longbeachkids

Tips for Visiting Biscailuz Park in Lakewood

by

Heading to the Lakewood Mall or running some errands near the western border of Lakewood and Long Beach? Consider making a stop at one of our favorite less-busy parks.

If you live in or around Lakewood, you probably know the classic parks in Lakewood: The “Cinderella” Park, Del Valle Park, Bolivar Park – but you may not have been to Biscailuz Park in Lakewood. It’s off two major streets, but without an easy way to see how you get too the park, it’s a little under rated.

It’s also, in our experience, way less busy than those other parks. Which can sometimes be a big benefit for us! Sure, sometimes my kids are eager to meet new kids and play with them. But sometimes my kids just need to get their crazies out without a crowd!

And with it’s two giant play structures, sports fields, and ample picnicing opportunities there’s a LOT to love about Del Valle.

But before you head over, keep scrolling for our pro-level tips for visiting Biscailuz Park in Lakewood.

Read More

Visiting Rancho Los Cerritos

by

If you’re looking for a fun – and free – way to enjoy an afternoon, check out Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach. This hidden gem is a great place to talk a walk and immerse yourself in some SoCal history. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

Rancho Los Cerritos is one of those places that you’ve probably always heard of, but never seen. Unless you were actually trying to go there. Tucked away in Virginia Country Club, Rancho Los Cerritos is a little slice of history that you won’t find many other places in the city.

It may not be all flash and wild adventure, but if you’re looking for a peaceful, mellow afternoon Rancho Los Cerritos is sure to fit the bill. From the beautiful historic home to the stunning sprawling grounds and the native plant walk, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy at Rancho Los Cerritos.

Here’s everything you should know before you head to Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach!

This post contains affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more at our disclosures page. Thanks!

Read More

Visiting the California Science Center with Kids

by

Looking for an educational activity with wow factor…that WON’T break the bank? Consider visiting the California Science Center with kids! It’s got activities for all ages, and is sure to get you cool mom credit with your kids!

I want to give my kids tons of educational experiences. I want them to see new things, visit new places, and learn in fun, challenging ways.

I just don’t always love the price tag that comes with that.

It’s why I love visiting the California Science Center with kids. Everything is so hands on, interactive, and appropriate for kids (and adults!) of all ages.

And the best part? It’s pay-what-you-can donation based system.

So if you’re looking for a free activity to do with your kids in Long Beach, consider putting the California Science Center at the top of your list!

Read More

Visiting the New Cherry Park Playground

by

Want to check out the brand new Cherry Park Long Beach update? If you live in the area, you’ve probably been anticipating it as much as we have. With a grand opening on July 24, 2021 the new playground at Cherry Park is amazing and was worth the wait! Here’s what we think you should know before you go!

Many of Long Beach’s playgrounds are getting a MAJOR Glow Up thanks to Measure A, and Cherry Park is the newest addition to the new playground club. We try to check out all the new and improved playgrounds, and Cherry Park playground is fantastic! Cherry Park Playground has so many elements that our kids love – climbing, tons of slides, and yes, plenty of swings.

At over 10 acres, Cherry Park is more than just an amazing playground update. With a ton of amenities and opportunities for sports and recreation, we know you’ll find something to love at Cherry Park.

Read on to find out why we love the new Cherry Park playground so much, for kids of all ages.

This post contains affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more at our disclosures page. Thanks!

Read More

Splash Pads Near Long Beach

by

Are you looking for a splash pad near Long Beach for your kids to play in? Long Beach itself may have a shortage, but there are plenty nearby for your kiddos to play in!

When my daughter was little, she HATED splash pads. She didn’t love the suprise water falling, she didn’t love the getting splashed, and she certainly did not love getting water in her face.

But then my son was born, and as he grew up, it became quickly apparent that the suprise water, the splashing, and the water in his face?

Well, splash pads were pretty much his FAVORITE thing.

So we set out to find all the fun splash pads near Long Beach for him to explore. Over the years, we’ve found quite a long list.

Read on for our very favorite splash pads near Long Beach!

child at splash pad; text: splash pads near long beach

Read More

Baker Street Park

by

One of my favorite things to do if I have time to kill is open Google Maps and searching for a playground near me. Which is exactly how I happened to find the hidden gem of Baker Street Park in Wrigley.

Located off all major streets, but right behind the 405 and 710 Freeways, Baker Street Park is safe and tucked away while being super accessible! We love that it’s secluded – and we often have the playground all to ourselves!

We hope you’ll explore new parks and try out Baker Street Park in Wrigley too! Here’s everything you need to know for your first visit to Baker Street Park!

Read More

Visiting Mayfair Park in Lakewood

by

Heading to Mayfair Park in Lakewood? It’s a really popular park with a TON of great features and facilities. Here’s what we think you should know before you go!

One of the first places I took my daughter once I started staying home with her was Mayfair Park in Lakewood. I’d heard there was lots for littler kids to do, and it seemed like a good place for us to celebrate my resignation from my full time gig.

She loved splashing in the wading pool, I loved the big, fully gated little kid playground. One of my sweetest memories took place here, realizing we would be spending long days together, just like this, every day from then on.

As time has gone by and my kids have grown, we find ourselves returning to Mayfair more and more, for a whole new set of reasons.

Read on to find out why we love Mayfair Park so much, for kids of all ages.

Read More

The Pools at Mayfair Park

by

Need to cool off this summer? There’s lots to love about the community pools at Mayfair Park, including a public pool (near Long Beach!) and a wading pool with a fun sprinkler. Read on to get all the details!

When my four kiddos asked to go to a wading pool, I was skeptical. At ages 9, 8, 5, and 3, the older two were well outside of the range.

But they’re good kids, and I knew they’d be respectful of littler ones. So we trekked off to the Mayfair Wading Pool to see if it was as good as we remembered.

The 9 and 8 year olds loved it even more than the younger two did!

It reminded me of why we’ve always loved the pool at Mayfair Park. Not only is the community pool available for rec swim, swim lessons, and even private pool parties, but the wading pool is open daily all summer and totally free.

Do we have you convinced yet? If not, you’ll need to keep reading for the full details. We promise we’ll get you hooked sooner than later!

Read More

Tips for Visiting Signal Hill Park

by

Looking for a one stop shop for fun in Signal Hill? Signal Hill Park (and the adjacent Signal Hill Library) is a great place to go to play, relax, shoot some hoops, or grab a library book!

While being a small city, Signal Hill has some large – and amazing – parks. At just over 10 acres, Signal Hill Park is a lot more than just a great playground. Beyond the Community Center and Signal Hill Library is extensive green space that is often used for community events like concerts and movies in the park.

There are lots of reasons to visit Signal Hill Park in Signal Hill – and here are some of our favorites.

Read More

The Best Beaches In Long Beach

by

Looking for a new stretch of sand to check out with your kids? Check out the best beaches in Long Beach for kids from two local moms with half a dozen kids between them!

Historically, Long Beach beaches have gotten a bad rap. The breakwater had a serious effect on water quality for a while, and locals often headed to Orange County for their beach days.

But Long Beach has worked HARD to improve water quality, and as a result, we’ve got a lot more beach fun in our area.

If you’re looking for a beach to hit up with your kids, we can whole heartedly recommend these beaches near Long Beach to keep your kids entertained all day (without the long drive and fighting traffic on the way home!)

In no particular order, here are the best beaches in Long Beach to visit with kids!

Read More