Gather ‘Round the Campfire: Where to Get Your S’more Fix

by Christina Montoya FiedlerJune 17, 2015

Whether you like them lightly toasted or burnt to a crisp, roasting marshmallows around a campfire is the ultimate summer activity for kids. Pair it with a warm Los Angeles evening and you’ve got yourself a real summer treat. Here are 5 places where you can warm up your roasting arm (and some bonus hints for where to score s’more treats without getting toasty).

photo credit: sand_and_sky via flickr

From the Santa Monica Mountains to the LA River, four local Los Angeles parks are sponsoring community campfires that are free and open to the public all summer long. Roasting equipment and marshmallows are provided, as is the all important roaring fire. All you have to bring is a light jacket and a blanket so you can get comfy on the park grounds.

While you’re scarfing down your marshmallows, you can sit back and enjoy a park ranger narrated nature program, which will teach little nature lovers all about local flora and fauna. So if you’re wondering just what mountain lions like to eat or how to spot poison ivy, a park ranger would love to answer your questions while you get sugary and toasted. What does deer poop look like? Yep. She’ll answer that, too.

photo credit: John Amis via flickr

Here’s where you can find these free, ooey-gooey,finger-licking-good, campfire events near you. Each one begins at 7 p.m. and lasts about an hour and a half. The programs are currently running now through the first week of August.

Tuesday

King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Highway
Calabasas
Online: lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=670
Follow signs to outdoor amphitheater.

Wednesday

Vista Hermosa Park
100 N. Toluca St.
Los Angeles (Echo Park Adjacent)
Online: lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=672
Follow signs to the Grotto.

AND

Franklin Canyon
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr.
Beverly Hills
Online: lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=14
Follow signs to the amphitheater.

Thursday

Marsh Park
2999 Rosanna St.
Glassell Park
Online: lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=669
Follow signs from the parking lot entrance to the event.

photo credit: National Parks via flickr

Seaside S’Mores
Dockweiler Beach is the only beach in Los Angeles where beach fires are allowed. Get there early to snag a fire pit and build the best bonfire this side of Orange County (where there are more beaches in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach that allow fire pits), and you can roast your own marshmallows as you dry out from a day at the beach. Sticky fingers and sandy toes required.

The pits are open year round on a first come first serve basis and you must bring everything with you: wood, matches, fire starters, & s’mores supplies. Don’t forget the sticks, they’re not plentiful on the beach! Bring a bucket, too, because you’re in charge of extinguishing your own fire. A little sea water should do the trick. Keep flip flops on near the campfire due to arrant sparks and wood chips left from previous users.

Dockweiler State Beach
12000 Vista del Mar
Playa del Rey
Online: beaches.lacounty.gov

photo credit: Nate via flickr

More S’More Making and Taking
If you think s’mores should only be made around your own camp fire, hit one of our favorite family camping spots and bring the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars along.

If you’re dying for a gourmet DIY treat, we’ve got some tasty and unconventional recipes for making the perfect s’more at home.

And if you’re more of an order-in kind of family, these spots make our favorite restaurant s’mores treats in town! (In the name of good journalism we ate our way through dozens of contenders to pick the very best.) Try the Summer S’more Bars at M Street Kitchen, the Make Your Own S’mores at Luna Park, order a dozen of the S’more Cookies at Cookie Good to feed a crowd, or feed your emo soul when you wake up with a S’Morrissey Donut from Donut Friend.

photo credit: M Street Kitchen

Parents, where are your favorite campfire locations for roasting marshmallows? Tell us in the comments below.

—Christina Fiedler

Why Little Italy is the Perfect Family Neighborhood

by Marissa MullenJune 8, 2015

If you’re looking for a day of family fun that’s beyond the typical park outings and indoor play spaces, we’ve got your guide to one of the most family-friendly spots in town. Since its days as a fishing community for Italian immigrants, Little Italy has evolved into a thriving San Diego neighborhood. The rich culture and history is reflected in its old world charm, colorful cafes, and numerous diverse attractions. Today it boasts impressive public art displays, and is host to over a dozen festivals year round. Read on for why we consider Little Italy to be the perfect setting for a day of family fun!

