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 music scene, bringing a music festival vibe to your front door. The free concerts, taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, are uniquely curated to reflect the culture, diversity, and energy of the communities where they are held.

Sounds of LA County marks a new chapter for free outdoor concerts in the region. Using its platform and resources to create meaningful opportunities for the local indie music community, LA County Parks is reimagining what a public summer concert series can be. To bring that vision to life, the Department entrusted NextFest LA—the independent music festival known for championing local indie talent—with producing a series built around that same mission.

“LA County Parks has always been a place where communities come together. With Sounds of LA County, we’re expanding that tradition by creating new opportunities for local artists while giving residents free access to live music that reflects the unique culture of their own neighborhoods,” said Norma E. García-González, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. “This series celebrates the incredible talent found across Los Angeles County and reinforces our commitment to making arts and culture accessible to everyone.”

When a County invests in its own artists, it strengthens the local creative economy, gives working musicians a meaningful platform, and reinforces that the arts are essential to community life. Every Sounds of LA County concert is an opportunity for residents to be part of that investment. By showing up, audiences are supporting local musicians and helping strengthen the cultural fabric of their own communities.

The programming spans Latin, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Country, Americana, Indie, Indigenous, Dance, and Family genres, but is always tied to the specific cultural identity of each park community. With concerts taking place in parks throughout North, East, and South Los Angeles County—including La Puente, Sylmar, Antelope Valley, Carson, Azusa, West Covina, Palmdale, Lancaster, and more—audiences can expect a music festival experience that reflects the unique identity of each community.

Even the name was developed with intentionality. Los Angeles County isn’t one sound, one culture, or one neighborhood. It is cumbia drifting from a backyard in East LA, neo-soul echoing through Rimgrove Park, norteño filling a park in La Puente on a Summer evening. Sounds of LA County reflects that diversity by celebrating the communities, cultures, and artists that define Los Angeles County. 

This summer, Sounds of LA County brings 108 free concerts to 27 parks across the county, July 9 – August 29, inviting residents to experience original live music while supporting the artists shaping Los Angeles County’s creative future.

About the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation 

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation manages 184 parks, 9 natural areas, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 42 public swimming pools, 25 splash pads, 14 lakes including 3 with swimming beaches, 250 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; and the largest municipal golf system in the nation with 20 golf courses at 18 facilities. The department maintains four botanical gardens: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the South Coast Botanic Garden, Descanso Gardens, and Virginia Robinson Gardens. The department also owns the iconic Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford, providing County residents with valuable entertainment and cultural resources.  Visit: https://parks.lacounty.gov/ 

Visit: Sounds of LA County

Paros is one of those Greek islands that looks good in almost every direction you turn. It has that classic Cycladic style people expect, but it still feels relaxed and not overly staged. Whitewashed houses, small harbours, clear water, and soft evening light all come together in a way that makes it hard not to take photos constantly. Some places on the island stand out more than others, especially if you are looking for spots that naturally work well on camera.

Naousa

Naousa is probably the most photographed part of Paros, and once you arrive, it is easy to see why. It still feels like a working fishing village, but it also has a polished, almost effortless charm that makes every corner feel photogenic.

The harbour is the main focus, with small boats sitting in calm water, world class bars like Barbarossa Bar and tavernas lined up right along the edge. In the evenings, everything feels especially atmospheric as the lights reflect on the sea and people spill out into the streets. Away from the waterfront, the back streets are narrow and quiet, with white walls, blue doors, and the occasional burst of flowers climbing across balconies.

It is one of those places where you do not really need to search for a good shot. You just walk around and it happens naturally.

Kolymbithres Beach

Kolymbithres feels completely different from the rest of the island. Instead of the usual long sandy beach, you get these smooth, sculpted rock formations that look almost like they have been shaped by design rather than nature.

Between the rocks are small sandy coves and shallow clear water, which gives the whole area a very unusual look. From a photography point of view, it is very easy to get striking shots here without doing much at all. The contrast between pale rock, blue sea, and bright sunlight changes throughout the day, so even the same spot can look different depending on when you visit.

