On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Outdoor Children’s Bill of Rights outlining 10 experiences that every child growing up in Los Angeles County should have regardless of race, income, gender identity, ability, and/or geographic location.
In celebration of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation’s 80th Birthday, LA County launched the “Let’s Play Outside” campaign that provided over 200 free outdoor experiences in July that celebrated the critical importance of childhood play. Research has increasingly shown that play and direct exposure to nature is a necessary component of a child’s physical and emotional well-being and contributes to cognitive development.
Although the events in July have passed, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Los Angeles County.
- Play Outdoors: Children can build and fly kites, check out play equipment and participate in sports and adaptive sports clinics at 61 LA County Parks
- Explore Nature: Children can check out exploration backpacks and participate in nature-based programs at Nature Centers
- Splash In the Pool: Children can jump in a pool for recreational swimming daily
- Go Fishing: Children can check out a fishing pole and catch a fish at our stocked lakes
- Follow a Trail: Children can learn trail etiquette and participate in guided hikes
- Camp Under the Stars: Children and their families can camp under the stars and stargaze
- Ride a Bike: Children can learn how to ride a bike (bikes and helmets provided)
- Go Boating In a Lake: Children and their families can kayak and row/paddle a boat at Castaic, Bonelli and Santa Fe Dam lakes
- Connect With Wildlife: Children can meet our animal ambassadors (owls, hawks, snakes, etc.) and learn about wildlife
- Plant a Seed: Children can get dirty, learn about the plant lifecycle and plant seeds at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, South Coast Botanical Garden and Virginia Robinson Gardens and at 61 LA County Parks
For any questions regarding the campaign, please email pio@parks.lacounty.gov.