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!
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Can You Feed Ducks in Long Beach Beach Ponds?
Bad news, yall- many of the duck ponds listed have pretty clear, “Do Not Feed the Ducks” signs. It can be very unhealthy for the birds, but it can also cause dangerous algae blooms and interrupt migration patterns.
So we gotta say: don’t feed the ducks in Long Beach, please.
What Can Ducks Eat Instead of Bread.
Our official party line is no, you shouldn’t feed the ducks.
HOWEVER.
Some of us are always going to be rebels, am I right? So while we ask that you don’t feed pond animals in general, if you’re GOING to do it, consider these healthier options:
- Birdseed
- Cracked Corn
- Rice
- Frozen Peas
- Sliced Grapes (not whole- they’re like little kids and could choke!)
Make sure to start with small amounts. If the animals aren’t interested in what you’re feeding them, stop tossing it in! Leftover food in the water can make the pond water very unhealthy for the animals.
Duck Ponds Near Long Beach
Here are the best duck ponds near Long Beach to take kids to:
El Dorado Duck Pond (Free Entry)
2400 N Studebaker Rd, Long Beach, CA 90815
This pond is a BUSY one! With lots of different types of ducks, geese, and turtles, kids will see all sorts of wildlife.
Watch out for the geese, especially if you have food with you. They can be a touch agressive!
There is a large parking lot, with a play structure within walking distance. It makes for a great afternoon or morning activity!
El Dorado Duck Ponds (Paid Entry)
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815 (Entry Point)
There are two gorgeous lakes/ponds inside of El Dorado Regional Center. Enter on Spring, then head north towards Wardlow.
Maps are available available. Parking costs $6-10 dollars, depending on the day of the week.
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
TONS of turtles, ducks, birds, and even bunnies! You definitely cannot feed the ducks here, but it’s a nice hike with lots to see.
Check out our post with lots of tips on how to plan your visit to El Dorado Nature Center.
Heartwell Park Duck Pond
4055 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90808
This pond is much smaller than the one at El Dorado, but it’s a lot of fun and oh-so-easy. Expect to see lots of ducks, coots, and pigeons.
Turtles are typically found sunning themselves on the rocks in the center, or swimming just below the surface.
You can park in the Ruth Bach Library Parking Lot for free (and head over to check out some books afterwards!)
Heritage Park in Cerritos
18600 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703
If you’re looking for a duck pond near Cerritos, your best bet is Heritage Park. With a fun miniature town and several large play structures, your kids are sure to love it for the play alone.
The duck pond in Cerritos is a little unusual, which makes it more fun. It is set up like a big moat, and kids can cross a bridge onto the “island” or play in a boat near the water.
As with most other duck ponds in Long Beach, expect to see turtles making an appearance, too!
Colorado Lagoon Wildlife
5059 E Colorado St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Okay, Colorado Lagoon is NOT a duck pond. But you will see plenty of wildlife from the bridge, and it’s a nice walk across the water.
We’ve seen ducks here, as well as egrets, herons, and geese. We’ve also spotted stingrays and moon jellies from the bridge, so it’s way more than your average duckpond.
Scherer Park
4600 Long Beach Blvd.
There is a small duck pond/lake at Scherer Park. Scherer Park isn’t in its finest phase these days, though, so we don’t necessarily recommend paying it a visit.
Hopefully it’ll improve soon. We’d love to give a great update on it someday!
So head out with your kids for a little (low-key) nature exploration at these duck ponds in Long Beach. Don’t forget to wear shoes you can watch- those ducks are dirty little things!
Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments and we’ll add it to the list!
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