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Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Illuminates South Coast Botanic Garden With More Than 10,000 Carved Pumpkins

September 17, 2026 By Leave a Comment

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 along a mile-long walking trail, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns transforms the garden’s winding pathways into a glowing landscape filled with pumpkin artistry, radiant light displays and larger-than-life scenes. This year’s illuminated trail brings the garden to life with a whimsical circus scene, a colorful Día de los Muertos tribute and an enchanting journey under the sea.

A synchronized pumpkin light show will illuminate the event every 30 minutes, while towering inflatables, interactive activities and seasonal photo opportunities offer more to discover throughout the trail.

“We’re thrilled to bring Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns back for another unforgettable season at the South Coast Botanic Garden,” said General Manager Norberto Urrea. “This year’s show features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins along a beautiful trail, with radiant light displays and immersive scenes at every turn. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season with family, friends, little ones, and the people you love.”

Guests can enhance their visit with 3D Jack O’Lantern Glasses, which transform points of light into glowing pumpkin images, or gather around the fire with a tasty S’mores Package. The Fun Zone also invites children and adults to enjoy a massive pumpkin-shaped bounce pad and oversized pumpkin-themed slides. Food and beverages will also be available throughout the event. A low-sensory night will take place on Sunday, September 27th, offering a modified experience for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation. 

Tickets start at $29.99 for adults at $24.99 (including fees) for kids on select nights and are on sale now. Visit www.magicofthejackolanterns.com to secure your tickets while supplies last. 

For additional information, including event specifics, ticket pricing, and more, please visit magicofthejackolanterns.com/la/ or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Credit: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

Filed Under: Featured Events

Practical Magic 2 * That Perfect Mix Of Magic, Romance, Family, Humor, And A Little Mystery

September 17, 2026 By Leave a Comment

A multi-generational family of witches, cursed to be loveless for centuries, attempts to break the spell by confronting dark secrets and sacrificing for each other.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kennedy P. comments, “The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery.” See her full review below.

Practical Magic 2
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, age 12

The Owens witches are back. I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and seeing these beloved characters and their family story continue. Practical Magic 2 has that perfect mix of magic, romance, family, humor, and a little mystery. What I love most is that, even with all the supernatural elements, the heart of the story is really about family and the powerful bond between the Owens women. There is something so special about watching them come together, especially when one of their own needs them most.

Set 25 years after the first film, this one follows Sally’s daughter, Kylie (Joey King), as she experiences the same curse the Owens women have always faced when falling in love. Determined to break the spell, Kylie recruits her sister, Antonia (Maisie Williams), her mom, her aunt, and her great-aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Bridget “Jet” (Dianne Wiest) to help her discover the source of the curse. Together, the Owens women embark on a magical journey to uncover the truth and hopefully put an end to the curse once and for all.

The cast brings so much heart and personality to the film. Joey King is wonderful as Kylie, and I loved watching her character discover what it means to be part of the Owens family and carry on their magical legacy. Maisie Williams brings a great energy to Antonia, and seeing the sisters navigate their relationship while facing this challenge together was one of my favorite parts. Of course, seeing Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest return as Frances and Jet adds that wonderful connection to the original film. The sets and locations also help make the movie feel so magical. From the beautiful Owens’ home to the locations surrounding their story, everything feels like it belongs in this enchanted world. The production design creates that cozy, mysterious, witchy atmosphere that fans of the original will recognize and love. If you loved the magic, sisterhood, and unforgettable charm of the original Practical Magic, you will want to see the sequel!

Practical Magic 2 is a story about love, family, sisterhood, and breaking the patterns that have been passed down through generations. It reminds us that we don’t have to let fear or the past determine our future. Sometimes the people who love us most are the ones who help us find the courage to break free and become who we are meant to be.

Practical Magic 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.  It releases in theaters September 10, 2026.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Celebrate KIDS FIRST! 35th Anniversary (And Win a Trip to Portugal!)

September 17, 2026 By Leave a Comment

For 35 years, KIDS FIRST! has helped parents and educators navigate youth media. From honest reviews to red-carpet interviews by our 65 youth reporters, we empower families to make informed media choices.

To celebrate our official 35th Anniversary on September 26, we’re giving back to the supporters who make our mission possible.

Donate by September 26 for 35th Anniversary Perks:

·         Donate Any Amount: Automatically enters you into our Grand Sweepstakes!

·         Donate $25 or More: Unlocks exclusive KIDS FIRST! supporter rewards plus your sweepstakes entries.

·         Anniversary Early Bird Incentive: Give by September 26 to join our special 35th Anniversary Celebration list! (Campaign runs through October 17).

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

·         Grand Prize: A trip for two to Portugal!

·         Featured Prize: An afternoon visit with legendary ventriloquist Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop.

·         Plus: Additional runner-up prizes and rewards!

👉 Donate Before Sept 26 & Enter the Sweepstakes

No purchase or donation necessary to enter or win. A donation does not increase your chances of winning. Campaign ends October 17. See Official Rules for free entry details.

Credit: KIDS FIRST!

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Rally, Sept.18 Pet of the Week

September 17, 2026 By Leave a Comment
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. On the day of his one-year “shelterversity,” volunteer Sarah decided that Rally should observe the day with a Fido Field trip to get a Pup Cup and a burger. He loved the ride—he watched the scenery and thanked Sarah with some burger-breath kisses. Would you rally around Rally and take him home forever? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Rally or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A746783.

Filed Under: Pet Corner