Tree People: Santa Monica Mountain Restoration Project

Stoney Point Park

Alex might be part billy goat. At least, he can climb like one. Stoney Point Park is a stone's throw from our house, but after 20+ years of living within site of its peak, I finally climbed to it's top. Alex lead the way through the sandstone boulders. Not to be out-climbed by her big brother, Serene forged quickly behind. And together with friends, we were readily able to navigate its north side within an hour. The park is 76 acres and a mecca for rock climbers from near and far. We passed by plenty of climbers on our hike to the top. Novices and experts can find places to practice on this natural rock outcropping featuring dens, caves and alcoves. Unfortunately, broken glass and graffiti all along the way distracts from the parks splendor. Nevertheless, the reward is worth the trip to the top. A 360 degree view offers a stunning perspective of the San Fernando Valley region of greater Los Angeles. If you're local, nearly anyone can make it to the top. (No excuses -- my three year old climbed it relatively easily). For visitors, it offers one of the best views in town.

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign with Kids

There are many horses along the hike through Griffith Park.

Perhaps there is nothing more synonymous with the City of Los Angeles than the historic Hollywood Sign. An icon standing above the city -- in 45 ft. letters, more than 350 ft. long -- the sign is not just a landmark, but also the cultural icon of the city. Erected in 1923, the famous sign originally read "Hollywoodland" and was just an advertisement placed by real estate company for new properties. It was meant to stand for just one year. But with the rise of the Golden Age of Cinema, the sign became an international sensation. For nearly 100 years now, the Hollywood Sign has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors from every country in the world to climb to its peak.

For two decades, I meant to make the trek. It is a shame that I waited so long because back in the "good ole' days" you could climb on the letters of the sign itself. Vandals ruined that. These days, a security fence and dozens of security cameras block the way for a tourist to actually touch the sign. We spotted two LAPD vehicles and one police helicopter deterring trespassers. Nevertheless, its a great hike and the easiest way to get there is to follow directions from numerous websites.  With turn by turn instructions with photos to help guide, the best site I found is:  http://hollywoodsigntrip.com/

For all the parents, I'm going to be honest -- getting the little ones up to the top takes some mental & physical energy. A careful review of a number of other mommy blogs & yelp reviews made it sound like a pretty easy walk. Some important key points that others failed to mention:

• The paths are wide, and even paved for much of the trip. However, there are areas where its pretty sandy and rough making it hard for a stroller to push through.
• Its a hour straight up. That's an hour pushing your kid & her/his gear upwards at a steep angle that keeps the heart pumping. 
• While its considered a family friendly hike, and it is, I only saw one other family crazy enough push a stroller up that hill. And all the kids hiking were not pre-schoolers or younger.
• No potties from bottom to top. Bring your own water/snacks and make sure your kids can 'hold it' from beginning to end. 
• No shade. Anywhere. Just don't do it on a hot day. 
• Parking sucks. Plan an extra 1/2 mile before the hike starts/ends to get to your car.  

But, mommies & daddies, if you're brave enough to tackle the trip, you'll be prouder than ever knowing that you took your kids to one of the greatest sites in the city. 

Disclosure: I didn't take these pictures below, but borrowed them from 
another blog. They were just too good not to share.  

Martial Arts History Museum

The Martial Arts History Museum is a tiny facility in the heart of Burbank, CA with a big heart. Founded in 1999, the only museum of its kind in the country, the museum is an educational, artistic and cultural experience. Visitors learn the role different forms of martial arts have played in Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines and the United States. There are two detailed and colorful time lines illustrating how Asian history became part of American history. Extra kudos go to the museum for recognizing the valuable role women have played in martial arts history repeatedly throughout the museum. Beautiful exhibits with costumes, weapons, musical instruments, video displays and large, informative placards make the museum friendly for kids and adults. Alex and Serene enjoyed the ninjas, the Samurais and a special scavenger hunt just for kids. We can't wait to go back again!

Los Angeles Police Museum

 

 

A visit to the Los Angeles Police Museum should be on every young boy's bucket list. The website doesn't do it justice. (No pun intended). Children age 12 and younger are free. You can explore the original jails, snap your own mug shot, climb aboard an aged police helicopter and check out bullet-ridden vehicles. Los Angelenos will remember numerous events featured in the museum from recent decades. An audio tour is available at no additional cost. The staff is exceptionally friendly. It's a few hours of fun that helps teach the kids who are the real heroes.

LA Dodger Fans ....are serious!

Dodger Stadium got a $100 million face lift since last season...and it shows! New video screens, wider concourses, more merchandising options, plenty more food (and bar) choices, small play yards for little children and most importantly -- significantly more restrooms -- all make the Dodger baseball experience that much better. Kudos and applause goes to Janet Marie Smith the architect responsible for planning and development of the 51-year-old stadium's renovations for making Los Angeles baseball more mom-friendly. Alex, Serene and buddies took in their first game of the season with new hats, baseball bats and Dodger dogs. The Dodgers beat the Brewers 7-4 and the Friday night fireworks were a hit. Take us back to the ballpark -- we're ready for the next game.