Book lovers have a new way to explore Los Angeles this summer. The inaugural Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl will take place July 24–26 at independent bookstores across the region for a weekend celebrating local booksellers, neighborhood discovery and literary community.

From Manhattan Beach to Montrose, 13 independent bookstores are joining forces to create this unforgettable weekend for L.A. bibliophiles. Events will take place during each bookstore’s regular store hours (check website for information). This special event, modeled after popular book crawls in San Diego and Seattle, is an invitation for readers to explore the diversity of L.A.’s indie bookstores, shop local and have fun while discovering a new favorite read and a new favorite spot to get properly lost in. The event is free and open to everyone.

How the Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl works

Find a new favorite book, make some friends and become a Los Angeles expert as you traverse our local literary landscape. To participate, visit any one of the bookstores anytime between July 24–26 — and make your first purchase of at least $10. From there, you will receive your Book Crawl Passport and first passport stamp.

Then, visit the next bookstore (in no particular order) and make a purchase of $10 or more at each stop. Many prizes and exclusive merchandise are available at every store. Hit as many as you can: The more you visit, the more prizes you accrue. and the more of L.A.’s diverse and welcoming literary scene you get to explore.

Each store has listed its most iconic Los Angeles landmarks as well as neighborhood gems you can add to your L.A. book crawl itinerary.

Grand prize for visiting every store

People who get their passports stamped at all 13 stores will receive a goodie bag full of fun bookish treats including the grand prize: $25 gift cards at each store, totaling $325 in value.

Why independent bookstores matter

“Independent bookstores are having a resurgence,” says Jennifer Caspar, founder and owner of Village Well Books & Coffee, an independent bookstore and café located in downtown Culver City and opened in 2020. “They are the third places people need more than ever in this era of digital optimization, which can be very alienating and lead to loneliness. 

“People still like to browse, touch and see physical books and hang out in stores that are third places, where community and culture — and sometimes coffee! — meet,” she said. “We are modeling our event after the highly popular San Diego Book Crawl and are thrilled that so many great stores are joining together to explore L.A.’s literary scene.”

Supporting independent bookstores in Los Angeles sustains the city’s diverse culture, keeps money in the local economy and provides vital spaces to read, work and be in community with others. Indie shops, the backbone of L.A.’s literary and culture ecosystem, offer human-curated recommendations and serve as essential hubs for local authors, book clubs and grassroots civic engagement.

Visit 13 Independent Bookstores Across Los Angeles

Annabelle’s Book Club LA (Studio City)

The Book Jewel (in the heart of Westchester)

Book Soup, bookseller to the great and famous (West Hollywood)

Chevalier’s Books (Larchmont Village)

Children’s Book World & CBW Teens & Adults (West Los Angeles)

diesel, A Book Store (Santa Monica)

Malik Books (Culver City)

Once Upon A Time, America’s Oldest Children’s Bookstore (Montrose)

pages: a bookstore (Manhattan Beach)

The Ripped Bodice, A Romantic Bookstore (Culver City)

Skylight Books (Hollywood/Los Feliz)

Village Well Books & Coffee (Culver City)

Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena)

Plan your book crawl

For hours, location, a description of each store and their event schedules for the weekend, visit laindiebookcrawl.com/about-5.

For more information on the crawl, visit laindiebookcrawl.com and follow on Instagram (@laindiebookcrawl) for updates.

Participants are encouraged to use public transit whenever possible to visit any or all of the bookstores. Check this custom transit map for information on Los Angeles Metro and bus accessibility.

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Families in Irvine now have a new option for early childhood education. The Crème School has opened its first California location, The Crème School of Great Park, offering research-based preschool programs, enrichment experiences and modern learning spaces designed to support children’s growth ages 2 and up.

Located in Irvine’s growing Great Park neighborhood, the school will serve nearly 200 children. It introduces Crème’s newest school design, the first of its kind, featuring modern learning environments, elevated family amenities and personalized educational experiences designed to support every stage of a child’s development.

