Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Paramount, CA

  • Published 2023/02/24

The charming city of Paramount covers an area of 5.6 square miles in Los Angeles County, California.

Paramount was incorporated and established in 1957 and became home to Paramount Pictures, one of the largest film studios in the world.

Today, Paramount is a culturally diverse residential, commercial, and industrial community.

It is unique for transforming from a dying suburb to a gorgeous, upscale neighborhood.

Despite being located in the heart of Los Angeles, the city has maintained its small-town charm and is known for its tight-knit community and a strong sense of pride.

Here’s a list of free things to do in Paramount, California.

Join Fabulous Events at Paramount Park

What better way to start your trip than Paramount Park?

Paramount Park is a popular city park located at 14400 Paramount Boulevard.

The park has ample open space, allowing for plenty of outdoor recreation and relaxation opportunities.

You can enjoy a basketball, tennis, or volleyball game or walk along the park’s well-maintained walking trails.

There is also a playground for children to run and play on, making it an excellent spot for families.

The park is also famous for picnics, with several picnic tables and grills available.

In addition, the park hosts several events and activities throughout the year, including free concerts, festivals, and community events.

If you want to experience the local community and engage in various outdoor activities in a beautiful and peaceful setting, visit Paramount Park.

Read and Swap Books at the Little Free Library

The Little Free Library is a unique and exciting way to explore the area’s culture.

Found at 13938 Brightwell Avenue, this wooden bookshelf is filled with an array of titles that local authors and businesses have donated.

You can take a book, leave a book, or browse the shelves and discover something new.

What makes the Little Free Library stand out is its mission to bring people together through the power of reading.

It provides a safe, welcoming environment for readers of all ages to gather and share books, stories, and knowledge.

Snap a photo in front of the humble library and share it with friends and family back home to show your love for books and community.

Don’t forget to swap or leave readers after your visit!

Take Pictures of the Horse Statue at Progress Park

Progress Park is a scenic public park that offers a variety of recreational activities and amenities.

It is located at 15500 Downey Avenue, the park closest to downtown Paramount.

The park boasts picturesque walking paths, baseball diamonds for a baseball game, shade from the old trees, and open grassy areas for picnics and other outdoor activities such as catch, frisbee, or tag.

Children can enjoy the park’s play area with swings and slides, while visitors of all ages can join community events and festivals such as concerts and farmers’ markets.

Two statues can be found here: one is a large origami horse made of bronze, and one of two children arm in arm.

Progress Park is a great place to visit for an outdoor adventure or to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Run, Jog, or Bike at Salud Park

Salud Park is a beautiful and well-maintained public park that offers visitors a range of recreational activities at 7167 Somerset Boulevard.

The park’s main feature is the red rubber track that loops around the whole park.

It offers a good amount of space to travel, considering that the park is vertically long.

While on your walk, you can sit by the benches protected under the shade of trees and the exercise stations to complete that workout.

In the middle are lovely green open fields for activities such as soccer and baseball, as well as a children’s play area with swings and slides.

Salud Park is surrounded by a nice, quiet neighborhood and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Salud Park is a must-visit whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a runner, a nature lover, or simply looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Appreciate the Los Angeles River by the Ralph C. Dills Park

Ralph C. Dills Park is a beautiful riverfront park that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The park’s beauty lies in the trail that blooms as it follows the Los Angeles River and creates a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

The trail winds through the park and along the Los Angeles River, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting for a relaxing stroll or bike ride.

With lush greenery and towering trees surrounding the trail, it feels like a small forest within the city limits.

In addition to the scenic trail, the park also features a fun playground equipped with swings, slides, and other play equipment that will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages.

A trip to Ralph C. Dills Park will also treat you to a wealth of wildlife and bird life.

The park is home to various species, including ducks, geese, and other birds that call the Los Angeles River home.

Ralph C. Dills Park is located at 6500 San Juan Street; it is the best place to enjoy the river in the city.

Watch the Ducks at Spane Park

Spane Park is a humble park located at 14400 Gundry Avenue here at Paramount.

The park features a large pond, home to various ducks and geese.

Visitors can walk around the pond, enjoy a picnic, or relax on a bench and watch the waterfowl do their thing.

There are also several walking trails and green spaces to explore in the park.

The park has a playground for children and offers opportunities for outdoor sports like basketball and tennis.

In addition, Spane Park also has a community center that hosts various events and activities for visitors to join.

Some are free, so don’t be shy and join the fun.

If you want to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature, go to Spane Park.

Have a Picnic at Garfield Park

Garfield Park at 14751 Garfield Avenue here at Paramount is a peaceful oasis near the city’s heart.

Despite its small size, the park offers a simple yet inviting atmosphere with a playground, an open field, and a few benches.

The playground and open field provide ample space for children to run and play, while the benches offer a place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The park’s calm atmosphere and minimal distractions make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude.

With its simple yet beautiful surroundings, Garfield Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, a quiet reading session, or a peaceful walk.

Go Skating at Village Skate Park

The Village Skate Park here in Paramount, California, is a unique skate park that caters to all levels of skaters.

Thanks to its large skatepark and lighted basketball court, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

There’s a small playground perfect for kids of all ages, and layers of rails surround the park to help keep boards from veering into dangerous roads.

This 12,500-square-foot skate park has plenty of other amenities like a snack bar, restrooms, and even a bike repair station.

The Village Skate Park will become one of your favorite places for skating.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of fun or an adrenaline-filled challenge, the Village Skate Park has something for every skater!

Relax at the Quiet Meadows Park

Meadows Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, as it’s the tiniest park in the city.

It is a peaceful oasis in an otherwise busy neighborhood, featuring a large playground in the middle, perfect for children who want to run around and play.

