Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Bellflower, CA

  • Published 2023/02/22

Bellflower is a city in Los Angeles County, California, and part of the greater Los Angeles region.

The city began in 1906 and became official on September 3, 1957.

After being known as “Firth” for a while, the city changed its name to “Somerset.”

It’s possible that the French word for “beautiful flower” inspired the name “Bellflower.”

In the early days of the settlement, a farmer to the north of town cultivated an orchard of Bellefleur apples.

While this neighborhood is easy to pass and doesn’t have much, it has a strong community that is progressing toward making it a safer and better place.

The city and its surrounding area boast several parks, museums, and open spaces; many of them are budget-friendly.

Read on to discover the free things to do in Bellflower, California.

Learn New Things at Clifton M. Brakensiek Library

Aerial view of Clifton M. Brakensiek Library

YonderStone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For almost 80 years, the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library has provided resources to the people of Bellflower.

The original location first opened its doors on March 11, 1914.

Since its founding on August 16, 1895, the library has had four locations.

The current location was dedicated on August 16, 1975, and named after Clifton M. Brakensiek, MD, who donated the property on which the library now stands.

It was the first county library to adopt the new online circulation system in 1989 and served as a trial site for the Automated Circulation System.

Today, Clifton M. Brakensiek Library features general references, online library catalogs with access to the whole County Library collection and online reference databases, and public access to Internet computers.

The Homework Center helps kids in grades 3–6 with homework, while the Grandparents and Books program pairs senior citizens with young readers.

Have a Picnic at Ruth R. Caruthers Park

Are you planning to spend your upcoming vacation in the stunning city of Bellflower?

Make the most of your trip by checking out Ruth R. Caruthers Park for quality family time outside.

Near the pavilion are the many old trees dotting this public Park’s expansive greenery.

Travelers may have a relaxing picnic with friends and family in the shade of a tree.

Ruth R. Caruthers Park features sports courts, exercise amenities, and picnic spots.

A skate park and playground are also available, making it a great place to take children.

Play Pickup at John S. Simms Park

Another public park worth visiting in Bellflower is John S. Simms Park.

Trails, an outdoor basketball court, and several other workout stations are available to park visitors and residents alike at Simms Park.

John S. Simms Park also features areas for playing softball and other sports.

Unwinding, playing basketball, or kicking the ball around with friends here is a fantastic way to spend some time.

In addition, it has a well-equipped outdoor training area.

Its playground is an excellent place for children to socialize and have a good time.

Families can also access a picnic shelter and BBQ braziers at this location.

Let Your Kids Explore Pirate Park

Bellflower is home to a hideout frequented by pirates, or at least pirates in training.

Pirate Park is a 4,000-square-foot enclosed park.

There is a treasure hunt, a cave full of skulls, and a ship full of pirates.

You may have a hard time calling the ship at Pirate Park “The Black Pearl,” but a child with a creative imagination won’t need much convincing.

Visit this public park while in Bellflower if you are in the company of youngsters.

Children in preschool and kindergarten age who have vivid imaginations may enjoy playing swashbuckling pirates at Pirate Park.

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

Treat Your Senses to the Beauty of Fullerton Arboretum

A pavilion at Fullerton Arboretum

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

The Fullerton Arboretum is Orange County’s most extensive botanical garden.

It’s in Fullerton, California, just a 19-minute drive from Bellflower.

It has a wide assortment of gorgeous plants and flowers, and you may hear ducks quacking around the area.

It also features a portion with fruit trees like apples, oranges, kumquats, and grapefruits.

Butterfly on a plant at Fullerton Arboretum

Calvin Hy / Shutterstock.com

Although there is no charge to enter the garden, visitors can donate to the nonprofit organization.

Also, note that Fullerton Arboretumis not open to the general public on Tuesdays.

Flora at Fullerton Arboretum

Darilynn / Shutterstock.com

Meet Local Artists at Mary Paxon Art Gallery

Take a nine-minute drive from Bellflower to Norwalk, California, and find the Mary Paxton Art Gallery.

It is a contemporary art gallery that exemplifies the dynamic nature of the city’s art culture.

The gallery stands on Clarkdale Avenue, showcasing incredible works created by local and regional artists.

This gallery in the Cultural Arts Center is open to the general public and free of charge.

The gallery focuses mainly on paintings and provides a stage for artists to exhibit their work and demonstrate their skills.

Another unique feature of the Mary Paxon Art Gallery is that it is constantly open to new talent.

It is willing to work with artists looking for a place where others can exhibit and enjoy their works.

If you have a profound appreciation for art, you must stop by this fantastic art gallery during your trip to Norwalk.

Join Free Art Classes at Norwalk Cultural Arts Center

You may reach Norwalk Cultural Art Center in Norwalk, nine minutes from Bellflower.

It serves as a local government office and a recreational space, providing various programs and workshops open to residents and those outside the city.

You may spend quality time with your children while connecting over arts and crafts at the Norwalk Cultural Arts Center.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to exercise your imaginative side at the center.

