Browsing Tag

cheap things to do in long beach

Colorado Lagoon

Posted on March 10, 2019

What Is it?:  The Colorado Lagoon is a 13 acre urban wetland located in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. You can see all types of aquatic life here including jellyfish, birds, turtles, and fish.  There is a walking path around the edge of most of the lagoon, and a pedestrian bridge that goes across it. The beach area is great for kids because the water is shallow and has no real waves.  There is a playground here with a jungle gym and plenty of sand to dig in.  There are picnic tables to eat at, and plenty of shade.

Tips: 

  • – Don’t forget the sand toys!
  • – Check water quality if you want to swim.
  • – No barbecues
  • – Don’t feed the wildlife
  • – Pick up all trash
  • – The on-site bathroom were under construction at press time so there was a Porta-potty.  I would suggest bringing a few napkins in case it runs out of toilet paper.

Cost: Free

Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm.

Stroller Friendly: You can push a stroller on the path around the lagoon and across the bridge, but when the path ends, it’s sand.  Unless you plan on a short walk, I would leave the stroller in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol: No

Parking: Yes, there is street parking but not a parking lot.  During busy times, you may have difficulty finding a close spot and may need to take a couple trips from the car if you brought a picnic or beach stuff, so pack things into easy-to-carry bags

Active family:  Yes

Food:  You can bring food and there are shaded picnic tables to eat at. 

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Colorado Lagoon. The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Colorado Lagoon and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

El Dorado Trails and Nature Center

Posted on March 10, 2019

What Is it?:  El Dorado Park is a park with both trails and a nature center (there are actually several other activities to do there, as the park is huge, but I am focusing on this portion of the park and nature center in this article.) . There is a quarter mile trail, a one mile trail, and a 2 mile trail. All trails are stroller friendly (even double stroller) and easy enough terrain for the little ones to walk some of it too.

Fun Tips: 

  • – There is a scavenger hunt for kids on the trails (pictured).  You can pick up your card at the nature center and if you bring it back completed at the end, you get a sticker or prize.
  • – Dress the kids in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • – Bring some crayons and paper to do leaf rubbings
  • – Bring a magnifying glass for an up-close look at leaves and bugs
  • – Most of the trails are shaded but it never hurts to bring sunscreen

Cost:  Free

Hours: Fall/Winter 7:00am-5:00pm Nov 1- Feb 28

              Spring/Summer 7:00am-8:00pm Mar 1 – Oct 31

              Closed Mondays

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, it was easy to navigate with the stroller or wagon, even double stroller, and not too crowded to navigate with a stroller.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

 Parking: Yes. $5/car Mon-Thurs, $6/car Fri, $7/car Sat/Sun, $8/car on holidays.

                 You can also get an annual pass for $60/year for the general public or $35/year for seniors/disabled

                 *Bike, walk, or use public transportation to avoid Parking fee!*

Active family:  YES!

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks and there are picnic tables by the parking lot to eat at.  They prefer you don’t eat on the trails.

Read More: There is a ton of wildlife in these trails.  The lakes always have turtles in them and in the summer, the turtles are usually basking on logs.  We have also seen lizards, Ospreys, hawks, ducks, egrets, and plenty of bugs.

There is a nature center at the beginning/end of the trails that has some live animals in terrariums as well.  There are some sensory bins full of pinecones and antlers from various animals that you are able to touch (this was great for our toddler who loves touching!!)

This was a great place to spend a free afternoon.  My kid loved that she could run around on the trails and burn some energy and then finish up the visit looking at animals and playing with nature things. 

