Parenting, with all its unpredictability, has two universal truths: kids need space to romp freely, and parents need enough energy to keep up. Why are those little ones bestowed with so much energy? It seems like the cruelest fate. They run with glee. We dawdle behind like zombies necromanced to life.
And for a coffee fix, there is an eponymous destination on Moorpark Street, about a five-minute stroll away . From the playground, walk south on Beeman Avenue through a residential neighborhood toward Moorpark Street. It’s the longest walk on this list, but on multiple visits, parents and caretakers followed the same path with their little ones on scooters, strollers and feet. Follow the painted elephant facade for your fix — both caffeine and sugar.
But to maximize the park experience, walk through the park toward Robertson Boulevard, turn left, and walk one block toward El Tovar Place until you find Alana’s, a small, plant-decorated coffee shop with strong drinks. The standout selection here is the spicy chipotle mocha that doesn’t skimp on the spice. If you are lucky enough to have little ones who are patient enough to enjoy some quiet time in a coffee shop, enjoy the mocha on the patio and marvel at the unicorn latte art.
Sometimes a park day is about the ease of pulling your car up to a playground, letting the kids get their yayas out, and going home. Coming to this side of town is experiential. It can be sensory overload with its tourists, midday brunch-goers and crescendo of car horns. Once inside the heart of Tongva Park, the soundscape is serene. Tucked away from Ocean Avenue, the park has an unexpected minimalist playground with hive-like structures, climbing walls and slides.
If the kids grow weary of the play structure’s rope bridge and synthetic rocks, nature beckons. A babbling creek flows gently along the side of the playground and trail, which is home to about 50 fern species. The playground is covered in undulating sand color rubber to connote a desert habitat for the snake-themed play structure. The park is also fence-enclosed with an ornate metal gate. Don’t let the keypad door lock turn you away. Just pull the handle and set the little ones free.