Echo Park is a neighborhood on the eastern side of Los Angeles, sandwiched between Silver Lake and Downtown. But it stands on its own with lots of fun family-friendly things to do.
Echo Park Lake
751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Pack a picnic and get ready for a picturesque day at Echo Park Lake. Take advantage of the picnic tables and walking paths. And don’t forget to rent a pedal boat. A pedal boat is a great way to leisurely explore Echo Park Lake’s fountains and lotus beds. Echo Park Lake is also the site on the annual Lotus Festival.
Beacon | Echo Park
Echo Park Lake (at the Historic Boathouse)
751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
If you don’t pack a picnic, you can stop by Beacon at Echo Park Lake. They are open seven days a week, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They feature a “chef-driven menu, using sustainable, locally-produced, good-for-you ingredients.” You can check their menu online. Breakfast is served 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and lunch is served from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Their kids menu is served all day.
Stories Books and Café
1716 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Visit Stories Books and Café when you’re not in a hurry, when you and your kids can take your time to browse, read, and shop. Stories opened back in 2008 and is a neighborhood favorite! They sell new, used, and rare books as well as baked goods, coffee, and salads and sandwiches. They also host a variety of special events including live music and book release parties. Stories is open seven days a week.
Dodger Stadium
1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Perhaps the most well-known location in Echo Park is Dodger Stadium. Even if your family has attended Dodger games in the past, you may want to create new memories by going on one of the behind-the-scenes stadium tours. Tours are 80-90 minutes in length and include a visit to the dugout, the field, and more. Ticket information is available online. And click here to read Sarah’s post “10 Awesome Things About Dodger Stadium.”
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
100 N. Toluca St., Los Angeles, CA
Vista Hermosa Park is a 10.5-acre urban park and the “first public park built in this densely populated area in more than a hundred years.” The park features walking trails, streams, picnic grounds, and a nature-themed playground (including “snakes” and “turtle” shapes for children to climb on). An outdoor amphitheater is also the site for periodic public events.
The Echo Park Time Travel Mart
1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park, CA 90026
You’ll feel good about shopping at the Time Travel Mart, because all the proceeds help support the programs at 826LA, a non-profit writing and tutoring organization. At this eclectic shop, you’ll find unique accessories, books, t-shirts, and more. (Open 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily).
Echo Park Recreation Center
1632 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Families will find lots to do at the Echo Park Recreation Center. A variety of classes and special programs are offered — after-school, on weekends, and during the summer. In addition, you’ll find barbecue pits, picnic tables, tennis courts, basketball courts, a soccer field, and a children’s play area.
Angelino Heights Walking Tour
1300 Block of Carroll Ave., Los Angeles, CA
The L.A. Conservancy invites families to participate in their Angelino Heights Walking Tour (just east of Echo Park). The tour features incredible Victorian homes from the late 19th century. (Some have been featured in television shows and commercials). Generally, guests will also view two private home interiors. The next tour is scheduled for May 5th and lasts about 2 hours. Check the website for details and to sign up.
Echo Park Branch Library
1410 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Echo Park Branch Library is a part of the Los Angeles Public Library System. Because the library is located in Historic Filipinotown, it is the only public library in Southern California with a “dedicated Filipino heritage collection, consisting of over 500 volumes on all aspects of Filipino life and culture.” The Library also hosts several special events including a weekly children’s story time. The library is closed on Sundays.
Elysian Park
929 Academy Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Have the camera ready, because you’ll be able to take some beautiful family photos at Elysian Park. Stroll across the bridge, listen to the water, and marvel at the trees. You’ll find a bike path, horseshoe pits, and a hiking trail here.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is just outside of Eagle Rock, but well worth a visit. The Theatre has been a part of the lives of many Los Angeles families since 1963. They use over 2000 handcrafted puppets in over 200 performances a year! It is the longest operating marionette theater in the country. Currently, families can enjoy Something to Crow About, the original Bob Baker Musical Spectacular featuring “dancing scarecrows and tap dancing bullfrogs.” Check the website for other shows and ticket information.
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
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