Pop Quiz: Do you know how the Lakers got their name? Or which Disney princess has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? All the answers and more LA-inspired trivia, right this way.
LA is a magical place and along with that, comes some magical history and only-in-LA trivia. Impress your family and stump the kids with these little-known Los Angles facts. How many do you know?
1. In 1978, Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other characters with their own star include Minnie Mouse, Shrek, Winnie the Pooh, and Big Bird. Oh, and Donald Duck, too! And only one Disney Princess has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hint: She survived a poisonous apple. Yep, Snow White.
2. A whopping 202 street lamps make up the Urban Lights installation in front of LACMA. And the coolest part? All of those 202 lamps are from the 1920s and 1930s and were originally spread throughout Southern California.
Courtesy of the Security Pacific National Bank Collection – Los Angeles Public Library
3. It used to snow about once a decade in Los Angeles and actually stick to the ground. The picture above is La Brea Blvd. in 1921. Unfortunately, it hasn't snowed since 1962—we are in a 50-year-plus snow drought.
4. The carousel, now located at the Santa Monica Pier, was originally built in 1922 for the Venice Pier, but moved to its current Santa Monica location in 1947. In addition to the 44 hand-carved equine beauties, there are two additional animals that go round and round—can you guess? A rabbit and a goat. Next time you are there, see if you can find them.
5. The iconic Hollywood sign was built in 1923 but it didn't originally spell out "HOLLYWOOD" but instead "HOLLYWOODLAND." It remained that way until 1949 when the "LAND" portion was removed.
Security Pacific National Bank Collection via Los Angeles Public Library
6. The LA Zoo is not the original LA Zoo. In 1966, more than 2000 animals were moved from the Old Griffith Park Zoo (which was built in 1914) to the zoo's new location, two miles away. You can still visit the old zoo's stomping grounds—heck, you can even have a picnic there.
7. You don't have to go all the way to Anaheim to visit some historic Disney artifacts. Walt Disney's original barn and workshop, where he controlled his 1/8th scale model railroad, is located on the north side of Griffith Park, where it's now part of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Museum. If you want an up-and-close visit, they allow guests to visit every 3rd Sun. of the month. Check their Facebook page for the latest information.
Public Domain
8. Ever wonder how LA basketball team the Lakers got its name? The Lakers originated in Minnesota, aka “Land of 10,000 Lakes," before coming to LA in 1960.
9. LA by the numbers: A little over 10 million people live in Los Angeles County—that's about the same as the population of the entire country of Sweden. There are 7.8 million cars registered in the area, 3.9 million people commute every day by car and the average Angeleno spends 119 hours a year stuck in traffic. That's equivalent to five days. Yikes!
10. Love LA's iconic Palm trees? They may not be around much longer. They are not native to the area and were planted solely for their looks. A vast amount of them were planted in the 1930s (in just 1931, 25,000 of them were planted!) and are now nearing the end of their lifespan and are unlikely to be replaced.
11. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department's Forestry Division has a special way to reduce the risk of fire. They use goats! The grazing goats clear brush along steep mountainsides.
With spring’s long-awaited arrival, it’s time to spend more afternoons outside, perhaps languishing over a picnic and communing with nature. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful botanical gardens and flower fields near LA to take your family for the day (with most of them being free!). So whether you want to stop and smell the roses, discover a waterfall, or gawk at some peacocks, these spectacular garden spots around LA are blooming with possibilities.
Botanical Gardens in LA Worth Visiting with Free Admissions
Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a climate-appropriate, water-conserving, habitat garden offering learning and inspiration to all its guests. Its mission is to promote urban wildlife habitat and demonstrate the use of regenerative gardening techniques which refrain from the use of herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Insider Tip: This garden is one of our favorite spots to picnic in LA and families are welcome to bring their pets as long as they are leashed.
Stroll along the garden's paths to discover plants, flowers, birds, butterflies and more at this lovely, pint-sized demonstration garden in Manhattan Beach.
