First birthday gifts can be a little tricky. You want to introduce them to fun new things while also keeping it age-appropriate. Their personality is starting to shine, too, so leaning into their developing interests is a great move, too. What’s a mom to do? Look no further than the stars for guidance on the best gifts for the new toddler in your life.

These are some of the best toddler toys out there, if we do say so ourselves, and we’ve consulted their horoscopes for the best presents to make their big day even better. Plus, we’ve included some bonus zodiac info you might not know about your babe! Keep in mind that these goodies do vary in age recommendations, so consider what you believe your little one is ready for. Now, follow the stars to the best first birthday gifts based on your kiddo’s zodiac sign!

Jump to:
Aries Gifts
Taurus Gifts
Gemini Gifts
Cancer Gifts
Leo Gifts
Virgo Gifts
Libra Gifts
Scorpio Gifts
Sagittarius Gifts
Capricorn Gifts
Aquarius Gifts
Pisces Gifts

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

If you feel like your Aries kiddo is in charge of the whole house, you can thank their natural leadership skills. A fire sign, and the first sign of the zodiac, this little ram has a bold, spicy personality that makes them brave, confident, and generally self-assured. Those are traits many of us, even as adults, struggle with, so having a natural sense of self-confidence is incredible. While they really aren’t arrogant, their security in themselves makes them driven and ambitious. They’re competitive and determined, energetic and a little impulsive.

aries text and illustration

Your Aries babe is dynamic and majorly ready for adventure at any time. Honesty will be a major value they develop, and along with their strong leadership skills comes the ability to bring others together and build community. It’s likely they’ll want the whole family to participate in game nights (of their choosing, of course), and although their fire sign nature can lead to some hot-headedness (we’re sure you’ve noticed) and cutting words, these dynamic and energetic kiddos are reliable, magnetic, and never dull.

My First Pinball Activity Table

toy pinball game table for toddlers
Little Tikes

A toddler-ready pinball activity table is the perfect way to celebrate your energetic and fun-loving Aries baby. Sounds, numbers, balls, and more make this retro-themed toy a big win!

My First Pinball Activity Table ($44.97)—Buy Here!

Play Set with Foam Climbing Blocks & Ball Pit

two toddlers playing in at-home ball pit and climbing toy
Auksay

Aries toddlers have all the energy to climb, crawl, and jump full throttle into whatever they're doing. This soft foam climbing set gives them the space and freedom to explore and feed their adventurous natures.

Play Set with Foam Climbing Blocks & Ball Pit ($169.99)—Buy Here!

Jellycat Amuseabean Ram

stuffed ram
Jellycat

Celebrate their ability to push through obstacles, approach challenges head-on, and blaze their own fiery trail with this adorable Aries-inspired plush ram by Jellycat!

Jellycat Amuseabean Ram ($20.00)—Buy Here!

Taurus April 20 – May 20

taurus decorative image

Even at 12 months old, your Taurus kiddo is highly intuitive. There’s a good chance you’ve noticed them exploring the world using all 5 of their senses, even more than the average toddler. These bull-y babes are notorious for being exceptionally sensitive to the people and environment around them and are likely to surprise you with their ability to ‘read’ situations and people from a young age. Your Taurus will also be right about their sense of things more often than not, so when they stubbornly (they’re the bull, of course) insist they get a ‘vibe’ about something, it’ll definitely be worth taking seriously.

taurus text and illustration

Tapping into their intuitive abilities gives them a strong sense of favoritism. They’ll use each one of their senses to quickly pick out their favorite foods, movies, places, and people that suit them best. Two of their faves? Sunshine and fresh air. This Earth sign is definitely solar-powered. They’re also deeply grounded and solid, so reconnecting with nature and getting their hands dirty is always a good idea when they’re having a particularly bull-headed moment.

Bio Sand & Garden Kit

4 piece plastic toddler gardening set
Danrie

'Grounding' really is the name of the game when it comes to your Taurus, so this gardening set is ideal for the sandbox and their own patch of the garden. It'll be their happy place.

Bio Sand & Garden Kit ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Biophilic Playhouse

clear playhouse with grass and glowers painted on it sits on a grey carpet in a classroom
Wayfair

This indoor playhouse brings the natural ground right into your home. Taurus babies will love the little retreat it offers and you'll love that the shatterproof acrylic lets you keep an eye on them (which you'll want to do when they're still young and not independently mobile, especially). It's an investment, but they'll play with it for years!

Biophilic Playhouse ($423.33)—Buy Here!

My Big Book of Nature Sounds

cover of a nature sounds book for kids
Amazon

Toddlers love sounds and pressing buttons, so a press-and-listen book is always a hit. This one is an awesome choice for your Taurus toddler to look through (while sitting in the playhouse, maybe?).

My Big Book of Nature Sounds ($17.99)—Buy Here!

Gemini May 21 – June 20

gemini illustrated text and constellation

Gemini babies are born with exceptional communication skills, so if you have a serious babbler on your hands, it’s not necessarily just for the sake of hearing their own voice. This sign loves interaction and storytelling (which also gives them a little bit of a tendency to embellish their tales, so gently calling them out on those little white lies from a young age is a good idea). Geminis are known for their unpredictable personalities, thanks to the dueling twins as their ruler. That’s not a bad thing, though. They’re so fun and, despite sometimes running hot and cold, they’re actually really adaptable and curious.

gemini text and constellation

Geminis are a social bunch. They have an excellent sense of humor, and a lot of that can be attributed to their exceptional intellect. They’re in the company of JFK, Walt Whitman, and Natalie Portman, and their intelligence can approach or reach genius level. Technology, gadgets, coding tools and toys are going to top their lists of interests. Your Gemini is likely an insatiably curious kiddo who can multitask like a master. Fostering their hunger for knowledge and natural engagement will be a parenting win for these little ones.

Customized Name Puzzle & Busy Board

three customized name puzzles
Lovery Toys

Brilliant baby Geminis are great at puzzles, and not only is this one really cute; it also includes their names, so don't be surprised if they pick up how to spell it incredibly fast. The multitasking Gems will appreciate the busy b

Customized Name Puzzle ($49.99+)—Buy Here!

60pc Montessori Play Kit

set of Montessori toys for toddlers
WOODMAM

This one should come as no surprise to moms of Geminis. A 60-piece Montessori play kit that covers your kiddo's love of learning and keeps them from slipping into the boredom zone.

60pc Montessori Play Kit ($51.99)—Buy Here!

Smart Toddler Box

smart toddler box
TOYVENTIVE

The Smart Toddler Box is exactly what it says it is: 4 educational books, 2 sets of flashcards, a double-sided puzzle, and 2 shape-and-color matching boards.

Smart Toddler Box ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Cancer June 21-July 22

cancer zodiac illustration

Ah, your emotional little crab. They’re ruled by the moon and, just like their lunar influence, go through phases frequently. And while it’s true that Cancers are ultra-sensitive, they really are pretty darn easygoing and easy to please. Even when they are having a crabby moment, they’re very unlikely to lash out physically or act out. These crabby kiddos are empathetic, compassionate, and deeply nurturing. They notice everything and forget absolutely nothing.

small cancer zodiac symbol and text

When a Cancer child gets into one of their sullen moods, and they will, it’s a great time to break out an arts and crafts project so they can express their emotions. The good news? They do get over their cranky hermit moods pretty quickly. More often than not, you’ll get a ton of cuddle time thanks to their nurturing and family-oriented nature. Cancers are true sweethearts that love to be at home, be close, and thrive on gentle parenting approaches (they aren’t usually apt to take advantage of people), and will always glow under approval from those they love.

Melissa & Doug Baby Giraffe

plush baby giraffe toy with pretend baby bottle and diaper
Melissa & Doug

Encourage your Cancer baby's nurturing side with this sweet baby giraffe, complete with a bottle, pacifier, and cloth diaper. They'll love taking care of this little one!

Melissa & Doug Baby Giraffe ($24.99)—Buy Here!

My First Painting Petit Barbouille Mess-Free Paint Set

a child's paint kit with 4 painted animals as examples
DJECO

This set comes with 4 laminated painting cards, so they can use the included washable non-toxic paints to create their masterpiece, and you can rinse and reuse them.

My First Painting Petit Barbouille Mess-Free Paint Set ($33.16)—Buy Here!

My Family Builders Blocks

set of family building blocks
My Family Builders

A Cancer's love of family is unmatched, so they'll love getting to build diverse and inclusive families with this beautiful 48-piece set. 

My Family Builders Blocks ($78.99)—Buy Here!

Leo July 23 – August 22

Loyal and affectionate, your Leo baby truly lives up to their lion ruler. It’s next to impossible to find a more dedicated leader, and no one will mind when they’re the first to stand up and take charge. Why? Because they don’t just enjoy leading; they excel at it. Making decisions is their forte, and that’s a trait you can capitalize on as a parent (“Would you rather where the blue shirt or the pink dress?”, etc.). They’re energetic, too, so anything that lets them move their body is a solid choice. This fire sign is a jungle gym boss. Try to stick with a regular bedtime, mom. Sleeping is not one of their talents. FOMO is strong with them.

You’ve probably noticed that ‘Drama’ is your lion cub’s middle name. Everything is big, bigger, biggest with a Leo baby. From the biggest smile in the room to the most epic tantrum in the least convenient moment, the lion roars with their whole chest. Sass and wit come easily to them, and they seek the spotlight at all times. Give them space to express themselves, to perform made-up plays and songs, and respect the importance they place on honesty above all, and you’ll be on the receiving end of their purr more often than their bite.

