Go Somewhere Thursday...5 Fun, Free, Outdoor Field Trips (+Giveaway)

Thursdays are usually our field trip day. This day works best for us because of our Wednesday which is typically full; school-time in the morning and after naps, off to church for a long-stay-up-past-your-bed-time evening. So, Thursdays just naturally work for us to get out of the house, have an unstructured morning and enjoy getting to break the routine. Hope you have a paper and pen ready because I guarantee you'll want to check out these places; good with or without children..or to even let your inner child out :) Enjoy!

1. The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at UCLA

Right in the middle of Westwood, at UCLA, is a FREE botanical garden. Stroller friendly, lush, benches to sit on while you enjoy a picnic. If you're not the picnic kind, you could drive one street over and hit up Chick-fa-la. OR go to 800 Degrees Pizza (which is bomb.com). Then for dessert, Diddy Riese. I mean aren't you excited to go already?!?

2. Solstice Canyon in Malibu

Super cool place to hike with little ones. It's about 2.5 miles round trip and can be done in flip flops. The biggest attraction there are the ruins; fun for the kids to walk through and climb.

To get to the trailhead: Take PCH to Malibu and turn inland on Corral Canyon Road (West of Malibu Canyon Road and Pepperdine University at the intersection with the 76 gas station). The park entrance is on the left, just around the first bend in the road. Expect a full parking lot on weekends.



3. Grand Park LA in Downtown Los Angeles

Except for having to pay for public parking (For close parking, check out Hill St on top of the 101), everything here is free.
The fountain, turn splash pad is huge. And if you're there on a school day you can get away with riding scooters through the water. Right by the fountain is a Starbucks and on certain days of the week there are food trucks. 

Walk south a bit and you run into a gated playground. Small but cute and well-kept.

And if you made it to the playground, might as well head south a little more and go into City Hall. The building and views are fantastic (especially if you love LA as much as we do)! The public entrance to the City Hall is located mid-block off of Main Street. Upon entering, you will be greeted by some friendly officers who will hand out visitor stickers. Then travel up to the 27th floor, by stairs, just kidding, there's an elevator, and enjoy!



4.Tongva Park in Santa Monica

This park is a MUST visit. The park sits right across from the Santa Monica Pier. South of Third Street promenade and has a splash pad, slides, rock climbing wall and water-crossings. It's also a beautiful spot to walk through and just sit.






5. Travel Town at Griffith Park

This is a place where you can totally walk on the train tracks :)
There's also a fun $2 (per person) train ride around the park and a free museum.









Giveaway!
Zarcone Collection

Stayed tuned for next's week giveaway, sponsored by my dear sis and bro-in-law.
For now check out their super cute Etsy shop.
Their hand-made clocks will have you wanting to find a spot on your walls!
For a chance to win, share their Etsy site and the blog!

xo,
M.Y.