If you find yourself living in the always exciting city that is Los Angeles, today you’re in for a little spotlight treat. We’re here to explore just where you should spend the upcoming sunny days that are upon us with summer at bay!
Spot #1: At home – with some adjustments
So, let’s start simple, in our very own backyards. The wonderful thing about either having your own little tea party or hosting a get together in your own space is that there is no time limit, the costs are usually much more minimal and manageable and you can control many variables within your environment – like your child’s nap time space only being a skip away. When it comes to the art aspect, you can keep it fun and lighthearted, with no stress! Why not have a painting party? Or a dance party where the children are able to let all their energy come alive and celebrated in a safe space? Dance parties are always a great way to give confidence to your little ones. This confidence can be a wonderful accompanying friend during their lifetime of creation.
Spot #2: Outdoors – literally anywhere
If the household is officially all cooped up then perhaps it’s time to head outside. Los Angeles has so many perks but one of the most refreshing and healthiest of them is the fact that nature surrounds us. We’ve got a gorgeous collection of Pacific Coast beaches, hiking galore for both epic vantage points and exercise, not to mention the mountains and even snowy destinations like Big Bear just a few hours away. A nice trip outdoors can really reboot our minds, no matter our age. Oftentimes it can bring us back to our roots and simplify things when we’ve become overstimulated with the overactive environment that is today’s social and tech-heavy world. Children often feel the effects of this, whether it has displayed itself yet or not, so we suggest giving them as much time to explore the world around them. Nature can give them a place to unwind and hit the reset button, whether they realize it yet or not, they will thank you in the future for the sense of peace that they will learn to find within it. Additionally, let us not forget places like the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. This is another incredible place that can bring a child’s imagination to life.
Spot #3: Try a class
Next up, whether you’re looking for in-person or virtual classes, this is a wonderful way to ignite your child’s passions. You never know what they may excel at, so be sure to give them all a try. You can drop in on a class here or there and see what they resonate with, so be sure to pay attention to little (or big!) cues of interest. Don’t try to force it, just encourage them to be excited to try something new and try to assist them in giving them all the tools they need to express themselves through that format. Even something like a cooking class is creative! You could even ice skate during the winter in Santa Monica! There’s endless possibilities.
Spot #4: The museum
If you find yourselves without something to do on one of those rare rainy Los Angeles days, depending on the age of your little one, maybe a trip to the museum is in order! There are some museums in Los Angeles that may be more suitable for a toddler rather than a newborn. Some fun family trips could include the La Brea Tar Pits or The Getty Museum on a weekday when there isn’t too much of a crowd, as the indoor setting can be a little troublesome and not exactly for toddlers with all that fancy art on the walls, but the outdoor space that you can walk a stroller through is absolutely breathtaking.
Spot #5: Minibop!!
Finally, how could we forget Minibop!? Minibop is a wonderful space for your child to develop their interactions with sound. This is almost never too early, so as soon as you feel ready, we suggest setting some time out to explore the class offerings. Music can kickstart many avenues of a child’s development and even that much more that has yet to be discovered.
If we have any tips at all in this department, it is to allow your child to go at their own pace. Often the most legendary artists find their own paths and voices of expression in due time. This doesn’t mean that you can’t set them up to succeed, with a little bit of imagination here and there.
Inspiration can be particularly troublesome when you’re fighting off your own creative blocks, but it can be a whole lot easier and more fun to try to create inspiration for someone else, especially the always appreciative and in awe children in our lives. Sometimes trying to inspire others can spark it within ourselves.