Toddler Dress-Up Trunk

set of toddler dress up clothes
Lakeshore Learning

A performer needs a wardrobe, and this toddler-friendly dress-up trunk is a costume-loving Leo's dream.

Toddler Dress-Up Trunk ($129.00)—Buy Here!

Fisher-Price Wake up & Learn Coffee Mug

toddler pretend coffee tumbler
Fisher-Price

If there's anything your Leo loves, it's emulating you. You're the biggest, most important force in their little lives, and they crave that kind of energy. Does your little one see you sipping out of your tumbler all day? This adorable copy-cat mug is ideal for them.

Fisher-Price Wake up & Learn Coffee Mug ($18.99)—Buy Here!

Toy Piano & Mic Set

black toy piano for toddlers
nicknack

Are you raising more of a rockstar than a movie star? Let them get their groove on with this piano featuring 24 keys, 8 percussion instruments, 4 musical instruments, 22 demo songs, volume control, play & record, karaoke, LED, and external MP3. 

Toy Piano & Mic Set ($24.98)—Buy Here!

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Meticulous. There’s no other word that applies more to this earth sign. They’re neat, exacting, and detail-oriented, and you can rely on them to be responsible from an early age. They adore helping, so letting them assist in household chores is a great way to bond with your little one. Highly organized and oh-so-smart, Virgo babes also tend to be extremely analytical. Those traits serve them well often, but it’s likely you’ll notice their innate intelligence often leads them to be exceptionally hard on themselves. It’s a good idea to remember that these shy-leaning kiddos aren’t necessarily seeking attention so much as reassurance.

Virgos are represented by a maiden carrying a shaft of grain, associated with their love of serving and their deep-rooted connection to the earth. Along with their desire to serve others, they’ll strive for perfection, no matter what. This can manifest in struggling with a sense of self-worth, insecurity, and feelings of inferiority. These struggles feel very real for them, so don’t hesitate to build them up without worrying their ego will become too inflated. Allow them to help out, praise and appreciate their hard work, and encourage them to get out of their heads from time to time and use their hearts to express themselves through art projects, writing, and getting a little messy (occasionally).

Learning Resources Farmers Market Sorting Set

set of fruit sorting toys
Target

There's nothing a detail-oriented Virgo loves more than organization, and this sorting set is right up their meticulous alley. 

Learning Resources Farmers Market Sorting Set ($23.39)—Buy Here!

Slumberkins Yak for Self-Acceptance & Positive Self-Talk

stuffed yak toy with board book and affirmation card
Slumberkins

Slumberkins were developed to teach toddlers and kids all about emotional regulation and social tools. Each animal teaches us something different, and Yak will encourage your perfectionist Virgo how to speak kindly to themselves and accept themselves as they are. Virgos are notoriously hard on themselves, so teaching them to ease up from an early age really sets them up for success.

Slumberkins Yak for Self-Acceptance & Positive Self-Talk ($52.00)—Buy Here!

My First Toolbox

wooden toddler toolbox toy set
Maisonette

Mr. or Ms. Fix-It are always in the 'how can I help?' mindset. Fixing and assisting are their jam, so this wooden set of tools will be their go-to.

My First Toolbox ($41.00)—Buy Here!

Libra September 23 – October 22

The most idealistic people you know are likely Libras. As air signs, they float into the realm of borderline naive hopes that everyone will get along at all times and any kind of conflict can be triggering for these balance-craving babies. They’re natural negotiators and peacemakers. They love when everyone around them feels relaxed and at ease and they’ll go above and beyond to make sure of it. This ‘by any means necessary’ attitude towards achieving harmony can lead to people-pleasing and some difficulty confidently stating their opinions (though they certainly have them), especially in a group. Libras are social and are often everyone’s best friend, though they’ll limit their personal close contacts to just a few lucky people.

Your Libra adores beauty, sometimes to a fault. This can come off as shallow and materialistic, but ultimately, feeling surrounded by beauty is their love language. It contributes to their sense of harmony. They also have a strong belief in love and romance, and associate love with beauty of all kinds. They do struggle with making decisions, and are very much go-with-the-flow. They’re more peacemakers than leaders. Your Libra baby is ruled by Venus, so they love affection and can’t hear ‘I love you’ too much. Warm, quick-witted, and charming, their sweet dispositions are usually upset by overwhelm or a sense of injustice for themselves or others. Encourage their love of fairy tales as well as teaching them how to ground themselves when they get a little ‘floaty’ and you’ll keep them balanced and happy.

Foamnasium Bridges

foam 3-piece rainbow bridge climbing toy
Pottery Barn Kids

These soft foam 'bridges' can be used for climbing, lounging, or just adding a dreamy aesthetic to your Libra's space.

Foamnasium Bridges ($279.00)—Buy Here!

Lambs & Ivy Interactive Plush Mushroom House

plush mushroom house toy with small woodland animals
Lambs & Ivy

Soft, sweet, and social (those little woodland creatures are definitely friends), this adorable plush mushroom house will a fave of your Libra.

Lambs & Ivy Interactive Plush Mushroom House ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Spinny Pins Balance Toy

a set of wobbly pins toddle toy
Fat Brain Toys

Each of the five colorful pins features different textures to feel plus a weighted base that wobbles and balances. What harmonious Libra kiddo could resist? 

Spinny Pins Balance Toy ($34.95)—Buy Here!

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

We all know that Scorpios are intense, and we wouldn’t change that for the world. They never do things with only half their heads or hearts, they’re deep, brilliant, and natural researchers. Scorpio babies feel things so deeply, and encouraging them from a young age to express their emotions in a healthy way instead of keeping it all bottled up will serve them well. They do tend to be slightly distrusting in general, so if they take a while to warm up to someone, it’s not lack of manners. Your little scorpion will test you, but that’s their way to making sure that your love is truly unconditional. They’re the ride-or-die sign that values loyalty and remains intensely aware of the people and things around them.

Scorpios get a bad rap of being secretive, but it’s not sneakiness so much as their introverted nature. They process everything internally and love a good mystery. It’s important to let your baby Scorpio know that it’s okay to talk their emotions out with someone they do trust while at the same time setting boundaries so they still feel in control. Your little one’s drive and determination can mask a sense of fear and insecurity that can lead to anxiety, so reassurances and giving them a sense of safety will be really helpful. Scorpios are magical, intuitive, and love with their whole hearts.

Mini Backpack with Safety Harness

toddler backpack with puppy face design
Skip Hop

Ever the explorer, your Scorpio will need a backpack to keep their findings in (and you'll need a way to keep them from wandering off too far!). This toddler backpack also comes in a koala design.

Mini Backpack with Safety Harness ($16.00)—Buy Here!

Light Up Sensory Play Jars

Uncommon Goods

Believe it or not, Scorpio isn't a fire sign. They're actually water signs, which explains their deep emotions and love of all things mysterious. These Sensory Play Jars will calm them down and help them center themselves while they investigate the glitter, lights, and more! There are also filler kits you can buy seperately to customize their jars.

Light Up Sensory Play Jars ($25.00)—Buy Here!

Fat Brain Toys Forest Friends Discovery Tree

toddler girl in a living room playing with a wooden toy treehouse
Fat Brain Toys

Discovery is the name of the game for your Scorpio sweetie. Let them get wrapped up in this activity center that features a ton of early learning and sensory activities.

Fat Brain Toys Forest Friends Discovery Tree ($74.95)—Buy Here!

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Sunshine-in-person-form, Sagittarius is a fire sign that’s more warmth than burn. They’re the wild child of the zodiac. They adore nature, the outdoors, adventure, and exploration. Your archer is an animal-lover, so they’ll ask for a pet (if you don’t already have one. If you do, expect them to want to add to the gang!). These babes are open-minded, progressive, and extremely free-spirited. Conformity and routine aren’t strong suits of theirs, and they really struggle with rules, so a great way to keep them from getting too far off track is to explain the logic behind rules so they understand that you don’t intend to stifle them; only to protect them.

These little ones are imaginative and creative and they would really prefer to avoid sitting in one place too long. Sports, walks, and physical play are favorites of this sign. Your Sagittarius will want to run errands with you and will make it an adventure instead of a chore. Take them to the park, to the grocery store, the dry cleaner, and expect them to add some sparkle to the whole afternoon. They’re fascinated with pebbles, sticks, and flowers, so they’re likely to come home with full pockets and random things in the bottom of their backpack. Little Sags can be impulsive and a little reckless, so guiding them without smothering them will help them thrive.

Manhattan Toy Put and Peek Birdhouse

soft birdhouse toddler toy with four small plush birds
Manhattan Toy

Your Sagittarius baby loves animals, so this soft birdhouse will let them take care of these little birdy friends, complete with birdhouse and handle so they can tote them anywhere.

Manhattan Toy Put and Peek Birdhouse ($33.60)—Buy Here!

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center

toddler sports activity center with soccer goal and basketball hoop
VTech

With these super energetic archers, they have energy to burn. This sports activity center will keep them moving and entertained constantly!

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Wooden 4 Elements Stacking Toy

set of earth element wooden stacking toys for toddlers
Etsy

This is such a beautiful set that'll appeal to Sagittarius' sense of wonder, connection to nature, and curiosity. Water-based paints and natural wood make this an awesome option for toddlers.

Wooden 4 Elements Stacking Toy ($133.64)—Buy Here!

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

Your Capricorn baby is a true old soul. They come into the world wise beyond their years, and, similar to Virgos, they’ll strive for perfection. Under their goat ruler, they’ll reach the mountaintop or die trying, in so many words. They have an intensely strong work ethic and will need to be reminded to play, too. Capricorns are highly-productive and ambitious, preferring logic to emotion. Because of this, they give great advice without getting too wrapped up in being overly emotional.

