South Pasadena is renowned for being an especially family-friendly locale. Our award-winning schools are a reason alone that many families wish to call SP home. Beyond the incredible public education, the parks, the vast Arroyo Seco filled with youth sports teams, there are also a number of businesses that go the extra mile to be kid-friendly! Here are a few of them: Fair Oaks Pharmacy A true local landmark since 1915. You simply cannot miss the iconic sign at the corner of Fair Oaks and Mission — it is almost like the unofficial welcome into South Pas. From the nostalgic toys, to the Instagram-worthy candy selection, to the inevitable banana split or classic soda fountain treat that you’ll enjoy after shopping, this blast from the past is every child’s favorite after school stop. “Located in the heart of South Pasadena, California, this charming establishment has been serving the community since 1915. From aiding our small town of citizens to being a well known attraction along the famous “Route 66”, the Fair Oaks Pharmacy is a place for all to enjoy. For ages, the Soda Fountain has been run by young individuals, gaining genuine experience from their first job, bettering themselves to help serve the community in an honest and authentic manner. Our commitment is to continue to inspire and build a younger generation of leaders who can guide the community into a better tomorrow.” 1526 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 799-1414 – call for hours and updates!Instagram The Dinosaur Farm This toy store extraordinaire has been featured in Forbes, Los Angeles Magazine, L.A. Parent, and many more, and for good reason: the selection is unaparalleled and the owner and staff couldn’t be friendlier. To the LA Times, Actor Malcolm McDowell proclaimed “The Dinosaur Farm is the best toy store in the world.” The Dinosaur Farm store is simply a local treasure and a must-visit. “The Dinosaur Farm is a specialty toy and book store in South Pasadena, California, that takes great pride in calling itself “not your ordinary toy store.” While we offer the staples you’d expect to find in an educational toy store (Can you say “Thomas the Tank Engine”?), we also offer unusual things that make a visit to The Dinosaur Farm a bit different than most toy stores.” 1510 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91030(626) 441-2767 Tuesday- Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-5, Closed Mondays Instagram Kidd’s Jewelry Heist Since 2012, Kidd’s Jewelry Heist – the original jewelry making parlor – has been offering a truly unique and memorable experience for kids and parents alike. Private treasure hunts are the latest innovative treat dreamed up by Owner, Kelly Kidd. For $40 per child, private groups can adventure through a 10 clue game with a treasure (pendant) payout that begins a magical necklace building experience. Adult versions are also available! “The Jewelry Heist merges entertainment and jewelry making with its carefully curated 1930’s style set and lighting design. Upon setting foot in the door, guests, walk-in’s or party goers are invited to become treasure hunters and star designers by searching through weathered, world traveled trunks, luggage and bins and creating their own one of a kind loot. The Jewelry Heist is world famous for their birthday parties and have received notable fame being featured in the Los Angeles Times and on the globally followed BLIPPI show on YouTube.” 1510 Mission St South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 319-9510Instagram The Munch Company This reimagined South Pas sandwich institution has an innovative kid’s menu that your little ones will actually get excited for! From the Unicorn Sandwich to the “I Like To Pick” lunch, Munch offers fun options for even the pickiest of eaters. “We’re proud to offer the highest quality, most unique sandwiches on the market today. From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention in each item. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.” 1028 Mission Street South Pasadena, California 91030 (626) 441-1036 Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sundays: Closed Instagram

The temperature is starting to drop and pumpkin spice everything has made its debut… fall has arrived! It’s time to ease into the new season and enjoy this change of pace before the holidays start. Here is what we have our eye on around town… Wine Tasting at Mission Wines Vinofiles unite! Established as one of the Los Angeles area’s most beloved neighborhood wine boutiques for over two decades, Mission Wines is a must-visit. Proprietor Chris Meeske draws on multiple decades of experience as a sommelier in world-renowned restaurants and is committed to exposing customers to new and interesting wines that are outstanding examples of grape variety, place, and style. The selection is unparalleled – expect to find a fabulous array of small production, handcrafted artisan wines from around the world. Pop in for a cozy wine tasting and you’ll immediately feel like you’re on a staycation… what could be better? Follow their Instagram to stay in the know about their special events, which you also don’t want to miss. (626) 403-94631114 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030 Treat Yourself to a Festive Flower Arrangement from Mission Gardens There is something about having fresh flowers at home… it instantly elevates your mood and the space! A seasonally-inspired arrangement is also a fantastic gift idea and will brighten anyone’s day. The staff at Mission Gardens combined experience is over 75 years in the business, and it shows. Mission Gardens is the spot for sustainable and beautiful greenery perfect for the Southern California home. From decorative arrangements, indoor plants, or local landscaping, this local florist can help you curate your lifestyle. (626) 427-2922915 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 Shop the South Pas Farmer’s Market for Seasonal Delights If you haven’t made it to the farmer’s market recently, there is arguably not a better time to go than in the fall. There is nowhere else that produce is fresher – it’s straight from the farm and you’re guaranteed to find all of your hard-to-find seasonal favorites (like persimmons!). Why not also pick up dinner while you are there, like a sizzling hot roasted chicken or a comforting bowl of freshly made soup? Open from 4-8 PM on Thursdays920 Meridian Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 Indulge at La Monarca Bakery & Cafe Local favorite La Monarca is known for its delectable pan dulce, cakes, lattes, and more. If you love their classics, you are in for a treat with their ‘sweet flavors of fall’ menu, which includes pumpkin spice mini conchas! Don’t sleep on these, and, better yet, pair them with an iced oatchata latte, one of their signature drinks. Oat milk is steeped with real Mexican cinnamon, along with a shot of organic Oaxaca reserve coffee to fuel your day. (626) 403-68601001 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030 What else is on your list this season? Let us know or tag us on Instagram!

