Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Long Beach, CA

Okay, there aren't really any lions, tigers, or bears in Long Beach, but there are plenty of other critters to see, and not just squirrels and pigeons. One of my favorite spots to see the local wildlife in Long Beach is the Colorado Lagoon. The Lagoon is a hangout for pelicans, egrets, and even the occasional great blue heron, not to mention garden-variety ducks and geese. In the summer from 2:00 - 7:00 PM, visit the the science shack to watch the birds through binoculars and learn all about the local flora and fauna.

If farm animals are more your speed, check out the petting zoo at the Lakewood Equestrian Center near Long Beach Town Center. You can buy goat chow to feed the goats from a cup outside the fence, or go inside to pet them. My daughter screeched in terror when they nibbled on our clothes, but she enjoyed watching them from a safe distance. Another area houses caged rabbits, a miniature horse, and chickens. Admission to the petting zoo is $1.00, and pony rides are $4.00.

Although we don't have a zoo in Long Beach, the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park is only forty-five minutes away. Beforehand, you can preview the animals, read all about them, and even watch video clips with your child on the Zoo's website. To beat traffic, drive into the city Saturday or Sunday morning and arrive when the zoo opens at 10:00. Although I always enjoy watching the primates' antics, my favorite animals at the L.A. Zoo are the okapi and the gerenuk, which look like a tiny deer with graceful, giraffe-like necks.