Browsing Tag

LA county things to do

ExploreLongBeach

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific

Our aquarium visit was: 20% looking at aquatic life, 40% playing outside in the water, 10% crying because the other sibling was being lifted up to look at an exhibit, 10% whining about the heat, 10% bumping into the stroller and spilling Mom’s beer, and 10% eating snacks, but overall, the kids had a blast.

Penguins, sea lions, frogs, all types of fish, sharks, and rays

The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is one of our favorite outings because there is so much to do for all ages.  There is obviously a ton of aquatic life.  Penguins, sea lions, frogs, all types of fish, sharks, and rays.  There are touch tanks for sea anemones, starfish, stingrays, sharks and jellyfish.  There is a lorikeet forest where you can purchase nectar and the birds will land on you to eat it.

There are puppet shows, animal feeding and training shows, and also short movies

In addition to the exhibits, there is so much more to do.  There is a shaded area with tables that has coloring pages and crayons for kids.  There is a really cool splash pad outside that is half shaded and half in the sun that my kids love.  Some days we go and all they do is play in the water.  There’s a boat that is perfect for climbing and a few other animal models to climb on.  There are puppet shows, animal feeding and training shows, and also short movies (for a small additional fee.)  And there’s also beer for adults!

We have an annual pass and we go at least once a week and never get bored. 

We have an annual pass and we go at least once a week and never get bored.  I would definitely recommend visiting if you are local to Southern California, and purchasing a pass if you plan to go at least twice a year.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.

First Fridays

What Is it?:  First Fridays is a street fair held the first Friday of every month in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach.  There is food, music, art, street vendors, performers, face-painting, and more.   Each month has a different theme (In February when we went it was Mardi Gras!) and it is a free family-friendly event!

Fun Tips: 

  • – The big red bus and the trolley provide free transportation up and down the street if you don’t want to walk
  • – Dress up for the theme to make it more fun!
  • – The address for the event is on Atlantic, but the event takes place all along Atlantic between Bixby Rd and San Antonio Dr
  • – Check out the local art!

Cost:  Free

Hours:  The first Friday of every month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Stroller Friendly:  Yes

Inside/Outside: Outside

Alcohol:  Yes – at the expo center they sell beer and wine during the event, or you could stop for a drink at one of the local restaurants!

Parking: Yes, there is street parking – some free and some metered depending on where you park. Or you could walk, bike, or take public transportation if you don’t want to deal with finding a spot.

Active family:  No

Food:  You are allowed outside food and drinks, as this is an outdoor event, but there is plenty of food for purchase here as well.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official First Fridays.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at First Fridays 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.