Insider Tip: Conveniently located right next to ever-popular toddler and big-kid friendly Polliwog Park, after strolling through the garden head over to this playground and let the kids swing and slide their hearts out.
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset, except Fri. from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. when the garden is closed for maintenance Cost: Free
After being closed for annual maintenance from Jan. 1 to Mar. 15, the Rose Garden has reopened and is showing off its latest blooms. Located in Exposition Park, next to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, stroll through to discover beds of breathtaking roses and visit the beautiful central fountain perfect for making wishes.
Insider Tip: Because this is such a great place to take photos, go in the morning just after opening or afternoon just before closing, when the so-called magic light will help deliver the best shots.
Hours: 9 a.m. - sunset Cost: Free
Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Dr. Los Angeles Online: laparks.org
The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is 33 acres of natural terrain in Thousand Oaks. From the sweeping vistas at the peak of the Garden through 15 unique, hillside specialty gardens, and onto the hiking trail along the steam, this is a destination not to be missed.
Insider Tip: The Kids' Adventure Garden is open on Sun. from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and features a tree house, zoo garden and more. The Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden and Lillian's Meadow (featuring a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants) are worth a visit as well.
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset, except Jul. 4 Cost: Free
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden 400 W. Gainsborough Rd. Thousand Oaks Online: conejogarden.org
Located on the UCLA campus, this garden is a true urban oasis, packing a variety of settings into 7.5 acres. Bring your pooch along as well—pets on leashes are welcome!
Insider Tip: Don't miss the Subtropical Woodlands with their fairy-tale-like willow and fig trees; a stream that runs through the center of the garden and is home to koi, turtles and crayfish; the Habitat Garden, a favorite spot for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Hours: Open Feb. - Oct., Mon. -Fri. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Nov. - Jan., Mon. - Fri. from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.;Sat. - Sun. from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: Free
UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden 707 Tiverton Dr. Westwood Online: botgard.ucla.edu
S. Mark Taper Life Science Botanical Garden
If you're looking for a quick nature fix in the San Fernando Valley, visit this two-acre garden on the Pierce College campus in Woodland Hills. The peaceful spot features drought-tolerant trees and cactuses, flowers and bushes, and grapevines trellising the central pergola.
Insider Tips: Looking for some animal encounters? Wildlife-loving kids will have fun spotting hummingbirds, egrets, ducks, squirrels, cottontail rabbits, frogs, lizards and turtles.
Tucked away in the Blair Hills of Culver City (across the road from Kenneth Hahn Park) as part of the Park to Playa Trail, is Stoneview Nature Center—a lovely five-acre site that encourages families to discover a new passion for the great outdoors. Through Stoneview's meditative garden spaces, inspiring artwork, urban nature walks, Demonstration Garden, and Community Kitchen, guests gain a new understanding and respect of their environment by making positive connections with their bodies, minds, food, communities and ecosystems.
Insider Tip: Every Sat. at 10 a.m. and at noon, the nature center holds a free, weekly program where kids can meet and learn more about the park from the Natural Area Superintendents.
After a lengthy closure, The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys has finally reopened to the public—this spot also makes our list of incredible places around LA you've probably never been. We certainly could all use a little zen right now and this is the perfect place to find it. With 6.5 acres that include a meditation garden, Tortoise Island, Wisteria Arbor, breathtaking waterfalls, a Water Garden, beautiful bridges and lanterns throughout the property, you’ll instantly be transported to Japan.
Insider Tip: While the garden alone is worth the visit, once life returns to normal, come back and make reservations for tea service at the Shoin Building—an authentic 4 1/2 tatami-mat teahouse adjacent to the tea garden.
Hours: Open Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and closed Fri. - Sun. Cost: Free, advanced reservations required
Discover roaming peacocks, hidden trails, sunbathing turtles and more at this 127-acre oasis in Arcadia. With wide open spaces to romp and run, as well as countless paths to explore, kids will zonk out by the time you get back in the car – you’re welcome. If the crew gets hungry during your visit, grab a bite at the Arboretum Peacock Cafe or bring food from home and enjoy it in the picnic area outside the Arboretum. While the waterfall is on everyone’s must-see list, the best way to check it out is to take the steps down through it. Make your way to Tallac Knoll, where you'll discover the lily pond and a meandering set of steps and walkways that takes you to the waterfall at the bottom.
