Escape Cabin Fever with a Night Walk

You're finished with work, and it's later in the day. You didn't go out fort anything else and you're feeling unstimulated. The kids are screaming and you're getting Cabin Fever. How about we talk the kids and go for a night walk?

Imaginarium is a bit of a small park labyrinth and light exhibition that was a pleasure to see but did have me gassed by the end of it. The whole thing could be seen from far down the main road as it lit up the night sky. Each tree is ornately decorated. It was so bright that as we entered the area, it felt just a bit warmer for the night.

Explore the LED Fairy Garden and Beyond

The main entrance opened into a large LED fairy garden with wide walkways and multiple paths. To the Western edges: Small personal Throne rooms. To the Far east: a Floral Cave labyrinth. Down center was a variety of Gardens, floats, and other uncategorized Eye-catchers.

I took the Western path first. Each one of these booths had their own thing going on. The left side had rooms using LED’s and Mirrors. To the right, rooms with simple colored themes. A reprieve for your burning retinas. Why did you stand in a giant Kaleidoscope for 3 Minutes? This is no one’s fault but your own. Move on.

Ah! Low on the spectrum, gentle on the eyes, and straight out of “The Shining”. The Red Throne. This room and the others like it are all for the same purpose. To change your current profile picture online. Each set, you’re allowed to meander in and have a seat, take a photo, and my favorite, be weird by yourself. Sadly, my family tagged along, but at least I didn’t have to hold my camera for my pictures.

Hey, check it out, It’s the same but pink… and only 1 chair…Yay!

It was at this point that Lines started building up for rooms but each one just felt worth the wait… that, and I had family to trade places with so we could sit in the thrones.

This one was a bit of a wait but she did that headstand for so long. I was more impressed than impatient. Besides, I was kind of hoping for a poor dismount. I tell ya, it’s way neater being in the triangle than outside. You’ll see it in one of the next photos.

Ya see! It's like being on a desktop background. If I could put that “Windows – Rolling hills” back there, I’d never leave.

I started treating each throne like a Checkpoint at this rate. It was an all-in-all pleasant package of experiences. And they were using fresh flowers! So, it didn’t smell like that aisle in Joann’s. Also, finding a new way to sit on a throne each time was a treat. Think Snarky.

Things start getting pretty rad in this string room, Like Snow standing in place. The Illusion works best when you’re the only one there.

At this point, I started to worry if they ran out of fanciful thrones. But a seat is a seat, and so, I shall sit.

This was kind of the main show piece of the exhibit. But the effect when you’re inside was pretty immersive. At the right angle you wouldn’t even see an exit. Just a ground and sky of sunflowers. It really was a long line to get in here with all the couples posing and whatnot.

After the “small rooms,” We went back into the Gardens that were less congested now. This area was the darkest and best “mood” lit for me. Your eyes didn’t catch all of the wires and flaws. I just saw a neat field of glowing tulips. I could feel myself mellowing out after a time and we all decided to move on.

After all of Led Flowers, we found ourselves next to the Rose wall. Each flower was freshly plucked and left a perfect picture frame of Garish Red. It was simply “too much” but here in this environment, it seems just fine. Besides, the next piece was even bigger.

Like a tidal wave after the Rosebowl. This was simply just a giant wall of colored roses. From afar, it seems pristine and perfect, but up close, you could see the damage it took. How many flowers were plucked? How many steps were carved by children's feet? Even so. It still made a fine family photo space that kids would remember.

An Immersive Experience
After Eating around the edges of the park for so long we decided to trek through the center, which from the outside, looked pretty daunting. Like a rainbow-ocean.

We ran around till we found the proper entrance. It was vines after vines or flower Laces. Even though it was of simple design, the sheer amount of flowers and lights really made it fun to walk or run through like a child.

And then it just kept getting bigger. Have you ever been in Disney land but wanted to jump out of your ride and touch all the set pieces? That’s what this felt like. I nudged every flower. Gently tugged on each lace, all the while wondering how each was made, and if there was a souvenir shop after.

My favorite part of this was the small light cluster were always wiggling. Powered by a motor to make the long-necked LED bulb sway, as if, in the wind. If you spun around 4 times, you might have found your surroundings changed and different colors.

I don’t remember how many paths there were in the labyrinth but each felt unique. You could travel them left to right back to front either way and it never felt like the “wrong order”. Each spot is scenic and memorable.

At the heart of it, was this lovely scene that really tied the whole night together.
after 2 hours or more (I stopped counting.) The mom, the kids, and even I felt great and satisfied. If they ever come to town again or open up for a short while in your area, please, give them a try. It’s something everyone really can enjoy.
No sarcasm this time.

Imaginarium
500 Lakewood Center Mall
Daneland Street at Graywood Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712
HOURS
May 10th – Sep 2nd
We are open Tuesday – Sunday, though hours may vary due to weather, demand, and special events
Tues – Sun 7:00pm – 11:00pm