Families got a first look at a new free educational app designed to make early math learning fun during a special launch event hosted by PBS SoCal at its Burbank studio June 13. The FAMILY MATH Play & Learn app introduces children ages 3-5 to foundational math concepts through interactive games, music videos and hands-on activities that parents and caregivers can enjoy alongside them.

About 30 content creators and their families attended the event, which featured learning stations, a life-sized FAMILY MATH board game, a cozy reading corner and a meet-and-greet with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Now available nationwide on iOS, Android and web platforms, the ad-free app is designed to help families strengthen early math skills at home through play-based learning experiences focused on concepts such as number sense, patterns, shapes, measurement and spatial reasoning. You can access the app here.

 To learn more and access additional FAMILY MATH materials, visit pbssocal.org/familymath.

The post Free PBS SoCal Math App Helps Preschoolers Learn Through Play appeared first on L.A. Parent.

LA’s BEST is now enrolling students for its free summer programs across Los Angeles. Since 1988, LA’s BEST has provided safe, joyful and high-quality expanded learning opportunities that support the academic, social and emotional growth of elementary school students.

Summer programming runs June 15–July 24 and includes arts, STEM, sports, recreation, academic enrichment and hands-on learning experiences. Students may attend any participating LA’s BEST summer site, regardless of summer school enrollment status.

Families can find a participating site and apply at lasbest.org/find-a-site or learn more at lasbest.org.

About LA’s BEST

LA’s BEST (Better Educated Students for Tomorrow) is a nonprofit afterschool and expanded learning program serving more than 23,000 students across 201 LAUSD elementary school sites. Through a unique public-private partnership with the City of Los Angeles and LAUSD, LA’s BEST helps children thrive by providing enriching learning experiences at no cost to families.

The post Free Summer Programs for Kids at LA’s BEST appeared first on L.A. Parent.

By Duncan Macnally, GoSkate

The countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is already creating excitement across Southern California. For many families, the upcoming Games are more than just a global sporting event — they are an opportunity to inspire children to become more active, develop new skills and perhaps even dream about competing on the world stage one day.

With Los Angeles preparing to host athletes from around the globe, interest in Olympic sports among young people is growing rapidly. Parents are searching for activities that go beyond traditional recreational programs, looking for sports that build confidence, discipline and lifelong healthy habits.

The good news is that Los Angeles offers a wide variety of Olympic sports programs designed specifically for children. Whether a child is interested in swimming, tennis, archery, gymnastics or track and field, there are opportunities throughout the city to get started.

Why Olympic Sports Are Great for Kids
Sports provide much more than physical exercise. They help children develop important life skills that can benefit them both on and off the field of play. Participation in organized sports encourages:

• Goal setting and perseverance
• Teamwork and communication
• Self-confidence and resilience
• Physical fitness and coordination
• Time management and responsibility

Children also gain exposure to positive coaching environments where effort, sportsmanship and personal improvement are emphasized. These experiences often become valuable lessons that stay with them throughout life.

With LA28 approaching, many young athletes are becoming fascinated by the sports they see featured in Olympic coverage. Trying an Olympic sport early can help children discover a passion that lasts for years.

Swimming: The Foundation of Athletic Success
Swimming has long been one of the most popular Olympic sports — and for good reason. It develops cardiovascular fitness, full-body strength, flexibility and coordination while teaching a skill that can enhance safety around water.

Many families in Los Angeles choose to enroll children in structured swim lessons to help them build confidence in the water while learning proper techniques. Young swimmers can begin with basic water-safety skills before progressing to competitive strokes and race training.

Swimming is particularly appealing because children can start at a young age and continue developing their abilities through adolescence and beyond. Whether a child dreams of competing or simply wants to stay active, swimming provides a strong athletic foundation.

The visibility of Olympic swimming stars often motivates kids to work hard in the pool and imagine what might be possible with dedication and consistent practice.

Tennis: A Sport for Every Age
Tennis has produced some of the most memorable Olympic moments and remains one of the most accessible sports for children in Los Angeles.