It’s a good idea to keep in mind that these little goats are their own worst critics, so if they do make a mistake, even if discipline is needed, try to also remind them that they’re still lovable, smart, and worthy. They don’t shy away from responsibility, though it does take them some time to warm up to others on a personal level. Encouraging compassion and empathy will be great for them, especially teaching them compassion toward themselves. They won’t typically indulge in dress-up or playing pretend; play needs to have a point for Capricorns. Reward systems really resonate for this sign, too, so chore charts and allowance will be awesome drivers.

LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet

toddler learning tablet
LeapFrog

Not only will they feel mature with this toddler-ready tablet, but they'll also get to learn a ton with lights, colors, and sounds. Available in two colors.

LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet ($19.97)—Buy Here!

Petilou Rainbow Cloud Pop Press and Release Toy

wooden toy cloud for toddlers
Le Toy Van

For these reward-centered kiddos, cause-and-effect toys are fantastic. This springy cloud features five colorful rainbow pop-up rods in three heights for a hands-on learning experience. 

Petilou Rainbow Cloud Pop Press and Release Toy ($26.95)—Buy Here!

Goat Plush Squishy Toy

stuffed billy goat plush toy
Avocatt

Help lead your Capricorn babe into their softer side and celebrate their goat ruler with this adorable goat plushy.

Goat Plush Squishy Toy ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Unique and quirky, your Aquarius is so independent and fun, there’s never a dull moment. Individuality is their driving force, and encouraging their self-expression is ideal for raising happy water-bearers. They’re open-minded and a bit rebellious, but as long as you step back and embrace their little quirks and unique likes, their rebellious streak will be tempered. They march to the beat of their own drum, and their creativity knows no bounds.

Interpersonal relationships are paramount for air signs in general, but as the last air sign of the zodiac, Aquarius takes this trait to a whole new level. They’re deeply rooted in teamwork and the ‘greater good’, so they’ll often be involved in projects that connect with community and are the first to jump into anything revolutionary that feeds their humanitarian souls. As humanitarian as their souls are, they don’t do small talk or people-pleasing. They need something much deeper. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet that governs innovation, technology, and surprising events, and that perfectly represents this visionary babe.

LED Light Table

child playing with a purple light table
Etsy

Don't worry; you can leave the sand for when they're a little older. This LED light table illuminates transparent toys and blocks, plus it changes colors to suit your Aquarius' mood. You can also buy light table toys separately to prevent the Aquarius boredom. 

LED Light Table ($170.29)—Buy Here!

16pc Rainbow Blocks

set of wooden stacking blocks with colorful windows
Kvintes

Bright and a little magical, these blocks aren't just for building; the reflection and prism effect will keep their interest.

16pc Rainbow Blocks ($52.96)—Buy Here!

My First Fingerpaint Kit

set of toddler fingerpaints
Crayola

This fingerpaint kit is created specifically for toddlers to express themselves without mom and dad worrying about an unfixable mess. The paints are washable and the paper is specially coated to prevent seeping through.

My First Fingerpaint Kit ($18.15)—Buy Here!

Pisces February 19 – March 20

The ultimate sensitive sign, those born under Pisces are considered to be darn near magical. They’re said to walk between reality and whatever lies beyond, so if you think your babe is growing into a child who just knows things, you’re probably right. This is a sign that has a high propensity for psychic abilities. As children, they don’t realize that not everyone has this sort of intuitive knowing, but once they do, they may try to bury that part of themselves, or simply retreat into themselves to avoid sensory overload. This can lead to others thinking these fish are a little snobby, when nothing could be further from the truth.

Pisces’ precious personalities are always looking for people and animals who might need help or who they consider vulnerable. They give generously and struggle with boundaries, so it’s your job to guide them into healthy relationship practices. True born artists, Pisces babies will express themselves through works of art that are dreamy and compelling. They love living in their sparkly, whimsical land of imagination, so reminding them when it’s time to focus on being grounded and present will help them out a lot. Pisces toddlers need gentleness and care above all things and a recognition of their extreme sensitivity to avoid hurt feelings. Take care of them with a lot of love and a delicate touch and your guppy is sure to shine.

Warmies Babydoll

plush baby doll for babies and toddlers
Warmies

Warmies are fully microwavable and real lavender-scented that create the ultimate in comfort for adults and kiddos. Letting your Pisces care for a babydoll that also soothes them couldn't be more perfect. If babydolls aren't their preference, Warmies come in a huge assortment of lovable creatures!

Warmies Babydoll ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Big Feelings Nesting Fruit Friends

set of fruit-shaped nesting toys for toddlers
Target

Pisces have no problem connecting with their emotions, but identifying them by name can be a little tricky. These nesting fruit friends help introduce them to understanding and naming their feelings.

Big Feelings Nesting Fruit Friends ($11.89)—Buy Here!

Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy

set of toy tissue leaves and book
KiwiCo.

Pisces are very hands-on, and this Growing Seeds Tissue Box gives them a sensory experience and a cute book, too.

Growing Seeds Tissue Box Toy ($39.95)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

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All images courtesy of retailers.

These goodies are sure to become instant favorites they’ll use well beyond their first birthday

A pull-along snail, their very own turntable, an activity table with hidden storage, the bounciest unicorn, a beautiful balance bike, and bath toys that keep the water in the bath? These are the holiday gifts for one-year-olds that are sure to delight. And if you’ve got other littles on your list, check out our gifts for 18 to 24 months and 6 to 12 months.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table

The Fisher Price Mix and Learn DJ Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

If your babe’s been bopping their head to the beat since they first gained neck control, they’re going to love this music-themed, light-up activity table. As sitters, they can explore the piano, buttons, and toys, and brush up on their shapes and colors; once they can stand at the decks they’ll be dropping a beat while learning Spanish phrases and opposites.

Fisher-Price Mix & Learn DJ Table ($31)—Buy Here!

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail

Proud new walkers love having a little buddy to follow them around, and this snail is just too cute as it inches along. Kiddos learn about cause and effect while working on their balance and fine motor skills.

Plan Toys Pull-Along Snail ($30)—Buy Here!

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Tikes can cruise in style for a long time with this solid 4-in-1 tricycle. It starts as a fully harnessed push trike with a parent handle and canopy and eventually evolves into a tricycle that three-year-olds can ride independently.

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 ($130)—Buy Here!

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama

Manhattan Toy Lili Llama is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

You’ll be amazed by how long toddlers entertain themselves with this musical llama friend. Lili’s got a xylophone, four spinners, a maraca, two gears, a washboard, 2 clacking saddles, and two mallets (conveniently stored in her head), so there’s never a dull moment.

Manhattan Toy Musical Lili Llama ($61)—Buy Here!

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers can get their beans out on these fun foam climbing blocks, exploring tunnels, ramps, and stairs, and parents can rest assured that any spills or messes are easily wiped clean with mild soap and water.

Joymor Foam Climbing Blocks ($236)—Buy Here!

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Giddy up! Let your little loose on one of these fun and bouncy inflatable animals, available in unicorn, grey bunny, fox, and green triceritops. Each animal comes with a hand pump and a unique birth certificate.

Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Along ($57)—Buy Here!

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

Haba musical fun with sounds wooden discovery blocks is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only can little hands stack these colorful beech wood blocks, but each one is also ripe for acoustic exploration—from rattling and clacking to squeaking and tinkering. Plus, you can toss a few in your bag for on-the-go entertainment.

Haba Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks ($49)—Buy Here!

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

For parents of dog-obsessed toddlers, a puppy stuffie is a no-brainer. They’ll instantly fall in love with this super-soft and extremely huggable Gund version.

Gund Muttsy Dog Plush ($27)—Buy Here!

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to learn from these adorable little avocados. Kids can color match the tops and bottoms, building fine motor skills while they do it, and get to know the different emotions on each fruit’s face.

Learning Resources Learn-A-Lot Avocados ($12.50)—Buy Here!

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy

The anthropologie frenchie push cart is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Leave it to Anthro to design the most beautiful push cart of our dreams. As baby toddles, three Frenchie dogs bob up and down and their tails wag around on springs.

Anthropologie Frenchie Push Cart Toy ($70)—Buy Here!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book

Dragon's First Taco board book is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Not only does this bring the hilarious Dragons Love Tacos series to the littlest of readers, but the book itself is also shaped like a taco, which makes it extra fun for little hands to explore. Inside, baby dragons learn how to make a taco. Yum!

Dragon's First Taco Board Book ($7)—Buy Here!

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box

Wonder and Wise by Asweets Baby Busy Box is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Aesthetically minded parents will appreciate how this neutral play box fits in with their modern decor; kids will love the gears, puzzle, shape sorter, abacus, and more. From seated tots to two-legged toddlers, there's plenty of room to grow with this one.

Wonder & Wise Baby Busy Box ($149)—Buy Here!

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set

This fun and stylish bathtime set includes five tubes that are shaped differently to be used separately or combined to make a big chain. The best part? The water finally stays inside the tub.

Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Set ($18)—Buy Here!

SEREED Baby Balance Bike

Sereed Baby Balance Bike is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, babies can begin learning how to balance and get the feeling of riding a bike before graduating to a two-wheeled balance bike or training wheels. And since it’s under 4 lbs, mom or dad won’t have to break their backs carrying it home when a ride takes a turn for the worse.

SEREED Baby Balance Bike ($50)—Buy Here!

