Spartan Scroll

Olvera Street

by MATTHEW BAHK

With the seasons changing and weather clearing, spring is here, and with it comes an opportunity to bond with family members and friends.

Throughout high school, students become preoccupied, drifting away from their close ones to partake in daily routines and hobbies. As a result, ties to parents and siblings weaken over time. The bonds between families can be renewed through enjoying time together during the spring break.

Quality family time does not have to be so far away; instead, staying close to home can bring loved ones even closer together.

Many lively locations are in the community to discover and explore. Below are local options for places students can visit with others, strengthening bonds and memories, making the most of the break.

Montebello Barnyard Zoo

Montebello Barnyard Zoo offers an array of activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo.

Located at 600 Rea Drive, the Montebello Barnyard Zoo also provides a playground, train rides, picnic grounds and a stone-mining activity.

A majority of the attractions are targeted for children. Although there are few attractions available for all ages, the barnyard zoo’s prices and deals make it appealing.

The pony ride and the train ride cost $4 each; stone mining and the merry-go-round cost $3 each, the petting zoo costs $5 and the animal feed costs $1. On weekends, the barnyard zoo offers the pony ride, train ride and merry-go-round together for $9.

The Montebello Barnyard Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

It also has a traveling zoo and can host birthday parties. More information can be found online, montebellobarnyardzoo.com.

Olvera Street

 

 

Also known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” Olvera Street represents the traditions of California life in the 1930s through its market stall alleys.

Lined with street venders, painted stalls and eateries, Olvera Street is constantly festive with background mariachi music and Mexican folkloric dancers.

Found at 845 N. Alameda St., it is best accessed through the Metro Gold Line, boarding at Atlantic Station and getting off at Union Station, where Olvera Street is a short walk away.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 6-8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 8-10 p.m. on weekends (hours vary between stores and restaurants). Admission is free.

Belvedere Park

Featuring 30.94 acres of land, Belvedere Community Regional Park is a landmark of the East L.A. community.

The park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball courts, a fitness zone, gymnasium, skate park, tennis courts and local Wi-Fi. The setting is ideal for picnics with its green fields and picnic shelters.

Located at 4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave., Belvedere Park can be easily accessed from the Metro line and bus system. The park is also accessible from the intersection of East Third Street and Civic Center Way.