Browsing Tag

Southern California things to do

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.

Colorado Lagoon

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.

Colorado Lagoon

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.

Colorado Lagoon

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.

Colorado Lagoon

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.

Colorado Lagoon

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.