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official El Dorado Park.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at El Dorado Park and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Local Harvest Farmer’s Market – Bixby Park

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  This farmer’s market features live music and has a playground on site so it is a great place to eat and then let the kids play!  The playground is one of the larger ones in Long Beach and is fenced in!  There are fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, yogurt, salsa, almost everything!  There are also prepared foods such as $2 teriyaki chicken stix and 3 packs of cake bites for $3!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The strawberries are usually $5-7 for a pack of 3 and they’re organic!
  • – The park has a lot of sand so pack some sand toys if you plan on playing there!
  • – Check out the handmade jewelry – it’s super cute and inexpensive.
  • – No pets are allowed at this farmer’s market

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Tuesdays 3 pm – 7pm, goes until 8 pm in the summer

                Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm

Stroller Friendly:  There is plenty of room for strollers and wagons and added bonus, you’ll have somewhere to store your purchases!

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks but there is plenty to purchase here and many places give out free samples!

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Local Harvest Farmer’s Market.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Local Harvest Farmer’s Market and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

The Pike Outlets

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  The Pike is a shopping and entertainment district downtown.  There are plenty of restaurants and retail stores, but there are also a lot of activities even if you don’t want to shop or eat. The ferris wheel is $4/person and the carousel is $2/person.

Tips: 

  • – Ride the carousel ($2/person), walk around the shopping area, and then split a movie theater popcorn with the kids and eat it at the table outside (smalls are about $6) for a fun and inexpensive afternoon.
  • – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the Long Beach aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Queen Mary, and Rainbow Lagoon.
  • – There is a brand new pedestrian bridge above downtown Long Beach to check out!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  10 am – 9 pm Mon – Sat, and 10 am – 8 pm Sunday

Stroller Friendly:  Yes!  Although some of the stores might be hard to navigate with larger strollers if you plan on shopping

Inside/Outside: Outside with stores/restaurants having indoor space

Alcohol:  Only if you go in a bar/restaurant to eat

Parking: Yes, $1.50/every 30 min with a $24 max

                  Cinemark validation $8/day

                  Retail validation: 90 minutes free, $2 up to 3 hours, $3 up to 4 hours, $2.75 every additional half hour

                  There are meters off of Shoreline Dr with a 2 hour max

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks and there is a grassy area you can sit down in to eat

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official The Pike Outlets.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at The Pike Outlets and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Queen Mary

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

  • – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
  • – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
  • – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
  • – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
  • – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Shoreline Village

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  Shoreline Village is a collection of shops and restaurants with an old-timey vibe that overlooks Rainbow Harbor.  You can stroll along the water and enjoy the marina or check out the various shops like the chocolate shop, comic book shop, or jerky shop.  There are a couple cute quarter rides for kids, as well as a full-size carousel at Pelican Pier Pavillon that only costs $2.  This arcade features skee-ball, claw machines, and other fun arcade games too.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Avoid parking fees by walking, biking or taking the bus.  If you can find a meter somewhere along Shoreline drive, you can park for 2 hours for less than the parking lot fee.
  • – For a cheap family friendly afternoon, we like to do the carousel ($2/kid), get $5 in tokens to play a few games, go for a walk and check out the view and the shops (free), eat a packed lunch at one of the picnic tables (free), and get a little bit of candy from the candy store ($2).  This could be less than a $10 afternoon if you use public transportation.
  • – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and the Long Beach Aquarium, The Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Free

            *Purchases at shops and restaurants have costs

Hours: June – August: 10 am – 10 pm

              September – May: 10 am – 9 pm

              *Restaurant hours may vary

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, it was easy to navigate with the stroller or wagon, even double stroller, and not to crowded to navigate with a stroller.  Some of the shops and restaurants are difficult to get around with a larger stroller though.  If you are only going to shop or eat, perhaps leave the stroller in the car or bring an umbrella stroller.

Inside/Outside: Mostly outside.  Many of the shops and restaurants have inside and outside.

Alcohol:  Inside the restaurants that serve it only.

Parking: Yes. $2 every 20 minutes without validation, or $1/hour for up to 2 hours with validation (after making a $10 purchase.)

                  After 2 hours, with validation, rate is $2 every 20 minutes with a $16 maximum.

                  Lost ticket fee is $24.

