Here is a list of Frugal (& Free) Things to do in L.A. area! Me and my family will be going there so my Husband can go through some training for 2 whole weeks! When I get back I will give you my own review of some of these places!:) Because sometimes places say "kid friendly" or seem like they would be fun with little ones but then turn out to not be too great for smaller children or not as fun for older children! So look for my review the middle of August and if you have anywhere you would like to share or have a review of any of these places please comment below!
Most of my information came from the following links:
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
2. Visit a Garden or Park--
Beverly Gardens Park:
Beverly Gardens is a 22 block, 1.9 mile linear park stretching from Doheny Drive to Whittier Drive along the north side of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other features of the park, many of which are historic, include:
Coldwater Canyon Park:
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS $$$
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: 626.405.2100
Fax: 626.405.9211
www.huntington.org
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres. Explore breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books. Bookstore, English Tea and group tours.
3. Museums!--A List of FREE ones here!
4.Visit a Zoo--
Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a place to play, a place to learn and a place to spend time with your family.
Most of my information came from the following links:
- http://discoverlosangeles.com
- http://www.uptake.com/california/orange.html
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
2. Visit a Garden or Park--
Beverly Gardens Park:
Beverly Gardens is a 22 block, 1.9 mile linear park stretching from Doheny Drive to Whittier Drive along the north side of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Other features of the park, many of which are historic, include:
- Cactus Garden
- Rose Garden
- Wilshire Electric Fountain
- Doheny Fountain
- Decomposed granite jogging and walking path
- Arbors
Coldwater Canyon Park:
This park has two small picnic
areas with two tables each. The Park also has two play areas, a water
feature, and shaded arbor. Picnic areas may be reserved for use
seasonally.
For more information, call (310) 285-6820
Coldwater Canyon Park
1100 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Coldwater Canyon Park
1100 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Grijalva Park
- 368 North Prospect, Orange, California, United States
- Playground park
Hart Park
- 701 S. Glassell, Orange, California, United States
- Oldest but not outdated! Huge!
Orange County Zoo
- 1 Irvine Park Road, California
- Phone:+1 714 633 2022, 7146332022, +1Website:www.ocparks.comLocated in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park.
- 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, California
- Irvine Regional Park, nestled in a grove of Heritage Oak and Sycamore trees, houses a variety of wildlife.Santiago Creek divides the park, and a pond with stone-work waterfall and foot bridge is at its center.
Belmont Park
- 4536 East Via Escola Ave., Orange, California, United States
- A beautiful park designed by Venture 2 consultants, where Anthony Mendoza was the lead Landscape Architect on the project. This park is located in the hills of Orange in a very affluent neighborhood. Playground
Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Point Fermin is often overlooked by visitors. But the 37-acre park and its coin-operated telescopes offer some of the best views along the coast, while the 1874 lighthouse makes for picture-perfect photo-ops. Picnic, go for a jog, or just sit and lose yourself. 500 West Paseo Del Mar
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS $$$
1151 Oxford Rd.
San Marino, CA 91108
Phone: 626.405.2100
Fax: 626.405.9211
www.huntington.org
An oasis of art and culture on 207 acres. Explore breathtaking gardens, new Children’s Garden, Tropical Conservatory, Chinese Garden, four art galleries and a library, showcasing collections of rare books. Bookstore, English Tea and group tours.
Summer Hours
| Monday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Weekdays | Weekends | |||
| Adults | $20 | $23 | ||
| Seniors (age 65+) | $15 | $18 | ||
| Students (age 12-18, or with full-time student I.D.) | $12 | $13 | ||
| Youth (age 5-11) | $8 | $8 | ||
| Children (under 5) | free | free | ||
| Groups (15 or more) | $11 (per person) | $14 (per person) | ||
| Members | free | free |
Kind of pricy but if you can get tickets for the free day or get a membership if you live close then I'm sure it's well worth it!
Free Day
Admission to The Huntington is free to all visitors on the first Thursday of every month with advance tickets. Hours on Free Day are 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Children's Museum at La Habra
- 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA, 90631
- AdmissionPhone:+1 562 905 9643Website:www.lahabracity.comLa Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum on S. Euclid St in La Habra, CA is in the Beach California section(s) Museums and Other General Government Support. The map of La Habra Children's Museum Children's Museum shows the approximate ... more on Beachcalifornia.com
Children & Adults $8
La Habra residents $7
Children under 2 Free
Members Free - Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm
Fridays open at 9 am for CMLH Members
Target Free First Saturdays
On the first Saturday of every month admission is free from 10am – 5pm, sponsored by Target. - Eating Facilities
There is no restaurant at the Museum, however snacks and water are available for purchase. The Museum is located in Portola Park, which features picnic tables and a playground. There is an array of restaurants within driving distance of the museum. Ask your friendly admissions clerk for a list of local eateries in the area.
4.Visit a Zoo--
Orange County Zoo
- 1 Irvine Park Road, California
- Phone:+1 714 633 2022, 7146332022, +1Website:www.ocparks.comLocated in the Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo is home to a variety of species of animals that are indigenous to the southwest including mountain lions, foxes and black bears. It's just $2 for admission for visitors two and older, but don't forget an extra few dollars for the parking at this Orange, California regional park.
Santa Ana Zoo
- 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone:
+1 714 953 8555, 714 / 953.8555
Website:
www.santaanazoo.org
5. Visit an Aquarium--
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- 3720 Stephen White Drive, Los Angeles, California
Phone:
+1 310 548 7562
Website:
www.cabrilloaq.org
Both children and adults will enjoy viewing sea creatures of the ...
more on TripAdvisor
Aquarium HoursTuesday through Friday - 12 noon to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Saturday and Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas
They have a tide table for Cabrillo Beach on there site.
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is open year-round and operates on a
suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.