One of the advantages of tennis is that kids can begin learning at nearly any age. Modified equipment and smaller courts allow younger players to experience success early while developing proper technique.

Programs such as TennisProNow lessons make it easier for families to introduce children to the sport through structured coaching and age-appropriate instruction. As skills improve, young athletes can participate in local competitions and continue progressing toward higher levels of play.

Beyond the physical benefits, tennis teaches patience, strategic thinking and emotional control. Players learn how to handle pressure, adapt to challenges and take responsibility for their performance.

With tennis scheduled to be a major attraction during LA28, many young Angelenos are already picking up a racket and discovering why the sport remains popular worldwide.

Archery: Precision, Focus, and Confidence
Archery may not always receive the same attention as swimming or basketball, but it continues to attract young athletes looking for a unique challenge.

Olympic archery combines concentration, discipline and technical skill. Success depends on consistency and focus, rather than physical size or strength, making it an excellent option for children with different athletic backgrounds. Young archers learn:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Mental focus
• Patience and self-discipline
• Goal setting
• Performance under pressure

Los Angeles offers several youth-friendly archery programs where beginners can safely learn proper shooting techniques under qualified instruction. Many children are surprised by how rewarding the sport becomes once they start seeing their accuracy improve.

As archery gains exposure through Olympic coverage, more families are discovering it as an exciting alternative to traditional sports.

Gymnastics: Building Athletic Foundations
Gymnastics has been inspiring young athletes for generations. The sport develops strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness while encouraging confidence and creativity.

Many athletic skills learned through gymnastics transfer to other sports. Children who participate often develop excellent coordination and movement patterns that benefit them later in activities such as diving, soccer, basketball and track and field.

Youth gymnastics programs throughout Los Angeles offer classes ranging from beginner recreational sessions to advanced competitive training. These programs provide structured environments where children can progress at their own pace while celebrating individual achievements.

The excitement surrounding Olympic gymnastics frequently motivates young participants to challenge themselves and pursue new skills.

Track and Field: The Heart of the Olympics
When many people think about the Olympics, they immediately picture track-and-field events. Running, jumping and throwing competitions represent some of the purest forms of athletic achievement.

Track and field offers tremendous variety, allowing children to explore different disciplines and discover their strengths. Some may excel in sprinting, while others prefer distance running, hurdles, long jump or throwing events. The benefits include:

• Improved endurance
• Enhanced speed and agility
• Stronger muscles and bones
• Better overall fitness
• Increased confidence

Youth track clubs throughout Los Angeles welcome participants of all ability levels and provide opportunities to compete in local meets.

Because many events require minimal equipment, track and field remains one of the most accessible Olympic sports available to young athletes.

Volleyball: A Growing Favorite
Volleyball continues to gain popularity among children and teenagers across Southern California. Both indoor and beach volleyball are Olympic sports, making Los Angeles an ideal place to learn. The sport develops:

• Teamwork
• Coordination
• Agility
• Communication skills
• Quick decision-making

Beach volleyball is especially appealing in Los Angeles thanks to the region’s famous coastline and year-round outdoor weather.

Many youth programs focus on skill development while creating fun, supportive environments where players can build friendships and confidence.

Fencing: A Unique Olympic Experience
Fencing often captures children’s attention because it looks unlike any other sport they have encountered. This fast-paced Olympic event combines athletic movement with strategic thinking. Participants must react quickly while planning their next move and adapting to their opponent’s tactics. Fencing teaches:

• Discipline
• Focus
• Agility
• Strategic decision-making
• Respect for opponents

Several fencing clubs throughout Los Angeles offer beginner programs designed specifically for children, making it easier than ever to explore this distinctive Olympic sport.

Finding the Right Sport for Your Child
Not every child will immediately fall in love with the first sport they try, and that is perfectly normal. Parents should encourage exploration and allow children to experience different activities before making long-term commitments. The goal is not necessarily to create future Olympians but to help young people find something they genuinely enjoy.

When choosing a sport, consider:

• Your child’s interests
• Personality and learning style
• Physical abilities
• Scheduling flexibility
• Long-term enjoyment

Children who feel supported and encouraged are more likely to stay engaged and continue developing their skills.

