Kylie Williams

Kylie Williams is a mom of four who loves exploring Los Angeles with her kids and reporting back about the exciting events, attractions, and hidden gems she discovers. When she's not schlepping the kids around the city, she's probably at the gym, reading a book, or putting together snack bags for one of the kids' sports teams. If you know of a place she should check out, drop a line at Kylie@MommyPoppins.com.

Latest posts by Kylie

Visiting the Getty Center in Los Angeles with Kids – Tips & Insider Guide

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 09/19/2025 - 5:04am

Run over to the Getty Center with kids! Photo by Kylie Williams

Learn how to make the most out of visiting The Getty Center with kids in Los Angeles.

Maybe you and your kids have squeezed every last drop of fun from Travel Town or have soldiered through every stroller-friendly hike in LA within driving distance. You're itching for a dose of culture that doesn't include a kiddie museum, stuffed animals, or squeaky toys (not that there's anything wrong with them); but at the same time a real museum seems daunting. Should you brave LA's iconic Getty Center? Short answer? You definitely should.

The Getty Center is one of the must-do 100 free things to do in Los Angeles with kids. Don't forget, there's a whole other Getty museum in Los Angeles, and you can check out The Getty Villa with kids, too. For more kid-friendly exploration, check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

31 (Mostly) FREE Hidden Gems & Secret Spots for Kids in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 4:53am

Planes next to a playground? The Proud Bird is a gem. Photo by Lindsay Halladay

Discover the best hidden gems and secret spots for for kids in Los Angeles that some locals don't even know about!

Tired of the same old LA attractions with the kids? We've rounded up the best free hidden gems in Los Angeles, packed with wonder, history, and quirkiness—without the crowds or admission fees. Whether your child is a budding explorer, history buff, or just in it for the snacks, these secret spots are perfect for family outings that feel like true discoveries. When you've had your fill of exploring our favorite finds, start planning your next LA getaway with the kids, or check out our list of the best free things to do in LA with the kids.

For more secret spots families will enjoy in Los Angeles, check out these awesome under-the-radar museums for kids in Los Angeles, and discover hidden gem beaches. Uncover more family adventures in our Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families.

The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Southern California’s Best Theme Parks

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 08/22/2025 - 8:36am

Get ready for these thrilling family adventures! Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California

Discover the best theme parks near Los Angeles for a thrilling day with kids!

LA is not starving for entertainment. Instead, we're the ones creating it. Often, when we think of entertainment, we think of the movie industry, but the LA area also has a giant footprint in the amusement park space. From the legendary Disneyland to Legoland, Southern California is a vacation destination for adrenaline junkies and magic seekers from all over the world.

Whether you are an out-of-towner planning your family vacation in Southern California, or a local parent trying to figure out where the best theme parks for toddlers in SoCal for toddlers in SoCal, we've got all the information you need to make an informed decision on which family theme parks near Los Angeles are best for your family.

Dive into the best outdoor water parks in Los Angeles for kids and discover more amusement park details in our SoCal Theme and Water Parks Guide.

Cooking Classes for Kids in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 08/17/2025 - 9:53am

Bake up something tasty. Photo courtesy of Canva

Discover the best cooking classes in Los Angeles for kids to hone their chops and bake up delicious treats.

"Yes, Chef!", but make it adorable. From the tiniest tikes to curious and creative teens, cooking classes for kids in LA can instill a passion for culinary arts that may last a lifetime. That little tot that is always begging to whisk the eggs may just be a Michelin-star chef one day! If you are seeing an interest in cooking, allow it to marinate (pun intended) with some great training from one of these Los Angeles kids' culinary classes.

If your little ones want multiple hobbies, check out LA's best gymnastics classes, and browse the best classes for preschoolers and toddlers. There's even more classes to uncover in our Classes Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Annenberg Beach House with Kids: Pool, Ocean, and Family Fun in One Spot

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 2:23am

You don't have to go far to use the pool and beach in the same day. Photo by Bart Bartholomew, courtesy of the City of Santa Monica.

Here's your insider guide on everything you need to know about the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica with kids.

Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in a beach house, then slipping effortlessly from a sparkling pool to the sandy shore? We're talking Malibu Barbie in real-life energy. Me too. If you're like me and spend your extra cash on baseball gear and ballet lessons, not beach houses, then I have some awesome news for you: There's a free, public beach house in Santa Monica, and it is amazing.

Everyone is welcome to pretend that they're Hollywood's finest while basking in the SoCal sun at this kid-friendly beach destination in Santa Monica. The beach house is perfect for families, with activities that will appeal to your squealing toddlers and your TikTokkin' teens.

Keep the fun in the sun going in Santa Monica with amusement rides at the Santa Monica Pier or bike The Strand along the ocean. Younger kids will appreciate all there is to do at the Cayton Children's Museum or Heal the Bay Aquarium. Discover more fun things to do in Santa Monica with kids.

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Orange County

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 08/08/2025 - 6:33am

Afternoons are splashtastic! Sigler Park Splash Pad photo courtesy of the City of Westminster.

Orange County knows how to level up the fun for kids, and the OC splash pads are no exception. Sure, Castaway Cove at the HoJo might get all the splash pad glory, but drive ten minutes away and there are free splash pads all over. From interactive water features to shaded seating for parents, these splash pads are perfect for beating the heat while having a blast. Here are the best splash pads in Orange County worth checking out this summer.

Don't miss out on the best things to do with Orange County kids before they grow up, and discover the best beaches in Los Angeles & Orange County. For more water play, check out our Guide to the Coolest Pools and Splash Pads for LA Families.

Perfect Spots for Your LA Baby's First Birthday

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 10:13am

Make baby's 1st birthday a special one at these LA spots. Photo by Kiwi Huang, via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Celebrate baby's first birthday at these baby-friendly spots in Los Angeles.

Congratulations! You made it through baby’s first year, and now it’s time to celebrate. If you’re like me and totally not into hosting your child’s first birthday party at home (read: cleaning, shopping, cooking, decorating, hosting...cleaning again), don't worry.

The weather in LA is so beautiful that outdoor birthdays are possible nearly any time of year. If that's not your speed, the Southland boasts plenty of awesome indoor options as well. Here are 12 great spots of both varieties—from pricey to free, with one surprise at the end—to smash a cake and tire out the kiddos so everyone can go home and take a well-deserved nap.

For gift ideas for baby, shop at these hip baby stores in Los Angeles or splurge on going to Disneyland with baby. For more birthday inspo, check out our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Los Angeles Kids.

Don’t Go to Disneyland Without Reading This First: Parent Tips That Actually Work

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 07/11/2025 - 4:21am

Spend the day with Mickey and Minnie. Photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most crowded, most confusing, and most chaotic. As a self-proclaimed "Disney kid" I've been to the Mouse House more times than I can count. I've gone in giant groups, with only one other person, with my troupe of four kiddos, with teenagers, with strollers, with Lightning Lane passes, with no plan, with a very detailed plan, you name it, I've done it. Which is why I'm thrilled to share some of my favorite Disneyland hacks with you.

Whether you are a new parent taking your baby for the first time, a Disney adult eager to share the magic with your kiddos, or a first time visitor (don't forget to grab a pin!), this article will sprinkle your next Disneyland day with an extra-dose of pixie dust.

While most of these tips are for Disneyland, you can also see Disney California Adventure like local with these tips. You can also check out these tips for bringing a baby to Disneyland. Plus, discover other fun things to do in Anaheim with kids, and browse our Southern California Theme and Water Park Guide.

Kylie Williams

Latest posts by Kylie

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