Summer officially began on Wednesday, June 21, bringing sunny skies and warmer temperatures to Southern California to confirm the season. Though a trip to the beach or a family vacation may be at the top of summer bucket lists, there are many free, local ways to spend the next few months.
Residents can fill their days and summer nights with free movie screenings, live music, organized sports and other recreational activities at local parks. All activities in this list are free, allowing families to create memories without burning a hole through their budget.
Power Up Your Summer – Mondays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
To encourage an hour of play each day, Long Beach’s health and parks departments are rolling out pop-ups at three locations every Monday. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., youth can engage in organized play, taste healthy snacks and receive nutrition education.
Dates and locations include:
- Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.) on June 26, July 3 and July 10
- Houghton Park (3601 Myrtle Ave.) on July 17, July 24 and July 31
- Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.) on Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21
Summer Fun Days – Mondays through Fridays from noon to 5 p.m.
Children ages 5 through 12 can visit select parks to participate in sports, games, arts and crafts and special events throughout the summer every Monday through Friday until Aug. 25.
Participating parks include El Dorado Park West, Admiral Kidd Park, Drake Park, Ramona Park, Silverado Park and more. Pre-registration is required at locations and participants can come and go as they please. Summer Fun Days will not run during the Fourth of July holiday.
Caregivers can register a child for Summer Fun Days by visiting or calling one of the 22 locations on the city’s webpage.
Be S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities in a Friendly Environment) – Mondays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Eleven city parks will be activated and supervised during evening hours Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. until Aug. 25.
Programs include arts and crafts, outdoor games, sports, science activities, computer labs and more. On Thursdays, residents can enjoy a family-friendly movie screening at a different location each week. View a list of movie screenings on the city’s website.
Locations include:
- Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave.
- Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
- Drake Park, 951 Maine Ave.
- Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.
- Orizaba Park, 1435 Orizaba Ave.
- Pan American Park, 5157 E. Centralia St.
- Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St.
- Scherer Park, 4600 Long Beach Blvd.
- Seaside Park, 14th St. at Chestnut Ave.
- Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st St.
Mobile Recess – Varying times and locations
A truck loaded with supplies and equipment for activities will be visiting various neighborhoods, closing off streets and creating a play-friendly environment. Youths ages 5 through 14 can register and participate in activities on a first-come, first-served basis during program hours.
Locations and times include:
- Grace Park, 361 E. Plymouth St. from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Wednesdays
- DeForest Park, 6255 DeForest Ave. from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Rose Park, corner of Orizaba Avenue and Eighth Street from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Daryle W. Black Memorial Park, 2023 Pasadena Ave. from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Hill Street, at Hill Street and Gale Avenue from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Jackson Park, 1432 Jackson St. from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Movies in the Park – Varying times and locations
Signal Hill and Long Beach residents can throw down a blanket, plop down and watch a movie with friends and family with nearly 30 movie screenings at local parks this summer. This year, movies will be accompanied by dress-up themes, sing-a-long nights, dance parties and trivia.
Residents can dress up as their favorite Marvel character for the “Doctor Strange” screening, belt out snowman ballads while watching “Frozen”, test their choreography for the High School Musical dance party and prove their Disney love during the “Toy Story” screening and trivia.
Movie screenings will travel to multiple parks throughout the week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and begin at dusk. Popcorn will be provided for free and residents are welcome to bring their own snacks and dinner.
View a full list of locations and movies on the city’s website. For additional questions regarding the 2023 Movies in the Park screenings, call 562.570.3226.
Long Beach Municipal Band – Varying times and locations
Residents can enjoy nature and live music thanks to the Long Beach Municipal Band’s 114th season. A new theme will be introduced each week, as the band travels to different locations to serenade attendees.
This year’s themes include “United We Stand,” a salute to American freedom through music; “Give My Regards to Broadway,” which will feature Broadway classics and vocalist Crystal Lewis; “Legends of Song,” featuring classic artists’ music such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley; “Cinema Classics,” where residents can hear iconic scores played live and various other themes.
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free to attend. View a full list of themes, vocalists and concerts on the city’s website. Dates and locations include:
- Whaley Park – June 27 and July 11
- Bluff Annex Park – July 18, 25 and August 1
- Los Cerritos Park – Wednesdays, June 28 through August 2
- Recreation Park – Thursdays, June 29 through August 3
- El Dorado Park West – Fridays June 30 through August 4