It is one of those places where the landscape does most of the work for you.

Parikia Old Town

Parikia, the main town of Paros, has a slightly more lived-in feel compared to Naousa, but that is part of its appeal. The old town especially has lots of quiet corners that are easy to miss if you are just passing through.

The streets are narrow and winding, with whitewashed buildings, small churches, and doorways painted in soft blues and greys. It feels more local and less curated, which gives photos a more natural, unfiltered atmosphere.

Late afternoon is usually the best time to wander here. The light softens, shadows stretch across the alleys, and everything feels a bit calmer. It is not about one specific viewpoint, but more about stumbling across small details as you go.

Seeing Paros from the Water with a Yacht Charter

One of the most memorable ways to experience Paros is actually from the sea. Booking a yacht charter changes the perspective completely and shows a side of the island you do not really get from land.

The coastline looks different from the water, with hidden bays, quiet beaches, and stretches of rock that feel untouched. The sea itself also becomes part of the experience, shifting between deep blue and lighter turquoise depending on the light.

From a photography point of view, it is constantly changing. You are not just capturing one place, but a moving view of the island and its surroundings. There is something about being out on the water, away from the crowds, that naturally makes everything feel more open and unforced, and that comes through in the photos as well.

Choosing an eye doctor is one of those things people often put off until there is a problem, but it really pays to be a bit more thoughtful about it. Whether it is a routine check-up, new glasses, or something more specific that needs attention, the person you choose can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable and confident you feel about your vision.

Start by understanding what kind of help you actually need

Not all eye care is the same, and that is where a lot of confusion starts. Some eye doctors mainly deal with routine eye tests and prescriptions, while others focus on medical eye conditions that need more detailed treatment. Knowing which category you fall into saves time and avoids unnecessary appointments.

If you are unsure, it can help to use a simple online eye health quiz. Many clinics now offer them, and they usually ask about things like blurred vision, headaches, or difficulty focusing. It is not a diagnosis, but it can give you a clearer idea of whether you need a standard optician appointment or something more specialist. That small bit of preparation makes the whole process less overwhelming.

Take time to compare reputation and real experience

Once you know the type of care you need, it is worth looking beyond the nearest clinic and actually comparing your options. Reputation is usually a good starting point. Reading reviews can help, but it is better to look for patterns rather than individual comments. If people consistently mention things like thorough exams, clear explanations, and feeling listened to, that is usually a good sign. If anything seems shady, of course you should steer clear. You don’t want to end up in a legal battle seeking professional lawyers after a botched operation.

Experience also matters more than people realise. An eye doctor who has been practising for many years is often more comfortable spotting subtle issues or dealing with less common conditions. It is also worth checking whether they have additional training or professional recognition, as this can indicate a higher level of expertise. In a field like eye care, small differences in skill and experience can have a real impact on results.

Pay attention to how they communicate with you

Qualifications are important, but so is how you actually feel during an appointment. A good eye surgeon should be able to explain things in a way that makes sense without overcomplicating it. If you leave feeling more confused than when you arrived, that is usually not a great sign.

It also helps to notice whether they take time to listen properly. A rushed consultation can easily miss details that matter. The better practitioners tend to ask questions about your daily habits, screen time, general health, and any symptoms you might have noticed, rather than just going straight into tests.

Comfort plays a bigger role than many people expect. Eye care is not usually a one-off visit, so you want someone you feel relaxed with, especially if you end up needing follow-ups or ongoing treatment. A calm, patient approach makes the whole experience easier to manage over time.

Features Include Screen-Time Controls, Offline Access and Research-Backed Content in an Ad-Free Play Experience.

PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS station, today announced the launch of the new FAMILY MATH Play & Learn app, a fun and free digital learning tool designed to help young children explore foundational math concepts. The app expands upon PBS SoCal’s acclaimed multi-platform FAMILY MATH initiative with interactive learning experiences in both English and Spanish. Featuring research-based, ad-free content with no surprise in-app purchases, the app builds early math skills for children from three to five years old in a safe, playful setting that makes learning fun. The FAMILY MATH app is now available nationwide for download on iOS and Android devices and on web-based platforms at pbssocal.org/familymathapp.

