Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
add photos10 Reviews for Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
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00 families found this helpful
"Beautiful"
Though no real "structures" for the kids to climb on, they do have plenty of running, hiding, general space for make believe or other games. Pack a lunch and bring a blanket. After touring the grounds, finding a clean spot on the grass to have a picnic and nap under the blue sky is amazing. By "clean spot" I refer to the messes the peacock/hens send to leave. These magnificent birds can be found all over the grounds (and city for that matter).
Durring the summer the arboretum has a spectacular music series in the summer. Though it costs extra, having a picnic dinner (I believe you can buy food there too but don't quote me) and wine, on your blanket, looking at the stars as the music plays is incredible!
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1 family found this helpful
"A great place to share nature with kids"
The Arboretum is a 127-acre botanical garden with something for everyone. Sure, there are plenty of beautiful plants and flowers to see. But there’s also a waterfall, a lake, a pond, several grassy lawns begging to run (or roll) on – even a very enormous willow sculpture that the kids can actually play in.
The Arboretum is divided into sections based on parts of the world – Australia, Africa and Asia. The result is that you get to see a wide variety of garden life within a fairly compact space.
And then there is the wildlife. Within a few steps of entering the grounds, we came upon one of the most popular creatures that’s taken up residence here: the peacock. These guys are all over the place – some resting, some displaying their plumage, some bellowing their unique call. They’re a big hit with kids of all ages.
But there are other creatures that call this place home, too, including resident and migratory birds, ducks, turtles and fish to name a few that we saw during our visit.
This place is quite large & may be a bit exhausting for younger kids. My advice is to pick a destination (like the Meyberg Waterfall) and take in the sights along the way. Our kids most enjoyed the water - both the waterfall and the two lakes en route to get there. Turn your walk into a hunt for colors, shapes or flowers - whatever appeal most to your kiddos.
One last thought: Bring a stroller if you've got a toddler.
0 families found this helpful
"Love IT!"
This is a great place for everyone! They have a lot of plants and flowers. Beside each plant are information cards so you are also getting a learning experience. They have different sections to explore which is great because you will be able to explore each part.
0 families found this helpful
"Wide open spaces"
If you like looking at beautiful plants this is the place for you. I thought my kids would be bored, but it was great for them. There are peacocks walking all around and showing off their beauty. My kids really enjoyed the hot house plants and the Native American replicas of life size long houses and mud huts. This is a must see.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful, but not exciting for older kids"
If you're looking to go for a stroll and your kiddos love water fountains, then this beautiful arboretum is the perfect place. It was clean, relaxing, and beautiful. But, unless your little one is stroller-bound, young kids and older kids are likely to get a little bored. But, it's an easier nature walk than hiking, and you can take a stroller on this adventure.
0 families found this helpful
"It's time to workout"
They have a FREE day on the third Tuesday of the month. FREE parking.
I take my 2 year every month. Parking lot gets full so I usually park in the lot where the buses park. I take my jogging stroller and do my exercise first and then let my son loose to run around and watch the peacocks, squirrels, ducks, fish, and birds.
The place is so big that once inside it doesn't get crowded.
0 families found this helpful
"Extraordinary"
And I thought we had a nice arboretum! Wow! Well worth a visit!
We spent hours here. It is so lovely and good exercise too!
My favorite area's were The whole "Historic Circle" and The Bauer Lawn and Fountains. It was neat to see were Fantasy Island was filmed. That show is actually available to watch On Demand with Comcast cable :)
Check out the website.
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"Beautiful!"
I grew up just blocks from the Arboretum and have fond memories of watching koi fish, feeding peacocks and looking that the beautiful foliage. Bring a lunch and enjoy walking around. There are areas of open water, so keep an eye on the little ones.
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"Peacocks & Fantasy Island"
The arboretum is a great place to go for the day if you are a garden-lover. The kids love the peacocks that roam all over the gardens. Watch out though, they are not very shy and will approach you if you have food. If you are old enough to remember it, the house from the TV show "Fantasy Island" is here. In the summer they have lots of kid summer activities and camps.
0 families found this helpful
"Arboretum-Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic G"
This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There is plenty of wildlife - squirrels, ducks, turtles, Canadian Geese, and yes, the peacocks (these birds have lived here for years and migrate in nearby citities too). These majestic birds are beautiful, but beware of theirmating call - it sounds like a small child screaming.
There are acres and acres of territory to cover, from the Desert area, to the Australian section, to the Asian Garden, to the waterfall, to the lake, the Children's area, and to the statecoach house. Lots of lush foliage to look at - from an herb garden, to orange trees, and the beautiful blooming trees all over the grounds. We love coming here, then go over to the mall across the street (Santa Anita Mall - next to the racetrack) to have a meal. However, if you want to eat on site at the Gardens, they have a cute little cafe available (closed on Mondays and take cash ONLY). Gift shop is cute too.
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