Who’s ready for some Halloween fun this year? To make up for last year’s so-so celebrations, we’re getting extra creative with some playful costume ideas, inspired by some of the most iconic parts of LA. The hard part? Picking which LA-themed costume for kids is our favorite.

Cast of "Schitt's Creek" Halloween Costume

It's a family affair! Celebrate the hilarious show's Emmy sweep with your own mini cast of Roses, by Lauren Mancke.

Doughnut Halloween Costume

LA's a doughnut town (here's our full list of must-go doughnut spots in LA) so embrace the love of circular sweet treats with this adorable DIY doughnut costume via Hellowonderful_co.

Saber-Toothed Tiger Halloween Costume

best halloween costumes
Oriental Trading Company

Angelenos that grew up visiting the iconic La Brea tarpits will appreciate this saber-toothed tiger Halloween costume. Of course if your kid is more into dinosaurs than tigers, you can order this fossil dinosaur costume to represent the National History Museums's iconic dinosaur displays.  

 

Bob's Big Boy Halloween Costume

Perfect for any little "Big Boy" in LA. After all, the burger chain is one of the city's most iconic restaurants. If you're crafty, here's the DIY tutorial for the costume. If not, you can always add red straps to these checked PJ bottoms and call it a day.

See's Candies Worker Halloween Costume

Another LA institution, See's Candies has been around since 1921 when the first shop opened on Western Ave. Today, workers still wear a traditional black and white uniform reminiscent of the old days, and photographer Gina Lee perfectly recreates the look on her little one. Fun fact: The I Love Lucy with Lucy with gobbling chocolates off a conveyor belt? That was at See's Candies' factory.

The Broad's Balloon Dog Halloween Costume

Bring a little pop culture to your costume (and impress the neighbors) with a reference to the Jeff Koons exhibit at The Broad, featuring the artist's balloon dog sculpture. 

Or this version of a Ballon Dog Halloween Costume

Here's another take on Koons' balloon dog, which you can make with spandex fabric and this tutorial courtesy of Studio DIY.

In-n-Out Fries Halloween Costume

This ensemble is a nod to one of LA's most beloved burger joints, courtesy of the Cali mom Chelsea Foy's Lovely Indeed Instagram account. If your kiddo has a younger sibling, they can always go as the ketchup. Or get your whole brood in on the action with this complete tutorial.

Taco Halloween Costume

LA is arguably the taco capital of the United States. End the debate about where to find the best tacos in the city once and for all with this costume. (Don't want to DIY it? Here's a ready-to-go kid's taco costume.)

Sushi Chef Halloween Costume

Because Angelenos have been sushi lovers for decades, long before the rest of the country caught on. Check out LA mom Laura Izumikawa's Instagram for even more costumed-baby inspiration.

 

You're a Star Halloween Costume

Here's an easy, last-minute (and "punny") costume idea for infants, perfect for any LA baby. 

Valley Girl Halloween Costume

Best Halloween Costumes
Courtesy of Amazon

Like, oh my god. This totally '80s costume is a tribute to LA's Valley Girl days. 

Hollywood Director Halloween Costume

best halloween costumes
Courtesy of Amazon

Lights, camera, action! Here are all the props you'll need for a mini director costume. 

 

–Shannan Rouss

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Impress and awe your little ones (and your Instagram followers) with larger-than-life art murals around San Diego. From the most southwesterly point in the Continental United States to an art gallery visible only by bicycle, you are sure to take epic photos and make lasting memories. Now before the summer ends, scroll down to find your next art appreciation adventure.

IB Pier Mural

Go on your very own treasure hunt. It's a simple a walk on the pier in Imperial Beach and at the end of the pier behind the restaurant, you will find this mind-blowing mural. It marks the most southwesterly point in the continental United States, down to its coordinates. After snapping some insta-worthy photos, enjoy ocean views with the highly-rated fish-n-chips from the Tin Fish.

910 Seacoast Dr.
Imperial Beach, Ca
Online: tinfishonline.com

Children's Discovery Museum Mural

As part of the 2020 #JoyOfBeingOutside Billboard Competition, this mural can be found at the Children's Discovery Museum in Escondido. After checking out the mural, let your kids discover, experiment, imagine and explore inside. It is now open to all visitors, no reservations are necessary. 

