Recreation

Pretend City Tips to Make Your Visit AMAZING

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Visiting Pretend City in Irvine? Our kids LOVE this place, and we’ve been there at least a few dozen times. Here are some Pretend City tips to know before you go!

Pretend City children’s museum is exactly what it sounds like- it is a big, warehouse style building set up like a complete, working city. Kids are free to explore the city in any way they choose, and everything is designed to be touched and handled by inquisitive little hands.

Kids can shop at a grocery store that looks exactly like Trader Joes, then head to the farm area to see how food is made and see baby chicks. They can dance on a stage, visit the library, or play at the beach. They can paint, splash in water tables, and build. They can visit the doctor or the dentist, work or “eat” in a restaurant, and play house in a tiny home made just for them.

In a word- Pretend City is a child’s DREAM playground. We love visiting Pretend City with toddlers, and even our big kids are still super into the pretend play this children’s museum provide. If you’re in the area- heck, even if you’re not- planning a visit to Pretend City could very well be one of the highlights of your trip. 

But before you go- here are our best Pretend City tips to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

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How to Plan a Park Party in Long Beach

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Looking to throw a park party for your kids in Long Beach? They are the best (and usually cheapest!) way to go- but what do you need to know? Read on for all the details on how to throw a park party in Long Beach.

I am a BIG fan of the park party. Sure, we have tons of birthday party venue options in and near Long Beach, CA, but the park party is one of the best ways to get a LOT of bang for your buck.

You can have lots of guests, and you can go very simple (pizza and cupcakes at the playground) or bigger (tents and food venders and jumpers).

It’s a great way to get the kids outdoors and active, and is just exactly our speed.

However, there are a few hoops that you’ll need to jump through before you host a park party in Long Beach. Here are the best tips from two moms that have been there!

family at a park party; text: throwing a park party in long beach

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Farmers’ Markets in Long Beach

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Looking for some outdoor fun with the family? Check out this list of farmers’ markets in Long Beach. With locations across the city, you’re sure to find one near you!

With gorgeous weather year round, it’s no surprise that Long Beach has some incredible farmers’ markets to choose from.

Some are more of your standard fruits-and-veggie stands, while others are more family entertainment-minded.

Whichever type you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find a farmers’ market in Long Beach that’s just your speed (and, hopefully, close to your side of town!)

Here’s our roundup of the best farmers’ markets in Long Beach. Which one will you visit?

woman holding cherry tomatoes; text: farmers markets in long beach

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Long Beach VBS 2022

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Looking for a Vacation Bible School near Long Beach for your kiddos this summer? Check out this list of churches offering VBS in Long Beach in 2022.

Long Beach and the surrounding areas have NO shortage of amazing summer camp offerings. There is adventure to be had nearby every single week of the summer.

However, those summer camps? They often come with a pretty hefty pricetag.

If you are Christian (or open to Christianity), however, there are lots of super cheap or low cost options for kids in Long Beach.

Vacation Bible School, or VBS, programs typically run for a week at a time, and are often just a few hours in the morning. They’re a perfect half day “camp” option in Long Beach.

So if you’re on the hunt for a list of all the VBS in Long Beach for 2022, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s the Vacation Bible Schools we know of so far.

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Trampoline Parks Near Long Beach

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Looking for some bouncy fun? Check out this list of trampoline parks near Long Beach to help your kids burn that energy!

For a long time, Long Beach was a desert when it came to indoor play places.

And while you still won’t find many in Long Beach proper (we blame the high rent prices!) there are several great indoor play places near Long Beach.

And if you ask our kids? Trampoline parks top their list of their favorite places to play.

If you’re looking for trampoline parks near Long Beach, you’ve come to the right place!

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Best Hiking with Kids in Long Beach

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Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Well lucky for us, while Long Beach has all the amenities of a big city, it has a surprising amount of fun – and accessible – hiking opportunities for families! Whether you’re a family that loves the great outdoors or is just dipping your toe in hiking, there’s something for you in Long Beach. Check out these best family hiking spots in Long Beach and try one with your family soon!

I’ve never been super outdoorsy. Then I married an Eagle Scout. So when we had kids he was so excited to get them outside.

Over the past 8 years we’ve loaded our kids up in strollers, double strollers, wagons, and Ergo’s and explored all over Long Beach (and beyond!)

Here are some of our favorite spots we’ve visited.

Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Drop it in the comments so we can check it out and add it to our list!

best kid friendly hikes in long beach, from Long beach Kids

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Halloween Events in Long Beach 2021

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Looking for some Halloween weekend fun? Check out this list of fun Halloween events for kids in Long Beach in 2021!

You’ve got the candies, you’ve got the pumpkins, and you’ve got costumes that seem WAY too expesive to only wear once.

And if you’re like us, you’ve got kids that are driving you CRAZY with endless “how many days until Halloween?” questions.

If you’re looking for Halloween events for kids in Long Beach, we’ve got a full list of fun things to do this weekend. The only thing left to decide? Which one to go to!

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The Best Places to Play Pokemon Go in Long Beach

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Are your kids as obsessed with Pokemon Go as ours are? Or maybe it’s you who is obsessed? Either way, we’ve got the best places to play Pokemon Go in Long Beach, including the best Pokestops and Pokegyms and (where to get the best bang for your buck!)

Long Beach is a gorgeous town. Lots of scenery, lots of places to visit, and pretty perfect all year round.

Which makes it a great place to visit, but also a GREAT place to play PokemonGo.

Wondering where to play Pokemon Go in Long Beach? We’ve got a list of Pokestops in Long Beach, as well as Pokegyms in Long Beach.

Your hardest decision? Where to start looking first!

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Visiting the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens

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If you’re looking for a short but fun activity in the heart of Long Beach, look no farther than the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens located inside Cal State Long Beach. These stunning gardens aren’t able to be seen from any major streets and aren’t a major destination for most folks. You could live your whole life in Long Beach and not know about them!

When our first kids were little, we spent a lot of time exploring Long Beach with toddlers. As alums of CSULB, we remembered that there was a nice little Japanese Garden right on campus.

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens were close, not overwhelmingly large, and FREE. This was basically the trifecta for us as new Moms, so we were excited to check it out.

Almost ten years later, this is still one of my favorite places to take my kids.

The Japanese Gardens at CSULB are an amazing hidden gem that your little ones will love. With an easy walking path, lots of benches for snack breaks and a koi pond that will amaze your kids, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Here’s everything you should know before you head to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens in Long Beach!

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