Insider Tip: If you venture through the Madagascar Spiny Forest or along the Aloe Trail (both noted on the Arboretum's map), you'll happen upon a tangle of ancient trees, roots and branches made for climbing.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; advanced timed tickets required Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children 5 - 12, and children 4 and under are free
LA County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens 301 N. Baldwin Ave. Arcadia Online: arboretum.org
Travel about 15 miles north of DTLA to discover this 160-acre garden in La Cañada Flintridge. You could easily spend all day wandering the grounds, which include the majestic Oak Forest with trees hundreds of years old, the serene Japanese-style garden with its shaded paths and koi-filled stream, and the Children's Maze, located just beyond the rose garden. In late March, be sure to check out the tulips, camellias, irises, lilacs and cherry trees, which are all in bloom. During your trip, don’t miss a ride on the Enchanted Railroad – a 1/8th- scale replica of a diesel train that travels a section of the Gardens near the Promenade. Riders must be at least 30 inches tall and able to ride on their own. Be sure check the website ahead of time to make sure the train is operating the day of your visit.
Insider Tip: Behind the Sturt Haaga Gallery, you'll find the tucked-away Hope’s Garden. Venture up a set of stairs for amazing views. Afterward, take the stairs down to the Camellia Forest and you’ll find yourself immersed in the garden.
Hours: Spring/Summer hours are Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sat. - Sun., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; advanced tickets required Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and children 4 and under are free. Enchanted Railroad tickets are $5 and must be purchased at the visitor center the day of your visit.
Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge Online: descansogardens.org
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The pristine Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens is home to 16 themed gardens spread across 120 acres. The whimsical Helen and Peter Bing Children’s Garden is a prime highlight of any family visit and encourages imaginative play as littles splash in the water, romp and run among topiary animals, discover fairy doors, and even hold the magic of magnetic forces in their tiny hands. Kids will want to check out the Lily Ponds (home to turtles, bullfrogs and turtles, bullfrogs and ducks); the tropical Jungle Garden with its canopy of trees, giant leaves and climbing vines; and the Chinese Garden where you can wander behind a waterfall and across bridges.
Insider Tip: The 15-acre Chinese Garden is a definite must-see regardless of how much time you have to spend. In addition to the meandering paths and waterfall, be sure to explore the Stargazing Tower, situated on the highest point in the garden with breathtaking views.
Hours: Advanced online reservations are only required on weekends and Mon. holidays, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekdays as well. Open daily (except Tues.) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: $25 for adults ($29 on weekends); $13 for children 4-11; children under 4 are free
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino Online: huntington.org
Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the South Coast Botanic Garden boasts 87 acres and features more than 2,500 different species of plants. Kids will love climbing the limbs and tree roots in the Banyan Grove and playing tag on the sprawling Upper Meadow.
Good to Know: The SOAR exhibit in the Host and Nectar Garden runs Apr. 1 – Jul. 31 where kids get to interact with the butterfly habitat and learn about the emergence of new species. Also, worth your time is the exhbit, Hide and Seek: Art Meets Nature. Download the Hide and Seek activity guide before you go, and see who can find all eight sculptures placed throughout the grounds first!
Insider Tip: Find the best spots for snapping selfies and family photos here. Also, every third Sun. of the month, the Garden allows visitors to bring their four-legged friends!
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; advanced tickets required Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for children 5 - 12 and children 4 and under are free
With gorgeous blooms as far as the eye can see, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are well worth a day trip. From Mar. until early May, families will love exploring 50 world famous acres of ranunculus whether they take in the sights through a leisurely stroll on foot or opt for an open-air wagon ride pulled by a tractor.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to stop by the Artist Gardens, Bird Aviaries, American Flag of Flowers, Sea of Sunflowers and the Butterfly Garden during your visit. And if your trip falls between Thurs. - Mon., there are plenty of food vendors on site to keep hangry littles happy – everything from pizza and strawberries to kettle corn and soft serve ice cream.