The LA28 Effect
Hosting the Olympics creates a unique opportunity for local communities. Young athletes can watch world-class competitors perform in their own city and see firsthand what dedication and hard work can achieve.

The excitement surrounding LA28 is already inspiring families to become more involved in youth sports. Participation in Olympic-style activities can help children stay active, build confidence and create positive memories that last a lifetime.

While only a small number of young athletes will eventually compete in the Olympics, the lessons learned through sports are valuable for everyone. Whether a child chooses swimming, tennis, archery, gymnastics or another Olympic discipline, the journey itself often becomes the greatest reward.

As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world in 2028, now may be the perfect time for local kids to discover their own Olympic dreams. The next generation of athletes is already taking shape, one lesson, practice and competition at a time.

Dunan Macnally is a Growth Marketing Expert at GoSkate, a passionate skateboarding brand dedicated to making skating accessible, fun and inclusive for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on quality gear, community events and inspiring the next generation of skaters, GoSkate helps riders express themselves and push their limits on and off the board. Learn more at goskate.com.

The post Where Kids in Los Angeles Can Try Olympic Sports Before LA28 appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens has unveiled its most enchanting — and first ever regional exhibit. Summer Hummerz is an immersive experience that celebrates California’s pollinators through large-scale art and educational installations. Highlights include a “whimsical flock” of suspended air sculptures, a walk-in “nest” constructed of fiber and stained glass, and giant hummingbird-head viewing scopes with video displays. Kids are invited to participate in a treasure hunt throughout the gardens and learn more about these tiny birds. The exhibit also features the “Painted Perchers” collection, with unique works from 12 Southern California artists, available for purchase to support the mission of Ventura Botanical Gardens.

The debut of Summer Hummerz marks a milestone in the gardens’ maturity as a regional destination. Since 2019, the site evolved significantly, incorporating more than 100,000 new plants throughout the Fynbos, Karoo, California Ramble and Mediterranean collections, while significantly expanding the number of protected species under our care. To enhance the guest experience, the gardens increased its walkway network by 200%, debuted the new Fernery shade structure and opened a new observation deck. 

Wondering if you’ll see a real hummingbird? It’s very likely! Southern California is prime hummingbird habitat and the Ventura Botanical Gardens are filled with nectar-rich plants these tiny birds love. Anna’s hummingbirds live in the area year-round and other species like Allen’s hummingbirds are especially active along the California coast during summer. If you spend a little time strolling the garden paths, especially near flowering plants, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one darting between blooms or hovering for a quick sip of nectar. No luck spotting one? Try listening for the sound of them zooming around!

Come share the beauty of the gardens with your family, open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays and days when it rains. Leashed dogs are welcome on Wednesdays, Fridays and on monthly free days. See admission and calendar. The Ventura Botanical Gardens is located at 567 Poli Street, Ventura, 93001. Garden admission for non-members is $15, kids 18 and under are free with paid adult admission. Support the VBG mission by becoming a member, starting at $45 per person. Membership includes free year-round access to the gardens, guest passes and more. Read more about membership.

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Happy 100th birthday, Central Library! Los Angeles Public Library’s architectural icon marks its centennial in 2026. The year-long festivities for Central 100 include special exhibits, multiple programs and events, a family-friendly festival on July 11, online podcasts and blogs, two new books about Central Library and even an old-fashioned melodrama to close out the year.

An Art Deco masterpiece in downtown L.A., Central Library is not only a showcase for stunning art and architecture, but also a thriving community hub that welcomes thousands of visitors every week to read, research, tour its wonders and attend programs for all ages. The institution has evolved since the building, themed to the Light of Learning, first opened in 1926. The passing decades saw the Library survive calls for its demolition, recover from a disastrous fire and double its footprint and capacity during renovations that added a spectacular eight-story atrium with the Tom Bradley Wing. Central Library stands today ready to meet the needs of the city for the next 100 years.

A centerpiece of Central 100 celebrations are six new exhibits displayed throughout the building that explore the Library’s storied past — including two recently opened time capsules — as well as the services and resources on which Angelenos have relied for a century.

Visitors to Central Library or any of Los Angeles Public Library’s 72 branches can pick up one of three color-by-number sheets (each depicting a Central Library view) to participate in a reading challenge. Another hands-on activity is to collect a set of historic catalog cards that can be individually stamped at each library location or used to create a personal art project, such as a collage or paper sculpture. Feel free to request additional cards as the Library has plenty of them! 

You can also record your personal stories about Central Library with the Community Oral History project. Angel City Press, Los Angeles Public Library’s own publishing house, is releasing two new books that may be purchased at Central Library’s Library Store or through other booksellers.

Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning is a unique, collectible pop-up book for adult readers. 
L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Librarian, a picture book, is the first book for children published by Angel City Press.

The Central Library Centennial Festival on July 11 will welcome visitors of all ages to a free day-long extravaganza held both inside and outside the Library. Activities will include musical and dance performances, hands-on crafts for children, author talks, presentations by artists affiliated with the Library’s art installations, book signings and more. It’s a party held only once every 100 years!

It took 50 years from the founding of Los Angeles Public Library to create a dedicated headquarters building, Central Library. A lively melodrama that charts the ups and downs, and twists and turns, that led to the building we have today will open at the end of the year for free performances on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Save the date so you and your family can boo the villain and cheer the heroes!

While many special activities are being held during this anniversary year, Central Library welcomes visitors year-round with story times for multiple age groups, performing arts programs, workshops, teen activities, films and a dedicated makerspace (the Octavia Lab). Plus, highly trained docents offer free tours of the building’s amazing architecture with insights into the Library’s themes and history.

Visit lapl.org to learn more and to access library resources 24/7 with a library card — perhaps even a special edition Central 100 Library Card, available while supplies last. Join the celebration and wish Central Library a very happy birthday with many amazing years to come.

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Samantha Leeds is a 15-year-old student from Crossroads High School in West L.A., with a passion for acting, writing and filmmaking and a love for Shakespeare. Two years ago, Samantha created The Riot Stage, a theater and film company. She brought in her beloved drama teacher and mentor, Zoey Zimmerman, who had recently retired from Crossroads, to help with creative direction on the plays. You can see The Riot Stage’s original play, which Samantha describes as “in vein of School of Rock meets Shakespeare,” on May 20 and 21 at The Odyssey Theater.

We recently chatted with Samantha about her love of theatre and how she started The Riot Stage.

When did your love of theatre and storytelling begin and what sparked it?

Ever since I was really little, honestly as young as four or five years old, I’ve been drawn to storytelling, acting, writing and performing. I’ve done theater for as long as I can remember, and I still have journals from kindergarten where I was constantly writing stories and ideas. I always knew I wanted to be an actor and a writer because performing and storytelling genuinely makes me feel the most like myself.

A huge turning point for me was middle school, when I started doing Shakespeare through my school’s DTASC (Drama Teachers Association of Southern California) competitions with my teacher Zoey Zimmerman. I completely fell in love with Shakespeare, the emotion, the language, the drama, the humor, the psychology of the characters. I played roles like Juliet and Lady Macbeth, and our team won first place at the DTASC Shakespeare festival two years in a row.

Around that same time, I started wanting to combine my love of acting and writing with filmmaking. I grew up obsessed with movies and storytelling, and eventually I realized that if I was acting in projects and writing them, too, I also wanted to direct them and shape the entire vision. That’s when I started making short films and experimenting with being a writer, director and actor all at once. I recently made a short film called “The Upright Hustle” for which I won the New Talent Award at The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) in Seattle which is widely considered the largest and most prestigious film festival for emerging filmmakers under 25. I also was awarded the Best Young Filmmaker at the Independent Shorts Awards. 

How did you create The Riot Stage and get the shows produced?

The Riot Stage started because after seventh grade, when our Shakespeare team had won two consecutive years at DTASC, Zoey retired from her full-time teaching position at Crossroads and the school discontinued participating in that event. I really wanted to continue doing Shakespeare, but when I looked around Los Angeles, I couldn’t find any youth Shakespeare programs. So I had the idea to start my own company.