The Crème School of Great Park also offers signature enrichment opportunities and thoughtfully designed classroom spaces that encourage exploration, creativity and collaboration. These high-quality early learning environments combine research-based curriculum, hands-on discovery and enrichment opportunities that help children build academic, social and emotional skills.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Crème experience to California families,” said Stephanie Sturdevant-Ward, vice president of operations for The Crème Schools. “The Crème School of Great Park is redefining child care with innovative learning spaces, personalized experiences and enriching opportunities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and help children thrive.”

The Crème Learning Approach brings together engaging, research-based curriculum, exceptional teachers and enhanced educational experiences to support joyful, meaningful learning each day, school officials said. It emphasizes executive function skills, including attention, memory, flexible thinking, collaboration and emotional regulation, helping children build confidence and strong foundations for success in school and in life. Crème’s proprietary curriculum enables students to focus on skills that complement its signature enrichments. Starting at age 2, children engage in daily 30-minute rotations and small-group lessons in STEM, music, art and Spanish.

The school’s opening marks a significant milestone in Crème’s national growth strategy as the company continues expanding its footprint of premium early childhood education schools across the U.S.

Families interested in learning more about The Crème School of Great Park can visit here.

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Hahaha is a Los Angeles kids streetwear brand making hoodies, tees, joggers and jackets in 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic cotton, cut and sewn entirely in Downtown LA. We hold a GOTS Transaction Certificate and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification.

What makes us different: Every top has built-in patch zones, and kids attach and swap embroidered patches themselves using a soft hook-and-loop backing. We have more than 29 themed patch collections, so a single hoodie keeps changing as a kid’s interests change. It’s the part of getting dressed that kids actually want to do, and it extends the life of a garment instead of outgrowing a trend in one season.

The thinking behind the launch: Kids’ clothing is a fast-fashion problem hiding in plain sight. Little ones grow quickly, lose interest fast and most of what they wear is made cheaply, overseas, in synthetics. We wanted the opposite – organic cotton that is soft and safe against skin, made by people we can stand next to in DTLA and a design that grows with a child rather than getting replaced. The patch system came from watching how kids personalize everything they own.

Why it fits L.A. families: Our patch collections are built around the communities that make up this city, with sets reflecting Native American, Mexican, Chinese, Indian and Armenian heritage, alongside L.A.-themed designs. Kids get to wear something that looks like home.

Recognition so far: Sustainable Jungle placed Hahaha in its top “Disrupting” tier for sustainable kids’ brands, and Sustainably Kind Living named us their No. 1 organic kids clothing pick.

Find us at hahaha.la and @hahaha.dtla on Instagram.

The post Hahaha Kids Streetwear Launches in L.A. appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Founded in 2004 in San Diego by husband-and-wife team Sean and Maria Pourteymour, Luna Grill, celebrates the grand opening of its 59th restaurant at Bixby Village Plaza in Long Beach. The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients, proteins marinated for 24 hours using family recipes, flame-grilled kabobs, crisp salads and signature bowls.

Luna Grill’s Chief of Culinary Michelle Goncalves shares a recipe for one of their signature bowls, which the whole family will love. But when you don’t feel like cooking, head to Long Beach to take advantage of Luna Grill’s grand opening rewards through their app Club Luna. App members can take advantage of Kids Eat Free promotions, get a free Luna hat and more.

Mediterranean Macro Bowl

A fresh and family-friendly meal packed with protein, fiber and Mediterranean flavor.

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Bowl

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 cups cooked lentils
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup hummus
• 1/2 cup tzatziki

For the Lemon Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper.
2. Combine the cooked lentils and quinoa in a large bowl. Toss with half of the lemon vinaigrette.
3. Divide the lettuce and kale among four serving bowls.
4. Top each bowl with the lentil-quinoa mixture, grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber and olives.
5. Add a dollop of hummus and tzatziki to each bowl.
6. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Family-Friendly Tip

This recipe is easy to customize for picky eaters. Set out the ingredients buffet-style and let kids build their own bowls with their favorite toppings.

