Best of Long Beach

Free Family Activities in Long Beach

by

Need some fun family activities that WON’T break the bank? Check out this list of free family activities in Long Beach, complete with both indoor and outdoor activities. If you need something to do on the cheap, this list of free things to do with kids in Long Beach is the best place to start!

Living in Southern California means that we never run out of something to do. Amusement parks, museums, plays and restuarants- there’s fun to be had around every corner.

Unfortunately, most of those super fun activities come with a pretty hefty price tag.

If you need to change it up with some free things to do with kids in Long Beach, you’ve come to the right place!

With our gorgeous weather, fantastic parks, and accessible educational resources, we’ve got you covered when it comes to free family activities in Long Beach and the surrounding areas.

long beach skyline; text: free family fun in long beach

Read More

Things to Do Outside with Kids in Long Beach

by

Well, it’s been a loooong three years, and it’s still safer to do things outside with kids! And if you’re like us, family walks and bike rides aren’t doing it for us anymore. If you need ideas for things to do outside with kids in Long Beach, check out this list for ways to get outside with your family!

It’s kind of crazy that we’re saying this AGAIN, but in present times, it’s still safer to spend time outside than indoors.

Whether you are getting stir crazy inside, sick of your local park, or just need an idea for a safer meetup with friends and family, we need fresh ideas.

Luckily, we are EXTREMELY fortunate to live in mild-weather Long Beach. There are tons of ways to play outside in Long Beach, even in the winter.

So if you’re looking for fun things to do outside with kids in Long Beach, consider giving some of these ideas a try.

a family hiking outside; text: things to do outside near long beach

Read More

Best Christmas Lights in Long Beach

by

We may not have snow and the full winter experience, but Long Beach has some amazing holiday lights that is sure to get even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit. So grab some cocoa and take your kids to one of these amazing spots to check out some of the best Christmas Lights in Long Beach.

As the holiday’s roll around, we have a ton of family traditions. We bake and decorate cookies. We watch Home Alone. And we always go looking at Christmas lights.

Long Beach has so much to offer for Christmas lights. With tons of walkable neighborhoods and houses well worth the drive, there’s something for everyone. You can even see Christmas lights by boat in Long Beach!

If you’ve been sticking to Christmas lights in your immediate neighborhood, you’re missing out! So if you’re asking yourself “where should I go to see Christmas lights in Long Beach?” We’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of our favorite places to look at holiday lights in Long Beach.

Read More

Best Pumpkin Patches in Long Beach

by

As soon as October hits, it’s time for all things pumpkin. Lucky for us, that means some awesome pumpkin patches in Long Beach. Whether you’re looking for an authentic country pumpkin patch or a more carnival pumpkin patch vibe, we’ve got what you’re looking for.

With birthdays in October and a general love for fall, we are unapologetically #basic. With a PSL in hand, one of our favorite fall traditions is a visit to the pumpkin patch.

While we may live in a big city, pumpkin patches are in no short supply.

Want to do a quick and easy trip to get that perfect carving pumpkin? There’s a patch for that!

Want to have that full fall carnival experience complete with rides, bounce house and petting zoo? There’s a patch for that!

Want to go old school and ride a tractor around a fantastic pumpkin patch and then get lost in a legit corn maze? Yes! There’s even a patch for that!

As certified lovers of all things fall, we’ve checked out every pumpkin patch in Long Beach (and even a few that are a bit of a drive away – but worth it!). Here’s our list of the best pumpkin patches in Long Beach.

The best pumpkin patches in Long Beach

Read More

Duck Ponds Near Long Beach

by

Looking for a low-key activity with nature, water, and animals? Check out on of the many duck ponds near Long Beach with your kids. It’s a perfect activity for babies, toddlers, and bigger kids, too!

When my kids were littler, we’d visit the duck pond near our house in Long Beach just for fun. I needed to get out of the house, and the duck pond seemed like a pretty chill place to take them.

As they got older, I realized what a fantastic learning opportunity the duck pond really was.

Not only is it outside and in nature, but kids can learn about various local animals. They can find out what they eat, how they move in the water and out of it, and what they sound like.

And, if you’re unlucky, they’ll learn what happens if you get too close to the edge of the duck pond (don’t ask. It was a bad day).

If you’re looking to explore duck ponds near Long Beach, you’re in luck. We have TONS of them nearby. Read on to find out which one is closest to your neighborhood!

Read More

Stores with Kid-Size Shopping Carts in Long Beach

by

Why do kids universally love those tiny shopping carts so much? Whether it makes them feel like a miniature adult or just gives them a power trip, those little shopping carts can make your grocery trip SO much easier with kids in tow. Here’s where to find little shopping carts for kids in Long Beach.

When my kids were littler, we had a total love/hate relationship with those tiny shopping carts at grocery stores.

Essentially, my kids loved them. And I hated them.

But the fact that those tiny shopping carts can coax a kid who does not want to go grocery shopping into a total convert. And so here we are.

Here’s a list of grocery stores with kids’ shopping carts in Long Beach.

Read More

Free Things to Do With a Baby in Long Beach

by

Looking for cheap or free things to do with a baby in Long Beach? Check out this list of sweet outings with a baby near Long Beach for ideas of how to keep your little one (and yourself!) entertained.

So you have this beautiful little baby, and you’re in the sweet spot where you have some time off work. But what do you actually DO with the baby all day?

They sleep a lot, and eat a lot…and then what?

If you’re anything like us, new moms will get a little stir crazy from time to time. Not to mention- your budget may be a little leaner than it used to be. Your baby is probably content to be at home, but are you?

If not, you’re probably looking for some free things to do with a baby in Long Beach (or anywhere, for that matter).

Here are some free activities to do with a baby in Long Beach. Which ones have you tried so far?

Read More

Cheap Kids’ Treats in Long Beach

by

Want to grab a cheap treat with your kiddos while you’re out and about, without breaking the bank? Check out these great cheap kids’ treats in Long Beach (or near it)!

When my kids were little, I would take my daughter on little adventures each weekend while her brother took a nap. Sometimes it was things like visiting the library or running an errand, but sometimes I wanted to treat her to something special.

The problem? These little adventures could add up to big expenses over time!

So after some research and a little trial and error, we found that there are some good, cheap kids’ treats in Long Beach. By taking advantage of the different hours and locations, we could enjoy a special sweet without breaking the bank.

Here are our favorite places to take kids to get dessert in Long Beach (on a budget!)

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

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