Air travel has its benefits — especially when traveling with kids. It’s faster than driving, so there’s fewer complaints of “Are we there yet?” Plus, with gas prices through the roof, in some cases, it’s more cost efficient — a big plus if your family is like mine and on a budget. However, just like motherhood, with these joys comes a few pains, and if you frequently fly out of Los Angeles’ LAX International Airport, you know parking at LAX is one of the worst.

Finding a space at LAX doesn’t have to be tantamount to taking a toddler for his vaccinations, though. By using an online airport parking reservation site, such as AirportParkingReservations.com, to pre-book your spot you can ease the parking pain and get you and your family to the gate on time.

Making parking reservations online saves time and stress since AirportParkingReservations.com allows travelers to browse a variety of different parking options and then reserve their space from the comfort of their home. Plus, pre-booking a parking spot can lead to up to a 50% savings compared to paying at the airport — leaving more money in your purse for those pricey in-flight snacks and drinks.

AirportParkingReservations offers a variety of off-site parking options, including:

*  LAX Parking Center

*  Air Park Roof Top Parking

*  Air Park Covered Parking

*  Fox LAX Auto Park

*  The Westin Los Angeles Airport

*  QuikPark Lax

*  Hilton LAX

*  Park Air Express

*  Sunrise Self Park

*  Hilton LAX Valet

Most off site parking lots also provide complimentary airport shuttles that are on time and speedy, along with friendly drivers who will assist you with your baggage, so you can hold your little ones’ hands — instead of your suitcase. If you’re a multi-tasking mom on the go, you’ll also appreciate the option to park (at a discount!) at locations that offer car care services, such as washing, waxing, and detailing. So you can leave on vacation with your family and come back to a clean car — at least until the next juice box spill.

Disclosure: I was paid to feature this post.  These are not opinions or information provided by myself, it is being provided by the sponsor.

The Zimmer Children’s Museum is a non-profit cultural institution located on Museum Row in Los Angeles, featuring hands-on exhibits for children 0-8 to explore BIG IDEAS in creative and inspiring settings. The Zimmer is also the only museum dedicated specifically to kids and families in Los Angeles.

An interactive space for learning, play, imagination, and exploration, our exhibits, some of which have Jewish themes, offer hours of fun and discovery.

Through the power of play, children will learn about human values such as respect for others, helping those in need, generosity, and creativity. We also offer children’s classes, family programs, and field trips to deepen the experience.

The Zimmer Children’s Museum has graciously provided information about their upcoming summer family activities.  If you live in Los Angeles, or plan on being in the area, and are looking for some interesting offerings for children, do keep these in mind:

Sunday Family Programs: Zimmer Children’s Museum July 2011

All Sunday drop-in programs run from 3:00-4:00pm and are free (in addition to the entrance fee).  Entrance fee is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 2 and over.  Children under 2 are free and Grandparents are free on Tuesdays.  Zimmer Children’s Museum is located on the lobby level of the Goldsmith Jewish Federation Building, 6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90048.  Sunday hours are 12:30pm-5:00pm.  Please check our website at http://www.zimmermuseum.org or call (323) 761-8984 for further information. You can also “like” us on Facebook or “follow” us on Twitter!

July 3, 2011

4th of July Sparklers – It’s July 4th weekend, and we’re celebrating our Independence Day with friendly fireworks!  Join us as we create hand-wand sparklers that are just as colorful and sparkly as real fireworks, but much more friendly for the environment!

BIG IDEA: Identity, Taking Care of Planet Earth

July 10, 2011

Whoo-WhOoot-Whistles! - Whoo-WhOoot!  Help, Help!  Do you know all the ways that whistles are used?  They were first used as a way to call for help.  Now they are also used by boats and trains, in sporting games and music concerts.  Some are loud and alarming, others are soft and soothing.  Decorate your own whistles so you can make music or call for help when you need it!