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

These genius suction spinners are the gift that keeps on giving, from the car to the bath to the high chair. They’re also live-savers on airplane rides—just stick them to the windows and let baby have at them! One Amazon reviewer said she puts them on the fridge, oven door, and dishwasher when she’s working in the kitchen and needs to keep her tot occupied.

ALASOU Suction Cup Spinner Toys ($10)—Buy Here!

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

There’s so much to love about this chic activity table, from its beautiful birch frame and soft muted hues to the two worlds for baby to explore: land and sea. The storage bag that’s hidden under the winding abacus is particularly brilliant.

Coco Village Wooden Activity Table ($150)—Buy Here!

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors

This take-along wooden toy introduces tikes to the art of color mixing and gives them a chance to look through each brightly hued acrylic screen to see the world in different shades.

Tender Leaf Peacock Colors ($28)—Buy Here!

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair

This is a timeless staple as far as first-year gifts go—with good reason! The tot-sized chair is a cozy place to read a book or explore a new toy. Pro tip: if you have the space you can size up to the kid version—my six-year-old still sits in his to watch TV.

Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair ($129-$169)—Buy Here!

Farm Animals Toy Set

Farm Animals Toy Set is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Toddlers love taking things out and putting them back in and they’re sure to get their fill with this toy, a set of ten brightly colored barns with farm animals inside. Kids learn to color-match the barns and rooves, identify the numbers on each barn, and practice vocabulary like “put in” and “take out.”

Farm Animals Toy Set ($30)—Buy Here!

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks

With 80 blocks that transform into endless creations, this toddler staple lets their imaginations run wild. The chunky blocks are easy for wee hands to put together and pull apart, so maybe they’ll even play on their own for a few minutes.

Fisher-Price Mega Bloks ($16)—Buy Here!

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Oh la la! This French toy is gorgeous to look at but, most importantly, kids will love watching the adorable little animal balls slide down the snow-capped mountain to ring a dangling bell at the end.

Vilac Iceland Waterfall Ball Toy ($65)—Buy Here!

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes

Djeco finger paint tubes is one of the best holiday gifts for one-year-olds in 2023

Yes, finger painting can get messy, but these brightly colored paints are totally washable and free from harmful chemicals. So throw down some newspaper, drop some colors on the plastic palette, and unleash your little artiste.

Djeco Finger Paint Tubes ($22)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.

The hotel resort scene is hopping thanks to resort day passes you and the family can access all year long

Summer is on the horizon and when the kids aren’t at camp, and you don’t have a pool, and you’re tired of the beach, there’s only one things to do—book yourself a resort day pass.The good news is you can treat yourself to a resort day pass at a luxe San Diego resort and take advantage of the coolest, most decked-out pools in town. And the best part? You don’t need to pack an overnight bag or budget for a pricey resort stay—just grab the SPF, and get ready to splash the day away. You’ll get all the best staycation vibes at these local hotel resorts near San Diego without the hefty price tag.

Resorts that Offer Day Passes in San Diego

1. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Everyone in your family from babies to big kids will love spending the day at the glorious Omni La Costa Resort & Spa pools. Even if your visit only lasts an afternoon, you’ll feel as rejuvenated as if you’d gone on a mini-vacation at this slice of paradise. You’re spoiled for choice with an array of pools that all beckon you for a refreshing dip.

The Sandy Beach Family Pool is perfect for tots and little kids due to its shallow beach entry and for the fact that kids can build sandcastles and play in the sand. The Splash Landing Pools will keep big kids entertained for hours. There are not one, but two 100-foot waterslides (an open slide and a tunnel slide) that kids will gleefully slide down again and again. There’s also a water play area/splash pad complete with plenty of fun features like a raining umbrella and squirt guns kids can aim. If you just want a general swim, there’s also the main swimming pool and a large hot tub.

Good to Know: The pool menu (available seasonally until 4:30 p.m.) boasts plenty of delicious food, and yummy drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and the wait staff is helpful and quick to serve. Also, for an additional charge, you can choose to add on any number of different activities to your pool day pass, such as kids’ dinner and a movie, fireside s’mores, low-tide sand art or a family art workshop. Complimentary self-parking is included with your day pass.

2100 Costa Del Mar Rd.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: resortpass.com

2. Town and Country San Diego

Centrally located in Mission Valley, Town and Country Resort, the 10,000 square foot pool complex includes a zero-entry pool, hot tub, children’s pool and 4-story, looping 150-foot waterslide. Enjoy poolside food and beverage service and free WiFi. Daybeds and cabanas are also available for an additional cost.

500 Hotel Cir. N.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

3. The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

The iconic swimming pool at The Lafayette Hotel (reopening 2023 after a major renovation) has been making a splash in the seven decades since it was designed in 1946. Go for a swim in this heated pool and bask in the realization that Hollywood royalty including Ava Gardner has also lounged poolside at this locale. Channel your inner movie star, grab your favorite sunglasses and hit this scene.

2223 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

4. Rancho Bernardo Inn

Get away from it all and feel a world away basking in the pools and Spanish-style architecture of the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn. There are two pools: one for adults and one for families, as well as a hot tub, poolside food and drink service, a fitness center and free WiFi and self-parking. Sip on one of their famous craft cocktails and work on your Vitamin D intake while the kids make a splash.

17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

5. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Stay cool by the pool at this all-star downtown resort by the bay. When the brood wants to eat, order food and beverages from their MARKET | ONE grab-and-go. Rent a Family Pool Cabana and you’ll get special perks beyond the shade. Your day pass also gets you access to showers, basketball and volleyball courts and the 24-hour fitness center

1 Market Pl.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

6. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Flow into this luxury resort located near Torrey Pines in La Jolla for a day with the crew. Stretch out by the saltwater pool while the kiddies take a dip and order-up food and drinks. Go all out and book a shaded king-sized daybed or cabana that comes with sliced fruit, berries and smoothies. Even more, the day pass includes complimentary parking and WiFi.

9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA
Online: resortpass.com

7. The Westgate Hotel

Swim in the old-world glamour and customer service of this posh downtown hotel that also boasts the largest rooftop pool in San Diego. Even more, you can order poolside lunch service. Also, dip into the hot tub while keeping a keen eye on the kiddos a few feet away. If time allows, grown-ups can steam and sauna in the luxury locker rooms.

1055 2nd Ave.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Hightail it to San Diego Mission Bay Resort for a day of family fun. Enjoy the large resort pool, with waterfalls, kids wading pool and life-sized checkers, ping pong and board games). It’s “shore” to be a magical summer day.

For everything you need to know about San Diego’s hidden gem, check out our insider’s guide to Mission Bay.

1775 E. Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

9. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Jump in feet first at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Not only are there two heated swimming pools, a hot tub and seasonal Shoreline eatery, there are also tennis courts, a fitness center and a basketball court. So grab the goggles and floaties and head to this centrally located resort.

1380 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

10. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

Slip into paradise at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, voted the best hotel pool by San Diego Magazine in 2017. In addition to three fab waterslides (little riders must be at least 42″ tall to ride the two big ones) there are plenty of reasons to take a dip here. In addition the main pool, guests can enjoy a pool with a walk-in slope, plus another smaller pool and one large hot tub (yes, kids are allowed). Your day pass includes a 10% discount on poolside food and non-alcoholic beverages from Pelicans on the Bay pool bar and lounge and a 20% discount on water sport rentals from the Mission Bay Sports Center.

1441 Quivira Rd.
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

11. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Grab a morning day pass (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) or an afternoon day pass (2-6 p.m.) to enjoy this stunning pool and lounge around at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas resort. You’ll find a mountain of waterslides, a lazy river, sandy beach, and a large main pool plus play zones with fountains and sprinklers. Order up some food and drinks via poolside service from the Splash Grill. Note: Kids must be 42 inches tall to ride the water slides.

41000 Bob Hope Dr.
Rancho Mirage, CA
Online: resortpass.com

12. Blue Sea Beach Hotel

Pool and beach lovers rejoice! The only beachfront hotel pool in Pacific Beach also offers a resort day pass. A surf chic haven awaits you at the Blue Sea Beach Hotel, nestled right on the sand in Pacific Beach. Located near the world-famous Strand, you’re in the perfect spot to end the day on the white sandy beach.

707 Pacific Beach Dr
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

13. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Splish-splash in the family pool, then warm-up in the spacious spa. When you work up an appetite, there are five restaurants, including a Kid’s Cafe and poolside service too. Also, the day pass includes complimentary valet parking and WiFi. Step-up the luxury with a Family Cabana which includes a complimentary fruit bowl, bottled water, a T.V., chaise lounge chairs and day passes for six people. Cabana hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The attention to detail and customer service are resort perfect.

7100 Aviara Resort Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: resortpass.com

14. Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Located on none other than Vacation Road, a tropical oasis in Mission Bay, Paradise Point is brimming with options, and the resort day pass gets you access to many of them. There are five swimming pools, including a waterfall pool, a lagoon pool, and a meadow pool. They also offer a full-size marina and various sports courts and recreational activities for the whole family. So create your daycation story, including a trip to the mini-golf course. You might want to book that overnight trip, after all.

1404 Vacation Rd
San Diego
Online: resortpass.com

Beginner-friendly ski slopes, an indoor waterpark, and cabins for families make this spot a winner

If you’re eager to get your kids on skis, Massanutten Resort is the place to start. Over the past 50 years, this family-friendly mountain has grown from a six-trail destination to a four-season entertainment center featuring 14 ski trails, snow tubing, an indoor/outdoor water park, ice skating, an e-sports center, and more. Just two hours from both Washington DC and Richmond, VA, Massanutten Resort offers some of the best ski conditions in the region thanks to its high-tech snowmaking and grooming capabilities. With over 50 new snowmaking guns, this mountain makes more snow in a day “than Mother Nature.”

