Flow by Smart Toys & Games MSRP: $14.99 | Ages 7+ | Available at Specialty Toy Stores & Amazon Smart Games IQ Flow is an addictive travel puzzle game that challenges players to solve 120 progressive challenges ranging from easy to expert. IQ Flow provides hours of engaging brain-building fun, developing essential STEM skills like … [Read More...]
Summer Food Faves!
Perfect for quick Summer meals! Looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner this Summer? Safe Catch has a great option that is also healthier! Better than many chicken nuggets! They’re made with wild-caught Alaska pollock, have 18g of protein per serving, and use avocado oil instead of the typical seed oils. No added sugar. They also taste great so the kids will love them! What … [Read More...]
More Featured Products...
Media Reviews
Book of the Day: Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Declutter Your Home and Organize Your Space
Clutter Rehab: 101 Tips and Tricks to Declutter Your Home and Organize Your Spaceby Laura Wittmann (Author)Ulysses PressHardcover; May 26, 2026ISBN: 978-1646047987$19.99; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 128 pages Wanna declutter your house and your life this Fall? This book is a must-buy! The secret to decluttering sentimental items isn’t getting tougher about what you throw away, it’s getting smarter about … [Read More...]
October Book Choices
OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK by Ashley Franklin and Rahele Jomepour is a fun book for kids to read! Young kids will enjoy the story and characters. In the follow-up to the bestselling and beloved Our Favorite Day of the Year, Musa and his friends return to share their favorite days of the week and why each day is special to them. The heartwarming lesson of this story is that every day can be … [Read More...]
Coyote vs. ACME * A Hilarious Celebration Of The Ultimate Underdog, Wile E. Coyote, Packed With Gags, Slapstick Comedy And Classic Cartoon Fun
After decades of being blown to bits by bombs, demolished by dynamite, mangled by magnets, battered by boulders, trampled by trains, tricked by tunnels, sprung by springs, steamrolled by steamrollers, maligned by misfires, bedeviled by bungees, rattled by rockets, backstabbed by bat suits, rocked by rocket skates, upended by unicycles, quaked by quake pills, rubberized by rogue bands, and hurled … [Read More...]
More Media Reviews...
- Finding Happy * Rescuing An Animal Doesn’t Only Change The Animal’s Life, It Makes A Difference In The Life Of The Rescuer As Well
- Practical Magic 2 * That Perfect Mix Of Magic, Romance, Family, Humor, And A Little Mystery
- The Magic Faraway Tree * A Star-Studded, Family Oriented Movie That Has The Perfect Balance Of Whimsy, Adventure, And Intricate Character Arcs
Beauty and Fashion Corner
Summer Fragrance Must-Have!
My favorites are Chakra 4 and Chakra 7 Looking for the perfect Summer perfume collection? Auratherapy has you covered! Their motto is Spray. Breathe In. Transform. Everyone loves a chakra boost! Return to your center with their expertly crafted essential oil perfumes, designed to heal with intention. Each spray initiates a mood shift-from easing stress to inspiring focus-bringing your chakras … [Read More...]
Looking for Summer Skin Care? The Olea Essence Skincare Collection is a Must-Try!
Olea Essence, a skincare brand rooted in the power of unfiltered extra virgin olive oil and botanical ingredients, introduces its comprehensive line of natural skincare products designed to nourish, restore, and rejuvenate skin from head to toe. Featuring regenerative olives grown on Olea Essence Farms and a 100% olive oil–based skincare line where the regenerative olives are grown on the Olea … [Read More...]
It’s still Butterbeer Season! ORLY Butterbeer Nail Polish and Nail Care Products are a Must-Buy!
Harry Potter/Orly Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the trio huddled in The Three Broomsticks. With its butterscotch and shortbread notes, Butterbeer has become a global fan favorite. Butterbeer Season is the annual salute to the flavor, scent and look of Butterbeer and takes place between March 1 and May 31. I love the nail products available … [Read More...]
Eco-Friendly Teen Skincare Line is a Must-Try!
SKWAD SKWAD, founded by Elise Kandrac, was inspired by her concern for her teenagers' self-esteem and the gender-specific nature of skincare products for young teens. The Hawaiian values are reflected in the brand's mission. SKWAD is committed to environmental responsibility, choosing packaging and ingredients with the planet in mind. Their marine-safe formulations are custom-made, and they … [Read More...]
Pet Corner
Maguire, Oct. 9 Pet of the Week
The blue flowers in the background are no match for Maguire’s arctic orbs. Maguire’s favorite walking buddy, volunteer Metzli, can’t resist either those eyes or his personality, which she calls “playful and goofy.” She loves walking with him on the grounds and stopping for cuddles along the way, which gives both of them a mood boost. If you have something bothering you or just need to vent, … [Read More...]
Stella, Oct. 2 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWW! Meet Stella, a 10-year-old pittie mix who arrived at Long Beach Animal Care Services with a doggie housemate older than she was. When Stella’s human died a couple of months ago, the two dogs had nowhere to go, so our shelter took them both in. The older dog was a small dog and had more of a chance at adoption, and indeed he was, almost right away. But Stella was left wondering where … [Read More...]
Tippy, Sept. 25 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWWW! Can you really resist this big, silly grin? Want to make it stay on her face forever? Then think about adopting or fostering this sweet senior girl! Tippy is considered a senior at 8 years old, and she’s indeed an easygoing girl, long retired from puppyhood and looking for a place to enjoy her years in the sun. She’s easy to walk and not reactive to other dogs. She likes … [Read More...]
Rally, Sept.18 Pet of the Week
AWWWWWWWW! Rally has earned his name. He’s a 4-year-old Longtime Legend, meaning that he’s been at Long Beach Animal Care Services for over a year. That’s mainly because has been spending his weeks and months dealing with knee surgery that Friends of Long Beach Animals covered. And Rally has rallied and continues to rally! He’s learning to walk gently on leash and enjoys rides in the car. … [Read More...]
