Storytelling with a Sense of Place

 

In a shaded corner of Long Beach’s Rancho Los Cerritos, surrounded by blooming gardens and adobe walls, families gather not just for stories—but for connection. On Tuesday, August 5, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the monthly Rancho Los Cerritos Storytime returns, offering children an immersive tale-telling experience steeped in both natural beauty and local history.

 

This half-hour event is a well-loved tradition for Long Beach parents looking for something a little slower, quieter, and richer than the average park day. Hosted outdoors amid vibrant flora and beneath sprawling trees, the setting alone creates a sense of wonder. But it’s the dedicated storytellers, often drawn from local educators and Rancho volunteers, who make the morning truly magical.

 

Why Families Keep Coming Back

 

“It’s one of our favorite things to do with the kids,” says Long Beach mom Carla Medina, who’s been attending storytime with her two toddlers since last year. “They love the stories, and I love how it brings us into the garden—it feels like a hidden gem in the city.”

 

Unlike traditional indoor story sessions, Rancho Los Cerritos leverages its historic gardens as a character in the storytelling itself. Themes often include nature, California history, and multicultural tales that reflect Long Beach’s rich diversity. Each session is tailored for young children, yet still engaging for accompanying parents and caregivers.

 

A Living History for Little Ones

 

Rancho Los Cerritos is more than a backdrop—it’s a historic landmark dating back to 1844. Originally a two-story adobe home built on the site of a former Tongva village, the Rancho has evolved into a cultural and educational center. And its Storytime event serves as one of the most accessible points of entry for local families.

 

“We see storytime as an invitation to experience the Rancho’s history in a gentle, child-focused way,” says an event coordinator. “It sparks curiosity not just about books, but about Long Beach’s past.”

 

Following each session, families are encouraged to explore the grounds, tour the home, or visit the gift shop and educational exhibits. With no admission fee and no reservation required, the Rancho’s storytime is one of the city’s most welcoming events for young children and their caregivers.

 

Looking for Screen-Free Summer Activities?

 

In an era of increasing digital overwhelm, events like this offer a rare screen-free, analog delight. They provide not just early literacy support, but also a vital pause from the digital world—a chance to sit in the grass and let the imagination take over.

 

Whether you’re a Long Beach native or just exploring the city’s hidden corners, Rancho Los Cerritos Storytime is a must-try for families with young children. Bring a blanket, a sun hat, and your curiosity—and let the Rancho’s stories carry you into another world.

 

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Event Details

 

Rancho Los Cerritos Storytime
• 📅 Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
• 🕒 Time: 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
• 📍 Location: Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach
• 🎟️ Admission: Free, open to families
• 📄 Details: Monthly children’s storytime in garden setting at historical Rancho site.