BIG IDEA: Aid and Rescue

July 17, 2011

Creepy Crawly Critters - Some critters might seem creepy, but they are actually very important to our environment.  Insects like caterpillars and bees help plants get the nutrients they need to grow.  So instead of squishing them, we need to share this idea with everyone in town.  Make your own critters and share them with your neighbors!

BIG IDEA: Taking Care of Planet Earth, Community Responsibility

July 24, 2011

CARE-planes! - On this day in 1897, Amelia Earhart was born.  She was the first woman pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and she cared a lot about flying and helping other woman enter the field of aviation.  To honor her legacy and what she cared about, we’ll be making fun and colorful CARE-planes!

BIG IDEA: Identity & Diversity, Compassion

July 31, 2011
Sand, Sun and FUN! - It’s the end of July, but it’s not the end of summer.  With such great weather, it is our responsibility to gather our family and friends to enjoy our summer! We’ll be doing that by putting together our two favorite things: sand and sun!  Join us as we put together our own sand-filled sun-shaped keychains!

BIG IDEA:  Community Responsibility

Always Free at the Zimmer:

Puppet Story Play-A-Long!
Tuesdays@11am & Wednesdays@3pm, in Bubbie’s Bookstore.
It’s time for you and your puppet friends to be part of the action! Led by museum staff, the audience becomes puppeteers helping to bring a story to life.

Open Art Studio
Tuesdays@3pm & Wednesdays@11am, in the art room.
Each week, our studio welcomes young artists to participate in a new project. Drop in anytime the studio is open to create entirely original masterpieces!

Storytime!
Thursdays@11am, in Bubbie’s Bookstore.
The Zimmer is committed to BIG IDEAS that promote global citizenship and creating a better world. Join us for classic and contemporary children’s stories that help us learn about ourselves and others and how we can make our world a better place.

Games on the Lawn
Thursdays@3pm, in the Community Park.
Join us in our community park for fun and fabulous lawn games every Thursday afternoon. Whether you’re into a game of horseshoes or lawn bowling, our “greenspace” is the perfect place to play together!

Sing-A-Long
Fridays@11am, in the Mann Theater.
This free treat is sure to get your little ones laughing and singing a long with all your favorite classic children’s songs!

Freeze Dance!
Fridays@1pm, in THE WHOLE MUSEUM!
Every Friday afternoon, the whole museum transforms into a dance party! We like to move it, move it. And we’re pretty sure you do, too. Join us as we boogie down!

Classes for kids:

Messy Masterpieces- Tuesdays,  June 14 – August 2
This class is FULL!

10:30am-11:15am: 18 – 36 months (caregiver and child)

Let your child’s inner artist emerge! Exploring different artistic media and processes, this class it the ultimate in hands-on fun! Plus, each week, their masterpieces add to your at-home gallery! For ages 18 months-3 years.

Members: $60/series or $10 per class

Non-members: $96/series or $16* per class

Call 323-761-8984 to register.

*Includes public admission for the day.

Movers and Maestros- Thursdays, June 16 – August 4

10:30am-11:15am: 18 – 36 months (caregiver and child)

Have a little one who loves to wiggle? Join us as we sing, dance, rattle and rock our way through favorite rhymes and stories! Through creative movement, rhythm and song, your child develops essential language, physical and artistic skills! For ages 18 months-3 years.

Members: $60/series or $10 per class

Non-members: $96/ series or $16* per class

Call 323-761-8984 to register.

*Includes public admission for the day.

Summer Ceramics – Wednesdays, July 6-27 (4 weeks)

4:00pm-5:00pm:  Ages 5 years and up (child only)

Through a hands-on exploration of clay’s unique three dimensional properties, children will learn about shapes and forms while molding and decorating their own creations. (Firing will be done off site)

Members: $60/series + $20 for materials (no drop ins)
Non-members: $96/series + $20 materials (no drop ins)*
Reservations for the series guarantees your spot.
Call 323-761-8984 to register.
*Includes public admission for the day.