Hours: Open daily, Mar. 24 - May 8, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; advanced timed entry tickets required Cost: Adults are $22 and kids ages 3 -10 are $10
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad Online: theflowerfields.com
A pop of greenery is just what you need right now—trust us! And you won’t have to add yet another thing to your to-do list as these plants will totally survive if you forget about them for the next two weeks. Get one delivered to your home today, or send one to a friend for a housewarming gift!
The Sill
Bird of Paradise—with its broad vibrant green leaves, this tropical plant really delivers on the summer vibes! It’s great for outdoor patio and porch spaces, too. $57
The Sill
Summer Succulent—A colorful mix of hens and chicks (Sempervivum), this succulent requires bright light but little else, making it perfect for anyone traveling this summer. $45
The Sill
Philodendron Birkin—Sought after just like the bag it shares a name with – this unique hybrid houseplant has lush green leaves with white/yellow pinstripes. $48
The Sill
Monstera Adansonii—A fun, quirky plant! Related to the popular Monstera deliciosa, the leaves of the Adansonii are slightly smaller but with even more pronounced leaf holes. $40
The Sill
String of Bananas & String of Dolphins—Two unique trailing succulents perfect for summer. Drought tolerant, they only look difficult to care for. $34
The Sill
Philodendron Prince of Orange—Low maintenance like most philodendrons, yet unique in its leaf color, which changes from bright orange to green as the leaf matures. $43
Bloomscape
Pet-Peromia Collection—This too-cute threesome of pet-friendly peperomia plants will look lovely on a windowsill or in your office. $69
Bouqs
Oasis Snake Plant—Sssspice up your life with this sleek snake plant. Upright green and yellow leaves are known for promoting focus and helping boost your memory. This plant purifies the air, reduces allergens and is low maintenance. $59
Bouqs
Desert Love—This set of two Hoya hearts basically shouts, “Life would succ without you!” Potted in sweet lil’ cement planters with pink rocks, these babies live for bright sunlight. We love this sweetheart’s heart-shaped leaves. $44
While our favorite playgrounds may still be closed, but there’s plenty of other free ways for kids to have fun at LA’s parks and gardens. Whether you’re looking to take a bike ride or explore a cave, there’s a park that fits the bill. Read on for our list of the best parks for every activity.
If you're up for a little drive, head south to San Pedro's 123-acre park Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center, which offers views of Catalina Island in one direction, and the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain ranges in the other. Located a short distance from the ocean, the park offers sea breezes and a large grassy bluff, ideal for kite flying.
For a super simple ride, perfect for beginning bikers, check out the 3/4 mile loop at Lacy Park in San Marino. The refurbished wide, paved path that makes a loop around the center of the park is an ideal place to practice brand new bicycle skills. Check out our full list of awesome, car-free bike paths for kids.
Discover the ancient oak trees that abound at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park in Glendale. The low, thick branches make it easy for little ones to practice their climbing skills safely.
The Arlington Garden in Pasadena offers a drought-tolerant oasis for kids to explore. Here, you'll find a citrus grove, kid-friendly rock maze, a succulent fountain, wishing tree and more. Birds, bees and butterflies all call this garden home and can be seen throughout the year.
There's no better time than now to dine outdoors with the family. For a change of scenery (beyond your backyard), head to one of LA's top secluded picnic spots and enjoy a meal alfresco.
Enter Griffith Park at Canyon Drive and you're a short hike away from the famous Bronson Caves, a must-see for tiny explorers. Go early to beat the crowds (and the heat). For even more cave exploring, check out these beachside grottos.
LA county brings some relief from the heat, opening splash pads and lake beaches around town. (Note: Splash pads at state parks and park operated by the city of Los Angeles and other cities, like Santa Monica and Glendale, remain closed.) See the full list here.
