Featured SoCal Events and Services

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition at the California Science Center closes September 7, 2026

The California Science Center will be closing Mummies of the World: The Exhibitionon Monday, September 7, 2026. The exhibition brings together naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, including a new selection of specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles. Guests can explore the science of natural mummification in … [Read More...]

PLAZA MEXICO A Place for Everyone “Sueños y Esperanza” (Dreams and Hope) Providing Community and Space for People with Special Needs Every Friday from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

For years now Plaza México has been providing a safe space for the special needs community, a place where they can meet up with old friends, or make new friends as sing karaoke dance the night away and just enjoy life! Each Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plaza México in Lynwood, CA., hosts Sueños y Esperanza (Dreams and Hope) a non-profit organization providing a sense of community with … [Read More...]

American Born Chinese Foundation, Supporting Children’s Bilingual Literacy and in Partnership with the City of West Hollywood Presents 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival

The 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival (LAKBF) returns to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This free-to-the-public event celebrates early childhood education, bilingualism and multiculturalism for young children and their families. Fostering a love for reading, this year’s Los Angeles Kids Book … [Read More...]

Santa Monica Place Invites the Community to Enjoy Line Dancing, Family Movie Nights and Rooftop Entertainment This August 

Makers Hive Market. Courtesy of Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica Place invites locals and visitors to make the most of the final weeks of summer with a variety of entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences throughout August. From complimentary line-dancing lessons in Center Plaza to after-hours family movie nights and rooftop dining experiences, guests can enjoy something new … [Read More...]

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SoCal City Kids News

New QM Cares Merchandise Collection Gives Queen Mary Visitors a Way to Give Back as the Ship Celebrates a Year of Community Impact

Proceeds Support Initiatives Benefiting Queen Mary Team Members, Local Families and the Greater Long Beach Community. Photo Credit: The Queen Mary. The Queen Mary in Long Beach is giving guests a new way to support the community. With the launch of its new QM Cares merchandise collection, visitors can help benefit the ship’s Queen Mary Cares initiatives with every purchase, transforming … [Read More...]

PLAZA MÉXICO’S MERCADO PRESENTS ‘JUEVES DE LOTERÍA’ ( LOTERÍA THURSDAYS) 4:00 pm -6:00 pm *Free*

 We are thrilled to invite you to our weekly “Jueves de Loteria” at Plaza Mexico’s ‘Mercado’. Join us every Thursday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a fun-filled night of Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that has captured hearts for generations. This event is FREE to play and offers you the chance to win fantastic prizes! Lotería is a colorful and exciting game, similar to … [Read More...]

Art Installation “Gentle Giants” by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry at Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station  

Rendering of Gentle Giants in Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry Gentle Giants by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry is on display at the Adams Square Mini Park Gas Station from Monday, July 13 - Friday, October 2, 2026. Gentle Giants presents a gathering of tall, hand-formed characters who share the space with a calm, watchful presence. Each giant stands as part of a loose “family,” … [Read More...]

ReCoding the Codex: Cultural Heritage through Language

Bryan Ida, Kimiko Kitagaki, 36 x 28 inches, Ink on panel, 2022. Image courtesy of the artist. ReflectSpace presents ReCoding the Codex: Cultural Heritage through Language, an exhibition that considers the complicated relationship between language, social justice, and cultural heritage. The codex is the historical name for a book, this becomes the starting point for the artists to re-create or … [Read More...]

SOUNDS OF LA COUNTY: 27 PARKS. 108. CONCERTS. ONE COUNTY.

A new standalone summer concert series for LA County Parks, produced by NextFest LA. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (LA County Parks) is launching its  first official standalone FREE summer concert series in LA County Parks' history. Sounds of LA County - 27 Parks. 108 Concerts. One County highlights local artists from LA County's abundant indie … [Read More...]

Featured Products

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 Summer Favorites!