320 North Broadway
Escondido, Ca
Online: sdcdm.org

Sleeping Tigers Mural

Awaken the tiger in you and pose with the sleepy rainbow tigers on the corner of Carlsbad Blvd. and Lincoln St as you walk the Village in Carlsbad. Then, stop in for a coffee treat at Sleeping Tiger Coffees and a strawberry treat for your littles at the Strawberry Shack next door. The Strawberry Shack has every strawberry dessert imaginable and possibly the best strawberry ice cream ever!

2906 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, Ca
Online: Sleepingtigercoffees.com

Better Buzz Mural

Danny P. via Yelp

Nothing's better than a coffee break that fuels you and entertains your littles. With this cute play on words, you can find these buzzing bees behind Better Buzz coffee shop in Encinitas. Afterward make sure to visit the playground at Moonlight State Beach, only half a mile away from the mural!

578 S Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, Ca
Online: betterbuzzcoffee.com

Padres Mural

If your little one is a big athlete, then this mural of baseball star Fernando Tatis Jr. is sure to make him cheer. Make sure and get your selfie with one of three Padres murals painted this year around San Diego. This one can be found on the wall of Appletree market in Ocean Beach. Snap photos, grab snacks and make it a beach day!

4976 Newport Ave.
San Diego, Ca

Artlexia Mural

Just like the shop, this mural is colorful and inspiring. After stopping to strike a pose, you and your little artist will have a great time browsing at the charming Artlexia that's filled with Mexican gifts and art. Don't be surprised if your budding creative wants to find a blank canvas to paint on the way home. 

North Park
3803 Ray St.
San Diego, Ca
Online: artelexia.com

Birch Aquarium Whale Mural

Nikki Walsh

Catch a cute pic of your kiddo admiring the under the sea whale mural at the Birch Aquarium. Then head inside for a fun-filled afternoon. Plus, you'll find plenty of additional Instagram worthy shots at this sea side treasure trove. Read our guide to Birch Aquarium here to make the most of your visit!

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, Ca
858-534-3474
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Bicycle Path Art Gallery

Joseph Y. via Yelp

Looking for an activity-filled day with an extra dose of art? Grab your bikes and head to Bayshore Bikeway near Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista for an outdoor art gallery featuring 11 Artists. The total route consists of 24 miles so make sure to park near the gallery in case little legs tire out. Chula Vista Bayfront Park is a good starting point with restrooms and a playground about one mile north of the gallery.

Bayshore Bikeway
Chula Vista, Ca

Kindness Matters Mural

Take a walk at The Headquarters at Seaport Village and discover this beautiful mural to take your next family photo at! Then enjoy all that this shopping, dining  and entertainment hub has to offer.

789 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, Ca
Online: theheadquarters.com

––Ivanna Elias & Nikki Walsh

Featured Image: Denise C. via Yelp

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Workouts look different for everyone these days, especially moms. Whether you’re back to hitting the gym, fast-strolling through your neighborhood, or dancing around the kitchen with your new babe, one thing that’ll help motivate you to move your body is a stellar playlist. Here are 25 songs to power your workout playlist. Who knows, one of these catchy tunes might just become your new sweat-sesh anthem!

To Get You Moving

iStock

Like laying out your workout clothes the night before, just creating a fitness playlist can make it easier to stick to a workout routine. So here's a list of songs that'll nudge you to lace those sneakers and spark your heart rate. 

  • "Motivation” by Normani
  • "Believer" by Imagine Dragons
  • "Electric Bodega Trap Remix" by Beyoncé
  • "Pressure (Alesso Remix)" by Nadia Ali, Starkillers and Alex Kenji 
  • "Feel That Fire" by Dierks Bentley
  • "Break Free" by Ariana Grande
  • "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
  • "You Know You Like It" by DJ Snake AlunaGeorge

 

To Keep You Dancing

iStock

As a busy, hardworking mom or mom-to-be, it's extra tough to find time in the day for a full workout. So instead, try squeezing in a dance session you can do anywhere at any time. These tunes will keep you grooving and your endorphins flowing. Sometimes all you need to do is shake it out! 

  • "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna
  • "Boom Boom Pow" by the Black Eyed Peas
  • "Leave the Door Open" by Bruno Mars
  • "Maniac" by Carpenter Brut & Yann Ligner
  • “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
  • "All I Want to Do" by Sugarland
  • "Still Cool" by Beka
  • "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

 

To Push Your Limits

Peloton

Fitness pros know that just the right song can push anyone through an intense workout. So add these go-to anthems that'll motivate you to keep going when you're dead-tired and ready to quit. 