Photo Credit: Little Italy Association

Explore Little Italy
A visit to Little Italy isn’t complete without a stroll through the Farmer’s Market, one of the best in San Diego. Every Saturday, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., you can browse more than 150 booths with unique products ranging from delicious fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, flowers, artisan crafts, and much more. The farmer’s market is the perfect venue for teaching kiddos about the food that they eat, and many vendors are generous with samples. But if the samples just aren’t enough to satisfy hungry tummies, check out the hot food vendors! Kids can pick from paninis, crepes or something exotic such as Thai food. Get here early, as this market attracts a huge crowd!

Photo Credit: Little Italy Association

If you’ve got little ones who need a break from the Farmers Market, check out Amici Park. Here you’ll find bocce ball courts (bring your own bocce balls), a small amphitheater and a large grassy area to run around in. Since the grass playing field is located next to an elementary school, the public is welcome to enjoy the space when school is not in session. Don’t miss the quaint, public art installation titled “Recipe for Friendship” complete with checkerboard tablecloths made from Italian glass mosaics.

Photo Credit: Marissa Mullen

Got a firetruck lover? Future firefighters can hop aboard a real fire engine at The Firehouse Museum. A favorite among kids, this small museum once served as the home to the fire station in Little Italy. Today, it houses relics such as a 1903 Metropolitan Steamer and other fire station nostalgia that kids are sure to love. We love that entrance is free for kids. And don’t miss the few gift items for sale.

Photo Credit: Jack M. via Yelp

Beat the Heat
The weather is warming up, and that means splash time at the Waterfront Park. This park features two separate water areas on both sides of the County Administrative building, as well as a cool playground. Kids can test the waters and dip their toes in the giant shallow pools, then run through the fountains that spray overhead. The water feature — combined with innovative play equipment at the playground and a lovely view of the ships — will keep kids occupied for hours. The recent addition of three playful, whimsical sculptures from world renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle provides yet another reason to visit and some great photo opps.

Photo Credit: Stacy J. via Yelp

Where to Eat
If the Farmer’s Market didn’t fill you up, there’s no shortage of restaurants and great food in Little Italy. What kid doesn’t love pizza? NaPizza is a newer establishment that is quickly gaining attention for its unique concept and gourmet flair. Not only do they serve square pizza, but they also are committed to using only organic, locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of Nutella pizza for dessert.

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy is local favorite, Landini’s Pizzeria. This nofrills neighborhood eatery specializes in New York style “pizza by the slice.” For the picky eaters, there is a variety of toppings to choose from, as well as an impressive selection of delicious pasta dishes.

Photo Credit: Vicki S. via Yelp

If the kids have been extra good, take them for a treat! You can’t go wrong with refreshing gelato or a piping hot Italian chocolate at Pappalecco. And it’s hard to resist the cannolis at Caffe Italia.

Photo Credit: Kevin W. via Yelp

Once you’ve got your pizza and treats in hand, head over to the Piazza Basilone to eat your goodies. This charming outdoor space was designed for The Little Italy Assciation and named for Italian American war hero, Gunnery Seargent John Basilone. This cozy spot is the ideal place for families to gather, eat and relax. Numerous celebrations throughout the year are also held at this spot. Take advantage of the café seating or the amphitheater and watch the kiddos enjoy the fountain!

Photo Credit: Little Italy Facebook Page

Have you been to Little Italy? What is your favorite family activity to do there? Tell us in the comments!

— Marissa Mullen

A Brand New Playground in Highland Park

by LeTania Kirkland SmithApril 15, 2015

Highland Park has loads to explore with a mix of funky, historic and new cafes, restaurants, vintage shops and boutiques everywhere. But it’s always been a bit lacking in the “places for kids to play” department. No longer! The oh-so-hip enclave has reclaimed an old lot and created a brand new space for the kids to roam, right in the center of it all.

Making the Most of a Little Pocket
York Park was built on the site of a former gas station at the corner of York Boulevard and Avenue 50. The $3 million parklet covers just a third of an acre, but is a little pocket of wonder the whole family can enjoy. The planners of this new park, which opened in late February, certainly made the most of every inch. While you won’t find much in the way of grass, the space is covered with a bright teal and orange, shock-absorbent surface and two main play surfaces.