“Our research shows children thrive when learning is fun and engaging,” said Rosemary Miller, Senior Director of Early Learning. “This app brings proven FAMILY MATH tools to families nationwide in a way that is accessible and easy to use.”

Highlights from the app include interactive games, music videos and more, organized into themed packages that align with foundational early math learning concepts, such as Measurement, Number Sense, Patterns, Shapes, Sorting, Collecting and Spatial Sense. Existing content will continue to grow with new topics for early learners to explore. Designed in both English and Spanish, a simple toggle of a button allows users to seamlessly explore early math concepts in both languages.

Resources and functionalities are also available for grown-ups to support their child’s learning. Parents, caregivers, and educators are provided with tips for co-play, guidance on learning goals and controls on screen-time for play duration. The app also includes brain breaks, which are short social-emotional learning experiences built into the gameplay that aim to help learners reset and recenter. These brain breaks include three types of experiences: Breathing & Mindfulness, Movement, and Math Missions. The Family Math app integrates social-emotional learning into the gameplay, helping children build these skills (like self-regulation) and encouraging healthy use of screen time. To learn more and access additional FAMILY MATH materials, visit pbssocal.org/familymath.

First announced in 2021, PBS SoCal’s FAMILY MATH initiative helps close the achievement gap for young learners by supporting school readiness for children from under-resourced communities. The initiative has expanded through free workshops and community events, offering resources and bilingual assets that support families and educators across Southern California and beyond recognizing math in everyday life.

The PBS SoCal Family Math Play & Learn app was made possible, in part, by Heising-Simons Foundation, Overdeck Family Foundation and PNC Grow Up Great.

About PBS SoCal
PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches 22M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. Select programming is also available on PBS SoCal’s YouTube channel. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free. 

Credit: PBS SoCal.

There’s a moment most parents know well. Your toddler spots you wearing the same color shirt as them and lights up like you’ve just handed them the moon. It seems trivial. It’s not.

The repeated moments of daily life, the inside jokes, the Sunday pancake ritual, the matching outfits on a cold morning walk are quietly doing something profound. They’re telling your child: you belong here. This is your people.

What Psychologists Actually Say About Family Identity

The concept of family identity has been studied seriously for decades, but one of the clearest frameworks comes from Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush at Emory University. Their research on what they call the “Do You Know?” scale found that children who have a strong knowledge of their family history show higher self-esteem, greater resilience, and better outcomes when facing adversity.

The key insight? It wasn’t the big formal conversations that made the difference. It was the accumulative effect of small, repeated interactions. Stories told at dinner, phrases passed down, shared experiences that become part of how a child understands themselves.

Family identity, in other words, isn’t built in a single defining moment. It’s built Tuesday morning. And the Tuesday after that.

Why Young Children Are Especially Receptive

Before kids can articulate who they are, they feel it. Toddlers and young children operate almost entirely through sensory and emotional experience. They absorb belonging long before they can name it.

This is why the early years are so powerful. A child who grows up with consistent rituals, shared symbols, and visual cues of togetherness internalizes a sense of security that psychologists call a “secure base”. A foundation from which they can explore the world with confidence, knowing there’s somewhere they fundamentally belong.

Dr. John Bowlby, whose attachment theory remains one of the most influential frameworks in developmental psychology, argued that this felt sense of security is not a luxury. It’s a developmental need, as essential as nutrition.

The Overlooked Role of Visual Belonging

Here’s what the existing conversation around family identity tends to miss: the visual and sensory dimension.

Most articles on the subject focus on values, storytelling, and faith traditions, all genuinely important. But there’s a quieter layer that rarely gets discussed: the physical, visible markers of “we’re a unit.”

Think about what makes a sports team feel like a team. Partly it’s shared goals and history. But it’s also the jersey. The uniform. The visual signal that says: we go together.

For young children, who think in images and feelings long before they think in concepts, these visual anchors matter enormously. Shared objects, consistent environments, and yes, clothing participate in building that felt sense of family.