  • "Level Up" by Ciara
  • "Don't Stop the Party" by Pitbull
  • "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
  • “Formation” by Beyoncé 
  • "Disco Inferno" by 50 Cent
  • “Jump” by Armin van Buuren & Van Halen
  • “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
  • “Jumpman” by Drake & Future 
  • "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi

—Aimee Della Bitta

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Things people never tell you about parenting #303: your kid might be more interested in eating bubbles than playing with them. Fortunately, there’s a new product on the market that makes that activity safe and fun! BubbleLick comes in a variety of flavors and it was invented by a pediatric allergist for peace of mind.

Adults might want to get in on the fun too with flavors like Milk Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Roll and Watermelon Splash. The bubbles are manufactured with FDA-approved food additive ingredients and made in a FDA-registered and allergen-free facility in the U.S.

Founder Jason Tiger worked at the world’s largest bubble toy company and observed that most mass-produced bubbles are created in unmonitored manufacturing facilities, with chemicals that aren’t safe for cosmetic play. Tiger’s goal is to “reinvent and disrupt the bubble industry.” Parent company Bubble Universe also partners with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to give back with every purchase.

If your curiosity is officially piqued, you can buy BubbleLick online. It’s currently available in a four pack of flavors with free shipping over $50. Snag your pack to make summer a little sweeter!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Bubble Universe

 

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Starbucks is embracing summer with some new merch: and it’s Zebra inspired!

The limited edition collection has launched just in time for hot weather and is packed with color. You can snag a Zebra Cold Cup and a Zebra Mug, in addition to a few other jungle-themed pieces.

photos: Starbucks

The special cups are only available while supplies last and inventory is varied by location. The cold cup can be yours for $18.95 and the mug for $12.95 at a Starbucks near you.

––Karly Wood

 

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Editor’s Note: The National Zoo reopened in May 2021. Admission is free, but visitors must register for timed-entry passes here

The 163-acre National Zoo has been captivating visitors since way back in 1889, when it was called the National Museum’s Department of Living Animals, and has continued to expand its offerings over the years. Should you go? Of course! Should you have a game plan? You better! To make things easier, here’s a cheat sheet that will help you get the most out of a day spent with furry, feathered, and spiny zoo friends.

Getting There (and Parking Tips)

Adam Fagen via flickr

The best way to get to the zoo is by public transportation. Period. Both Metro Bus and Metro Rail have stops within walking distance of the Zoo. FYI: While equal distance from both Metro stops, the walk is uphill from the Woodley Park stop and flat from the Cleveland Park stop. The L1 and L2 buses stop right in front of the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. Parking can be reserved before your visit for $30. 

Where to Eat

mliu92 via flickr

The Mane Grill is open and serves Elevation Burgers, vegan burgers, chicken tenders, grab and go items, and kid meals on Lion-Tiger Hill. You can grab a slice of Sbarro at Panda Plaza. Feeling the heat? Grab a cone at Carvel at Panda Overlook. Dippin' Dots, Dolci Gelati and Ben & Jerry’s is also available at various locations in the park. 

Giant Panda 411

Mandy Jansen via flickr

Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji are definitely the resident headline makers at the National Zoo. In fact, they probably attract many of the park’s two million annual visitors. The National Zoo is a leader in giant panda conservation and has been working with China to study, breed and care for these black-and-white beauties since 1972 .Depending on the time and the weather, the giant pandas have a choice to be outside or inside the panda house. The pandas typically have outdoor access until early afternoon. 

Safety regulations: Free, pre-timed tickets are required for this exhibit. You can get yours here

Daily Programs

Something is always happening at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Daily programs include animal training, feeding demonstrations and keeper talks. Some programs change from week to week. Zoo educators and volunteers try to keep an updated schedule, but due to weather and the needs of the animals, activity times can change. Please be sure to consult a schedule at the Zoo on the day of your visit.

Keeping Your Cool

The Austinot via flickr

It’s no secret…during the summer the Zoo can get rather toasty. When the heat is on, keep cool by strolling through the many mist stations sprinkled throughout the park. Even better, dip your feet in the flowing waters of the American Trail Tide Pool (May 30-Sep. 30), a shallow wave pool open for tiptoe-ing through with replica model sea stars, barnacles and mussels.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Guiomar Ochoa

 

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Jurassic Park is back—just not on the big screen. The iconic original flick from the mega-popular franchise is the subject of a new Monopoly game.

From T. Rex to the velociraptors, your littles are all about the prehistoric world in the Monopoly: Jurassic Park Edition. Now you can join in with the dinosaur play in a way that’s fun for your entire fam!

