Children with Visual Impairments Explore History and Nature at Rancho Los Alamitos

Long Beach, California — On Saturday, August 8, 2026, children with visual impairment and their families joined Partners for Pediatric Vision (PPV) for its third annual summer excursion to Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens. The afternoon was filled with hands-on learning, sensory exploration, and opportunities for children to experience the historic property through touch, sound, smell, and movement.

Hosted by the wonderful staff at Rancho Los Alamitos, the sensory tour gave PPV families an opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds while learning about the people, plants, animals, and traditions that helped shape the Rancho’s history.

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A Sensory Journey Through the Rancho

From the gardens to the creek, bamboo forest, blacksmith area, and barnyard, every stop offered something new to discover. The Rancho staff and docents make this opportunity inclusive and accessible.

Children were encouraged to touch, feel, smell, listen, and explore their surroundings as they learned about the lives of early ranchers and the native plants that grow throughout the property. These hands-on experiences allowed children with visual impairments to engage with the Rancho’s history and natural environment in meaningful and memorable ways.

The sounds and textures of the property became an important part of the experience from the gentle movement of the bamboo to the sounds of the creek and the animal noises in the barn.

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Learning Through Touch, Sound, and Discovery

The Rancho’s gardens, historic structures, animals, and natural surroundings provided countless opportunities for exploration. Children could experience the environment at their own pace while listening to stories and explanations from the Rancho’s knowledgeable staff.

Whether feeling the textures of plants, listening to the sounds of nature, interacting with the animals, or exploring different areas of the property, each experience encouraged curiosity, independence, and discovery.

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A Special Day Made Possible by Our Community Partners

PPV extends our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rancho Los Alamitos for going above and beyond to make this tour engaging and meaningful for our children with visual impairment and their families.

We are also grateful to the PPV families, volunteers, and staff who joined us and helped make the day so special.

Volunteers Nancy, an Optometrist and friend of Dr. Bill Takeshita, PPV's colleague and Pediatric Low Vision pioneer, and her daughter Kayla, shared this reflection after the event:

“We had a great time walking around with the adorable kids. Jett is my new BFF! He is amazing. We also enjoyed talking to your staff…they are so pleasant and made us feel very welcomed.”

At PPV, we believe children with visual impairments deserve opportunities to explore, learn, and experience the world alongside their families and peers. Experiences like our annual Rancho Los Alamitos excursion help make that possible one sensory discovery at a time.

Learn more about Rancho Los Alamitos and its historic gardens at RanchoLosAlamitos.org.

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens

6400 E. Bixby Hill Road

Long Beach, California 90815

To learn more about Partners for Pediatric Vision and our programs and hands-on experiences for children with visual impairments and their families, visit PartnersForPediatricVision.org.