1. Grand Hope Park
When taking my four-year-old son anywhere, I like to start the day with letting him run around like crazy for about 30 minutes, which makes it easier for everyone later on when it's time to sit still. Grand Hope Park (at 9th and Grand) is a fun place to take your little ones, and there's lots of metered street parking around it. Plus, there's a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf right across the street for your soy latte (no sugar added, please) needs.
Much of the equipment is shaded, and there are friendly ladybugs and snails for the kids to ride on.
Even on the playground there's a beautiful tile mural, which is a nice nod to the city's burgeoning arts scene. And have you heard about The Broad, a brand-new museum coming soon to Grand Avenue? Admission is going to be free! (And make sure you pronounce "Broad" so it rhymes with "Toad.")
Grand Hope Park is right next to FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising), which I think is one reason why it is so clean and feels safe. If you have time, pop in and check out one of their exhibitions.
Right next to the play area, there are various pieces of exercise equipment, so if running around after your little one doesn't give you enough of a workout you can further work on your fitness.
Grand Hope Park
919 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90015
2. Los Angeles Central Library
After your time at the park, you can walk right up Hope to the Los Angeles Central Library (Hope actually stops at the back of the building). If you parked on the street by Grand Hope Park, check your meter! You can also park in the lot on Flower Street right next door to the library, which is very reasonable with validation. Built in 1926 (and renovated in the 90s), the library is a beautiful mix of architectural styles and influences, like Art Deco, Egyptian, and Spanish.
Before going inside, take a stroll through the Maguire Gardens just outside the library, which are filled with stunning fountains and art. The Central Library offers free tours of the building and the gardens--check their site for more info. Look closely at the above pic; that's agua flowing out of the eyes and nose of a HEAD, with the word "Clear" behind it.
In addition to the building itself being a work of art, there are art galleries inside the Central Library and gorgeous pictures and different decorative touches scattered throughout. I spotted this picture of a bustling South Broadway (probably taken in the twenties or thirties) on the first floor by the elevator.
The Central Library's theme is "The Light of Learning," which you will see represented by different forms of light all over the place. There are the giant suns on the pyramid atop the building, a hand holding a torch inside a case (which used to top the building), and suns all over the inside. How many different suns can you spot when you go?
The Central Library offers TONS of free programs for the community, and we love coming every Saturday at 2p for the family stuff. A typical story time for the kids includes songs, poetry, stories, and a puppet show in its own little theatre! (In Southern California, even the librarians are multi-talented entertainers.) There is also a tiny toddler amphitheatre.
The second-floor rotunda in the main wing might be my favorite part of the whole library. Sunlight streams through the windows and illuminates a mural depicting the history of the state of California, and during the holidays there is a giant Christmas tree to keep you company. In the midst of all the business and craziness of a major city, the Central Library is a cozy oasis that I wish I could visit every day of my life! And the fact that the programs have gotten my son interested in the arts (and away from the Ipad) has made it even dearer to my heart.
Los Angeles Central Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
www.lapl.org
What are some of your favorite spots in DTLA to take the kids to? Share in the comments, or email me!