Not only are the ski conditions top-notch, but there are plenty of activities beyond the trails for family fun and memory-making. Spend an afternoon zipping down what The Washingtonian has praised as the best snow tubing park in the region, enjoy the indoor waterpark on a rainy day, or challenge the family to air hockey or bowling at the resort’s onsite arcade. Massanutten Resort delivers an action-packed, family-oriented winter getaway for both novice and expert skiers with plenty of après-ski things to do.

The Ski Experience at Massanutten Resort

Meghan Yudes Meyers

 

New skiers should make a beeline for the Magic Carpet conveyor lift for an itty bitty bunny hill that is so gentle you rarely see new skiers topple. Once new skiers master the snow plow, it’s on to Paula’s Way, a longer run down a gradual hill where new skiers (and snowboarders) get a better sense of balancing on skis. Once your kiddo becomes confident on this hill, you can introduce them to Creekside’s quad chairs and hit Southern Comfort, a hill that mirrors Paula’s Way in steepness but offers a much longer run.

One of the biggest expenses at any mountain is ski lessons. Costing almost as much as a lift ticket, it’s a spendy investment we think is worth it.  Help you or your child get comfortable on the mountain fast by building confidence-boosting skills quickly. You’ll find teachers—all of whom are registered members of PSIA or Professional Ski Instructors of America—that work with any range of abilities and are also experienced in adaptive instruction for those who might do better with a different learning style.

While your child is enrolled in class, take advantage of the babysitting (wink, wink) and explore the more advanced trails. Massanutten Resort boasts the highest vertical of any ski mountain in VA, MD, or PA—rewarding those that make it to the peak with impressive views.

Where to Fuel Up on the Slopes

Massanutten Resort

 

The General Store
A day of skiing can work up an appetite. Whether you want to kick start your day with a cup of coffee or grab trail mix for the slopes, The General Store has a wide variety of sundries for a day of skiing. You’ll also find must-have staples for your rental, like cooking oil, condiments, and marshmallows for roasting. Forgot ski gloves or need to size up on some ski pants? You’ll find everything from socks to ski coats to help you suit up for the mountain.

Ski Lodge Cafeteria
Spend more time on the trails and less time in the lodge with a quick meal. The cafeteria’s menu is loaded with hot comfort foods, like chicken fingers, pizza, and chili, but you’ll also find lighter options like salads, yogurts, fresh fruits, and sandwiches in the refrigerated section. This quick service option offers a fresh fixings bar with large slices of tomato, fresh lettuce, and other sandwich toppers.

Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co.
At the end of a day of skiing, make a pit stop at this onsite-smoked BBQ and pizza joint at the foot of Massanutten (located in the Visitor Center). For picky eaters, this dine-in and carry-out restaurant also has a kids’ menu featuring chicken fingers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese. Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co. is also a great place to start your day with breakfast sandwiches, French toast sticks, or egg-based breakfast bowls.

More Mountain Fun: Snow Tubing

Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy Massanutten’s mountain. If you’ve got a beginner on skis, chances are they’ll spy the saucer-like tubes flying down the mountain just a short distance from Paula’s Way (you can’t miss the screams!). Praised as the best snow tubing by The Washingtonian, these 90-minute snow tube sessions whisk tubers down one of 16 lanes for fast thrills (and a few high-pitched shrieks). You must be 36′ tall to participate and tubes are single-rider only, but you can attach up to four tubes to pick up some extra speed.

Family Fun After Skiing

Massanutten Resort

 

A trip to Massanutten Resort would be incomplete without a visit to its famed Indoor waterpark. The indoors are always heated to a toasty 84° so your littles can climb and explore without ever feeling cold. There is a lazy river, numerous (gigantic!) dump buckets, a kid-friendly hot tub, a kiddie pool, giant tube slides, body slides, and more. Not to be missed is the wave pool where experienced surfers will teach you how to zig left and right through the waves, kneel on your board and if you’re one of the nimble few, pop up to surf!

Meghan Yudes Meyers

 

Above Massanutten’s WaterPark is a full floor of arcade fun. If you’ve rented a locker at the water park, you’ll get a $15 “refund” to use in the arcade. Beyond grabber machines and arcade games, this entertainment center features pin bowling and ride-on games. When you’re done playing, take your card loaded with your ticket winnings to the shop (yes, there is an entire shop!) to choose from a massive range of prizes.

Luxury Lodging at Massanutten Resort

Meghan Yudes Meyers

 

From hotels to townhouses to home rentals, there are a number of lodging options both on the mountain and in the valley at Massanutten Resort. King among them is Regal Vistas, a condo-style housing community surrounded by mountain views.

We love these two-bedroom homes not only for their convenience to all of the Resort’s amenities (the water park is at the base of the complex and the ski trails are a quick drive away) but each house is meticulously designed for an optimal family vacation. With a king-bed master, a queen bed, and a pull-out sofa, these homes can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. There is a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, and a single-car garage (which comes in handy as a makeshift play area). You’ll appreciate the master suite’s hot tub after a long day of skiing (and we bet the kids will find it the most epic bubble bath ever with changing colored lights). 

Massanutten Resort
Massanutten, VA
Online: massresort.com

Editor’s Note: This trip was paid for by Massanutten Resort but all opinions belong to the writer. 

The Lunar New Year begins Sunday January 22 and kicks off 15 days of colorful celebrations perfect for family fun

Just when you thought all the New Year’s festivities were over, we’ve got the scoop on New Year, part two—the Chinese New Year, that is. The holiday begins Sunday January 22 and kicks off 15 days of colorful celebrations perfect for family fun. Kids will love the vibrant parades, fireworks and entertainment, while parents will be all over the delicious food and cultural traditions (tiring out the young ones is an added bonus)! This year is the Year of the Rabbit, a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Check out all the Lunar New Year Los Angeles activities below.

Chinese Lunar New Year Events in Los Angeles

1. Oshugatsu Family Festival in Little Tokyo

Jan. 8: The Japanese American National Museum celebrates the Year of the Rabbit with free cultural performances and crafts and activities for all ages at the Oshugatsu Family Festival on Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Activities will include a traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance by Kodama Taiko, candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi, Koto and calligraphy performances, author-led interactive storytimes, Year of the Rabbit inspired crafts and origami, souvenir photos, and scavenger hunts. Event details.

2. Lunar New Year at the LA County Library

Jan. 10-28: The LA County Library is hosting events throughout January to commemorate Lunar New Year, and you’re invited! At Hacienda Heights Library, you can learn about the importance of paper lanterns for the New Year and make your own lantern. At Lancaster Library, you can create Rabbit corner bookmarks that will help keep your place in one of our books. You can also learn about New Year’s celebrations throughout the world at Quartz Hill Library. And at Rowland Heights Library, Paul Stein, violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 36 years, will bring exciting and beautiful music for children to celebrate the New Year. Event details.

3. Lunar New Year at the Citadel Outlets

Jan. 13-Feb. 13: To celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit, Citadel Outlets will host their annual Lunar New Year celebration where the whole place will be decked out in celebratory décor with festive red and gold lanterns hanging everywhere. On Jan. 21 & Jan. 22, watch exciting lion dances traditionally used to bring good luck and fortune, taking place throughout the center and in Center Court. Remember to drop by Customer Service to pick up your free red envelope from Jan. 13th to Feb. 13th. Event details.

4. 2023 Asian American Expo – Year of the Rabbit

Jan. 14 & Jan. 15: The Asian American Expo was founded in 1982 as a means of gathering the community and recreating the Lunar New Year celebrations found across Asia. Since then, it has become the largest Lunar New Year celebration in America and has expanded its reach and scale to include 7 large exposition halls, over 1,300 vendors, nine non-stop performance stages, and 120 diverse cuisine vendors. This year’s festivities will also feature the fan favorite anime convention—ANIME Impulse, K-PLAY—the first ever fan hosted K-Pop festival, and an out-of-this-world Sneaker Expo. Event details.

5. Lunar New Year Night Market

Jan. 20: Stop by The Crème Shop's Lunar New Year Night Market at Casita Hollywood on Jan. 20 from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. for a Hello Kitty Meet and Greet, shop the limited edition Lunar New Year Hello Kitty and Friend K-Beauty Collection; check out unique food, drink and dessert vendors; and play traditional Korean games and more. Admission is $5 per person. Event details.

6. Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure

Jan. 20-Feb. 15: Disney California Adventure Park ushers in a joyous tribute to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures with a Lunar New Year celebration that welcomes the Year of the Rabbit. This multicultural extravaganza will include highlights like Mulan’s New Year Procession, Hurry Home – a Lunar New Year Celebration, live holiday entertainment at the Paradise Garden Bandstand, a Sip and Savor Pass for Lunar New Year marketplaces, special appearances by popular Disney characters dressed in colorful attire, innovative menus with Asian cuisine, commemorative merchandise, kid-friendly crafts and activities, and festive décor. Event details.

 

7. Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival

Jan. 21-Jan. 22: Visit downtown Monterey Park during their Lunar New Year Festival on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. This free event will feature vendors offering unique gifts and specialty items, fabulous food booths, amusement rides, and live entertainment like traditional New Year lion and dragon dancers. All ages are welcome! Event details.

8. Rancho Cucamonga Lunar New Year Festival

Jan. 21 - Jan. 22: If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday, check out the Rancho Cucamonga Lunar New Year Festival at the RC Sports Center on Jan. 21 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Jan. 22 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. This exciting two-day event will feature red lanterns, lion and dragon performances, Taiko drummers, Shaolin Kung Fu, unique food vendors, an artisan marketplace, and a children’s fun zone area. Admission and parking are free. Event details.

9. Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival

Jan. 21: The 9th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival returns to San Pedro on Jan. 21 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. This thrilling cultural festival will feature entertainment, lion dancers, crafts, delicious food, and a festive finale.Event details.

10. Lunar New Year Festival at SteelCraft Garden Grove

Jan. 21: On a mission for everyone in SoCal to experience the various cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year, SteelCraft Garden Grove is hosting their Lunar New Year Festival on Jan. 21 from noon-10 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature lion dancers, drummers, magicians, singers, a car show, a pop-up market, and more! Event details.

11. Golden Dragon Lunar New Year Parade

Jan. 22: Celebrating over 100 years of tradition, LA’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 123rdGolden Dragon Parade. On Jan. 22 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m., thousands of people will line the parade route to watch this colorful celebration make its way along N. Broadway in Chinatown. Event details.

12. Lunar New Year at PAM

Jan. 22: The annual Lunar New Year festival is back! Join us in celebrating the year of the rabbit with a day of exciting performances and activities for the whole family. Enjoy a traditional lion dance, storytelling, calligraphy and crafts, food trucks, free admission to the museum, and a final chance to view the special exhibition, After Modernism: Through the Lens of Wayne Thom. Event details.

13. Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place

Jan. 28: Santa Monica Place honors the Lunar New Year with a free celebration on Jan. 28 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. featuring red and gold lantern décor, lion dance performances, balloon and dough artists, cherry blossom wishing trees, and red envelopes with special deals from participating stores. Event details.

 

14. Alhambra Lunar New Year Festival

Jan. 29: Head to Alhambra for the 29th Annual Lunar New Year Festival on Jan. 29 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The event will include amazing cultural performances like lion dancing, live candy sculpting, and Chinese character demonstrations. There will also be tons of great food and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Event details.

15. Lunar New Year 2023 at The Original Farmer’s Market 

Feb. 4: Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with spectacular lion dances, arts and crafts, balloon twisting and red envelope giveaways. Event takes place on the Plaza from 2-4pm. Event details.

16. Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington

Feb. 4-5: Celebrate the lunar new year and welcome the Year of the Rabbit during The Huntington’s Chinese New Year Festival. Families can enjoy lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, music, art and craft demonstrations, and more. The festivities will take place in and around the Chinese Garden and other performance spaces. No tickets will be sold onsite at the door. Advance online tickets must be purchased or reserved for all visitors and Members. Capacity is limited. Event details.

17. Lunar New Year at Pretend City Children’s Museum

Feb. 5-6: The Lunar New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, has long been celebrated for centuries. Join us as we celebrate and honor this special day with bright colors, music, art, and stories. Event details.

18. LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K/Kiddie/ PAWer Dog Run/Walk & Bike Ride

Feb. 18 - Feb. 19: Lace up your sneakers for a wild race through Chinatown in honor of the Lunar New Year. The opening ceremony will feature lion dancers and the lighting of 100,000 firerackers. The PAWer Dog Walk and Bike events take place on Feb. 18, while the 5K, 10K, and Kiddie events take place on Feb. 19. The Firecracker Festival will be held in conjunction with all events on both days and will feature wonderful booths and vendors, as well as a Chalk Art Festival and Boba Garden. Event details.

It seems like just yesterday your little bean came into this world and now, here they are, celebrating yet another birthday. You’ve watched them grow, learn new things and played witness to their heartwarming milestones (remember the first time they tried real food?).

As they continue to develop their fine and gross motor skills, introducing them to fun, interactive and educational toys from VTech® and LeapFrog® can help them during this process. Unsure of where to start? We’ve created an easy-to-follow guide of the best gifts, categorized by price, to help you decide which toys will make them smile—and fire off those neurons!

Gifts Under $15


VTech® Click & Count Remote™

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Little ones will love mimicking mom and dad with the Click & Count Remote™ from VTech®. With nine different channels to explore, tots can learn numbers, colors and shapes, while also singing along to adorable songs, listening to fun melodies and watching the pretend news and weather.


VTech® Learning Lights Sudsy Soap™

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Say goodbye to a bathroom sink overflowing with water. VTech's play soap dispenser lets your kiddo wash their hands without all the mess. They can practice pump-pressing, which will project a musical light onto their hands, and learn healthy hygiene habits with a catchy 20-second song that teaches them the five steps to handwashing—the perfect amount of time for scrubbing away icky germs!


VTech® Spin & Learn Color Flashlight®

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This interactive flashlight not only functions like a real flashlight (fully loaded with six vibrant color settings!), but it also shines a light on how fun learning can be. Your little one will be informed when the flashlight has been turned on and off to introduce them to opposites and when they spin the magical color-changing ring, they'll learn about different colors and animals. They can also press the buttons on the side to listen to upbeat tunes and nature sounds, sing their ABCs or play an interactive game.

Gifts Under $25


LeapFrog® Ironing Time Learning Set™

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Who said ironing clothes can't be fun? LeapFrog's motion-activated iron set features over 10 educational activities that'll encourage your child to count to five, sing the alphabet and discover different colors, fabrics and heat settings as they iron out the wrinkles in the play clothing.


VTech® KidiBeats Drum Set™

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Let your toddler's inner rockstar shine with the VTech® KidiBeats Drum Set™, which features three drum pads and a cymbal that each play its own unique sound. Your little drummer can jam along to nine different styles of music, including rock, pop and dance, and also learn their letters and numbers along the way.


LeapFrog® Learning Friends® 100 Words Book™

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According to experts, parents should introduce their children to a second language as early as possible. With this interactive book, your kiddos can get a leg up on practicing over 100 words in both English and Spanish, including word categories such as animals, pets, colors, food, mealtime, activities, opposites, and more.

Gifts Under $35


LeapFrog® LeapLand Adventures™

BUY NOW

Your early learner's imagination can run wild with this video game that takes them on a quest for keys to unlock Clever Castle. The adorable adventure introduces early learning through the exploration of over 150 educational prompts, including letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Insert the plug-and-play HDMI game stick and USB power cable into the television and start playing the video game immediately using the wireless controller—no web connection, downloads or account setup required!


VTech® Pop-a-Balls™ Push & Pop Bulldozer™

BUY NOW

The Pop-a-Balls™ Push & Pop Bulldozer™ will boost your little builder's movement and motor skills, as they roll the toy across your living room floor. The colorful balls pop up through the chimney and fly back into the bucket as it moves to keep your toddler active and engaged. Plus: the fun buttons on the side will help them repeat colors, numbers and words for an educational spin.


LeapFrog® Pick Up & Count Vacuum™

BUY NOW

In need of a helper around the house? With the LeapFrog® Pick Up & Count Vacuum™, your child can join you during a deep clean by picking up ten colorful pieces. As your kiddo works to vacuum each pretend dust bunny, the smart toy will say the color aloud and count each one to encourage your kiddo to do the same.

Gifts Under $50


VTech® Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker™

BUY NOW

As your bundle of joy goes from crawling to walking, the VTech® Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker™ will grow right alongside them. Start off with the easy-to-remove learning center for ground-level play, which features five piano keys that play music, three shape sorters and three light-up buttons, two colorful spinning rollers and a pretend phone. Once your explorer is ready to make some moves, turn the panel center into a walker so your baby can be on the go.


VTech® Smart Shots Sports Center™

BUY NOW

If you have a budding athlete in the family, this 2-in-1 kids basketball hoop sports center is the perfect gift. Plus: The animated light-up scoreboard counts baskets up to 10 and plays encouraging animations, sounds and phrases.


LeapFrog® Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart™

BUY NOW

Forget about owning a lemonade stand when LeapFrog® will let you run your own ice cream cart. Watch your mini confectioner create imaginative and mouth-watering ice cream combinations with the adorable Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart™. Toss in extra sprinkles for us, please!

For more birthday gift inspiration, visit vtechkids.com and leapfrog.com to discover other adorable toys that’ll promote learning and fun!

It seems like just yesterday your little bean came into this world and now, here they are, celebrating yet another birthday. You’ve watched them grow, learn new things and played witness to their heartwarming milestones (remember the first time they tried real food?).

As they continue to develop their fine and gross motor skills, introducing them to fun, interactive and educational toys from VTech® and LeapFrog® can help them during this process. Unsure of where to start? We’ve created an easy-to-follow guide of the best gifts, categorized by price, to help you decide which toys will make them smile—and fire off those neurons!

Gifts Under $15


VTech® Click & Count Remote™

BUY NOW

Little ones will love mimicking mom and dad with the Click & Count Remote™ from VTech®. With nine different channels to explore, tots can learn numbers, colors and shapes, while also singing along to adorable songs, listening to fun melodies and watching the pretend news and weather.


VTech® Learning Lights Sudsy Soap™

BUY NOW

Say goodbye to a bathroom sink overflowing with water. VTech's play soap dispenser lets your kiddo wash their hands without all the mess. They can practice pump-pressing, which will project a musical light onto their hands, and learn healthy hygiene habits with a catchy 20-second song that teaches them the five steps to handwashing—the perfect amount of time for scrubbing away icky germs!


VTech® Spin & Learn Color Flashlight®

BUY NOW

This interactive flashlight not only functions like a real flashlight (fully loaded with six vibrant color settings!), but it also shines a light on how fun learning can be. Your little one will be informed when the flashlight has been turned on and off to introduce them to opposites and when they spin the magical color-changing ring, they'll learn about different colors and animals. They can also press the buttons on the side to listen to upbeat tunes and nature sounds, sing their ABCs or play an interactive game.