I approached Zoey about becoming the creative director, and together we started building The Riot Stage when I was 14 years old and in ninth grade. Last year was our inaugural season, and at first it was mostly students I recruited from my own school. Since then, the company has grown quite a bit. We brought in ten new students this year from schools all across L.A., and there’s been a growing excitement and momentum surrounding the company.

This year, I wrote an original play for the company to produce, with Zoey directing. The show is called “The Riot Stage: The Play. The Movie.” It’s an original production that blends live performance and film sequences into a cinematic coming-of-age underdog story. The play also incorporates Shakespeare text throughout, as it’s set around a high school Shakespeare competition (like DTASC), very much in the vein of “School of Rock” meets Shakespeare.

Building the company has been a huge learning experience because I’ve really had to create it from the ground up. Beyond writing and acting, I’ve learned leadership, collaboration, organization, fundraising, producing, budgeting, marketing, scheduling and how to bring together a group of people around a shared creative vision. This season is much more ambitious and on a much bigger scale than last year, so it’s pushed me creatively and personally in a lot of ways.

One thing that’s especially important to me is accessibility and community. This year The Riot Stage gave multiple scholarships to students who otherwise would not have been able to participate. My larger vision is to create a company where young people from different schools and backgrounds can come together through storytelling and Shakespeare and truly have their lives transformed by it.

Are you planning to pursue theatre arts beyond high school?

Definitely. I love theater, filmmaking, writing, acting, and directing, and my dream is to continue doing all of those things professionally. I want to direct movies, act in them, write them, and still stay connected to theater, too. Right now, I’m especially interested in projects that combine live performance and film in new ways. I think younger audiences are really hungry for theater that feels cinematic, emotionally immediate and modern while still being rooted in classic storytelling.

Long term, one of my biggest goals is to adapt this Riot Stage production into a feature film. I’d also love to study Theater, English Literature or Film Studies in college, and some of my dream schools are Yale and UCLA because both have incredible programs in the areas I’m most passionate about. I also really love the creative, academic and social environments at both schools, along with their strong artistic cultures. Yale is especially meaningful to me because my amazing teacher and director Zoey Zimmerman went there, and UCLA is also a personal favorite since my dad went there.

What are some of the challenges you faced as a young artist trying to produce this play/movie?

One challenge is that people sometimes underestimate young artists before they actually see the work. There can be this assumption that because you’re young, the project won’t be serious or professional. But producing something ambitious involves very real responsibilities, organizing rehearsals, raising money, booking theater space, managing schedules, solving technical problems, leading a group and constantly adapting when things go wrong. It’s also required me to really put myself out there, which has definitely helped me grow as a person.

Another huge challenge is balancing school, life, friendships and everything else while trying to create something at a professional level. This is now my second year running The Riot Stage, and as the company gets bigger, my academic responsibilities and personal life also get bigger. Sometimes it can definitely feel overwhelming because at the end of the day, I’m still a teenager balancing a lot at once.

But I’ve learned that producing is really about problem-solving and persistence. I’ve also learned how important organization is. I live by planners, calendars, digital to-do lists, physical notebooks, everything. Having a strong support system has also been incredibly important throughout the process.

What have you learned in this process?

I’ve learned how much I truly love the process itself. While the outcomes are important, it’s the process itself that gives the work meaning for me. I’ve learned that creativity is only one part of bringing a vision to life. Leadership, communication, resilience and collaboration matter just as much. And I’ve learned how important it is to trust other people creatively and to stay open to new ideas that evolve during the process.

I’ve also learned that young people are capable of much more than adults sometimes expect. If teenagers are trusted with real responsibility and given the chance to lead creatively, they can do incredible things.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that creating art can genuinely bring people together. Watching students from different schools and backgrounds become close through Shakespeare and storytelling has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience for me.

What advice do you have for other young artists in L.A.?

Don’t wait for permission to start creating. A lot of people spend years waiting until they feel experienced enough or qualified enough, but you really learn by making things. Start now, even if it’s small at first.

Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, share your work, and let people see your creativity. That can feel vulnerable, but it’s worth it. Los Angeles is full of incredibly creative people, and collaboration is such a huge part of growing as an artist. Find people who inspire you and who genuinely want to build things together.

And don’t be afraid to make projects that feel personal or different. Usually the work that connects most deeply with people is the work that feels the most honest.

What are some of your other passions?

Besides theater and filmmaking, I love baking, interior design, antiquing and thrifting. I think a lot of creative people naturally become interested in many different forms of creativity and expression, and I always encourage people to try creative things even if they’re outside their comfort zone.

I’m also very involved at school and in leadership. I’m the elected secretary of student council, an awarded Model UN delegate, and co-president of Women in Film at my school. I’m also the co-founder of the very first high school pickleball league in California, which began with starting a varsity pickleball team at my school. That experience has taught me a lot about leadership, collaboration and building community around something you care about.

Another thing that’s really important to me is tutoring elementary school students from underserved communities in reading and writing each week. Education and storytelling have had such a huge impact on my life, so being able to help younger students build confidence in themselves is really meaningful to me.

What do you enjoy doing in L.A. with your family and friends?

I love how creative and eclectic Los Angeles is. With my family and friends, I love watching movies at historic theaters around the city, exploring different neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, visiting flea markets and farmers markets, and going to live theater performances whenever I can. I also love going to the beach and spending time outdoors around L.A.

I’m also a huge fan of fun L.A. experiences like Universal Studios and other theme parks. My friends and I spend a lot of time working on creative projects together, too, whether that’s making short films, rehearsing scenes, taking photos or brainstorming ideas.

One thing I love most about L.A. is that there’s inspiration everywhere. It’s such a huge and diverse city that you can constantly discover new places, new people and new creative energy.

The post Meet the Los Angeles Teen Behind a Growing Theater and Film Company appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The new 4,000-gallon facility doubles the nonprofit’s capacity to treat sick, injured and stranded turtles found in Los Angeles County — and beyond — before returning them to the wild. Although the aquarium has been rescuing and caring for sea turtles for more than 25 years, this marks its first dedicated rehabilitation space. 

“We are looking forward to utilizing this new area to expand our care of rescued sea turtles, while encouraging the public to learn more about them and their conservation,” says Lance Adams, DVM, the veterinarian at the aquarium.

How Aquarium of the Pacific rescues sea turtles

The first resident of the new sea turtle rehabilitation pool was a green sea turtle found last March. Fishing line was wrapped tightly around the sea turtle’s front right flipper, cutting off its blood supply and resulting in a severely infected wound. The aquarium’s veterinary staff performed surgery to remove the flipper, saving the turtle’s life. 

Staff also discovered a fishing hook embedded in the turtle’s neck, near the esophagus, and performed a second surgery to remove it. Eleven months of rehabilitation later, the turtle has recovered from its life-threatening injuries and is thriving and swimming confidently with its three flippers. At the time of this writing, staff was planning to release the turtle back to the wild in a few short weeks.  

Your children might be eager to know this turtle’s name and gender, so I asked Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care. “We are reasonably certain that this turtle is a female, based on the relatively short tail,” he said. “We believe this turtle is still young, so it is possible the tail will grow, but as of now, we do think it’s a female. As for the name, we don’t publicly name the turtles. These are wild animals who will return to the wild, so we don’t want them to be seen as pets.”

Adams estimates the sea turtle is 15 to 20 years old and is considered sub-adult. Green sea turtles are considered adults in the 20- to 25-year-old range. “We could do an ultrasound to accurately determine gender, but that was not a priority. The priority was survival.”

On Jan. 14, sea turtle volunteer monitors, who document the activities of endangered green sea turtles residing in the San Gabriel Watershed, located a second sea turtle that was also entangled in fishing line and rope in the San Gabriel River. They contacted aquarium staff, who rescued the turtle and hope to be able to preserve its wounded flipper. 

