Fly to the Moon at Rocketship Park

I am still behind on preschool reviews. As it turns out, it's hard to review schools when you are already enrolled in one. Plus, a lot of the schools want you to come without your child for the interview, and it's hard to get a sitter in the mornings!

Excuses aside, I would like to write about an amazing discovery that I would never have known about if my husband hadn't been Googling "best park in Redondo Beach" during Smith's nap. I saw the pictures on Yelp—I Yelp therefore I am—and decided it was to far and there might be a cliff.

But Joe persevered and told me that we had to go because he has "never been this excited about a park before." He was right. He's never excited about going to a park—even Disneyland. I decided it was best to give in. Who knows, maybe it would be worth the drive.

Los Arboles Park, also known as Rocketship Park, is not in Redondo Beach proper. It's actually in Torrance, but it's only a few miles from South Redondo. They named the park after the giant rocket ship structure that you can climb to the top of within the park. This rocket won't take you to the moon, but you will be over-the-moon for the view.

We could see all of Los Angeles from up there. There is a great view of the ocean and an even more spectacular view of the city.

The park equipment is toddler and older kid friendly. It's best for children ages 2 and up, but you could bring little ones to play in the grassy field—complete with picnic tables—surrounding the playground. The playground area has swings, slides, bridges and a few metal climbing structures that remind me of my childhood. Please don't replace them with plastic!

There are no bathrooms, so take care of your business before you go and pray that your child can hold it. I have a friend who drives around with a toddler potty in her car for her twins. I'm not there yet, but it is a novel idea.

I was hesitant to write this article, as I am afraid the park will get more popular. But then I remembered that I have a smattering of readers and I want them all to experience the breathtaking view and old-school rocket structure. We stayed there until sunset, and it was magical. The sun went down as the city lights turned up.

To the moon, Redondo Beach.