The post Luna Grill Shares a Healthy Mediterranean Bowl Recipe appeared first on L.A. Parent.

This summer is transforming Los Angeles into something much grander than a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. That’s because the events aren’t just happening inside stadiums like SoFi — they’re spilling into parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, transit hubs and waterfront destinations across the region.

What FIFA calls “The Beautiful Game” will host eight matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team opening match. Global soccer fans will be able to enjoy 39 days of World Cup-related activities across Los Angeles when the tournament takes place June 11–July 19.

Many families (like mine) aren’t even big sports fans, but it is exciting to find ways to become a part of this global moment, where excellence and diversity are celebrated on the world stage. From giant watch parties and interactive soccer clinics for all ages to cultural festivals and international food experiences, this summer is chock full of free, family-friendly ways to enjoy the World Cup

Grab the whole family and bask in hearing different languages, trying new foods, watching multiple country flags flown and meeting soccer fans from around the world. 

Best win: You don’t need a soccer match ticket to be part of it.

Below is your guide to the most family-friendly ways to experience the World Cup this June and July.

Bronze Final and Final World Cup Watch Parties

Two free events at Chase Burton Park

Gather at Burton Chace Park for a full day of waterfront fun featuring live World Cup soccer broadcast, kids art activities, food trucks, beer garden (21+ only) and a live performance by the legendary Los Lobos —all with FREE admission.

BONUS: Tap Truck Beach Cities will serve craft beer and wine from a beautifully restored vintage tap truck throughout the day and evening (21+ with valid ID), making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the festivities.

12 p.m.–6 p.m.: Kids Art Corner 

12 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Gourmet Food Trucks 

12 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Tap Truck Beach Cities | 21+ only (valid ID required)

2 p.m.–4 p.m.: World Cup Match: Bronze Final – Live!

Hammer Museum watches

July 18 – 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Los Lobos Concert. Watch all of the remaining Men’s World Cup games at the Hammer—on big screens, with friends and fellow fanatics, in an indoor/outdoor setting where art and sport come together. All  games will be presented on a giant screen in our courtyard, the Billy Wilder Theater, as well as Bay-Nimoy Studio.

Doors will open one hour before the first match of the day.

Schedule: 

Saturday, July 18: Bronze Final
2 p.m. France vs. England

Sunday, July 19: Final
12 p.m. Spain vs. Argentina

L.A. World Cup Watch Parties: Expert Tips for Families

Age-appropriate events

• Ages 0–5: Stick to the LA County Library “Summer of Soccer” events or Pasadena Civic Plaza for plenty of open grass and low-stakes fun.
• Ages 6–12: Head straight to Kick It In the Park for the free PlayLA skills clinics where they can burn off energy.
• Ages 13+: Soak up the massive stadium energy at the LA Memorial Coliseum Fan Festival or the outdoor screens at Ovation Hollywood.

The Diaper Bag Exception: Even venues with strict clear bag policies (like stadium lots and major fan festivals) almost always make exceptions for diaper bags and medical supplies.

Pack the “Freeze” Trick: Some official fan festivals prohibit outside food, but neighborhood park watch parties are completely BYO-friendly. For park events, freeze juice boxes and water bottles the night before. They act as ice packs in your bag, then melt into perfectly slushy drinks by halftime!

Stroller vs. Carrier: For massive outdoor turf events (like Hansen Dam or Venice Beach), push strollers can get tough to navigate through grass, sand and crowds. If you have a toddler or baby, a wearable baby carrier will give you much more freedom to move.

Locate the “Shade Anchor” First: The moment you walk into any outdoor watch party, locate the nearest permanent shade structure, cooling tent or large tree. Make this your designated family base camp to escape the midday heat.