School is back in session, but the fun times of summer don’t have to stop. Whether it’s a new post-class activity to enliven your child’s weekly routine, or a class to enrich their learning, you can find it here. South Pas has a multitude of offerings, services, and activities catered towards kids. Music Lessons In-person or online, one-on-one or in a group up to six… South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy (SPAMA) was created to be a place where anyone, no matter their age, experience, or interests could come to receive the gift of music. Instruction is offered for instruments ranging from piano, cello, violin, guitar, and drums to more unique ones including ukulele, oboe, and banjo. Songwriting, music theory, and voice lessons are also popular offerings at SPAMA. “Although we do enormously appreciate the dedication and sheer determination that it takes to be a virtuoso or professional musician, we understand that not all music lovers necessarily dream so grandly; not everyone has the same motivation for learning or takes the same musical path. Does this mean then that this sacred gift of music is off-limits for most people? We never thought so. And we’ve spent a great deal of our lives proving that music is for every adult and child who desires to open themselves to it. We’ve seen it change people’s lives and SPAMA was opened to give experienced, passionate and dedicated music instructors an opportunity to bring that gift to as many people as possible.” 803 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 808-4031 https://artsmusicacademy.com/ Click here to book an intro lesson Michael Campagna is a South Pasadena based guitar and songwriting teacher. As the previous Creative Director for the South Pasadena Music Center for 15 years, Campagna works well with students of all ages, levels and situations. He prides himself on getting students up and playing quickly and describes his teaching style as endeavoring to learn how the student best learns. He wants to help students find what’s in their heart and be a catalyst for awakening that, rather than impart any particular philosophy or method on them. Michael also works as a professional songwriter, performer and digital artist. His accomplishments have ranged from playing with the industrial band Psychic TV to co-writing songs for well-known R&B singers like Chaka Khan, Jennifer Holiday, and Maxine Nightingale. Fully vaccinated, Michael is available for private lessons in the comfort of your home, or for online sessions via FaceTime for intermediate and advanced learners. (626) 644-3084 mjdcampagna@gmail.com Facebook Math Tutoring & Homework Help At Mathnasium South Pasadena, a math-only learning center, students in K-8 are taught math in ways that make sense to them. If your child is falling behind in their math class at school, needs help tackling homework, or wants to brush up on their knowledge before for an upcoming test, this is an excellent resource. The team leads with a unique and encouraging approach that truly helps kids thrive and learn. A free assessment and trial is offered to begin the program, and after that, the accomodating weekday and weekend schedule (for both in-person and at-home learners) offers flexibility for each student and their families. 1109 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena CA 91030 (626) 532-7587 https://www.mathnasium.com/southpasadena Art Classes ART / WORK / PLACE’s mission is to provide art education that uniquely exceeds any other arts program available. Students are provided a strong foundation of fine art principles while encouraging their creativity. Programs are crafted for specific age groups: “Mini Makers 3-5” introduces students to new materials, imaginative art projects and creative activities through a blend of group activities and individual exploration.  “Youth One 6-8” encourages your child to think like an artist while exploring materials and methods. The focus is on progress and creativity, not perfection.  “Youth Two 9-18” is customizable and is broken down into five sections: Study, Explore, Create, Observe, and Imagine. Each section represents an important aspect of fine art training. When students begin classes, they start a journey that not only builds skills, but also introduce possibilities.  