Photo: Amazon

The Monopoly Jurassic Park Edition (for players eight-years and up) is based on the OG 90’s film so instead of buying railroads and building hotels, this game requires the players to secure the park. You’ll have to avoid the T. Rex’s rampage and activate the electronic gate to get paid.

The amount of money each player gets depends on whether the gate plays the movie theme or gives a major dino roar. Along with rushing away from a Rex on a rampage, players can also build fences and charge rent for dino protection.

As if that’s not enough, the Hasbro Gaming Tiger Electronics Jurassic Park LCD Video Game is also available for fans of the paleo fave. Retro game lovers will love this version that was inspired by the original handheld game of the 90’s.

Find Jurassic-themed Monopoly game on Amazon for $32.96, and the Tiger Electronics version at retailers nationwide beginning Aug. 1 for approximately $20.

—Erica Loop

 

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It’s National Snack Day—and Kellogg’s has a super-sized way to celebrate! The beloved brand recently announced the release of SMORZ Jumbo Snax. Now Kellogg’s is adding to the Jumb Snax line with a brand-new Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal version.

You don’t have to take a trip to the mall’s food court to get the cinnamon-y goodness of Cinnabon. Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Jumbo Snax bites have the classic taste of the ooey, gooey buns, in a convenient travel-friendly pouch.

photo courtesy of Kellogg’s

Why did Kellogg’s decide to bring back Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal and SMORZ Cereal as jumbo-fied snacks? Erin Storm, senior marketing director of Kellogg All Family Cereal, said in a press release, “Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Cereal and SMORZ Cereal have incredibly devoted fan bases, and we’ve received numerous social media requests to bring back the cereals.”

Storm continued, “The new Kellogg’s Jumbo Snax additions give fans what they desire—another way to satisfy their cereal cravings, anytime, anywhere, with two new melt-in-your-mouth flavors.”

Along with the new Cinnabon and SMORZ flavors, look for other Jumbo Snax varieties in the cereal aisle, including Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes Tiger Paws, and Apple Jacks. Find Kellogg’s Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Jumbo Snax in retailers nationwide starting this April for the suggested retail price of $5.49 for a 12-pouch multipack.

—Erica Loop

 

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You don’t have to venture outside your house to take a trip to the museum––turn your living room in a prehistoric playland!  With the new Museum Alive app, David Attenborough will take your family back in time using the latest Unity AR technology.

Now you can use your iPhone to do more than scroll through IG or post pics of your kiddos on Facebook. If you have an iPhone 8 or up and use iOS 13 or iOS 14, you can blast into the past.

The Museum Alive app is a continuation of Attenborough’s BAFTA-winning Museum Alive film. Using AR (augmented reality) and spatial audio technology, the app magically transports users into a prehistoric experience.

Choose one of three photorealistic fossils to explore: A 300 million-year-old five-eyed fish-like Opabinia, a flying Diamorphodon dinosaur or the sabre-toothed Smildon. Use your phone’s camera to see the world through the eyes of your chosen prehistoric creature and learn about prehistoric life.

Creative and Technical Lead at Museum Alive production studio Alchemy Immersive, Elliot Graves, said in a press release, “We’re so proud to launch an app that can genuinely contribute to educating and inspiring children using immersive technologies. At a time when so many children are disengaged with learning, we really hope the excitement of bringing fossils to life in the home will provide a novel experience that showcases the potential of immersive story-telling within education.”

Graves continued, “We are particularly proud of the app’s visual quality and our distinctive approach to 3D menu design. Above all, though, David Attenborough’s captivating stories bring an infectious liveliness to this immersive experience that instantly makes it cinematic. You just won’t forget what it’s like to have a Sabre-tooth tiger prowl across your floor before pouncing on its prey – and we can’t wait to share what it’s like.”

Of the original 3D Natural History Museum Alive film and experience, Attenborough said, “It’s really exciting to take these stories and bring them to a new young audience via a digital platform which allows you to explore these extraordinary extinct creatures in a way people have never been able to before. I hope that it will make people think about these extinct creatures differently.”

Find Alchemy Immersive’s Museum Alive app in the App Store here!

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Alchemy Immersive

 

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Whether you’re gearing up for a long, snowy winter or just riding the waves of cooler storms, there’s no question that winter comes with challenges. Keep your kids warm and dry with these new and cool items.

Bern Helmets

Erin Lem

The problem? Newbies on the slope fall a lot!

