Educational

Summer Reading Programs for Kids

Summer is here and that means lots of time outdoors, popsicles and snacks all day, and – let’s admit it – probably a lot of screen time. But it also means local summer reading programs that may actually get your kids excited about cracking open a book before September!

When I was a kid, we lived for those personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut. And earning them just for reading? Well, that sounded like a good summer to me!

Luckily, these days it’s more than just Pizza Hut that is into incentivizing reading programs over the summer!

From ice cream shops to the public library, books stores to – you guessed it – pizza hut, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy this summer. All while reading a book!

Here are some of our favorite local summer reading programs for kids!

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Tips for Visiting the OC Zoo

Looking for a zoo near Long Beach that is small, manageable, but still a ton of fun? You don’t have to head to LA or San Diego! Check out the OC Zoo in Irvine for a great zoo at an even better value!

We’re big time zoo enthusiasts. We regularly get family passes to the LA Zoo, and have even been known to get them to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. But sometimes we don’t want to have to deal with the LA traffic or make a whole weekend of going to San Diego.

If you’re looking to see some fantastic animals from the Southwestern United States, you’ll find a great collection at the OC Zoo.

Nestled in the beautiful Irvine hills, the OC Zoo is one of our favorite places, that even we tend to forget about!

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Best Libraries Near Long Beach

We love ALL the libraries. With so many resources, kids’ activities, and freebies, you really can’t go wrong. But let’s be honest- some are better than others. Here are the best libraries near Long Beach.

Southern California has a LOT going for it. Beaches, parks, museums- there’s no shortage of entertainment.

But all of those things take a whole lot of effort, and some of them are downright expensive. Sometimes you just need an easy, free, quiet activity.

You know where I’m going with this, right?

There are so many really good libraries near Long Beach. Sure, they all offer books and computer access. But some of them just have a little something extra.

Read on for our list of the best libraries in Long Beach. Did your favorite make the cut?

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Visiting Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Looking for an educational, free aquarium in Southern California? Check out the totally fun, totally free Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, located in San Pedro!

Listen, we love- abosolutely LOVE- the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. We had annual passes for a good long while, and we used them often.

When I decided to stay at home with the kids though, those Aquarium of the Pacific passes were just too pricey to keep. And as a result, we went a LONG time without visiting an aquarium.

So when I hear about an amazing, free little aquarium in nearby San Pedro, I just knew we had to give it a visit.

And oh boy, were we ever pleasantly rewarded!

If you’re looking for an aquarium in Southern California that won’t break the budget, we highly recommend Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro. Here’s what you need to know before you go!

CHILD LOOKING AT MOON JELLIES; TEXT; CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM

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Visiting Centennial Farms with Kids

Looking for a fun farm experience in Southern California? Check out the totally fun, totally free Centennial Farm, located at the OC Fairgrounds!

I was raised in rural northern California. It meant lots of time spent playing at the creek, riding horses, and getting dirty.

Even here in sunny, urban SoCal, I’m determined to give my kids experiences as close to what I had growing up as a kid as possible.

So when I realized my kids thought all pigs were pink and tiny with curly tails…we had a problem.

I looked around for a working farm with large animals that I could show my kids. And we hit the jackpot with Centennial Farms at the OC Fairgrounds!

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Storytimes in Long Beach

Looking for a storytime for kids in Long Beach? Your best bet is the public library, but with eight branches, keeping track can be confusing! Here’s a comprehensive list of the storytimes in Long Beach fo rkiddos.

When my kids were little, I didn’t put them in preschool. They had lots of playdates, and attended Del Valle’s Tot Lot program, but I worried they wouldn’t learn to “sit and listen” before school.

Yes, you can pay for classes for kids. But if funds are short, you’re probably looking for a way to sneak in fun, learning, and structure.

And there’s no better way to kill those three birds with one stone than visiting some of the many storytimes in Long Beach!

Storytimes in Long Beach are offered through the public library, and are often short, sweet, and FUN. Add in a couple of cute crafts and LOTS of fun songs and stories, and it’s the perfect introduction to structured learning.

So where are these storytimes near Long Beach at? Read on for the full list!

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Visiting Rancho Los Cerritos

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!

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Visiting the California Science Center with Kids

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!

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Visiting Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach

Have you visited Racho Los Alamitos in Long Beach before? This free, hidden gem is the perfect place to take a stroll on a warm day, visit animals, and learn a ton about Southern California’s history. Here’s what you need to know before you go!

When my daughter was young, a friend invited us to come see the giant horses at Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach. We got dressed, got excited, and set out for an adventure.

Aaannndd….we couldn’t find the place.

It took a few more years, and a few more tries, before we were able to actually figure out how to get into Rancho Los Alamitos. And it’s really not so hard- you just have to know what you’re looking for.

And when you do find it, you’re going to be rewarded handsomely. With a historic home to tour, extensive gardens to walk through, and a barn full of farm animals, you and your kids will leave the Rancho very, very glad you came.

Here’s what you should know before you head to Rancho Los Alamitos in Long Beach!

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