Slither Down
One of the main hubs is a towering snake slide. Your explorer can climb up the ladder (spotting may be needed for toddlers) and slither down to emerge from the serpent’s mouth. Kids seem to be obsessed with fitting just as many bodies in there as possible so if you have a little one, make sure the space is clear.

Urban Forest
Once the kids have escaped the belly of the snake, they can hit the mini forest that resembles a hollowed out tree trunk. The unit is complete with a slide (it’s a fast one), monkey bars and three climbing surfaces. Adventurers can scale rocks to the top of the tree or slink across a rope web, super-hero style. Or, if they want a little space on the ground, they can retreat to the base of the tree trunk and hide out for a while.

Outdoor Symphony
If you have a musician on your hands, they’ll love the huge, community-style musical play equipment. There is a xylophone, colorful bongo-style drums and 8 foot chimes that brings a bit of serenity to the active scene. Parents can sit in the mini amphitheater and take in the musical experimentation (that is if you’re not tempted to jump in and play yourself).

Get Fit
If the entire family wants to get moving, the park is outfitted with low-impact exercise equipment. You can get your legs swinging on the elliptical or do a few arm presses while you hang out. The kiddos treat these like an extension of the playground, so keep an eye out for falls if you can’t quell their fascination.

Get Reading
After all of this fun, everyone might be in the mood for a little stillness. What better way than a book? York Park brings everything full circle with a free community library where everyone is free to borrow (and donate) a good read.

Eats and Extras
Beyond play surfaces, there are also several benches, tables and chairs and the seats at the amphitheater, if you’d like to enjoy snack time or lunch in the park. The park is also surrounded by a lovely metal gate that makes for a lot less worry during play time. No escaping for little Houdini’s on this busy block! While there are a few trees planted, the playground is lacking shade so bring sunblock and consider heading there in the morning or early evening while it’s cooler. Also, the playground is on York and Avenue 50, so there are lots of food (including an old-fashioned ice cream truck most days), drink and shopping options to complete the outing. We’re partial to any excuse to visit Donut Friend, a mere block away. There are also spacious public restrooms and water fountains on site.

Plenty O’ Parking
Street parking is free though some streets have two hour limits. And keep an eye out for restrictions on street cleaning days. If you want to keep it simple, there are also pay-to-park lots with ample spaces adjacent to the park.

York Park
4596 N. Ave 50
Highland Park
There’s no website for this neighborhood park, just GPS the address and head on over.

We love little neighborhood parks! Do you have a favorite? Do you know about a hidden gem? Let us know in the comment section below!

—written and photos by LeTania Kirkland

Trek Lightly with TreePeople

by kim orchen cooperAugust 20, 2014

Trees give us shade, limbs to climb and branches to swing from – not to mention fresh air to fill little lungs. While it can feel like we live in an urban jungle, in LA we’re always about 10 minutes from a frolic in a forest. Tree People will help remind you of our abundance of green, and a visit to their Coldwater Canyon Park plants the seeds for budding environmentalists to learn and value the nature of sustainability.

High above the city lights of Hollywood, TreePeople’s headquarters are easy to access at the ridgeline of Coldwater Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Pack a snack and hit one of the half-dozen hiking trails within the Park; meandering one of the stroller-friendly paths, like the Magical City Forest Trail, leads to panoramic views of the Valley.

Along the way, tiny trekkers can check out the Yurt Village that serves as the nonprofit’s environmentally friendly offices. Along the Oak Trail, you’ll uncover a 99-seat amphitheater under a natural canopy, where a volunteer Ensemble presents music, plays and special events the summer.

The Park’s main attraction is TreePeople’s Center for Community Forestry. Here’s the place kiddos can get their hands dirty, learning about planting trees and water conservation. Little ones will love to explore the entry to the Watershed Garden, through a concrete storm pipe. Once inside, witness a small scale river flowing through a natural landscape to a clean ocean. Models alongside demonstrate how rainwater picks up pollutants that wind up in the ocean and also how trees and naïve plantings can avert these detrimental effects.

A hop, skip and a jump away is the Nursery where TreePeople nurtures seedlings, most grown from native seed and acorns collected by volunteers. Kids can lend little hands (with grownup help) to tend to the baby trees.

