The California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

The California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights

Every child should have the opportunity to participate in the following activities by the age of 14:

1. Discover California’s past: The color and flavors of LA’s rich Mexican heritage are found on Olvera Street in El Puebla de Los Angeles off of Main Street. This is the site of 27 historic building that date back to the city’s origins in 1781. In 1930, Olvera Street became a vibrant Mexican marketplace. Visit the El Pueblo Visitors Center located in the Sepulveda house on Olvera Street for a self-guided tour brochure. Free. Olvera and Main Streets, LA, 213-628-1274, http://www.cityofla.org/.
2. Splash in the water: California = beaches, beaches, and more beaches. When you’ve visited every beach, there are water parks galore.
3. Play in a safe place: More than enough local and state parks, indoor playgrounds and backyards.
4. Camp under the stars: Leo Carillo State Park in Malibu is a jewel. There is a sandy beach (for right #2) with tide pools, great trails (#8), rocks to climb and even a family-friendly beach where dogs are allowed. The campground is a short walk from the beach, and it is heavily shaded by sycamore trees. It even has picnic areas and warm showers. Camping fee is $25 peak season, $20 off-season. 35000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; 818-880-0350, http://www.parks.ca.gov/.
Tip: make reservations early in the season, since the park often fills up quickly.
5. Explore nature: The new Children’s Garden at the Huntington Botanical Gardens near Pasadena was inspired by the curiosity of children and the wonders of the natural world. The environment invites children (and adults) to use their senses as they walk under a rainbow of mist, disappear into a cloud of fog, see the effects of sound waves moving through water, hear pebbles tumble and feel the energy of magnetic sand. Admission: $15 for adults, $6 children ages 5-11, free for children under 5.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino; 626-405-2100, www.huntington.org
6. Learn to swim: Check your local pool, parks, YMCA and swimming schools
7. Play on a team: Check your local parks, YMCA, etc.
8. Follow a trail: The child-friendly Temescal Canyon trail offers shady groves, a waterfall, streams, wildflowers and an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean. A footbridge crosses the canyon. Free entrance. Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades; http://www.gorp.away.com/.
9. Catch a fish: Self-explanatoryCelebrate their heritage: Can be as simple Family reunions, local cultural museums and fairs.
10. Celebrate their heritage: Attend a family reunion, visit cultural museums and fairs.