Active family:  Not really unless you plan on renting bikes.

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks anywhere besides the shops and restaurants.  There are picnic tables in a common area with some shade.  There are plenty of stands to buy food and drinks from, in addition to sit-down restaurants.

Read More: Even when they aren’t holding an event (of which they hold several), there is always a lot to do here.  There are several sit down restaurants of all types from Mexican at Tequila Jacks, Irish at Shenanigan’s, and Mediterranean at Cafe Dia.

In addition to the sit down restaurants, there are multiple stands that offer fair-type treats like funnel cakes and ice cream.

At Wheel Fun Rentals, you can rent segways, bikes, and surreys for a day of fun.  Most bikes are around $12/hour and kid’s bikes are $8/hour.

There are various day cruises that depart out of Shoreline Village as well.  Whether you just want a quick lunch cruise or to go whale watching, there is surely a cruise for you.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Shoreline Village.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Shoreline Village and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Panama Joe’s Weekend Brunch

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  Okay, don’t stop reading yet.  I know you’re probably like “This is neither free nor an actual ‘event'”, but hear me out.  Every weekend, Panama Joe’s has this amazing brunch deal! It’s called the Rise and Shine breakfast and for $5-6/person, you can get 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon, hashbrowns, and either 2 pancakes or pieces of french toast, PLUS bottomless mimosas for an hour.  AN HOUR.  Check out a copy of one of our receipts in the photos.

PLUS bottomless mimosas for an hour.

We go almost every weekend and us adults get one breakfast for each of us with mimosas, and one breakfast for the kids to share.  We even end up taking food home.They had kids’ menus that come with crayons and also wikki stix (which our toddler loves and we should just buy some for her…) . We bring our busy bags as well..

Tips: 

  • – Leave a good tip!
  • – Go early on Sundays during football season as it tends to fill up quickly.
  • – If you plan on staying for the hour, make sure you bring enough stuff for the kiddos to do 🙂

Cost:  $5-6 per person, plus the cost of any drinks other than mimosas.  Be sure to factor in a good tip as well.  If you spend an hour at a table getting waited on, including frequent mimosa refills and your bill is only $15-20, I suggest leaving at least $5.

Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 11:30 am.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but if you drive it would be easier to leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Inside but there is patio seating as well.

Alcohol: Yes

Parking: Yes, there is metered parking behind the restaurant or along 2nd street, as well as free parking on the side streets.

Active family:  No

Food:  There is tons of food!

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Panama Joe’s.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Panama Joe’s and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Colorado Lagoon

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  The Colorado Lagoon is a 13 acre urban wetland located in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. You can see all types of aquatic life here including jellyfish, birds, turtles, and fish.  There is a walking path around the edge of most of the lagoon, and a pedestrian bridge that goes across it. The beach area is great for kids because the water is shallow and has no real waves.  There is a playground here with a jungle gym and plenty of sand to dig in.  There are picnic tables to eat at, and plenty of shade.

Tips: 

  • – Don’t forget the sand toys!
  • – Check water quality if you want to swim.
  • – No barbecues
  • – Don’t feed the wildlife
  • – Pick up all trash
  • – The on-site bathroom were under construction at press time so there was a Porta-potty.  I would suggest bringing a few napkins in case it runs out of toilet paper.

Cost: Free

Hours: Daily 8 am – 10 pm.

Stroller Friendly: You can push a stroller on the path around the lagoon and across the bridge, but when the path ends, it’s sand.  Unless you plan on a short walk, I would leave the stroller in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol: No

Parking: Yes, there is street parking but not a parking lot.  During busy times, you may have difficulty finding a close spot and may need to take a couple trips from the car if you brought a picnic or beach stuff, so pack things into easy-to-carry bags

Active family:  Yes

Food:  You can bring food and there are shaded picnic tables to eat at. 