Don’t forget to bring a picnic and spend the day, eating spots are scattered through the park. This gorgeous getaway feels like miles from civilization (while merely minutes away from the 101 freeway!)

TreePeople @ Coldwater Canyon Park
located at the intersection of Mullholland Drive, Coldwater & Franklin Canyon
Online: treepeople.org

Check for parking closures due to special events (also, detailed directions and info for public transportation).

Also, check their website for events, like the monthly Moonlight Hike, where howling at the moon is optional, but encouraged.

– Kim Orchen Cooper

Photos courtesy of TreePeople, Maria McGinley and the Basurto Family.

Have you visited TreePeople? We’d love to hear about your favorite hiking paths there or what your kids enjoyed learning!

8 Things We Adore About Washington Park

by liz oversonJune 18, 2014

We heart Washington Park. Formerly known as City Park, it’s a measuring stick for all that’s going on in our fair hamlet. Live music, inspiring gardens, righteous views, amazing museums and, of course, an epic playground combine for months of summer merriment. Here are our top eight ways to play at this enormous park just steps from downtown Portland, from late June to Labor Day weekend.

Knock on Wood at the World Forestry Center
Summer, especially pre-July fourth, can be a bit of a weather quandary. If it’s rainy, chilly or full-on gloomy out, head inside to the World Forestry Museum and Discovery Center. There are literally heaps of things to do with the saplings and the new Art of Dr. Seuss exhibit is sure to delight one and all. This spot can also be a fab refuge on the baking-hot summer days when you need an indoor option that’s rarely crowded, yet full of places and ways to burn energy.

Head Outdoors at the Portland Children’s Museum
The new Outdoor Adventure exhibit at Portland Children’s Museum is super cool. Build a fort, climb rocks and trees, play in water, sail boats, and picnic or snack al fresco. Score! Then head inside for all the go-to faves like Banfield Pet Hospital, Building Bridgetown and DIY face-painting.

Be a Party Animal at the Oregon Zoo
Take in a concert at the Oregon Zoo. Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, and Amos Lee are all on hand this summer. Evenings at the zoo have a magic all their own and going at least once a summer is sure to keep the blues away. Get there early with your picnic blanket and dinner to stake out your primo space. As for daytime fun, there’s the new condor exhibit, sweet baby lions and the future elephant habitat to check out.

Play Hard at the Playground
Officially titled the Rose Garden Children’s Park, this delightfully intricate and involved play space has ways to entertain kids for what feels like days. Sand box, ramps, swings and slides abound. The nearby Elephant Amphitheater has a couple of covered picnic tables, perfect for a shady lunch. *According to their website, the play structure is closed for maintenance and the adjacent picnic shelter cannot be reserved June 9-July 4, 2014.

Enjoy Al Fresco Dinner and a Show
Washington Park rolls its own live music fest every summer. August 8-15 are the dates and the park’s amphitheater is the place. See greats like local jazz songstress Nancy King, the Portland Festival Symphony and even watch the Wizard of Oz. Pack a blanket, dinner and enjoy the shows for free.

Be Naturally Inspired
The Japanese Garden is always a winner. Unbelievably pretty and inspiring, it’s also a fab destination for an outdoor adventure. On July 7 it’s the Festival of Stars with live entertainment, kids activities and cultural energy galore.

Go on a Statue Hunt
Find Sacajawea (near the Rose Garden and playground off of Vista and 23rd), the gargoyles of Chiming Fountain (near Sacajawea’s statue), a bronze statue entitled, The Coming of the White Man (about 200 yards north of Sacajawea, hidden in the trees) and a monument memorializing Lewis and Clark (at the park’s entrance).

Run Amok in the Rose Garden
The International Rose Test Garden’s beautiful roses and views are to die for and the taller plants make for hide and seek ease. This is a terrific spot for a picnic, a stop over as you hike some of the Wildwood Trail or wait for the tennis courts to fee up.

What’s your favorite thing about Washington Park? Let us know in the Comments below.

– Liz Overson

Thanks for the photos oregon.gov, allligatorjuice.com, tenminutetourist.com, Portland Children’s Museum and TravelPortland.

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