Children with Visual Impairment Learn About California's Ranching History at Rancho Los Alamitos

Long Beach, California — Children with visual impairment and their families who receive services from Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) took a trip to Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens on August, 10, 2024 to experience a hands-on sensory tour of the ranch and gardens and to learn about California's ranching history.

Rancho Los Alamitos, the “Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods,” is twice-listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 7-acre site includes historic gardens, a ranch house (1790-1933), and a restored barnyard of the early 20th-century working ranch.

During the trip, the docents guided families through garden trails filled with different plants. The children were able to touch and smell different plants and flowers, such as sage and roses.

There were many tactile activities for children with visual impairment. Families walked through the bamboo forest and felt the texture of the bamboo. They also felt the rocks and heard the water flowing through the stream on the grounds.

The children met the barnyard's resident livestock (horses, sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks) and had a chance to feed them. The children enjoyed hearing the sounds the animals made when chewing and eating.

The docents taught families about horseshoes and the equipment used to make them, in addition to a variety of items used on a ranch.

Thank you to the staff and docents at the Rancho for a day filled with sensory experiences and discoveries for our children with visual impairment.

Learn more about Rancho Los Alamitos: https://RanchoLosAlamitos.org

6400 E. Bixby Hill Road

Long Beach, California 90815 

Contact Partners for Pediatric Vision for more on our hands-on events for children with visual impairment and their families.