Official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zones

Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone at Hansen Dam Lake

July 2–5 | San Fernando Valley

One of the largest and most family-focused fan destinations in the region, Hansen Dam Lake transforms into a four-day outdoor festival with massive screens, open-air viewing and interactive soccer programming.

Highlights include:

• Round of 32 and quarter-final matches
• Four large match screens
• Kids’ soccer clinics, face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers 
• Freestyle soccer performances and clinics
• DJs, giveaways, and live entertainment
• Global food trucks and festival-style dining

Designed for all-day family visits, this San Fernando Valley destination is built for space, comfort, and community viewing. General admission is $25. Learn more at fanzonehdl.com/e/hansen-dam-lak-fan-zone.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park Fan Zone

July 4–5 | Willowbrook/South L.A.

A major Independence Day weekend destination, this South L.A. Fan Zone brings free World Cup programming into one of the city’s most important community parks: L.A. County’s Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park. 

Expect:

• Round of 16 matches
• Live match broadcasts
• Cultural performances
• Family activities and interactive zones
• Food vendors and community programming

Visit discoverlosangeles.com for more. 

Venice Beach Fan Zone

July 10–11 | 1 Winward Ave., Venice

The World Cup comes to the Pacific Ocean for these activations on one of the most iconic beaches in the world. 

Highlights include:

• Knockout stage matches
• Free public block party
• Family watch party
• 18+ After party
• Quarterfinal match screenings
• International food vendors
• Live DJs and performances
• Family-friendly beach programming

Learn more at discoverlosangeles.com.

West Harbor Fan Zone (San Pedro Waterfront)

July 14–15 & July 18–19

This developing 42-acre destination along the waterfront is welcoming visitors for a first look into the evolving destination during the fan zone, featuring live match broadcasts on large screens, sponsor activations, entertainment, interactive fan experiences along the waterfront and food and beverage activations from forthcoming West Harbor tenants.

Other highlights:

• Will feature semi-final and final matches
• New vendors selling pizza, empanadas, ice cream and aguas frescas
• Walkable open-air design

Learn more at tickets.westharborla.com.

Fairplex Fan Zone

July 14–15 & July 18–19 | Pomona

A standout destination for families and kids, Fairplex blends soccer with education and play.

Features include:

• Semi-finals, bronze and final matches
• Soccer skill challenges and games
• “Science of Soccer” exhibits
• Mascots and family entertainment
• Large-scale outdoor viewing areas

Learn more at discoverlosangeles.com.

Los Angeles Union Station Fan Zone

June 25–28 | Downtown L.A.

An historic and iconic Los Angeles landmark, Los Angeles Union Station will host a free fan experiences, and reservations are now open on eventbrite.com. 

Highlights:

• Featuring the marquee international matchups, including USA vs. Turkey
• Massive LED match viewing screens
• DJ sets and live entertainment
• Soccer skill challenges (“Train Like a Pro”)
• Food vendors and cultural programming
• Metro-themed art installations and transit experiences
• Metro will activate with a 40-foot World Cup-wrapped bus, providing guests with a fun photo moment
• The Metro TAP & Info Dome, located in the station’s waiting room, will offer transit guidance and commemorative TAP card sales, connecting fans to World Cup venues and cultural hubs across Los Angeles

Nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will add cultural programming and community events. Learn more at unionstationla.com.

Regional Watch Parties and Kid Activities

Kick It In the Park

June–July (Multiple Dates)

Kick It In the Park is making sure the World Cup reaches every corner of the city — from the San Fernando Valley to the Harbor, from Westside parks to East L.A. recreation centers.

These free, BYO-friendly events transform City of L.A. Parks sites into vibrant gathering spaces where you and the kids can watch the matches on large LED screens surrounded by youth soccer clinics, neighborhood programming and community resources. No ticket, no cost, no barriers.

Learn more at kickit.lacity.gov.

