Frugal Finds - The LA Arboretum

 

 

I've decided to start a new (hopefully weekly) feature where I will share with you a plethora of frugal finds that my family has utilized and enjoyed!

The first frugal find is one I used to avail myself of on the regular but haven't been in several years until my friend Sandi suggested it - the LA Arboretum in Arcadia. Entrance to the arboretum is free on the third Tuesdays of every month and parking is always free - bonus!

The LA Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit: full of all manner of unique plant life, dotted with some historical buildings, and loaded with friendly peacocks. We took 8 kids with us, aged 5-13, and they all had a blast.

First, the peacocks -

 

 

Peacocks are plentiful at the arboretum - turning visitors into frenzied paparazzi whilst languidly strutting around, teasing them with the hope of unfurling their gorgeous fans of feathers.

 

Then, there's the foliage -

 



 Granted, spring is the perfect time to visit but it's really pretty all year round. There are different regions with vegetation fitting to the theme of each region. There are lawns, fountains, rose gardens, ponds, waterfalls, and all manner of pretty growing things to admire.

Finally, there's history -
There is a train station that was originally commissioned by Lucky Baldwin and moved to the Arboretum, it has friendly docents who guide you through the antiques. A major draw is a "cottage" that was pictured in Fantasy Island but in reality was built by Lucky Baldwin for his 4th wife (who apparently was 16 and no longer his wife by the time the cottage was completed). You can look into the windows of this fully-furnished cottage (creepy baby doll alert) as you walk around the veranda - a bit of useless trivia: it boasts the first flushing toilet in California.

 

 

The paths that wind through the property make it mostly handicap/stroller accessible and drinking fountains are plentiful. However, if you are potty training a child, restrooms are pretty few and far between. There is a café on the premises, we did not avail ourselves of its delicacies so I cannot speak to how the food is but the location is idyllic!

We had a great day - the LA Arboretum receives 7.5 out of 10 stars on the Johnson Fun Frugal Find index for all around value and fun!