Explore the History and Architecture of D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum

The D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum stands on Mapledale Street, Norwalk, nine minutes from Bellflower.

It’s just one of Norwalk’s many intriguing monuments and historical places.

This magnificent home, constructed in the 1890s, was the property of the Johnstons, who were among the first families to settle in the city.

D.D. Johnston was a pillar of the community in Norwalk and a well-known figure due to his essential role.

His residence, now known as the D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum, is an exquisite example of Victorian architecture constructed of redwood.

This house is a living witness to the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by wealthy Norwalk residents in the 19th century.

Learn Local History at Downey History Center

Downey History Center in Downey, Florida, 11 minutes from Bellflower, does an excellent job presenting its history and the history of its surrounding areas.

Are you trying to find exciting activities while it’s chilly or rainy outside?

Why don’t you spend a few hours looking at the exhibits in this museum?

Even though it isn’t very well known, it is nevertheless one of the most fascinating and one-of-a-kind attractions in Downey.

Newspapers published between 1888 and 1917 are some of the precious artifacts at this location.

You may learn about a wide range of topics by looking at the postcards, pictures, and books displayed around the museum.

Walk Your Dog at Robert White Park

Robert White Park lies right off Hoxie Avenue, Norwalk, 13 minutes from Bellflower.

A large portion is forested and serves as the community’s park and leisure area.

This site is tucked away in a calm and serene neighborhood, and it boasts a fantastic playground equipped with slides and swings that children may use for the day.

It also features dedicated dining areas under trees that provide ample shade.

Robert White Park is a fantastic location to carry out your standard cardio workout or take your dogs for a stroll.

Discover the Pioneers of Anaheim at Founders’ Park

In Anaheim, California, you don’t need to visit a historic site to learn about the past.

Founders’ Park lies on the western edge of the area referred to as the “Anaheim Colony.”

This park, 17 minutes from Bellflower, is the place to go if you are interested in taking a stroll through history.

The visitors to this Park don’t only look at images and framed texts; instead, they view genuine restored historic structures, such as the Mother Colony House.

The Mother Colony House, constructed in 1857 on the land where Founders’ Park lies, is one of Anaheim’s original residences.

The Woelke-Stoffel house, constructed in 1894, is the second oldest home in Anaheim.

The stunning and enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree is another popular place for tourists to stop and take pictures.

Learn about Prickly Plants at Boysen Cactus Garden

You might have gone to many gardens, but have you ever been to one specializing in cacti?

A trip to the Boysen Cactus Garden in the heart of Anaheim is recommended.

See various species collected during treks to the desert and brought back to Anaheim for the park, 18 minutes from Bellflower.

The Boysen Cactus Garden resulted from Rudolph “Rudy” Boysen collecting plants in the deserts of California, Arizona, and Mexico.

He was best known for cultivating the boysenberry and serving as the Superintendent of City Parks in Anaheim from 1921 to 1949.

Visitors can get some historical knowledge about the cactus in this garden.

Pay Respects to a Hoops Legend at the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Dream Court

Anaheim is also home to a memorial basketball court named after Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.

They passed away in a terrible helicopter accident in 2020.

The Kobe and Gianna Bryant Dream Court is a monument to the Black Mamba Kobe Bryant and Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, his daughter and an amateur basketball player.

Vanessa, Kobe Bryant’s wife, constructed the court to commemorate her husband’s career and provide opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to play basketball.

She was also a cheerleader at St. Boniface Catholic School and spent some time practicing in Pearson Park.

The portrait of a butterfly bearing the likenesses of Kobe and Gigi is the focal point of the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Dream Court.

In addition, the Lakers’ iconic purple and gold color scheme resonates throughout the whole floor.

Bring Your Rail Fan to Fullerton Train Museum

Get ready for a detour to the Fullerton Train Museum in Fullerton, 21 minutes from Bellflower.

In addition to their collection of cabooses and lounge cars, visitors may also learn about the development of rail travel in Orange County.

You may even feel the exciting vibration of trains passing by because the museum lies to the left of Fullerton Train Station.

Fullerton Train Museumis closed on the other Fridays of the month and only on the first and third Saturdays.

Roam the Oak Canyon Nature Center

The 58-acre Oak Canyon Nature Center, a three-canyon nature sanctuary, is in Anaheim, 27 minutes from Bellflower.

The land has three distinct ecosystems: the coastal sage scrub, the oak forest, and the riparian zone.

The Nature Center’s surrounding natural park has four miles of paths, which feature explanatory signs.

A visit to this wildlife center is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

You’ll explore a forest of towering trees and a pond with orange algae, home to ducks, squirrels, and other bird species.

It’s the perfect spot to disconnect from civilization and reconnect with nature!

Final Thoughts

Few California cities can match Bellflower’s convenient location and accessibility to tourist hotspots.

If you’re passing through the city and have some time to kill, it’s worth checking out the free things to do in Bellflower, California.

Start planning your trip today!

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