This is part of why the “mini-me” dressing trend resonates so deeply with parents. It’s not vanity. It’s instinct. When a parent and child wear matching outfits, they’re creating a small, joyful visual ritual that says: we’re together. Collections like family matching sweatshirts tap into exactly this, giving families a simple, tangible way to express togetherness. Whether it’s for a holiday photo or just a regular Saturday at the park.

And the beauty of it is that children notice. They remember. Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you their kid asked to wear the matching hoodie again. Not because it was cozy, but because it meant something.

Small Rituals That Build Big Identity

The good news is that building a strong family identity doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate planning. It asks for consistency and intention in the ordinary.

Here are some of the most effective small rituals families use to reinforce belonging:

• A signature phrase or greeting, something only your family says, even something silly. Repeated often, it becomes a marker of “us.”
• A weekly ritual tied to a day. Friday pizza, Sunday morning cartoons in pajamas, a monthly hike. The predictability itself is the point.
• Shared physical objects. A mug you always use, a blanket everyone fights over, matching pieces of clothing for special occasions or everyday wear.
• Storytelling at the table, not formal family history lessons, but casually sharing “remember when we…” moments. Duke and Fivush’s research shows these stories are among the most powerful identity-builders available to parents.
• A family “thing”. A sport you follow, a board game you play obsessively, a garden you tend together. It doesn’t matter what it is. What matters is that it’s yours.

None of these cost much. Most cost nothing. But over time, they accumulate into something children carry with them for life.

When the World Pulls Hard, Identity Holds

There’s a reason this matters beyond warm feelings and cute photos.

Children with a strong sense of family identity are better equipped to handle peer pressure, navigate conflict, and recover from setbacks. Duke and Fivush’s research found this directly: kids who could answer questions about their family (where their parents grew up, how their grandparents met, what the family went through in hard times) were measurably more resilient.

That resilience doesn’t come from abstract knowledge. It comes from the emotional security underneath it. The bone-deep sense that they are part of something larger than themselves.

You’re Already Doing More Than You Think

If you read this and felt a little overwhelmed, take a breath. You don’t need to overhaul your family life.

The Saturday morning ritual you already have? That counts. The nickname only you call them? That counts. The matching outfits you put on for the holidays and then wore again just because everyone liked them? That counts too.

Family identity is rarely built consciously. It accumulates in the margins in the small, repeated acts of showing up together, looking alike, laughing at the same things, and coming home to the same place.

And one day, when your child is grown and building their own family, they’ll reach for those same small things, a phrase, a ritual, a way of doing Sunday mornings. Because somewhere along the way, it became part of who they are.

The little things aren’t little at all. They’re the whole thing.

Victoria Gardens invites the community to attend Summer Movies in Town Square every Tuesday beginning June 2 through July 21*. The free, family-friendly movie series is returning with nostalgic favorites like Back to the Future and Angels in the Outfield, as well as newer classics like Shrek and Cars. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head to Chaffey Town Square with friends and family for a movie under the stars in a charming atmosphere.

Summer Movie Schedule:

• June 2: Cars
• June 9: Coco
• June 16: Sing 2
• June 23: Angels in the Outfield
• July 7: Planes
• July 14: Shrek
• July 21: Back to the Future

All movie showings begin at dusk. 

*No movie showing on June 30. 

WHERE:

Chaffey Town Square at Victoria Gardens

12505 North Mainstreet, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

WHEN:

Every Tuesday from June 2 to July 21, 2026. All showings begin at dusk. 

*No movie showing on June 30.

RSVP:

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP on Eventbrite.

This summer, Santa Monica Place invites families to enjoy a season of engaging, kid-friendly programming designed to spark creativity, connection and fun. From interactive museum experiences and hands-on cooking camps to live performances and Kids Club events, the open-air destination offers something for every age all summer long

Creative Play and Weekly Programming at Cayton Children’s Museum

Families can explore hands-on exhibits and imaginative play experiences at Cayton Children’s Museum, which will continue its regular programming cadence throughout the summer alongside extended seasonal hours.

New this season, Cayton will debut Drive-In Movie Nights every Thursday beginning April 30, offering a fun, family-friendly evening experience. The series kicks off with Akeelah and the Bee and will run through the end of summer.

