Llamas & Ponies & Goats, oh my! Southern California is known for being one of the prettiest places in the country. And understandably so! It boasts sunshine all year round, access to the Pacific Ocean, eclectic food options, and roots in many cultures. It’s also home to many animal shelters and sanctuaries and thousands of acres of preserved land.
If you’re looking for something to do next weekend, we recommend you head over to Lakewood Equestrian Center for some interactive animal fun, and then to El Dorado Nature Center for some nature exploration.
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook The Lakewood Equestrian Center is located in Lakewood, CA, and is a 19-acre horse boarding facility. While horses are the primary focus of the Center, the grounds also include “Pony Time,” which offers riding lessons, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Pony Rides are reserved for those aged one and older, and riders must not exceed 80 pounds
Pony rides are available Wednesday through Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and cost $7 for five laps around the pony track.
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook
You can even take a “pony lesson” where kids aged three through seven, and under 80 pounds, will learn how to brush, saddle, and ride!
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook
The petting zoo is open on the same days and hours, where you can see, pet, and feed a variety of animals: llamas, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs.
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook Once you’ve had enough animal fun for the day, head over to El Dorado Nature Center. The 105-acre property serves as a sanctuary for animals and plant life, and offers trails around forests, lakes, and streams. The trails are open Tuesday through Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the museum is open the same days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Come prepared with cash or credit for parking and leave your furry friends at home, as pets are not allowed on the trails.
City of Long Beach, El Dorado Nature Center and Regional Park/Facebook
For a full experience of the grounds and to round out your day, we recommend taking the El Dorado Park Nature Trail. The 2.3-mile loop trail is mostly flat, rated as easy, and typically takes hikers 50 minutes to complete.
F S/AllTrails
So, the next time you have an available weekend or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, make your way over to Lakewood Equestrian Center and El Dorado Nature Center. It’s the perfect combination to entertain the family or, for solo travelers, to capture that much-needed solace and alone time.
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook
The Lakewood Equestrian Center is located in Lakewood, CA, and is a 19-acre horse boarding facility. While horses are the primary focus of the Center, the grounds also include “Pony Time,” which offers riding lessons, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Pony Rides are reserved for those aged one and older, and riders must not exceed 80 pounds
Pony Time At Lakewood Equestrian Center/Facebook
Once you’ve had enough animal fun for the day, head over to El Dorado Nature Center. The 105-acre property serves as a sanctuary for animals and plant life, and offers trails around forests, lakes, and streams. The trails are open Tuesday through Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and the museum is open the same days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Come prepared with cash or credit for parking and leave your furry friends at home, as pets are not allowed on the trails.
City of Long Beach, El Dorado Nature Center and Regional Park/Facebook
F S/AllTrails
Have you ever been to a petting zoo before? What was your favorite animal to feed?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Lakewood Equestrian Center, 11369 E Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90715, USAAddress: El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