Lots of fun! Cone Toss is a portable lawn game made for easy, social play with no experience required. It’s perfect for casual hangs, mixed-skill groups, and anyone who thinks lawn games should feel fun first and competitive second. Built for the weekend, t’s a lawn game everyone can play–and actually wants to. Fast setup, simple rules, and repeatable play makes it a great addition to backyard … [Read More...]

Summer Must-Haves!

This really is a must buy! Scars and sun protection go together like flip flops and pedicures! NewGel+UV is the first breakthrough scar treatment to combine the power of 100% Medical Grade Silicone gel and non-chemical sunscreen protecting your scars from UV exposure while minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation. This advanced formula creates a protective barrier, reducing scarring … [Read More...]

Toy Suggestion for the little ones this Father’s Day: Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker

This is the coolest! Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker | MSRP: $58.99 | Ages 3+ | Available at Walmart| The Oklahoma Joe’s Pretend Play Smoker lets little pitmasters fire up the fun with a lifelike BBQ smoking experience! Designed to look just like the real thing, this interactive toy features realistic steam that mimics the smoking process, bringing backyard barbecues to life. Perfect for … [Read More...]

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Giveaways

Media Reviews

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi * Amazing Plot, Terrific Writing, Outstanding Visuals

In this new series, Lah Kara continues to train in the ways of the Jedi under Margrave Juro. Kara goes on an epic journey of self-discovery as she and Juro’s small fellowship of Jedis-in-training embark on a quest to save her father and stop a mysterious Sith leader from unleashing darkness upon the galaxy. KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ashish S. comments, “I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the … [Read More...]

Spider-Man: Brand New Day * Brings This Series To A Whole New Level With Action-Packed Fight Scenes, Bone-Chilling Mysteries, Heartbreak And Emotions

It's a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves - a powerful villain no one can even … [Read More...]

Books of the Week: August 12th, 2026

Tim Probert’s award-winning Lightfall series continues with its fourth installment, LIGHTFALL: A Place Between (came out this past Spring) is where readers will be in lockstep adventure with Bea and Cad in the ancient land of Irpa. Perfect for fans of Amulet and Avatar, this series sheds light on why we carry on in times of darkness and how we navigate anxiety and imposter syndrome. … [Read More...]

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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

Rex, Aug. 21 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW! Here’s Rex, who seems to have caught the biggest shark in the sea! Rex is about 1 year old and weighs a little over 50 pounds. His bestie, volunteer Bev, says he’s playful, friendly and enjoys toys and interacting with humans. Bev says that Rex also makes great eye contact, whether in the play yard, on a leash or when someone walks by his kennel. Speaking of leashes, Rex loves his … [Read More...]

Gunther, Aug. 14 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWWW! Meet Gunther, a 6-year-old orange-and-white fellow who was found abandoned in a carrier under a picnic table in a park. Speaking of picnics, Gunther may have enjoyed a few in his time because he weighs 19 pounds. However, to have been left on his own, enclosed in a carrier with no guarantee that anyone would discover him, is a good indication that he wasn’t properly cared for or cared … [Read More...]

Carl, August 7th Pet of the Week

“Good Dog Carl,” a Rottweiler/pit bull mix, has been at Long Beach Animal Care Services since November 2025. Carl was just a few months old when he came to the shelter—as one volunteer said, he’s literally grown up there. He’s also grown to be quite a charmer. One of his favorite things to do is to fall asleep with his big head on your hand. Volunteer Nici said it best: “Carl is that quietly … [Read More...]

Fuchsia, July 31 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWWWWW Fuchsia’s name isn’t the easiest to remember how to spell for a few of us, but she’s very easy to love for a lot of people. Volunteer Debbie describes her as loving, calm and stunning — she said that Fuchsia loves her tummy rubbies, knows commands, and is easy to walk. She doesn’t pull much on the leash, Debbie said, and when she took her on a Fido Field Trip, she was nonreactive not … [Read More...]