Throughout the season, Cayton will also host its BIG FEELINGS Weekends, a monthly program designed to help children explore emotions and character-building through play-based experiences. Each weekend is centered around a unique theme, including Expression & Voice (May 23–25), Belonging (June 19–21), Joy & Wellness (July 3–5) and Remembering & Reflecting (August 14–16). Each BIG FEELINGS Weekend invites families to engage in storytelling, interactive play and hands-on activities that support social and emotional development.

Learn more about upcoming programs and plan your visit at caytonmuseum.org.

Hands-On Summer Camps at The Gourmandise School

Young chefs can build confidence in the kitchen at The Gourmandise School’s popular weeklong summer cooking and baking camps, beginning June 15. Designed for kids (ages 8–11) and teens (ages 12–16), these immersive programs offer hands-on instruction in a fun, professional kitchen setting.

Campers can choose from a variety of rotating themes, including:

• Cooking the Classics
• Global Street Food
• Classic Bakeshop
• Baking Fundamentals
• World Cuisines
• Great British Bakeoff
• Sweet & Savory Skills (new)

Led by expert chef instructors, students work collaboratively to develop culinary techniques while building confidence, creativity and teamwork skills. Each participant receives recipe packets to recreate their favorite dishes at home.

Weeklong camps range from $625 to $695. Learn more and register at thegourmandiseschool.com/summer-camps. 

Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition at Santa Monica Place, courtesy of Santa Monica Place

Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition

Multiple Dates | Center Plaza, Level 1

Families are invited to enjoy Sounds of Santa Monica: Kids Club Edition, a free weekly event series featuring live entertainment and interactive fun.

Each event includes:

• Live music, singing and dancing
• Hands-on crafts and activities
• Giveaways and surprises

The series is currently scheduled for April and May, bringing families together in Center Plaza for engaging weekly programming. Additional Kids Club dates will be announced for later in the season.

For event dates and details, visit santamonicaplace.com/events.

Camarillo is welcoming a major new attraction for families with the grand opening of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum on May 21, 2026 – marking the only children’s museum in Ventura County. As a first-of-its-kind destination for the region, kidSTREAM is expected to draw visitors from across Southern California, further strengthening Camarillo’s position as a go-to destination for family-friendly travel.

Designed as more than a traditional play space, kidSTREAM offers an immersive environment where children explore science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (STREAM) through hands-on exhibits and programming. Rooted in early childhood development, the museum’s mission is to inspire young learners to become critical thinkers, innovators, and lifelong learners – blending play with purpose in a way that resonates with modern families seeking meaningful travel experiences.

“kidSTREAM is a transformative addition to Camarillo and a powerful draw for families across the region,” said Yuliana Garcia, Executive Director of Visit Camarillo. “As the only children’s museum in Ventura County, it not only enhances our destination’s family-friendly offerings, but also creates a compelling reason for visitors to stay longer and explore more of what Camarillo has to offer.”

Located at the former Camarillo Public Library site, the 21,000-square-foot campus features interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits inspired by Ventura County’s landscapes and industries – from agricultural experiences with edible gardens to engineering challenges in a dedicated makerspace. The museum is guided by core values including play, community, sustainability, and inclusion, creating a welcoming space for children and caregivers alike.

“kidSTREAM was built with the belief that children learn best through curiosity, creativity, and connection,” said Barry A. Van Deman, interim Chief Executive Officer of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum. “We’re excited to open a space that not only supports early learning and development, but also brings families together through shared discovery and meaningful experiences.”

To celebrate the opening, kidSTREAM Early Explorers memberships are available now, offering families exclusive access to special events, previews, and year-round programming.

The museum’s debut further complements Camarillo’s growing portfolio of family-friendly attractions, from outdoor recreation, local beaches to shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets and nearby adventures in the Channel Islands National Park – rounding out a well-balanced destination for multigenerational travel.

The grand opening will begin with a private morning ceremony for supporters, followed by a public opening for families later in the day.

For more information, visit www.kidstream.org.