The solution: For the littlest of littles shredding the gnar for the first time, you want them outfitted in the safest gear possible. We love Bern helmets for their safety and design (in fact, we use the adult version ourselves when skiing).

The Camino is the smallest helmet in their winter line and fits our almost three-year-old perfectly. It's easy to adjust to your child's head, they're lightweight and apparently very comfortable—we were quite surprised that our tot didn't complain once about wearing his helmet all morning (and we all know how toddlers love to complain). The designs are fun, too. Choose from snowflakes, airplanes, a shark and more. 

And, what we really love is that this helmet also doubles—at least for our family—as a winter helmet for bike riding. It keeps our son's ears and head warm, while providing protection since he's just graduating from a balance bike to a pedal bike and prone to bumps and bruises. 

$59.99

Shop at bernhelmets.com

Gordini Gloves

Gordini

The problem? There's an artic freeze but your kids still want to play outside. 

The solution? Gloves that will keep frostbite at bay! 

When it comes to winter gloves, not all are created equal. When there are low temps and lots of snow, having a glove that stays in place while keeping those fingers nice and cozy is a must. We love Gordini gloves: they're high-quality, come in an array of stylish colors, have little hidden pockets for things like a key, and kept our Managing Editor's sons hands plenty warm during a Minnesota winter. Plus, you can find them in styles from baby/mitten to junior. 

Shop them on Amazon or check out gordini.com.

Most kid styles are between $35-$50. 

Cubcoats Panda Down Jacket

Cubcoats

The problem? It's cold and you want your kids to stay cozy and not forget their coat! 

The solution: Cubcoats convertible attire.  Whether you're traveling or playing right at home, Cubcoats innovative design insures your kid will never forget their coat! The newest additions to the line of cozy stuffed animals that convert to jackets include super-warm down vests and coats. We're pretty much in love with the Papo the Panda but other designs are available including Kali the Kitty and Pimm the Puppy. 

$65-$80

Shop at cubcoats. com 

Reima Snow Suits

Reima

The problem? Layers upon layers of gear weigh kids down and, especially, slow kids down!

The solution: Reima Snowsuits

There's a Finnish saying that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing and Finnish brand Reima makes some of the best snow and cold-weather gear money can buy. In many cold climates, kids need to gear up to go out to play at recess, and for some kids it takes waaaay too long to get ready to go. We love one-piece snow suits for kids for just this reason, and thanks to Reima you can find them well beyond the baby years, with sizes up to age 10. They make lots of other gear too, including gloves, hats and rain gear. It's a little spendy but they last forever and can be passed on from sibling to sibling/younger friends. 

Find them on Amazon or at us.reima.com 

Tiger Paw Mittyz 

Veyo Kids

The problem? Baby and toddler gloves are either impossible to get on or fall off too easily.

The solution? Veyo's Mittyz

These adorable animal-inspired mittens not only keep their hands warm in the winter, they are super easy to put on, ideal for wriggling babies and toddlers. They are waterproof, big enough to fit over any coat sleeves, and feature an elastic gauntlet to keep out snow and ice and keep them in place. Snag a matching tiger Noggins ($14.95) and you’ll be ready to roar. 

$39.95

Shop at veyokids.com/mittyz

Buckle Me Coats

Buckle Me

The problem? Getting a car seat on over a puffy winter coat. 

The solution? Buckle Me Coats

Parents in cold winter climates know the struggle is real: you’ve got your car seat fitted nice and snug and then the winter coat throws everything off. Enter, Buckle Me Coats, a mom-invented car seat friendly coat that allows you to buckle your kids right into their seat without having to remove the coat or re-adjust the straps. 

From $59.99

Learn more at bucklemecoats.com 

Dry Out Gloves & Boots Faster with the Green Glove Dryer

Green Glove Dryer

The problem? Those boots and gloves get damp inside! 

The solution? The Green Glove dryer, a mitten and boot dryer that an adapt to a heater vent!

Michigan-based mom Karen Smoots came up with a genius way to dry out her family’s wet gear during one of Michigan’s long, cold winters. The Green Glove Dryer doesn’t just work for gloves: you can use it for hats and boots too. It attaches to a heat register and the warm air circulates inside the gear through nozzles. You can use on a floor vent or wall vent, and both are super easy to install, lightweight and portable. Our editor tested both versions and fell in love.

$19.99, free shipping in the US and $5 flat rate to Canada.

Get yours at greenglovedryer.com

—Amber Guetebier

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