Children with Visual Impairments Experience Touch, Sound, and History at Rancho Los Alamitos

Long Beach, California —On Saturday, July 26, 2025, over 30 individuals—including children with visual impairments, their families, and PPV staff and volunteers—gathered at the historic Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens for an unforgettable summer afternoon filled with hands-on learning and sensory discovery. Hosted in partnership with the Rancho’s incredible docents and education team, this free event was designed to bring California’s ranching heritage to life through touch, sound, scent, and story.

Sensory Touchpoints Rooted in Nature and History

As part of the custom sensory-guided tour, children sat beneath the cool shade of a large tree, where Rancho staff introduced them to a collection of containers filled with leaves of various shapes, textures, and scents. Children explored dried magnolia leaves, crisp eucalyptus, strong scented sage, and perhaps most fascinating—lamb’s ear, a leaf so soft and fuzzy it sparked delighted reactions. These tactile explorations helped children experience nature through various senses beyond sight.

A Visit to the Blacksmith’s Forge

This year’s event featured a new and thrilling addition: a visit to the blacksmith’s area. Families gathered as a blacksmith heated iron in the roaring fire and hammered the glowing rod into shape. Children listened intently to the crackling fire, the rhythmic clang of hammer against anvil, and the rich explanations of the process. For many, it was their first encounter with traditional metalworking—a highlight of California’s early ranching days.

Bringing History to Life Through Sound and Exploration

Throughout the tour, families learned about the lives of early ranchers, the native plants on the land, and the animals once kept at the Rancho. Families had special encounters with the barnyard's resident livestock (horses, sheep, goats, chickens, and ducks) and enjoyed

the many tactile activities specifically designed for children with visual impairments.

Families walked beside a small creek, listening to the gentle rush of water, and walked through the bamboo forest, feeling the smooth, segmented texture of the towering bamboo while listening intently for the intriguing sound bamboo makes when swaying in a breeze. These sensory-rich moments made it possible for children to connect deeply with their surroundings—through sound, touch, and movement.

Thank You to Our Hosts and Supporters

Partners for Pediatric Vision extends our heartfelt thanks to the docents and staff at Rancho Los Alamitos for going above and beyond to make this tour inclusive and accessible. Their dedication to creating a rich sensory experience for children with visual impairments is a shining example of community in action. We are also deeply grateful to our volunteers and families for showing up with enthusiasm and curiosity, and for making this day one to remember.

Together, we are keeping kids in sight—empowering children with vision loss to explore, learn, and connect!

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.