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Colorado Lagoon. The information I provided is based upon my own experience at the Colorado Lagoon and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

El Dorado Trails and Nature Center

Posted on March 9, 2019

What Is it?:  El Dorado Park is a park with both trails and a nature center (there are actually several other activities to do there, as the park is huge, but I am focusing on this portion of the park and nature center in this article.) . There is a quarter mile trail, a one mile trail, and a 2 mile trail. All trails are stroller friendly (even double stroller) and easy enough terrain for the little ones to walk some of it too.

Fun Tips: 

  • – There is a scavenger hunt for kids on the trails (pictured).  You can pick up your card at the nature center and if you bring it back completed at the end, you get a sticker or prize.
  • – Dress the kids in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • – Bring some crayons and paper to do leaf rubbings
  • – Bring a magnifying glass for an up-close look at leaves and bugs
  • – Most of the trails are shaded but it never hurts to bring sunscreen

Cost:  Free

Hours: Fall/Winter 7:00am-5:00pm Nov 1- Feb 28

              Spring/Summer 7:00am-8:00pm Mar 1 – Oct 31

              Closed Mondays

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, it was easy to navigate with the stroller or wagon, even double stroller, and not too crowded to navigate with a stroller.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

 Parking: Yes. $5/car Mon-Thurs, $6/car Fri, $7/car Sat/Sun, $8/car on holidays.

                 You can also get an annual pass for $60/year for the general public or $35/year for seniors/disabled

                 *Bike, walk, or use public transportation to avoid Parking fee!*

Active family:  YES!

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks and there are picnic tables by the parking lot to eat at.  They prefer you don’t eat on the trails.

Read More: There is a ton of wildlife in these trails.  The lakes always have turtles in them and in the summer, the turtles are usually basking on logs.  We have also seen lizards, Ospreys, hawks, ducks, egrets, and plenty of bugs.

There is a nature center at the beginning/end of the trails that has some live animals in terrariums as well.  There are some sensory bins full of pinecones and antlers from various animals that you are able to touch (this was great for our toddler who loves touching!!)

This was a great place to spend a free afternoon.  My kid loved that she could run around on the trails and burn some energy and then finish up the visit looking at animals and playing with nature things. 

 Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official El Dorado Park.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at El Dorado Park and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

Rancho Los Alamitos

Posted on March 8, 2019

What is it?:  Rancho Los Alamitos is a 7.5 acre historic site that was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968.  It used to be a working ranch and has a rich history.

Fun Tips: 

  • – Bring a magnifying glass to check out the cool flowers, leaves, and bugs in the gardens.
  • – Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables
  • – When you get to Anaheim and Palos Verde, you need to go through a residential security gate.  Just tell them you are visiting Rancho Los Alamitos.

Cost:  Free

Hours:  Currently closed while they are undergoing renovations!  They are scheduled to open Feb 28th but this could change.  I would highly suggest calling before visiting because they also host private events there sometimes and will close to the public.

Stroller Friendly:  Yes, mostly.  There are some parts of the gardens that may not be easily accessible with a stroller.  Unless you really need it, I would leave it in the car.

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  No

Parking: Yes, free on site.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed to bring food but it must be eaten at the picnic tables near the parking lot.  Make sure you do not feed the animals and that you pick up all trash.  No food is sold here.

Read more about it: There are beautiful gardens onsite that were established in the 1920s and walking through them makes you feel as if you were transported to another land.  You would never guess the high-rises of downtown Long Beach are merely a few miles away.

There are pieces of old farm equipment and live farm animals such as horses, ducks, sheep, and chickens.  The live animals and room to run make it an ideal place to bring toddlers, and the old farm equipment and ranch house are great talking points for older kids about how life used to be.

They are currently undergoing renovations so they are not offering afternoon tours, but walking around on your own is well worth it.  I know my words don’t do it justice, but this is such an amazing place to visit.  We go once or twice a month and my kids love it.  I would definitely recommend taking a trip there.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Rancho Los Alamitos.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Rancho Los Alamitos and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.