Looking for new ways to entertain the kids outdoors? We’ve got a nature-meets-suburbs scavenger hunt just for Angelenos. Get ready for a social distancing-friendly walk around the block—and see how many of these critters, plants and objects you can spot along the way.
1. Make a Wish
Whether you consider them a weed or a wildflower, these plants are regulars on lawns around town. Kinds can search for the white fluffy blooms and wish away!
Fun fact: It takes one to two weeks for the yellow petals of a dandelion to evolve into the delicate wisps (actually seeds) that carry wishes.
Its been awhile since we’ve seen the Gaines family on TV, but the drought has come to an end! In an Instagram post this week, JoJo announced a TV special that will air this weekend.
“Well, this is going to be fun! The ‘cooking show’ videos that the kids filmed will be airing in a one-hour special on @foodnetwork this Sunday at 12p/11a CT!” The mom, designer and chef also shared that she’d be giving a sneak peak of her actual cooking show to debut in a few months on the Magnolia Network.
Gaines shared the menu for her kiddos directorial debut: appetizers, Dutch oven lasagna, homemade garlic knots, layered salad a French silk pie. Are you hungry yet?
Be sure to stay tuned for JoJo’s show and more Gaines’ Family content when Magnolia Network launches in October.
Learning along side my children is one of my favorite things about being a parent, and I live for discovering the new and the unusual with them. I love those who can laugh about life's many absurd and awkward moments.
“Go outside and play!” This sentiment is often at odds with our tech-heavy culture, especially in the Bay Area. To encourage kids to put down their devices and engage with the outdoors, the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose recently doubled its exhibit space to add a new outdoor exhibit, Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, and it’s the tree house and dig pit of our childhood dreams. Every detail was meticulously planned from the living roof on the junior ranger station to the life-sized bronze animals hidden throughout the exhibit. Check out all these amazing features and plan your visit ASAP!
The Forest
As soon as you step outside the purple walls of the Children’s Discovery Museum you will be in awe of all that Bill’s Backyard has to offer. Named after retired Agilent Technologies CEO and museum board member Bill Sullivan, the 27,500 sq. ft. exhibit space provides unlimited opportunities for unstructured play as well as a large outdoor classroom for facilitated activities and nature investigations. A 7,200 gallon rain-harvest system is in place to irrigate the native landscape and teach kids about water conservation at the same time.
A goal of Bill’s Backyard is that it will help to reverse the trends of “nature deficit disorder” that is so prevalent among kids, especially in an urban environment like San Jose. By bringing nature to the kids, the museum hopes that this will create a spark so that children will then seek out other outdoor opportunities when they go home to their communities. The kids of today are the environmental stewards of tomorrow and what better way to create an interest in nature and our planet than through an awesome outdoor play area.
The Trees
Ten exhibit features were designed to get kids to explore and create (and maybe get a little dirty, too!). From the junior ranger station that offers maps, fossils and touchable animal skeletons to the fort building area, kids are only limited by their own creativity.
photo: Kate Loweth
The lookout tower and tunnel provide an area for kids to change their perspective and slide down the concrete slides or roll down the hill. In the tree climber, little explorers can make their way across the rope bridge or hide in the caves in the base of the trees.
photo: Kate Loweth
Explore the drought-tolerant garden and see if you can find where the nature fairies might live. Don’t miss the tree of 40 fruits – an amazing intersection of science and art where 40 different local stone fruit varieties were grafted on to one tree by Artist Sam Van Aken.
Photo: Kate Loweth
The Roots
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is easy to spot from 280 and CA-87 – just look for the purple building with the giant rubber ducky on its roof. There’s a parking lot right across the street from the museum on Woz Way or you can take light rail on the Alum Rock-Santa Teresa line to the Discovery Museum station. Admission to Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature is included with your museum admission.
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., noon-5 p.m. (opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday for members) Cost: $15/adults and kids, $14/seniors, under 1 are free Location: Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA Online: cdm.org
Have you played in Bill’s Backyard? Let us know your favorite feature below!
— Kate Loweth
Photos courtesy of the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose except where noted.