Gifts Under $25


LeapFrog® Ironing Time Learning Set™

BUY NOW

Who said ironing clothes can't be fun? LeapFrog's motion-activated iron set features over 10 educational activities that'll encourage your child to count to five, sing the alphabet and discover different colors, fabrics and heat settings as they iron out the wrinkles in the play clothing.


VTech® KidiBeats Drum Set™

BUY NOW

Let your toddler's inner rockstar shine with the VTech® KidiBeats Drum Set™, which features three drum pads and a cymbal that each play its own unique sound. Your little drummer can jam along to nine different styles of music, including rock, pop and dance, and also learn their letters and numbers along the way.


LeapFrog® Learning Friends® 100 Words Book™

BUY NOW

According to experts, parents should introduce their children to a second language as early as possible. With this interactive book, your kiddos can get a leg up on practicing over 100 words in both English and Spanish, including word categories such as animals, pets, colors, food, mealtime, activities, opposites, and more.

Gifts Under $35


LeapFrog® LeapLand Adventures™

BUY NOW

Your early learner's imagination can run wild with this video game that takes them on a quest for keys to unlock Clever Castle. The adorable adventure introduces early learning through the exploration of over 150 educational prompts, including letters, numbers, shapes and colors. Insert the plug-and-play HDMI game stick and USB power cable into the television and start playing the video game immediately using the wireless controller—no web connection, downloads or account setup required!


VTech® Pop-a-Balls™ Push & Pop Bulldozer™

BUY NOW

The Pop-a-Balls™ Push & Pop Bulldozer™ will boost your little builder's movement and motor skills, as they roll the toy across your living room floor. The colorful balls pop up through the chimney and fly back into the bucket as it moves to keep your toddler active and engaged. Plus: the fun buttons on the side will help them repeat colors, numbers and words for an educational spin.


LeapFrog® Pick Up & Count Vacuum™

BUY NOW

In need of a helper around the house? With the LeapFrog® Pick Up & Count Vacuum™, your child can join you during a deep clean by picking up ten colorful pieces. As your kiddo works to vacuum each pretend dust bunny, the smart toy will say the color aloud and count each one to encourage your kiddo to do the same.

Gifts Under $50


VTech® Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker™

BUY NOW

As your bundle of joy goes from crawling to walking, the VTech® Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker™ will grow right alongside them. Start off with the easy-to-remove learning center for ground-level play, which features five piano keys that play music, three shape sorters and three light-up buttons, two colorful spinning rollers and a pretend phone. Once your explorer is ready to make some moves, turn the panel center into a walker so your baby can be on the go.


VTech® Smart Shots Sports Center™

BUY NOW

If you have a budding athlete in the family, this 2-in-1 kids basketball hoop sports center is the perfect gift. Plus: The animated light-up scoreboard counts baskets up to 10 and plays encouraging animations, sounds and phrases.


LeapFrog® Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart™

BUY NOW

Forget about owning a lemonade stand when LeapFrog® will let you run your own ice cream cart. Watch your mini confectioner create imaginative and mouth-watering ice cream combinations with the adorable Scoop & Learn Ice Cream Cart™. Toss in extra sprinkles for us, please!

For more birthday gift inspiration, visit vtechkids.com and leapfrog.com to discover other adorable toys that’ll promote learning and fun!

The perfect family vacation isn’t just a walk in the park with adventurous kids in the mix—not unless that park has a zipline and a waterslide. Lucky for you, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has all that and more. With plenty of family adventures for people big and small—an epic water park to interactive pirate escapades to dolphin excursions—here are some of our top must-dos for a family vacation they’ll never forget.

1. A Day in the (Water) Park

As promised, there is an incredible water park with something for kids of all ages. Myrtle Waves Water Park features over 30 slides, including speed and tube slides for the older adrenaline seekers as well as a children's play area. Head to the lazy river for a relaxing ride or test your hand at riding a wave with the FlowRider®—a fun, safe platform that manipulates the experience of surfing.

2. The Sky's the Limit

If you're up for seeing the beach from a different point of view, check out Express Watersports for a parasailing adventure and stand-up paddleboarding, or visit Downwind Sails for some action-packed jet skiing. Head to the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for an entirely different perspective of the 1.2-mile attraction-packed Boardwalk.

3. A Pirate's Life

Visit Murrells Inlet, once the hideout of Blackbeard himself. After walking around the beautiful MarshWalk, grab a festive lunch at piratey Drunken Jacks. Then head out on the kid-friendly Pirate Adventures of Myrtle Beach, where they'll start by getting outfitted like a pirate before hopping on board the ship for interactive stories and a battle against smelly Pirate Pete. Keep the pirate party going right through dinnertime by booking a spot for dinner and a swashbuckling show at Pirates Voyage (bonus win: it's owned by Dolly Parton!).

4. The Sporting Life

Sports fans should be sure to catch a minor league baseball game with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. There are fireworks every Friday night, and kids 12 and under can run the bases. Also, check out the events calendar at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports facility with eight basketball and 16 volleyball courts. They host local youth basketball games, dance competitions, camps, and more.

5. Endless Animal Adventures

Bird watchers won't want to miss Huntington Beach State Park, where over 350 species of birds descend. Depending on the season, you can spot herons, egrets, rails, wood storks, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Or head to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and visit Alligator Adventure for gators, snakes, kangaroos, wolves, and crocodiles. Don't forget to go dolphin spotting with one of the many dolphin excursions in the area, like the Blue Wave Adventures Dolphin Watch Cruise. Huntington Beach State Park as an amazing place for birdwatching. Rangers report they see over 350 species of birds in the park throughout the year, and they have a great interpretive center where you can learn about all kinds of native wildlife.

6. STEM-Themed Explorations

For some adventures with an educational twist, curious kids will want to explore WonderWorks, where over 100 totally interactive exhibits for all ages, from weather science to a virtual roller coaster to a ropes course and laser tag. The EdVenture Children's Museum for some STEM action that introduces kids to aviation and astronomy.

7. Hop 'Til They Drop

Still not tired? Burn off all that energy and take a break from the sunshine by bouncing at the Rockin' Jump Myrtle Beach Trampoline Park, located close to downtown Myrtle Beach. Little ones can go for toddler time every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Big Air Trampoline Park. Race around the course at Broadway Grand Prix, where you'll also find an arcade and mini-golf. Or head to 810 Billiards and Bowling for bowling, billiards, foosball, darts, board games, and a full menu.

 

RELATED ARTICLES

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Every Jun. 19th, we celebrate Juneteenth to honor the emancipation of enslaved African American people in the United States. It’s important that we not only celebrate Black culture on this day, but also take time to reflect on the contributions of Black history and our country’s past and continue to work together to truly ensure equality for all.

We’ve rounded up some great events over the Juneteenth weekend to help you and your family make the most of the holiday. From festivals and film screenings to concerts and art exhibitions, there’s something for everyone.

Juneteenth Events & Activities in Los Angeles

Juneteenth: Links in a Chain
Jun. 14: The Watts Branch public library, Alma Reaves Woods, is hosting a special Juneteenth program that celebrates the emancipation of slavery by asking families to craft a chain where each link represents a barrier to equal treatment under the law. They will then destroy the chain to restore freedom, justice, and equality. Event details.

Juneteenth at the Pretend City Children’s Museum
Jun. 17:
Head to the Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine for their Juneteenth celebration. Activities include an opportunity for kids to weave their own Kente cloth crafted with the bright colors of the Pan-African flag, as well as story times, and music and movement using songs that have been impactful to the African American community. All these amazing activities are included with the price of general admission. Event details.

Eat See Hear: Special Screening of 42
Jun. 18: In honor of Juneteenth and the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, Eat See Hear’s outdoor film series will screen the movie, 42, starring Chadwick Boseman. In addition to the film, there will be a live performance from The Urban Renewal Project and a fab line-up of local, Black-owned food trucks serving up soul food to fit every taste. Event details.

Street Food Cinema: Special Screening of Black Panther
Jun. 18:
Grab your picnic gear and snag a spot on the lawn at the Autry Museum for a special Juneteenth screening of Black Panther starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa. A wide variety of food trucks will be on site during the event, as well as live music before the film begins. Wakanda forever! Event details.

 

30th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Virginia Avenue Park
Jun. 18: LaVerne Ross, the City of Santa Monica and the Juneteenth Celebration Committee will be hosting a fun event at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica featuring dazzling craft vendors, live music, dance performances, mouthwatering food, and local resources. Event details.

Juneteenth Roll at the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center
Jun. 18: All ages are invited to celebrate Juneteenth at the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center for an evening of roller skating, groovy tunes, food, vendors and more. Beginners of all abilities are welcome and are encouraged to join the fun. Event details.

5th Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
Jun. 18:
This free event at Woodley Park in Van Nuys will showcase live music, an ethnic dance performance, a marketplace with over 70 vendors, giveaways, and plenty of food for guests to purchase. Event details.

Juneteenth Community Tennis Event
Jun. 18: In honor of Juneteenth, the US Tennis Association of Southern California and 40 Love Foundation invite families to Edward Vincent Jr. Park in Inglewood for a fun-filled celebration of Black history and the Black community’s impact on the world of tennis and beyond. There will be a kids’ tennis zone, tons of food, music, tennis activities, hitting exhibitions and more. Event details.

3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Family Reunion
Jun. 18: If you’re willing to make the drive, this festive event at Central Park in Santa Clarita will feature live music, games, prizes, delectable food and more. Event details.

