Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine

My daughter just completed the Harry Potter Camp through the Long Beach Parks and Rec. Put on by Edutainment Arts. 1 – 4 M-​F $ 149.00 (one week) The first day when I picked up my daughter she was very upset and cried all the way home in the car. Apparently, she requested of the «teacher» (Jordan) that she be placed in a certain «house» in the games and the teacher said in a snarky voice; NO, since you asked then no you cant! Then, she proceeded to be snippy towards my daughter the rest of the day. Since my money was non-​refundable we continued on with the week. She enjoyed herself the rest of the week and even managed to make a new friend. There was no food provided, they were given a chopstick for a wand and asked to bring their own broom from home to play Quidditch on the last day. What did my $ 149.00 pay for? Very over priced for what we received.

The receptionist greeted us as soon as we walked in… they were really helpful when we were filling out the paperwork… Maria was the lady that helped us and boy did she go above and beyond… she helped me with my puppy class registration (even though their computers were down) and sent me a follow up email the next day with all of the information that I needed for registration… she was awesome… and to top it all off… she said my last name was cool!!! YOU ROCK MARIA…
A friend and I decided to walk our dogs around that park since it was getting close to sunset already… and when we got back… she was outside and even came over and played with our dogs for a little while… she was such a treat to meet and I’m glad that she helped us that day!

I have founds some great classes for my toddler at the parks and rec. Tales and Trails at the El Dorado Nature Center is a favorite, the teacher is wonderful. The kids do nature themed crafts, go for walks on the trails and have story time with puppets. The same woman also teaches Bubble Fizz Boom, a science class full of messy fun. I wish the classes ran longer that 3 weeks, but you just have to keep signing up. I’ve also taken my daughter to swim classes at the Belmont pool and had a great time.

I have to say for a newbie in town about 4 yrs ago, I love this city’s park and rec department. I have not only found great classes for my kids but for me as well. I am currently enrolled in the Yoga class at the Senior Center on Studebaker and love it.

I used to play pick-​up roller hockey at the rink down on Ocean every Sunday, even after I moved to OC. It was like $ 5 I’m sure they still offer it as long as the weather is decent. good times…