GAME ON! at California Science Center

Ongoing | Los Angeles

How cool would it be if your soccer-loving child could get kicking advice from Angel City FC’s sister duo Alyssa and Gisele Thompson? At GAME ON!, young athletes can learn the science behind all manner of sports — and play as well. The 17,000-square-feet exhibition is included with free admission to the California Science Center.

Learn more at californiasciencecenter.org.

Santa Monica World Cup Celebrations

June–July (Multiple Dates)

Santa Monica hosts a series of free public activations across the city, including Third Street Promenade and beach-adjacent programming. 

Includes:

• USA vs. Paraguay match viewing
• Golden Hour on June 12, a free World Cup event, on Third Street Promenade
• Free, all-day USA Kickoff Celebration at Santa Monica Place on June 12
• COAST open-streets festival featuring art installations, cultural programming and more  on July 19
• Outdoor screenings, food vendors and family activities
• Cultural programming across Downtown Santa Monica and beach areas

Learn more at santamonica.gov.

Ovation Hollywood Watch Parties

Beginning June 11 | Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood becomes a fan hub with free outdoor screenings and interactive programming at Ovation Hollywood. 

Includes:

• Big-screen match viewing
• Soccer-themed activations
• Food and beverage vendors
• Family-friendly entertainment and giveaways

Learn more at ovationhollywood.com.

Shops at Montebello “Kick Into Summer” Watch Party

June 19 | Montebello

A community-centered watch party featuring:

• Live USA vs. Australia match screening
• DJ and entertainment
• Face painting and foosball
• Family-friendly fan activities

Learn more at shopsatmontebello.com. 

World Play Zone (Metro E Line Adjacent)

June 11–28 | Santa Monica

A ticketed family activation designed for kids and young fans. Located at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station (E Line) Kiss and Ride lot.

Includes:

• Soccer skill stations
• Interactive play zones
• Sports challenges and activities

Learn more at santamonicacup.com..

LEGOLAND California FIFA World Cup Experience

June 11–July 19 | Carlsbad

LEGOLAND California Resort is bringing the action to families with a limited-time, interactive LEGO World Cup experience, which will a LEGO version of SoFi Stadium, one of the official tournament venues, in MINILAND USA.

The experience is included with regular admission. Other highlights:

• LEGO penalty shootouts
• Build-your-own jersey stations
• LEGO soccer legends (Messi, Mbappé, Ronaldo)
• Trophy photo opportunities

July 11 | Venice

Lifeway Foods is hosting a World Cup watch party from 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m. at 1041 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, packed with good vibes and gut-loving probiotics. Enjoy the World Cup quarterfinal match plus plenty of activities for all ages — soccer games for the kids, a prize wheel loaded with swag, Guess Who, cornhole, a photo booth, live music and sampling delicious smoothies and appetizers featuring Lifeway products! 

RSVP (required) here. The first 50 guests will also receive a VIP goody bag full of fun swag!

Food, Lifestyle & Brand Experiences

Beverly Hills World Cup Dining & Cultural Program

June 12–July 10

Across hotels and restaurants, Beverly Hills offers World Cup-inspired menus, cocktails and limited-time experiences.

Highlights include:

• Global-inspired tasting menus
• World Cup-themed cocktails
• Luxury hotel dining activations
• Limited-edition merchandise drops

Learn more at lovebeverlyhills.com.

Participating properties include Avalon Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hills Hotel, L’Ermitage, Marea, SIXTY Beverly Hills, and The Maybourne.

Magnolia Bakery World Cup Specials

May 12–July 19

A World Cup-themed dessert lineup includes:

• Soccer cupcakes
• DIY banana pudding kits
• Soccer cakes and party assortments
• Limited-time game-day treats

Learn more at magnoliabakery.com.

Prince St. Pizza “Slice to Win” Sweepstakes

May 4–June 8 | Downtown L.A.

Fans can enter to win World Cup tickets through loyalty purchases and participation. Learn more at princestreetpizza.com. 