In addition to providing care for the sea turtles, Aquarium of the Pacific volunteers track local sea turtle activity through the Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring Project. Photo identification and recorded data from the aquarium’s community scientist volunteers contribute to the understanding of sea turtles in our local waters and how we can help them and other species along our coastline. 

Once volunteer monitors locate a sea turtle in distress, Aquarium of the Pacific staff first evaluate the turtle in the field before bringing it to the aquarium for a physical exam — including checking for trackers or tags — and to receive medical care. All rescued turtles are allowed to recover in a safe environment appropriate for the level of care they need at the time. Once the sea turtle passes its final physical exam, it is released back into the wild. 

Visitors to the new rehabilitation pool and/or Shark Lagoon will see the Molina Animal Care Center, an 1,800-square-foot hospital and examination area. Visitors can watch through the windows as staff work with resident marine life. There are also interactive kiosks and live feeds of veterinary staff working. 

How families can help

Aquarium of the Pacific would like to invite the public to help. If you see a sick or injured sea turtle, call West Coast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network’s 24/7 hotline at 562-506-4315.

We can also do our part by picking up trash — such as plastic bags that look like food to sea turtles — following local fishing regulations and not discarding fishing lines or hooks in the water. We can also participate in the aquarium’s beach clean-up days and wetlands restoration efforts. The next events are March 7, April 4 and May 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See the website for additional information and to register.

The aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers. And for kiddos passionate and curious about marine life, there are many other ways to volunteer at the aquarium, including family volunteers. Education Family Volunteers are needed in areas where guests can interact with marine science, including through animal touch pools and educational carts. Family volunteers consist of at least one adult volunteer (parent or authorized adult over 18) with one or two child volunteers (ages 9 and up). Adults and kids volunteer side-by-side to engage guests in ocean science education.

Learn more about supporting sea turtle rehabilitation efforts through the aquarium’s Rescue to Release campaign.

Melissa M. Monroe, Ph.D., garnered honorable mention in Writer’s Digest 2023 Self-Published Book Awards for her book, “Mom’s Search for Meaning: Grief and Growth After Child Loss.”She is a mom, writer and licensed acupuncturist in L.A. Her recent work has appeared in L.A. Review of Books, New York Times, Slate, Well+Good, Backpacker and Insider.

The post Sea Turtle Rescue in Southern California Gives Injured Turtles a Second Chance appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Apricot Lane Farms

10700 Broadway Road, Moorpark

What’s better than a Saturday morning on the farm with stories, animals and a fruit-filled orchard? Join the regenerative farm March 14 or April 11 for an hourlong Family Farm Tour or Books & Bagels: Storytime on the Farm, a free Saturday morning series for kids in the garden. It features local authors, book signings, bagels and treats, including Apricot Lane Farms’ honey lemonade. 

California Botanic Garden

1500 N. College Ave., Claremont

On March 28, visit California Botanic Garden’s Native Plant Festival. The free, family-friendly annual fest celebrates the Golden State’s biodiversity through crafts, music, story time, food and community resources such as local landscapers and information on wildlands conservation and restoration.

The Huntington

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Head over to The Huntington to enjoy stunning plants and family-friendly workshops. On March 21, bring your kids ages 8 and up to Family Workshop: Cactus Books and create one-of-a-kind artist’s books inspired by cacti in the Desert Garden, one of the world’s largest outdoor displays of cacti and other succulents, many of which bloom in spring. Other highlights include the Rose Garden and the Chinese Garden, where the purple canopy of wisteria is always a delight.

South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates

Beginning March 1, a Danish art activist transforms South Coast Botanic Garden into a storybook landscape in TROLLS: A Field Study. Guests can wander through the garden’s 87 acres to meet 12 of Dambo’s giant, charismatic trolls made entirely of reclaimed wood. These quirky creatures inspire us to follow our curiosity and embrace our uniqueness, too. 

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena

First built and designed in the 1930s by Kinzuchi Fujii for a local aristocratic couple, Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden earned a designation as a California Historical Landmark on the California Register of Historic Places in 2005. A great excuse to visit is the 7th Annual Pasadena Festival of Tea on April 12, when guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the garden’s formal teahouse. If you can’t make it to the tea festival, visit the garden Friday or Saturday evenings from 4-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy the camellias, azaleas and more seasonal flowers. The garden is always free for children ages 12 and under.

