Los Angeles Unified School District Calendar 2026-2027

With the break starting next week, now is the time to plan. Thanksgiving in LA is mild, so skip the heavy indoor plans. Take the kids to the Santa Anita Arboretum or the Griffith Observatory, then let them run around the lawn outside. Many families like the Thanksgiving Day turkey trots, which work well for little ones. If cooking feels like too much, order a family meal from a local restaurant and spend an afternoon at the beach in Santa Monica. Crowds are thin, and the weather is lovely.

Winter break runs nearly three weeks, so you have room for both big outings and quiet days. Drive through the lit-up neighborhoods of Altadena or Sierra Madre after dinner, and take the kids ice skating at Pershing Square or at the rink near the Grove. If your child loves science, the California Science Center is free and easy to enjoy over a full morning. For a day trip, drive up to Big Bear for snow, but book early because it fills fast. Keep one slow day at home for hot chocolate and board games, and save the last few days before school restarts for getting back into a routine.

Spring break falls in the heart of wildflower season, so this is the time for outdoor adventures. Head to the Poppy Reserve in Lancaster when the hills turn orange, or hike an easy trail in Griffith Park. The weather is warm without being scorching, which makes it perfect for the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach bike rides, or a day at the Zoo. If you want something different, visit the La Brea Tar Pits, then let your kids pick a taco truck for lunch.