Splash pads have become the hottest place to hang out during the summer months. And with the drought in our rearview mirror (for now) there are more places than ever to get soaked. Click through to find the park closest to you, from a pirate adventure themed water world to giant a barnyard themed park with a water tower. Splash on!
Does your child love the farm? Then take a drive to Brentwood for this farm-themed park complete with a barn play structure, a water tower that pours water onto the splash pad, and giant sunflower sprayers for larger than life barnyard fun.
Enjoy a well-maintained old-school-meets-modern park at Brentwood City Park. Complete with water guns and a splash pad, a cute little clubhouse for toddlers, and a play structure for kids of all ages to enjoy, this cabin-themed park is adorable and has ample shade over the picnic tables.
Young swashbucklers will enjoy playing aboard the S.S. Seven Seas then running through the bursts of water that splash from overhead. Take a seat in the shade and enjoy the open visibility of your kiddo on the playground. (Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Blast off into a world of fun at Lakewood Park! Families with kids of all ages will find something fun to occupy their summer afternoon from skating, basketball, slides, teeters and a rocking water play area. Little astronauts will enjoy getting sprayed by the spaceship and running around the padded ground decorated to look like outer space. Parking can get jam packed at this popular playground, so be prepared for a quick 2-3 block stroll. (Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
834 Lakechime Dr. Sunnyvale, Ca 408-730-7751 Online: sunnyvale.ca.gov
Kids of all ages and abilities will find something fun to do at this park created by famed local Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation. Climb giant spheres, get dirty in the sand pit, sit for lunch, enjoy the swing set, and race down the slide before taking a refreshing break at the spray umbrella on the top of one of the park's little hills.
Stevenson Blvd & Gallaudet Fremont, Ca Online: fremont.gov
Beat the heat at San Ramon Central Park. Take a seat under the vast shade while the kiddos enjoy playtime at the gigantic play structure and spider climbing net, or get soaked in the squid-like splash pad area. The water's on April 1 through Oct. 30 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Rancho San Ramon Community Park is a little climber's dream—From rocks to climb to big spider webs and twisting rock walls, there's a lot to do! Truck fans will adore the little trucks slide, and both parents and kids alike will agree that the splash pad is the best way to cool off after between all the climbing fun. The water's on April 1 through Oct. 30 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
After you hit up the Dublin’s Farmer’s Market, take your family for some water play at Emerald Glen Park. Rainbow arches bloom over the splash pad, shooting out sheets of water, and there’s even a fun green tunnel that sprays out water like a shower. Kids love to climb amongst the unique rock structures that also double as slides, too. Due to the drought, the park will be reducing their water usage, and only turned on the water when temperatures hit 90 degrees or above. This site will be updated each day at 9 am, so check here before heading over. Water features will be on 1-6 p.m. if temperatures reach 90 or above.
Four parks and a splash pad? This playground is like the Disneyland of playground water play. Your little buccaneers can use the spray cannons to get their friends soaking wet, all while romping around the softly padded ground. Due to current drought conditions and required water restrictions District Splash Pads will be operating: Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend Saturday, Sundays and holidays from 11:00 am-5:00 pm and on weekdays when the weather is 80 degrees or higher. Remember to check the website to see if the water is running.
18988 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley, Ca Online: haywardrec.org
Beat the heat over at the El Cerrito Swim Center, where they have one of the most awesome splash pads ever. The large park is filled with all sorts of water gadgets, from colored buckets that tip surprise showers to the kids below, misting tunnels and all sorts of water jets. Don’t miss out on the cute cartoons that decorate some of the watering holes. Admission: $2/splash park only
Take a trip into the ocean with this fun open water themed splash park. Kids can spray each other with the cannons, run through the water under the shipwreck, avoid the shark, and climb the beach rocks. The water's on from noon to 6 p.m. , seven days a week in the summer. For more information about water times, click here.
Central Park is a great place to bring a picnic and some chairs and simply spend the day outside with the whole family. Between the palm tree shaded splash pad, bocci ball and basketball courts, and playgrounds for ages toddler to 12, there's something for everyone at this fun destination. The Mountain House library is next door, and food trucks make an evening appearance on Fridays throughout Summer. The interactive splash pad is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until Labor Day. For more info, check out the schedule here.