Soccer Legends Suite at The Anthem Hotel

Available throughout the tournament | Inglewood

Want to make the World Cup part of your family getaway? The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (located just steps from SoFi Stadium) has unveiled a new Soccer Legends Suite celebrating the legacy of the 2002 U.S. Men’s National Team. The immersive suite features memorabilia from former players including Tony Sanneh, Clint Mathis and Jeff Agoos, along with other iconic pieces of U.S. soccer history. The hotel is also offering World Cup-themed stay packages and special events throughout the tournament. A portion of proceeds from suite bookings will benefit The Sanneh Foundation, which supports youth through sports and education.

Soccer Story Time

If you’re looking to get the littles engaged in all the soccer excitement, check out “¡GOOOOL!: A Bilingual Book of Soccer,” a vibrant bilingual board book designed for kids ages 0 to 6 that introduces Spanish and English soccer vocabulary through the excitement of game day.

The author is Mike Alfaro, the viral creator behind the bestselling cultural phenomenon Millennial Lotería, which critics credit for reinventing the classic Mexican game Lotería into a modern, witty and wildly successful brand.

Told in side-by-side English and Spanish with easy pronunciation guides, Alfaro’s latest book follows a young player chasing the winning goal, weaving language learning ito the drama of a final match, from pre-game cheers to a tense penalty kick and the climactic goal.

The book is part of Alfaro’s Sí Sabo Kids, a bilingual children’s line created to support early language development while celebrating Latino culture through play.

BONUS: Why stop with the World Cup? To get your kids excited about more global sports, check out our article on “Backyard Olympics.”

The post Best Family-Friendly FIFA World Cup Fan Zones in Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Long Beach continues to be a hub for bold innovation, and Airhart Aeronautics is one of the city’s emerging companies. Known for its growing aerospace ecosystem and entrepreneurial energy, Long Beach provides a fitting backdrop for Airhart’s ambitious vision.

The company is developing next‑generation avionics and laying the groundwork for what it envisions as the safest, most accessible airplanes ever engineered. Founded by former SpaceX engineer Nikita Ermoshkin, the company is pioneering an avionics‑first approach to modernizing personal aviation.

Airhart’s newest innovation, Airhart Avionics, is a modular, touch‑driven cockpit system designed to make flying safer and more intuitive for Light Sport and upcoming MOSAIC aircraft. With advanced pilot‑assist features, real‑time aircraft awareness and upgradable architecture, the system behaves more like an intelligent copilot than a traditional instrument panel.

By modernizing the cockpit first, Airhart officials say the company is laying the groundwork for a new era of personal aviation — one that’s simpler, smarter and built for the next generation of pilots. For more information, visit airhartaero.com.

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In L.A., I sometimes pine for a more walkable city, but that’s when I’m being unimaginative. Even in a county ruled by cars, there are pockets where you can ditch your car keys and immerse yourself in our region’s culture, food and entertainment on foot. The stadium district in Inglewood is a prime example. 

This newly branded “Los Angeles Stadium District” is bounded roughly by Century and Manchester boulevards between Prairie and LaBrea avenues. While the Kia Forum and Hollywood Park Casino are legacy venues, the corner of Prairie and Century has become exponentially more bustling in recent years with the opening of SoFi Stadium (home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams), YouTube Theater and Intuit Dome (the Clippers’ arena), Cinépolis (a luxury movie theater), CineVita (a live cinema venue), COSM (an immersive shared reality experience) and Iconix (an elevated gym).

What looks like a cluster of venues is actually one thing: Hollywood Park, a nearly 300-acre reimagining of the old racetrack that now wraps SoFi Stadium, a lakeside park, shops, apartments and more into a walkable district. 

