Surrounding Areas

Bloomfield Park in Lakewood

On the east side of town? Check out Bloomfield Park in Lakewood, a less busy park iwth a lot of bang for its buck!

I’ve lived in Long Beach for decades- eight of those years with kids in tow- and I’ve never been to Bloomfield Park before.

But this summer, we’ve made it our mission to visit every wading pool near Long Beach, and Bloomfield fit the bill.

We were expecting to love the wading pool (we always do), but I was surprised at how much the kids loved the green, open space and two (mostly) gated playgrounds for different ages.

Check out why we love Bloomfield Park, and plan your visit to love it too.

Read More

Tips for Visiting Biscailuz Park in Lakewood

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

Splash Pads Near Long Beach

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

Tips for Visiting Signal Hill Park

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

Discovery Well Park in Signal Hill

Looking for a fun, secluded playground with lots of opportunities for playing and picnicking with an incredible view? Check out Discovery Well Park in Signal Hill with your kids for lots of fun.

Long Beach and the surrounding areas – like Signal Hill – are home to some amazing parks, and Discovery Well Park is no exception. At nearly 5 acres, Discovery Well Park has an amazing new playground, as well as a 2 picnic shelters, a community center, basketball and pickleball courts, and a ton of green space for kids to run explore and play.

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

This post was edited, May 2023 to reflect the new playground.

Read More

Tips for Visiting Reservoir Park in Signal Hill

Looking for a fun playground with lots of opportunities for climbing and creative play? Check out Reservoir Park in Signal Hill with your kids for lots of fun.

Long Beach and the surrounding areas – like Signal Hill – are home to some amazing parks, and Reservoir Park is no exception. At nearly 3 acres, Reservoir Park has a great playground, as well as a picnic shelter, workout equipment, and plenty of green space for kids to run around.

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

Read More