You can add to your garden fix by walking across the street to visit Arlington Garden, an admissions-free, mediterranean-style garden on the same road. Check the calendar for more events.

UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden

707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles

Free and open seven days a week, there’s never a bad time to visit UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden, but we recommend taking advantage of its monthly drop-in tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month (open to all ages) and family-specific programming such as Nature Play Day on April 4. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., families are invited to join garden educators for a nature walk, scavenger hunts and workshops on pollinators at work and a carnivorous plant encounter.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

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Rolling Robots, which operates four learning centers in Los Angeles and Orange County and teaches hands-on robotics and STEM education through after-school classes, homeschool programs, summer camps and competitive robotics teams for students ages 6-18, announced this week that 18 of their teams have secured spots at the 2026 VEX Robotics California Region 4 Championship in San Diego that begins on Feb 27. Bing Jiang, CEO of Rolling Robots, said their performances over the 2025-26 season derive from their dedication to innovation, teamwork and engineering excellence. Multiple teams won awards during the season:

• Team 7700H, 7899G, 7899X won the Excellence Award
• Team 7700R, 7700S, 7700E, 7899B won the Tournament Champion Award
• Team 7700R, 7700E, 8198X won the Design Award
• Team 7700H, 7899E won the Innovate Award
• Team 7899G won the Amaze Award
• Team 7700H won the Create Award
• Team 7700R won the Build Award
• Team 7700E, 7700N, 7700T, 7899A won the Judges Award

Jiang continued that her students’ success is a testament to their passion for engineering, collaboration, teamwork, perseverance and strategic planning. The students dedicate countless hours to designing, building and coding their robots, competing in local tournaments and signature events to earn their invitation to the California Region 4 events.

The RECF’s VEX competitions make up the largest and fastest growing robotics engineering platform consisting of the VEX IQ Robotics Competition (elementary and middle school), the VEX V5 Robotics Competition (middle school and high school) and VEX U (college/university). More than 100,000 students at more than 2,600 events around the U.S. and internationally participated last year.

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We’re seeking sci-fi short stories for our two writing contests: The Tomorrow Prize (for general science fiction) and The Green Feather Award (for eco-themed sci-fi that imagines positive solutions to environmental challenges). 

From the rise of artificial intelligence to the threat of a dystopian society, life these days can feel more like science fiction than reality. The science-fiction genre empowers us to express our unique perspectives and imagine solutions to humanity’s greatest social and environmental challenges. That’s why Omega Sci-Fi Project encourages teen writers to ask: “What if?”

What if… high school was replaced by a virtual-reality simulation?

What if… the melting ice caps revealed an ancient alien artifact frozen in time?

What if… humans evolved to live underwater and built a society in the middle of the ocean?

What if…your prom date was determined by a biased algorithm? 

Students should allow their imaginations to run wild! Science fiction expands upon current scientific achievements of all kinds, inventing new worlds to explore. Whether they’re interested in technology, space exploration, environmental science, biology, human psychology, sociology or the quantum physics of time travel, any type of science can be inspiration for a sci-fi short story.

Every year, we recognize our contest winners with cash prizes up to $250, publication in L.A. Parent magazine and a dramatic reading by celebrity guests at our culminating event, where students get to see their stories come to life on stage! 

From a past honoree:

Our contests are 100% free to enter! Eligible stories should follow these guidelines:

• Science fiction (Not fantasy! Not sure what the difference is? Reach out!)
• Between 500 and 1,500 words in length
• Fully original work (No AI or fanfiction)
• Engage with social and scientific issues
• Provide a hopeful perspective on environmental issues (Green Feather Award only)

The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. on Feb.13.

To submit your sci-fi short story, or for more information, including submission guidelines and terms and conditions, visit our website at lightbringer.org/science-fiction-competitions.

Ciena Valenzuela-Peterson is Literary Arts Coordinator of the Light Bringer Project.

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