During the early years of the pandemic, fitness instructor Claudine Cooper moved her free outdoor community workout from Inglewood’s Darby Park to Hollywood Park, drawing dozens of us from nearby neighborhoods and beyond. Back then, when we were the only ones milling around — taking pictures with the whopping SoFi Stadium sign and the new lake — it was hard to imagine thousands of people traversing the yet-unstained concrete. 

But as they say: Build it and they will come. 

My family and I aren’t big sports folks, but we do love moving our own bodies. On a recent Saturday, I took my usual athletic training class at Iconix, stopped by the Hollywood Park farmers market, drove less than 15 minutes to get home, then circled back to the stadium district with my college freshman, Sol, a few hours later to kick off our mother-son weekend.  

Sol offered to drive and got his first experience valet parking. Our nearby home-away-from-home was The Anthem, a lovely boutique hotel appropriately named for a sports-rich district. It is flanked by the Intuit Dome and situated right across the street from the Hollywood Park sign on Century. Sol handed the valet our keys and we didn’t see our car again until checkout time late Sunday morning. Getting through a weekend without tons of driving for errands and entertainment is unheard of for our family. 

The hotel’s stylish lobby and pool area were buzzing with excitement. Locals and out-of-towners were gathering for a weekend of fun that included Monster Jam at SoFi (which we were attending) and a sold-out Mike Epps’ comedy show at Intuit Dome. Adults and kids splashed in the pool, but we only had time to lounge a bit before getting ready for our walk to SoFi.

When I return for a solo stay or with my husband, I’ll enjoy a cocktail or two from Soundwaves, the pool bar, but with my teen, it was water and a quick coffee to rev up our systems for what I knew was going to be a long and loud evening with monster trucks and some 60,000 screaming fans. 

We had an Uber voucher, but chose to stick to our get-more-steps plan and walked 20 minutes to SoFi, falling in line with dozens of families doing the same. As we stood in line, we could hear a singer launch into the national anthem. The crowd’s cheers were quickly drowned out by the absolute roar of the first monster trucks. Sol and I looked at each other in hilarious panic. In all his years growing up, we had not attended a Monster Jam, but it’s never too late to make up for missed childhood experiences. 

A self-proclaimed foodie, he was eager to test the stadium’s food most of all, and used the time we stood in line to scan best-of lists online. We split up to pursue our different cravings, then reunited to find our field seats and enjoy the show. 

“Grave Digger is popular; I saw lots of people buying his merch upstairs,” Sol said as the black-and-green flame-painted truck roared onto the dirt-covered field. I was rooting for the Zombie truck simply because I thought the protruding zombie arms were innovative. As Zombie prepared to enter the field, I joined in with the rest of the attendees in the “zombie dance,” and my teen rolled his eyes. It was too loud to hear his snide remarks, though, so I laughed and danced anyway. And yelled like a true fan when Zombie mastered the backflip ramp.

In the end, Grave Digger won the overall championship, delighting thousands of fans, including little ones who were giddy to be out and about past bedtime. On our walk back to our hotel, the scent of churros and Sonoran and Tijuana-style hot dogs filled the air as vendors hawked their goods. I glanced at the lines of cars trying to get into the rideshare area and was thankful our hotel was so close. 

In the room, we took to our comfortable beds — him planning to study a bit, me planning to read. “Oh look,” I said, “there’s a white noise machine. What do you want to hear — ocean, a brook, forest…”

“Forest sounds,” he said, his eyes already closing.

And into the night we both went, with the soft sound of rustling leaves and the crystal call of crickets settling our nervous systems and our eardrums — a most welcome anthem after a long, loud and memorable day in Inglewood.

Cassandra Lane is editor-in-chief of L.A. Parent. 

The post A Walkable Weekend Guide to Inglewood’s Los Angeles Stadium District appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Los Angeles families can soon shop fresh, local and Black-owned — right from a farmer’s market on wheels. Prosperity Market is launching its new fleet of solar-powered mobile trailers on April 4, bringing farm-fresh produce, pantry staples and chef-driven meals directly to neighborhoods across the city. Part food truck, part farmers market, these 48-foot trailers spotlight Black farmers, food producers and chefs while expanding access to healthy food in communities that need it most.

