Big Green Machine Nature Walk at California Botanic Garden

If the holiday rush has you wanting a quiet morning outside, this one is easy to say yes to. LAist is taking families on a Big Green Machine nature walk at California Botanic Garden in Claremont on Sunday, December 13, 2026. It is a free, kid-friendly outing, and a good pick if you are scanning for things to do in Los Angeles that get everyone off screens.

When: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. (per the LAist listing) Where: California Botanic Garden, 1500 N College Avenue, Claremont Price: Free Info: LAist event page

What the walk covers

The Big Green Machine tour focuses on California habitats and the plants and animals that live together in them. It was created for young kids and families, so expect a gentle pace and a lot of pointing at things rather than a botany lecture. LAist describes it as a calm morning out in nature, a break from the holiday hustle.

What to know before you go

The garden is closer to a natural area than a manicured one. Paths are uneven and many are unpaved, with some steps and a few uphill and downhill stretches. LAist says an average one-hour tour covers roughly one to two miles of walking, depending on how interested and how mobile the group is. Wear closed-toe shoes with real grip, bring water, and consider a stroller-free plan for the little ones.

The listing shows a 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. window, while the description talks about an hour-long tour. If timing matters for your morning, check the event page before you head out.

About the garden

California Botanic Garden is the largest botanic garden devoted to California native plants. It spreads across 86 acres in Claremont, with more than 22,000 native plants in its collections, some of them rare or endangered. It also runs research and conservation programs, including a large seed bank of California native seeds. The garden sits about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, so plan for a drive.

Getting there

The address is 1500 N College Avenue in Claremont. The page lists the walk as free and links to tickets, so look at the event page and the garden's own site, calbg.org, for any registration or admission details. It is a handy one to keep on your list of upcoming events in Los Angeles County this winter, especially if you want something low-key and outdoors before the holidays.