There are also well-paved paths perfect for a leisurely walk or jog, as well as plenty of trees and shade to provide cover from the sun.

Benches are scattered throughout the park, providing spots where visitors can rest or admire the view.

The park is also tranquil, making it the perfect spot to relax after a long day.

With its beautiful setting and peaceful atmosphere, Meadows Park is the perfect place to take the kids for a quiet day at the playground.

Take the Kids to a Modern Playground at the All-American Park

All-American Park in Paramount, California, is a residential park that offers a wealth of amenities here in Paramount.

With its large and modern playground equipment, spacious athletic fields, and beautiful walking paths, this park is the perfect place for families and individuals to spend a day of recreation, relaxation, and fun.

The park features a walking path that looms around the entire area, allowing visitors to take in the sights and sounds of the park’s lush landscape.

The path is surrounded by a wealth of trees that offer shade on sunny days, making it an excellent place for an early morning jog or a leisurely walk in the evening.

One of the park’s main attractions is its playground equipment, designed to accommodate kids of all ages.

It has modern and well-maintained play equipment that provides children with a safe and fun place to play.

Additionally, plenty of benches are scattered throughout the park, making it easy for parents to take a break while their kids play.

The park also boasts spacious athletic fields perfect for playing soccer or football or hosting a picnic.

Its picnic area also has tables and benches, making it the ideal place to enjoy a meal or snack with friends and family.

All-American Park also features two half-court basketball courts, providing a place for players of all skill levels to practice their game.

Visit the All-American Park and enjoy yourself.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Learn about California History at Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Exterior of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum

Vanesser III, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After a 15-minute drive from Paramount to Compton, California, you can visit the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum.

The museum in Compton is a hidden gem that provides a window into the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The museum is on the site of the original 19th-century Dominguez Rancho, one of California’s largest Spanish land grants.

Learn more about the state’s history and see the preserved adobe buildings, among the oldest in the state.

The building is filled with antique furniture, tools, and other artifacts from the 19th century.

Each provides a unique opportunity to learn about life on the rancho during the Spanish and Mexican periods and the American period that followed.

In addition to the historic buildings, the museum also features a beautiful garden filled with native plants and flowers growing on the original rancho.

If you’re interested in California’s history and cultural heritage, visit the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum.

Bring Your Beloved Pets to Uptown Dog Park

Take an 11-minute drive from Paramount to Long Beach, California, to find the Uptown Dog Park.

The Uptown Dog Park is a brand-new addition to the city’s parks and recreation offerings.

The park was opened in November, designed specifically for dogs and their owners, providing a safe and enjoyable place for dogs to run and play off-leash.

The park has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, ensuring that all dogs can play safely and comfortably.

It also allows smaller dogs to play without fear of being trampled by larger dogs and provides larger dogs with more space to run and play.

Another great feature of the park is its location near picnic tables and a nearby parking lot, making it easy for visitors to bring along their picnic baskets and enjoy a meal.

This Uptown Dog Park is the perfect place for owners to bring their four-legged friends for some exercise and playtime.

See Historic Cars at the Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

1932 vehicle in Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

After a 25-minute drive from Paramount to El Segundo, California, you can find the historic Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum.

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum is a unique and fascinating destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs.

The museum showcases a collection of vintage and classic automobiles, including some of the most iconic vehicles from the early days of the automobile industry.

One of the unique features of the museum is its collection of historic vehicles, including cars from some of the world’s most well-known and respected manufacturers.

Visitors can get a glimpse into the history of the automobile industry and the innovations that have driven its development.

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum also offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and mechanics of these incredible machines through educational exhibits and interactive displays.

Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or just curious about the history of automobiles, you’re sure to find something of interest at the museum.

Take the Kids to Pirate Park

After an 8-minute ride from Paramount to Bellflower, California, you can find Pirate Park.

Pirate Park is a fun and imaginative destination for families with children, featuring a pirate-themed children’s playground.

It has a pirate ship, fort, skull cave, climbing bridge, treasure chest, and more, all designed to encourage kids to use their imaginations and engage in creative play.

The park is a 4,000-square-foot fully-enclosed area, providing a safe and secure environment for children to play with the pirate-themed elements.

It is both exciting and challenging, encouraging kids to climb, crawl, and play in a fun and interactive way.

With its bright colors, whimsical designs, and imaginative elements, the Pirate Park should capture the imaginations of children of all ages.

The Pirate Park is also conveniently located near several restaurants, making it easy for families to grab a bite after a day of play.

Visit Pirate Park for a unique play experience for your family.

See Masterful Works of Art at the Cerritos Sculpture Garden

A sculpture at Cerritos Sculpture Garden

ninjasun – Hung Tran / Shutterstock.com

After a 16-minute drive from Paramount to Cerritos, California, you can visit the serene Cerritos Sculpture Garden.

The Cerritos Sculpture Garden is a beautiful and serene oasis that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and art of sculptures in an outdoor setting.

The garden features an impressive collection of sculptures created by some of the world’s most talented and renowned artists, set amidst lush greenery and tranquil water features.

A red sculpture at Cerritos Sculpture Garden

Kevin Yuan / Shutterstock.com

One of the standout features of the Cerritos Sculpture Garden is its diverse collection of sculptures.

The sculptures range from abstract works to more traditional figurative pieces.

Each sculpture is carefully selected and placed within the garden, creating a harmonious and engaging environment that visitors can explore and enjoy.

You should find something of interest at the Cerritos Sculpture Garden.

Infinity slinky sculpture at Cerritos Sculpture Garden

ninjasun – Hung Tran / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Paramount, California, offers a wide range of free activities in parks for families to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to relax in a scenic park, immerse yourself in local history, or explore the great outdoors, visit this city in the Golden State.

This list of free things to do in Paramount, California, should help you plan your travel itinerary.

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