1414 Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 1B, South Pasadena, CA, 91030 (626) 578-5626 http://www.myartworkplace.com/ Click here to book an introductory lesson Theatre Programs With an approach that includes acting, singing, and dancing, Upstage students learn to speak more clearly, move more easily, and act with confidence. After school and in-school enrichment programs and premier musical theatre programs and classes for kids and teens are available. Upcoming productions include Legally Blonde Jr. and Once Upon A Mattress. For questions, contact Tara Kawakami: (626) 399-3826 https://www.upstageschools.com/ Young Stars Theatre‘s year-round program is a community theatre project primarily for actors ages 18 and under. It is designed to give these younger actors an opportunity to perform roles they might not otherwise have access to, and to allow them to learn their craft in a supportive environment while performing for live audiences. The upcoming show is a production of Frozen Jr. and first-timers are encouraged to audition. If this your first time auditioning for YST (or for anything!), don’t worry, they will help you have your best audition! 1000 Fremont Ave. South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 269-3609 https://www.youngstarstheatre.org/ Child Development Professional Child Development Associates is a non-profit organization that offers a range of multidisciplinary screening, evaluation, therapy, and specialized services for children, birth through 21 years of age, and their families, when there are any concerns or problems in development, behavior, or social relationships at home, school, or in the community. PCDA’s multi-disciplinary team includes professionals from the fields of social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, dietetics, music therapy, art therapy, specialists in child development, and parents of children with special needs. Services are provided at their Pasadena office, several satellite locations, a child’s home or school, and in other agencies within greater Los Angeles County.  620 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 793-7350 https://www.pcdateam.org/

August is coming to an end and schools are back in session but any hint of fall weather is no where to be found here in Southern California. As temperatures stay high we say treat yourself to something cool, refreshing and delicious! We’ve compiled a list of the best sweet treats to beat the heat right here in South Pasadena. Spiked Shakes at Twohey’s Restaurant Calling all grown-ups: We’d like to introduce Twohey’s new summer staple, Spiked Shakes! Indulge in a decadent famous Twoheys milkshake with a little bit of added fun. Each shake is made with alcohol and served in a 16oz glass. They currently have three 3 drink options which can be found on their dessert menu: CALLING ALL MOMS Grand Marnier, chocolate ice cream, orange slice YOU WON’T KNOW JACK Jack Daniel’s, chocolate ice cream, chocolate chips ORANGE YOU GLAD THE DAY IS OVER Orange vodka, vanilla ice cream, orange juice Of course they have plenty of other non-alcoholic treats to enjoy too. Check the rest of their dessert menu for items like milkshakes, ice cream sundaes and sodas, brownie bites, pies, cakes and more! Find them at: 424 Fair Oaks Avenue,South Pasadena, CA 626-284-7387www.Twoheys.com Instagram Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00am – 8:00pm (CLOSED Tuesday) Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 9:00pm Frozen Mexican Chocolate at La Monarca Bakery Is it frozen or is it hot chocolate?! La Monarca’s Frozen Mexican Chocolate uses their Scratch-made Mexican Hot Chocolate mix which is then ice blended to creamy perfection. And the frozen goodness doesn’t stop there! Their blended champurrado latte is another big hit. Check out all of their frozen treats on the Ice & Ice Blended section of their menu. And don’t miss out on their Buy One, Get One 50% deal during happy hour (Monday – Friday from 2-5pm). Find them at: 1001 Mission St. South Pasadena, CA (626) 403-6860 www.LaMonarcaBakery.com Instagram Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00am -8:00pm What the Melon at Teamorrow Bubble Tea House & Restaurant Teamorrow has done it again! What the Melon is their light and refreshing seasonal drink for the summer time. Teamorrow’s own description states it perfectly: “The sweetness of fresh watermelon and the lively notes of fragrant green tea make this the perfect poolside treat!” Customize your drink with a variety of optional toppings like boba, lychee jelly and cheese foam. Check out their premium drink menu (labeled Teamorrow X) for the rest of their seasonal selections. Find them at: 1005A Mission St, South Pasadena, CA (626) 460-6260 www.Teamorrow.com Instagram Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm Soda Fountain Treats at Fair Oaks Pharmacy You can’t beat the tried and true summer time treat – an ice cream float from Fair Oaks Pharmacy! Truth be told, anything on the Soda Fountain menu is sure to be a hit. Enjoy a milkshake, a malt, a phosphate or a float. Serving the community since 1915, Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain has got sweet treats nailed down to a science. Find them at: 1526 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA (626) 799-1414 www.FairOaksPharmacy.netInstagram Soda Fountain & Gift Store Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED