Photo Credit: Jamie Pham.

The Los Angeles Zoo presents World Elephant Day Weekend, two days of opportunities to explore and learn about elephants, especially the challenges they face in the wild, on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday August 14, 2016, 10 am to 4 pm.  In celebration of World Elephant Day (August 12), an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants to bring attention to the urgent threat of their extinction.  World Elephant Day Weekend activities highlight the Zoo’s state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia exhibit with chances to learn about its three elephant residents and how they’re cared for, including tours of their barn from 11 am to 3 pm.  A “medical clinic” invites young guests to bring their toy elephants for an “examination,” including a “certificate of health”; conservation craft and enrichment stations; photo ops; and more, all free with paid Zoo admission.  In addition, Zoo guests can show support for protection of elephants by striking a pose at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 Elephants #ElephantYogaChallenge station, part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness and support for elephants.  96 Elephants is named for the number killed every day in Africa for their ivory.

The L.A. Zoo’s Elephants of Asia underscores the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China, and Cambodia.  With elements dedicated to the health and welfare of elephants, the habitat features bathing pools, sandy hills, varied topography, enrichment opportunities, and a state-of-the-art barn capable of accommodating elephants of all ages.  The exhibit, which opened in 2010, illustrates the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including shrinking natural habitat, and provides the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries.  Elephant conservation efforts have been made possible through the Zoo’s partnership with the Cambodia Elephant Conservation Group that works to preserve the Asian elephant population in Cambodia.

The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.75 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered.  Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo; one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world; a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants; and much more.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.  The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 60,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children.  As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

Programing subject to change.

Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $20 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $17 for seniors (ages 62+), and $15 for children (ages 2 to 12)..  No ticket is required for children under 2.  Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  Free parking is available.  For additional information about World Elephant Day Weekend, call (323) 644-6001 or visit http://www.lazoo.org/worldelephantday/.  For general information about the Zoo, call (323) 644-4200.

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo. 

Looking for the perfect summer snack for when you are on-the-go, at the beach or in need of an afternoon pick-me-up? Enter, Bauli Mini Croissants!

These sweet mini indulgences allow you to give in to your cravings without the guilt! Available in two varieties – Chocolate and Vanilla Custard – these tasty, portion-controlled delights are perfect for any occasion (only 50 calories a pop). Oven baked and ready to eat makes them a convenient treat!

I received samples and these are so tasty! Great for breakfast or a snack!

We have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win free samples. To enter, let us know which flavor you would you would be most interested in trying! Deadline to enter is August 1, 2016 at noon PST. U.S. Residents only.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: Bauli Mini Croissants.

Last year, Ashton Kutcher championed a cause for changing tables to be made available in men’s public restrooms in Target, Costco and other retailer and restaurants.

See here for more info.

Thousands of people empathized with his cause and jumped on the bandwagon to support his effort. As with any news story, it came and went, but we think it is still an important cause that parents need to build awareness around, not just at the big retails, but the local restaurant in your neighborhood or small business you frequently visit with your kids.

Koala Kare is making it possible for dads…and moms…to be an advocate for this cause by creating a place for parents to get information, create more awareness and direct their local establishment to resources and information to have a changing table available if they do not. http://www.koalabear.com/imagine

Did you know that 75% of parents seek out establishments that have child accommodating amenities? And that includes changing tables.

Dr. Mary Ellen Renna, MD, FAAP offers the following tips on what to pack in your diaper bag for a day out with baby:

1. Bottles and formula. If bottles are pre-made be sure to place them in a freezer pack bag so milk and formula stay fresh particularly, during the warmer months.
2. Pack diapers and always carry extra. Earth’s Best carries a line of Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers that are
3. Alcohol free wipes are recommended. For sensitive babies stay with unscented.
4. Carry a changing pad or blanket to protect the baby from germs particularly, when using a changing table in a public restroom. Petite Namaste carries a great line of portable changing pads that are great for on the go and easy to clean. www.petitenamaste.com
5. After the diaper change be sure to wash the babies hands with a little soap and water before they put their hands in their mouth. Soap and water is always best but, if you only have a hand sanitizer available than be sure to wipe the babies hands after with some a towel after applying.
6. For diaper rash a diaper cream with zinc oxide is recommended over the petroleum based formulas.
7. Always pack a change of clothes. SOZO makes an adorable and comfortable line of clothing for babies that are kid and parent friendly. Also pack some type of toy, teething ring or pacifier to keep baby happy and occupied. www.sozousa.com
8. Sunblock is essential, but should be applied to children six months and older. The SPF should be between 30 and 50 (parents should try and avoid the ingredient oxybenzone). Babies that are six months and under should avoid the sun. Wearing a hat, clothing and being in the shade is always the best protection.
9. For older babies carry healthy snacks. The less processed the food the better. Cut up fruits or vegetables. Peppers or edamame are two favorites for the older toddlers who can chew. Blueberries or cut up strawberries are also very portable and a great choice.
10. Keep Motrin and/or Tylenol for any emergencies. Be sure to consult with your physician beforehand for any questions. Pack any medications in a ziplock bag so baby cannot get into itis a board certified pediatrician, mother, spokesperson, radio host and author. Her latest parenting book is “10 Steps to (Almost) Perfect Parenting” offers lots of helpful advice for parents.