With towering flowers throughout the sprayground, this popular Sunnyvale spot makes you feel like you've entered a giant garden. Wade through puddles, light sprayers and bubbling geysers. Need a break from the water play? Stop at the playground nearby to tackle the wall climbing structure or take a ride on the swings fitted for kids big and small.
Control your water playtime by activating the water by pressing the hand on this red pipe. Water trickles from three giant red rings, and spray from a water hole. The fun part comes as the water slowly builds up towards a crescendo before gushing out and soaking the kids. While you're here, share a picnic under the gazebo or plan a family barbecue.
Welcome to the ultimate sprayground with every water gadget available. When the summer temps pump up to 100-plus degrees in the Valley, sprinklers and hoses at this sprayground turn on to cool off little tots. Push the turnstiles around and around until the water buckets unload.
Two frog statues make this splash pad look like a real pond. As kids race about on a slip-free surface, water shoots gently up to about the same height as your little ones. The water comes out with minimal pressure so that your kiddo won’t be surprised as they frolic and play. The new, inclusive Magical Bridge playground is here, too, so be prepared to spend the day!
With grassy hills ideal for picnics, tons of shade from the sun and a dedicated mud zone for kids to make as many mud pies as they want, easily makes this Campbell splash pad a favorite of Bay Area families. Bring along buckets so your little builder can make sand castles or jump through the water spouting from the water tunnel. Don’t forget to come early to avoid the crowds, and pack enough sunscreen to beat the heat.
Abbott Ave. & Pollard Rd., Campbell, Ca 95008 (408-866-2100 or ci.campbell.ca.us/)
Head over to Ryder Park for a bucket load of good, clean fun. Geysers shoot water for the kids to dance around in and the sprinklers go off every 5 minutes so no matter where you are in the sprayground you're guaranteed to get soaked. Afterwards, play on the monkey bars or jungle gym, and stroll along the meandering paths to enjoy stellar views of the Bay.
1801 J Hart Clinton Dr. San Mateo, Ca 94401 650-522-7434 or cityofsanmateo.org/)
Sure, Los Angeles may not get a lot of weather—but when has reality stopped the City of Angels from pretending? Sunny-side folks can now get a taste of winter at Snow Day LA, a “snow park” now open a few miles from Downtown Los Angeles.
photo: Snow Day LA
Let It Snow!
Spread across nine acres of wooded picnic area just a snowball’s throw from Dodger’s Stadium, Snow Day LA is the brainchild of friends RJ Hurley and Joe Martin. Both grew up in snowy climates and they wanted to bring a little of that wintry fun to Southern California, that tradition all transplants miss of playing in the snow with family, going sledding and of having a cup of warm cider or hot chocolate afterward.
photo: Melissa Hecksher
Consequently, the first thing you’ll see when you walk up the snaking dirt road into the park is snow. Quiet, small swirls of it, falling from snow blowers perched on light poles above. It’s not real snow (we are in a drought, after all), but mesmerized kiddos won’t notice. Especially at dusk, these swirls of white stuff look like the real thing, and kids will love standing in the middle of the snowfall feeling the “snowflakes” melt on their skin. If you look closely, you’ll see that the “snow” is made of small, sudsy bubbles that melt when they hit the ground.
photo: Snow Day LA
To really revel in snow showers, head to the “Blizzard Zone” (located in the center of the park), where every 10 minutes the amount of snowflakes in the air quadruples for a makeshift blizzard set to music. It’s all perfect photo fodder for Facebook & Instagram, and you’ll definitely want to keep your camera phone handy.
photo: Melissa Hecksher
First Things First: Hit the Slopes
If you and your snowbound brood want to get some good snow-tubing in, head for the slopes, first thing.* Snow Day has two snow tubing hills: One for little tubers; another for everyone else. Both slopes are lots of fun, so don’t be deterred by the smaller lanes. Note: Kids under 36″ have to ride the Kiddie Hill or share a tube with their parents on the big lanes; kids under 18 months aren’t allowed, even if they’re in a lap.