Disclosure: This post was not sponsored and I was not compensated for the content.

Here are my family’s 10 favorite activities to do in our hometown:

Strar Eco Station

1. Star Eco Station: An environmental science museum and wildlife rescue facility. Named “Best Place To See Animals” by LA Parent Magazine, “Best of LA” by LA Magazine and “Best Teaching Zoo” by L.A. Family Magazine. Tours for adults ($8) and children ($6), infants in strollers are free. 10101 Jefferson Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232.

2. Culver Ice Arena: Baby, it’s cold in there! This old-school ice rink, with a retro vibe is high-energy fun for the whole family. Admission: kids 12 and under ($9), Adults ($10), Skate Rental ($3). 4545 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City.

3. West Hollywood Park: This wonderful park offers a completely gated, shaded toddler area, a separate big kids play area and basketball court. You can check out handballs, basketballs and other equipment for free. 647 N. San Vicente/Melrose, West Hollywood. Free.

4. Tree People: The most stunning, kid-friendly hiking trails, a picnic area and the Center For Community Forestry atop Coldwater Canyon are run by the environmental non-profit, Tree People.

5. The Bead Boutique: This hip but cozy bead store has a cool, well-edited selection of beads with staff on hand to help you and your little one (best for ages 6 and up) make jewelry. Price depends on bead selection. 8313 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles. (323) 966-5880

6. Peterson Auto Museum: A truly delightful car museum. The second floor displays racecars, classic cars, vintage motorcycles, concept cars, celebrity and movie cars. On the third floor, kids play in a 6,500 square-foot “hands-on” learning center with all kinds of car-themed play equipment. Adults ($10), Kids 5-12 ($3), Kids under 5 (FREE). Mid-Wilshire.

7. The Zimmer Children’s Museum is dedicated to teaching people about global citizenship, community responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. Unique hands on play and exhibits for kids ages 0-8. Mid-Wilshire.

8. Griffith Observatory is an “icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy and one of LA’s most popular family attractions” according to the website. Located in Griffith Park Free. Small charge to see Planetarium shows.

9. Noah’s Ark At The Skirball Museum: Truly spectacular! The Skirball says, “Imagine yourself immersed in a favorite childhood tale-Noah’s Ark. Five years in the making and occupying an 8,000-square-foot gallery, Noah’s Ark at the Skirball welcomes children and families to take this journey together. Inside a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark you and your family will play, build, climb, explore, make music, make friends, and more. Conduct a storm, help construct the ark, and bask in the glow of a beautiful rainbow. Puppets, animals constructed from recycled material and more!” A favorite for Angelenos who go back again and again (at their kids’ request).
Noah’s Ark Prices: $10 General; $7 Seniors 65+ and Full-Time Students; $5 Children 2-12, FREE to Children under 2 and Skirball Members. All exhibitions are FREE to the public on Thursdays. Advance reservations required for Noah’s Ark. Sepulveda Blvd. Near Mulholland Drive.

Coldwater Canyon Park

10.Coldwater Canyon Park: This clean and gorgeous park is a favorite for celebrity moms like Heidi Klum. The park also has two play areas, a water feature, and shaded arbor. The water creek is a hit with kids! Picnic areas may be reserved for use seasonally. 1100 North Beverly Drive/Coldwater Canyon in Beverly Hills.

Christina Simon, 46, is the co-author of “Beyond The Brochure: An Insider’s Guide To Private Elementary Schools In Los Angeles”. She also writes the blog, www.beyondthebrochure.blogspot.com about applying to private elementary schools in Los Angeles and life as a private school mom. Christina is a former vice president at Fleishman-Hillard, a global public relations firm. She has a 7-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. A Los Angeles native, Christina lives in Hancock Park, Los Angeles with her husband and children. She has a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA from UCLA.