Black-owned businesses include Ghost Town Oats, The Farmer Ken and Gloria’s Shito, plus a rotating roster of L.A.’s best chefs taking over the trailers’ kitchens. Co-founders Kara Still and Carmen Dianne envisioned the trailers as farmer’s-markets-on-wheels, and unveiled their design of the first solar-powered and electric trailer at the 2023 LA Auto Show. Since then, Prosperity Market has popped up at iconic L.A. venues such as The Original Farmers Market and the Melrose Trading Post. Prosperity Market will announce the trailer’s upcoming schedule following the launch event, which will include weekly stops across Los Angeles. Follow @prosperity.market on social media for the most updated information.

On Saturday, April 4 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Prosperity Market will celebrate the official kickoff of the regular trailer schedule with a pop-up market at Earle’s on Crenshaw (3864 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles). The trailer will be stocked with products and produce from Prosperity Market’s vendors and farmers, and the kitchen will feature Chef John Cleveland of Post & Beam, bringing back the beloved restaurant’s menu for a limited time. Hosted by Tammi Mac of KJLH, the event will also feature a wine bar by 1010 Wine & Events, coffee by Ora Cafe, a STEAM kids area by Teach to Reach, games by Love, Peace, Spades, music by DJ Myah Moves and cooking demos by Chef Sharon Graves of BLVD Kitchen. 

The first trailer was made possible in 2022 by a  $100k+ crowdfund (with additional support from Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s JLH Social Impact Fund), with two additional trailers funded by a generous contribution from music industry legend Dr. Dre. Through Dr. Dre’s donation, Prosperity Market’s fiscal sponsor SIMA is also able to provide nearly 6,000 young African women with professional training in health, education and entrepreneurship across 48 countries in Africa, through a collaboration with Nigeria-based leadership institute, LEAP Africa.  

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Families in West L.A. will find a new after-school program for their children that is open to all, combines after-school childcare with Jewish learning and includes transportation from nearby schools to the program located at Temple Isaiah.

Temple Isaiah was selected as one of seven North American synagogues to participate in the Jewish After School Accelerator (JASA), an initiative of Jewish Kids Groups. Throughout 2026, the synagogue will receive guidance to recruit and train after-school staff, structure transportation plans and customize the Jewish and Hebrew curriculum.

Temple Isaiah is among the latest group of JASA participants, 27 Jewish after-school programs now operating or in development across North America thanks to the accelerator. Each program is open to the public and designed to support families seeking a convenient, flexible, after-school option rooted in Jewish learning.

Jewish Kids Groups launched the accelerator following more than a decade of operating weekday afternoon programs in Atlanta. The effort is grounded in the belief that infusing Jewish learning into after school childcare, an essential service that families with young children already rely on, makes it easier for modern families to prioritize Jewish connection.

Los Angeles families who want to learn more about the program at Temple Isaiah can visit https://www.clubisaiah.com/.

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For Shara Watkins, gift giving is personal. The right gift conveys the right feeling to the recipient – and says a lot about the gift giver.

So when Shara decided to launch her business here in Los Angeles, it was with a personal touch: So personal that she named it after her children.

Meet Rose + Jade, a gifting concierge brand that curates thoughtful, sustainable gift boxes for newborns through age 8, designed to help families celebrate life’s milestones with intention.

Each box features high-quality products from parent-tested and trusted brands, from cozy clothing and sensory play to books and creative activities. Taking the guesswork out of gifting for baby showers, birthdays, holidays and everyday celebrations, the service helps you focus on enjoying the moments that matter most.

Rose + Jade focuses on meaningful, eco-conscious gifts that bring joy to children while supporting brands committed to quality and sustainability. Follow them on Instagram or contact Shara for more info at shara@roseandjade.shop.

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