What’s underfoot, you might be wondering? Snow Day’s paths and tubing lanes are made of a material called PowderPak; it’s a synthetic turf carpet that makes the perfect slippery slope (it’s used at ski resorts and ski schools when there’s not enough snow to go around). And while it may not look like the winter wonderland East Coasters brag about, when you get into your inner tube and slide down the hillside, you’ll feel like you’re tubing on the real thing (minus the sub-freezing temperatures and wet, soggy pants!).
*Insider’s Tip: Get there early. Like, as soon as the gates open early (that’s 4:30 p.m. on weekends; 6:30 p.m. on weekdays). Snow tubing lines get long quickly, and if you arrive even an hour after opening, you’ll have to wait upwards of 30 minutes to experience those 5-seconds of downhill fun.
photo: Melissa Hecksher
Snowball Fight!
No snow day is complete without a snowball fight, so be sure to take your kids to the snow play area, a square patch of snow located in the back corner of the park. Since you can’t make snowballs with synthetic snow, this is where Snow Day LA brings out the real thing. Again, we strongly suggest getting here early if you want a good snowball fight; the snow gets icier and less malleable as the night goes on. If you’re lucky enough to get there while the snow is still soft, your LA kids will have a blast molding the snow and hurling it into the air (probably at you).
photo: Melissa Hecksher
Say Hello to My Little Snowmen
You can’t make real snowmen here, but there are plenty of inflatable Frosties to go around. Every hour, a field full of them light up for a musical light show. It doesn’t look like much before sunset, but once the sky gets dark, it’s a cool sight to see. This is where your magical mama planning comes into use: as we mentioned, tubing first, early snowball fight, and then as the sun sets, your crew is ready for cocoa and a field of snowmen.
photo: Melissa Hecksher
Hungry? There’s a Truck for That
Like any good LA event, Snow Day has an assortment of high-end food trucks to satisfy hungry appetites. On the night we visited, there were five trucks, offering everything from Cajun food and gourmet grilled cheeses to burgers made-to-order and Mediterranean fare. Hot chocolate and hot cider is also available for kids to warm those snowball-chilled fingers.
If all this snow makes you thirsty for grown-up beverages, head to the Blizzard Zone, where there’s a full bar ready to serve you. There’s also a VIP Lounge for the 21-and-over crowd (but our opinion is that this place is better suited for kids under 12, as grown-ups might be a bit underwhelmed, so save your date night for something else and make this outing all about the kids).
photo: Melissa Hecksher
The Lowdown
We mentioned getting here early, right? And long tube lines? And the fact that all the snow isn’t real? This is the first year of Snow Day LA, so there are a few things like that, where if your expectations aren’t set, you may be underwhelmed. Don’t come expecting to frolic in acres of pure, fluffy snow. Do come early (yes, we are hammering on that, because it’s key to your enjoyment!), wear hats and mittens, take fun pictures and get into the spirit of snow with your non-snowbunny kids. Real snow or not, your LA babies will have a BLAST. And you’ll love that no one goes home with a frozen, wet tush and the start of a seasonal flu.
Snow Day LA is open now through Dec. 23 (days vary, check the calendar for more details) from 4:30-10:30 p.m. on weekends; 6:30-10:30 p.m. on weeknights. Parking is free in Elysian Park, but space is limited (If you can Uber there, do it).
Tickets includes park admission and 8 rides on snow tubing lanes and/or snow play area visits): Children, $15; adults, $24. VIP tickets are $42 and include admission to the VIP Lounge (ages 21+), an adult penguin onesie, one drink ticket and snow tubing. Advance tickets recommended; prices are higher at the gate.
Snow Day LA
The Old Lodge (Montecillo De Leo Politi)
Stadium Way & Scott Ave.
Elysian Park
Online: snowlosangeles.com
What’s your favorite spot for snow? Tell us in the comment section below!
