Whittier Narrows Nature Center and Regional Park

On Saturday Diego and I did some exploring at Whittier Narrows Nature Center, in Whittier California. This is a smaller Nature Center compared to the El Dorado and Eaton Canyon Nature Centers we visit often. Yet with a short drive down from the nature center you'll find a huge regional park with lakes, ducks, boat rentals, and playgrounds. 

Diego running loose on the 1/4 mile trail.

Inside the Whittier Narrows Nature Center

Top Five Places to Explore this Spring!

In today's blog I've compiled a list of all the wonderful local places I'd like Diego and myself to visit this spring. Most of these ideas were gathered from my own research and some from fellow mama explorers. With nice weather coming, there is so much exploring to do! Stay tuned for blog posts on these incredible locations! (Most of the info below is taken directly from the website).

1. Irvine Park Railroad: This park is a premiere destination for all family activities and fun in Orange County and beyond. Irvine Park Railroad offers year round activities and special events to celebrate Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Other activities inside of this great park include Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park bike rentals and paddle boat rentals, the Orange County Zoo, horse rentals, pony rides and more.
http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com

2. Animal Acres (Farm Sanctuary): I have been trying to get myself to this farm sanctuary for years! Even before my son was born. I hope to make it out to this spectacular place this summer, this place is truly magical! Animals who began their lives abused and neglected now spend their days digging in the dirt, basking in the sun, and napping in the straw. Each animal is given the freedom and attention needed not only to recover but to thrive. During your visit to our sanctuary, you can take an hour-long tour of the shelter with one of our tour guides, meeting the sanctuary animals along the way! After meeting our farm animal friends, visitors can browse through our gift shop, which contains literature, cookbooks, apparel, and other souvenirs.
http://www.farmsanctuary.org

3. Descanso Gardens: I'm taking my camera for this one! They even have morning yoga here! Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Take a light-hearted look at Descanso Gardens from a 1/8th replica of a diesel train. The Enchanted Railroad is a Descanso icon, delighting young and old who climb aboard.
http://www.descansogardens.org/

4. Baby Loves Disco: This party sounds awesome, I'm sure Diego would love it! For the past 8 years, Baby Loves Disco has been trans­form­ing the hippest night clubs across the world into child proof dis­cos as tod­dlers, pre-schoolers and par­ents look­ing for a break from the rou­tine play­ground cir­cuit let loose for some post nap­time, pre-dinner fun. Make no mis­take, this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Bar­ney is Banned. Baby loves disco is an after­noon dance party fea­tur­ing real music spun and mixed by real djs blend­ing clas­sic disco tunes From the 70s, & 80s with today’s hottest dance tune, guar­an­teed to get those lit­tle booties mov­ing and grooving.
http://babylovesdisco.com/

5. McGrath Family Farm: Pick your own Strawberries at this wonderful certified Organic family farm! What a great way to teach little ones agriculture and farming by picking your own produce. This is definitely on out list of farms to visit! U Pick Hours 11:00 am - 4:00 PM Daily $3.00 per person and $1.50 a pound.
http://www.mcgrathfamilyfarm.com/

More Pasadena exploring! A Pirate themed park! Argh!!

This is probably one of the best parks I have been to in a really long time! It's Brookside Park in Pasadena right behind the Aquatics Center near the Rosebowl. The pirate themed park is a bit hidden which I think gives it a special feel. Brookside Park is very well designed with multiple levels of fun and exciting activities. There is even a large sand area with a huge dragon poking out of the sandy area! My Diego enjoyed climbing in and out of the Dragon sculpture. I love how large this park is, and love that there are plenty of trees for shade. The atmosphere and visitors were very much pleasant which is usually not the case in many urban parks. There is lots of lush vegetation, and small trails surrounding the area. 

This place is definitely a beautiful hidden gem. Diego and I can't wait to visit again soon, next time we're having a picnic! 

Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Today we had some fun discovering Eaton Canyon Nature Center and trails in Pasadena. The weather was perfect for a day outdoors. Lots of beautiful sunshine! The Nature center is about 7,600 square feet and contains many awesome displays including an entire wall of terraniums, that have live snakes and lizards. The large taxidermy animals hanging on the walls are quite fascinating, in particular the huge California Hawk. Diego liked the cool sensory box of decomposed granite, and of course he loved the snakes! Like most nature centers there is no entry fee and parking is free here too! They even accomodate overflow with a huge parking lot.  

After spending some time in the nature center we headed out to the surrounding trails. There is lots of lush vegetation and so many little lizards who peek out every once in awhile. Diego enjoyed collecting rocks, but he spent most of his time trying to climb this cool water fountain! Oh boy! The trails are short, but if you're looking for a nice hike, you can hike up to the famous waterfall which is north of the nature center.

After a morning of exploring we headed down the street for some lunch.  Cafe Culture is a cute little cafe that offers delicious sandwiches, pastries and to die for smoothies! My favorite is the Albacore Tuna sandwich which is served with a side of fresh kettle chips and a glass of homemade lemonade. Diego ate and enjoyed a turkey sandwich and strawberry smoothie. I love that there is a reading section of free children's books, which makes this place inviting for little ones! The owners were very accomodating, especially Mary who had no problem taking out the alfalfa sprouts off Diego's sandwich! 

http://www.ecnca.org/index.html

http://pasadenacafeculture.com/

El Dorado Nature Center and Trails

     Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that Diego and I love this place! It's the El Dorado Nature Center and Trails. It's located in Long Beach and is truly a hidden gem of the city. There is a wonderful nature center as you walk into the park. Inside the nature center you will find tons of interactive displays, as well as various insects and reptiles. There's even a very cool animal X-ray display that Diego loves, with real animal X-ray films to see and touch. 

As you walk out of the nature center you find a large turtle filled lake that is just beautiful and serene. There are many wild birds and lots of ducks to see. As you pass over the wooden bridge you can begin either a 1 mile or 2 mile hike through the tree abundant trails that consist of dense vegetation and many bugs! This park is great if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The only downside of this place is the parking, there is a $7.00 parking fee on weekends and $5.00 during the week, but I think it's well worth it, especially if you're going to make it an all day trip! 

7550 E Spring St
Long Beach, CA 90815

(562) 570-1745

http://www.longbeach.gov/naturecenter