Visiting the Huntington Beach Central Library + Secret Garden

As a stay-at-home mom, I have always looked for ways for my daughter to have more social interaction with other toddlers. In spring of 2022, I searched for local, educational programs with play opportunities, and decided to visit the toddler storytime at Huntington Beach Central Library. The storytime at Central Library has been voted best storytime program in Orange County several years in a row and they absolutely deserve it!

We have attended both the baby and toddler storytimes and my daughter has enjoyed both. Now that she’s over two years old, we regularly visit the library for the toddler program. The toddler sessions are for ages 18-36 months (though I have seen younger and older kids go as well) and is led by Miss Kari. She brings a fun, energetic vibe to the storytime experience and does a wonderful job of holding the toddlers’ attention with interactive stories and songs. This is the YouTube channel the Children’s Library has as well.

The toddler storytime is every Tuesday with the first session from 10am-10:45am and the second session from 11am-11:45am. They do have breaks throughout the year and their event calendar can be found here. I recommend going into the library 15 minutes prior to the start as it does get busy. Tickets are required and available at the desk in the Children’s Library.

After storytime, the tots can play with toys provided in the corner, explore the wooden ship, read at the kids’ tables, or play educational games on the computers.

One of the ways you can create a full morning activity out of storytime is by visiting the newly renovated Secret Garden in Central Park. We access this spot by exiting the library, walking towards the grassy area and Eucalyptus trees, turning left when we hit the asphalt trail and following that down to the garden. You’ll pass a bathroom on your right with the library on your left when walking down the trail. It is a beautiful area to visit during all seasons!

If you’re interested in a playground visit after storytime, we love Peter Green Park, Rivergate Park, and Pattinson Park. All three of those parks are within 10 minutes of Huntington Beach Central Library. Rivergate Park is the only one that has a bathroom.

Be sure to share and tag on Instagram if you visit storytime or any of these parks. Happy exploring!