Dr. Mary Ellen Renna, MD, FAAP is a board certified pediatrician, mother, spokesperson, radio host and author. Her latest parenting book is “10 Steps to (Almost) Perfect Parenting” offers lots of helpful advice for parents. Please see more info here.

We have teamed up with Petite Namaste and SOZO for a Giveaway!

Check out http://www.koalabear.com/imagine  and share the hashtag on social media #koalaparents . You can also add hashtag #parentsforchangingtables and tag @socalcitykids for giveaway entry as well. Leave a comment below letting us know where you shared on social media. Deadline to enter is July 22nd, 2016 at noon PST. One winner will win a baby bundle prize package that includes: a Petite Namaste portable changing pad or changing pad cover http://www.petitenamaste.com/baby/changing-accessories.html and a SOZO Weeblock http://www.sozousa.com/product-category/weeblocks-parent-protector-set/

Self Disclosure: Credit: Koala Kare. No compensation was received. SoCal City Kids will select the winner via Random.org. Article credit: Huffington Post. Giveaway: Petite Namaste and SOZO.

Summer is here and Soak City is one of our favorite places! My son and I love it there and can’t wait to go next week. I am looking forward to Sunset River and I know my son really likes the  750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay! What I really like is that this ia great place for the whole family!

Would you like to go? We have teamed up for a giveaway! We have a Family 4-Pack of tickets to give a way to one lucky winner! To enter, leave a comment below telling us what attraction at Soak City you would be most excited about! Deadline to enter is July 11th, 2016 at noon PST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and tickets will me mailed to the winner.

For more details about Soak City and hours, visit the website.

Self Disclosure: SoCal City Kids has received tickets for a giveaway prize. No other compensation was receive to post. U.S. residents only.

Are you looking for something new and fun to watch as a family? 

Check out The Deep, now available to stream on Netflix, based on the Aurealis Award-winning graphic novels from #1 New York Times bestselling comic book author Tom Taylor! The Deep is a visually stunning underwater adventure series for kids ages 6 – 12 and their families!

“The Deep” exists, first-and-foremost, because I’m a comics fan,” says Tom Taylor.  “I developed this love of comics when I was young and I desperately wanted my own children to develop this too. However, most comics aren’t geared toward, or attractive to, children. So, I wanted to create something I could share with my kids, something truly all ages, which would appeal to everyone. The Deep is something I hope all parents can enjoy WITH their children.”    

The Deep follows the adventures of the Nekton family—a brilliant team of underwater explorers.  There’s 12-year-old Antaeus (Ant); his analytical 15-year-old sister Fontaine, an astute navigator; and their parents Will, an oceanographer, and Kaiko, a marine biologist; and, of course… Ant’s pet fish!

Continuing a long family legacy, the Nektons live aboard a state-of-the-art submarine, the Aronnax, while exploring uncharted areas of the earth’s oceans to unravel the mysteries of the deep sea where most of our world lies unexplored and unexplained.

While others look up to the stars, this family knows that an infinite number of things shine brightly in the darkness below. The Deep is a place where sea monsters swim through sunken cities, pirates lurk amidst floating black markets, and where a mysterious group of Guardians hide long lost secrets.

The Deep is based on the graphic novels The Deep: Here Be Dragons (SRP: $11.95) and The Deep: The Vanishing Island (SRP: $11.95), authored by Taylor, illustrated by James Brouwer, and published by Gestalt Comics, each featuring 80 full-color pages that you can read with your children.  Both titles can be purchased at Last Gasp Books and Comics.   Or check out The Deep web page at Australia based Gestalt Comics for more information and other digital purchases.

We have teamed up with Technicolor for a Giveaway Opportunity! 

Technicolor is the underlying rights holder to The Deep, which is co-produced by Australia-based A Stark Production and Canada-based DHX Media.

One winner will win these delightful books! To enter, leave a comment below telling us why you think you and your children would like to watch the series! Deadline to enter is July 11. 2016 at noon PST. Only U.S. participants only please. 

Self Disclosure: I received copies of the books to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received. SoCal City Kids will select the winner via Random.org and the books will be sent to the winner.