Juneteenth at Runway Playa Vista
Jun. 18:
Runway at Playa Vista will be celebrating love, life, freedom, and culture in honor of Juneteenth. A variety of Black musicians and dancers will perform, in addition to fab vendors, artists and of course, tons of food. Event details.

Juneteenth Heritage Festival at Leimert Park
Jun. 18: This Black arts and culture community-driven festival celebrates Juneteenth in historic Leimert Park. There will be plenty of amazing food, music, art and good vibes. Stay tuned to their website for more details as they develop. Event details.

Juneteenth Celebration Pop Up Event
Jun. 18:
This family-friendly Juneteenth event will celebrate the South Central Soul small business community and will feature a live DJ, lots of vendors and performances. Event details.

Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Jun. 18:
Join the rest of the Long Beach community in helping to celebrate and support Juneteenth. Held at Rainbow Lagoon Park, the event will be filled with food, guest speakers, music, art, face painting, crafts, a step show, culture and activations. Event details.

The Music of Bob Marley for Kids & More at Troubadour
Jun. 18 and 19: The Rock and Roll Playhouse–the family concert series where kids and parents rock out to the classics—announces a special run of shows in celebration of Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Taking place on Jun. 18 and 19, The Rock and Roll Playhouse will play 19 concerts nationwide featuring the music of Bob Marley for Kids. This will be the playhouse’s biggest show return since pre-covid, occurring at 19 historic venues across North America, including their first ever show at LA’s Troubadour. Event details.

CAAM Prosperity Market
Jun. 19: Celebrate Black farmers, chefs, and entrepreneurs at this special Juneteenth edition of CAAM’s Prosperity Market. Expect tons of fresh fruits and veggies, incredible prepared foods, handcrafted artisan goods, cooking demos, a children’s reading hour from the LA Public Library, arts and crafts, raffles, a DJ spinning tunes, and even a morning sound bath by Sol & Sound. Event details.

Juneteenth Art X Culture Festival
Jun. 19: Hosted by the Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource Center, stop by Westchester Recreational Park for an African marketplace, lots of food, live performances, a children’s creative zone, notable children’s book authors, workshops and informative guest speakers. Event details.

Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom at Hollywood Bowl
Jun. 19: What will likely be one of the most memorable shows at the Hollywood Bowl this summer, the Global Celebration of Freedom will feature performances by the likes of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Roots, Billy Porter, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and many more. Thomas Wilkins and Derrick Hidge will lead the Re-Collective Orchestra, marking the first-ever performance by an all-Black symphony orchestra in the Bowl’s 100-year history. Don’t miss it! Event details.

Juneteenth Celebration at Aquarium of the Pacific
Jun. 19: Families are invited to the Aquarium of the Pacific to learn more about the holiday and its significance to the African American community through storytelling and music with Baba the Storyteller. Event details.

Juneteenth Special at Huckleberry
Jun. 19: This Juneteenth, one of Santa Monica’s most beloved eateries, Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe, will be selling slices of delicious strawberry rhubarb pie a la mode with Sweet Rose Creamery vanilla ice cream. They are donating 25% of all proceeds to the Loveland Foundation which provides Black women and girls with mental health support and therapy resources. Event details.

2nd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Burbank
Jun. 19: If you find yourself in the Valley on Juneteenth, swing by the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Burbank. The event will include fabulous vendors, performances, artists, drums, storytelling, trivia, raffles, prizes and more. Event details

Soulful Noise Presents: Juneteenth Festival at Comfort LA
Jun. 19: This is a free celebration dedicated to uplifting the community. There will be live music, local vendors, games, food trucks and more. Guests are encouraged to bring lightly used clothes for the folks of My Friend’s House, as well as packs of socks to help support the people at SockIt2Me. The event will also raise funds for their Back 2 School Drive & Financial Literacy Program. Event details.

Embrace Black Culture & Art around LA

Matthew Thomas Enlightenment at CAAM
Throughout Jun.:
For over five decades, Matthew Thomas has developed a career as an artist and art professor, first in Los Angeles, and since 2011 in rural Thailand. In the late 1960s, Thomas began researching Eastern religions and philosophies and later studied Buddhist Tantra, a system of spiritual practice and meditation that has profoundly impacted his life and art. Inspired by his practice of the Buddhist religion, his multimedia works are filled with complex patterns that express his progress toward enlightenment and provide a path for others to experience the same. His unique visual language of sacred geometric abstraction, which integrates a variety of symbolic shapes and colors, explores basic life principles and correlates with the five elements of earth, fire, water, wind, and sky. Matthew Thomas: Enlightenment features a site-specific installation and selection of recent paintings that function as visual prayers meant to harmonize humanity and the universe. Event details.

The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi Stadium
Through Jun. 19:
The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection is the inspired work of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, and their son Khalil, and considered one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Beginning over 50 years ago, the Kinsey’s have been on a journey of collecting fine art and primary source historical objects that document the African American experience and illuminate the untold stories of Black Excellence throughout U.S. history. Curated by Khalil Kinsey and historian Larry Earl, the exhibition focuses on the lives, accomplishments, and brilliance of African Americans from the 16th century through the years of slavery and emancipation to the civil rights movement through modern day.

The Kinsey Collection Experience features over 100,000 square feet of masterful works of art, sculptures, photographs, rare books, and letters. The exhibition has been extended through Jun. 2022. Event details.

UNREPD Gallery Presents Like Watermelon for Chocolate
Throughout Jun.:
UNREPD Gallery in Melrose Hill opens their newest exhibition in honor of Juneteenth–a solo presentation by artist Kirk Henriques titled Like Watermelon for Chocolate. This “meditation on the possibilities of freedom for Black people” features a selection of abstract and figurative paintings in oil and acrylic on fiberglass mesh and will run through Jul. 19. The work itself is kid appropriate and an opening reception will be held from 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. on Jun. 19. Event details.

COMING SOON:

Regeneration Black Cinema 1898–1971 at the Academy Museum
Aug. 21, 2022:  Not quite in time for Juneteenth, but worth keeping on your radar for later this summer when the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures debuts Regeneration Black Cinema 1898 – 1971. The first exhibition of its ­kind will be a rigorous and celebratory exploration of the achievements and challenges of Black filmmakers in the United States since the dawn of cinema to the Civil Rights Movement. Filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Charles Burnett are among the exhibition’s advisers. Event details.

LA’s Black Landmarks & Historical Sites

From the Watt’s Towers and Ralph J. Bunche House to the Central Ave. Jazz Corridor and Inkwell in Santa Monica, LA is filled with incredible landmarks and historical sites that educate and celebrate Black history. We have a great list of places that should definitely be on your list to check out this month and beyond.

RELATED STORIES:
Parent’s Guide to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
14 African-American History Books to Read with Your Kids
21 Places to Visit to Understand Race in America 

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Your tot just keeps growing and is ready to hit big number three. In addition to their growing independence, three-year-olds are learning to play with their peers, can count and are generally learning through physical activity. That means gifts for your little’s third birthday are nothing but fun! From role-playing games to awesome art supplies, keep scrolling for great ideas on cool birthday gifts for kids turning three.

This article is sponsored by Vtech, the global leader in electronic learning toys for babies, infants, toddlers, and pre-k learning levels. Learn more information about Vtech here.


VTech® Level Up Gaming Chair™

$50 BUY NOW

Give the best gift ever with the Level Up Gaming Chair™ from VTech®! Little gamers will love to play just like big kids with their very own gaming station including a chair that swivels, a joystick, pretend headphones and a cool interactive tablet that teaches letters numbers and more. Detach the tablet for on-the-go fun!


Birthday King and His Circus Troupe Gift Set

$70 BUY NOW

Every birthday kid want a crown for their special day. Add in a charming wooden circus set and they might not even want to open anything else.


Putt-n-Play Wooden Golf Set Fat Brain Toys

Putt-n-Play Wooden Golf Set

$35 BUY NOW

With five wooden obstacles, two holes and two kid-size putters, you can turn any room into the mini golf course of your child's dreams.


Sam's Sliders Sidewalk Chalk

$53 BUY NOW

Sidewalk chalk just got tasty looking! This six-piece set includes four crinkle-cut fries and a two-piece burger in a glitter finish. Even better, TWEE will donate $2 to GLSEN, an organization that ensures that peope in every school community are valued and respected, with every purchase.


Little Partners 2-Sided A-Frame Art Easel

$150 BUY NOW

Contain all your art supplied in one place with this easel that has both a chalboard side and a dry-erase side.


Kidkraft Play Kitchen

$169 BUY NOW

Even picky eaters love playing in the kitchen. This one comes complete with lights, sounds, an ice maker, and planter boxes so kids can at least grow their own vegetables.


BRIO Motor Building Set

$67 BUY NOW

It's a truck! It's a helicopter! It's a 67-piece kit with endless posibilites for curious minds. They'll love that there's a pull-back motor to make their creations move, you'll love that there are no batteries and that's compatible with other BRIO sets.


Coffee and Donut Playset

$50 BUY NOW

Sure, they might already have some traditional grocery items to play with. But don't they deserve their own (fake) caffeinated cup?


Symbolic Animal Adoption

$60 BUY NOW

Your tiny animal lover gets a sweet plush and certificate of adoption; your donation that helps support WWF's global conservation efforts around the world


Rainbow Counting Bears

$16 BUY NOW

These cuties are great for sorting exercises, fine moter skill development and just building a tiny army of bears in a pretend play land.


Jasonwell Kids Drawing Pad

$20 BUY NOW

This LCD pad comes with a pen, is perfect for travel and allows kids to create new drawings over and over again.

 

All photos: courtesy of manufacturers

 

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