Rancho Park Archery Range

I love the place but they are CLOSED for extended remodel, with NO CURRENT RE-​OPEN DATE in mind. I just read this on their FB page, as of today, 4÷5÷16

I was trying to suprise my husband, and take him to the Archery class for his birthday. But unfortunately once I got there, there was no class even though the page said so. I was looking everywhere for the class, and kindly a man told us that there was no Archery class today nor do they held the class in that park. It is being constructed.
On the page, it said that newbies have to attend the morning class, Saturdays only in order to continue taking archery classes. I found out from a man at the park that they provide that class at San Fernando Valley which is a great distance from the address provided. I am not that happy that we rushed in the morning for nothing. Hopefully they update there information on Unilocal soon.

Love this place, but it’s been closed for over a year for upgrades.
Can we get a progress update on when it will be back open please?

I found out about this archery range from Unilocal!
What an absolute jewel!!! I did the safety classes, which is basic common sense. I had a custom bow made and wooden arrows and would go there during the day when I could shoot uninterrupted. Initially, I couldn’t shoot for shit! After having fun and not taking myself so seriously, in a month I was able to shoot the dick off a hummingbird at 1000 paces!
The downside to the range is the volunteers! The older guys are great! They give you pointers and treat you with respect, except this one geezer. He talks to people like they are crap! Yelling at the kids, talking down to them and berating them. One day I had had enough and confronted him on his level. He proved my point that all bullies are cowards! He shrunk like a wilted piece of lettuce. The young volunteers, have their posse with them so to ask questions is interfering with their social life.
All in all, it is a great place to go and express your inner Katniss or the Arrow guy!
I sincerely hope the Parks and Recreation people get better volunteers when they open next year! It’s the difference between a great experience or the 3^rd Ring of Hell…

I’ve been wanting to give this place a great review for such a long time now, glad I found it.
Ever since I was little I’ve always wanted to take an archery class, so I was really excited when my friend invited me out to do this with her when I came to visit LA before I had moved here. I was never informed on «proper» archery, I just knew that I wanted to try it ever since lord of the ring, so I was a tad nervous. wouldn’t want to end up hurting anyone, ha.
I had such a wonderful time here. All the workers/​volunteers were amazing and made everything really fun and upbeat. We got there super early in order to sign up and get ready for the safety class (thank god) which really helps you learn the do’s and don’ts. It’s only like 20 $ and that’s the only fee. Everyone is volunteering here and it’s open and free to the public, which is why the spots fill up so quickly.
The range itself is pretty small, they only have one lane. They’re expanding it now I believe so that should help with how fast it fills up. They show you some really good techniques and aren’t judgemental of your level of knowledge on anything. After the safety class you can come back and keep practicing for free as long as there’s space.
Definitely want to come back here when it re-​opens next year!

Such a great place, glad that I made it in for one last day before they close down for renovations for a year or something.

Finally made it here after months of tying to wake up early and go. It was such a great time! I went with my roommate for our first time doing archery and knowing nothing about it.
Great volunteers who were soo helpful and made it fun!
You have to take a mandatory safety class that starts at 11am before you can go and shoot on your own. Must get there early to sign up! We got there at 7 AM but I have heard the spots fill up fast. It is not a super large place so they can only fit so many people in there, but the space works out just fine.
I highly recommend trying this out if you have ever wondered what it would be like to shoot an arrow or two for fun :)

I woke up early and picked up my paperwork right as they opened and then came back around 10:30 for the lesson. The safety class was good and the instructors are great. I really felt like I could be on the range without looking like a complete idiot. I meant to only stay for a few minutes after the class but ended up staying for an hour. The volunteers are fantastic, they’re very friendly and offer advice, whether you ask for it or not ;). I can’t believe this entire thing is free. This is so great. I’ve found my new Saturday morning activity!

For first-​timers, if you Google Map the listed address, the directions lead you to a parking lot off of Motor Ave. This is NOT close to the location of the archery range! Rather, you turn into the side street branching off of the parking lot, and drive until you hit a dead end, the site of another parking lot. The actual archery range is off to the left, adjacent to the pétanque playing area.

Second time here and I’m definitely getting better. The volunteers are always happy to share their knowledge, as well as the more seasoned archers who come to practice. They have all the equipment you need to start shooting. Before you’re able to come in to practice you must take the safety class which is only offered on Saturday morning. The class starts at 11am but you need to get your signup sheet early! I’ve heard of all spots being gone before 8am, but there are many who show up at 9 and there are still a few signup sheets left. Get to class early enough to find a parking spot because they will be full! It’s all completely free, but they do accept donations. Every little bit keeps the place open and available to everyone. I think I’ve found my new hobby.
…I do wish there was more room to shoot though. The place is small but then again, I’ve never been to another range so I don’t know how big they normally are.

Fun place! After the initial $ 20 safety class, rental and use of the range is FREE. Free parking, archers are generally cool people, and the park seems safe. Bonus: My dog’s Padrino teaches here (yes, my dog has a dogfather, what of it?).
PLUS it helps me be more prepared for the inevitable Zombie Apocalypse (No; what’s funny is that you think I’m joking).

People complain about waiting in line too long on Saturdays. Figures, only Americans would be complaining about free stuff.
They forget that the second sunday of every month, class is at 1:30. I got there around 11 AM and easily got a spot. That is probably the best way to do it.

Woke up early one saturday morning and thought I’d finally take the free archer class. Got there at around 7:30 am to sign up for the class then left to go for a run and get breakfast. Be sure to get there latest at 9am. I saw some people being turned away because they came later or tried to get into the class the time of. What a great class! The class is about 2 – 2 ½ hours. The instructor talks for about the first hour or so and then you get the practice for the next hour or so. After the class, you’re able to come back during their open hours to come shoot :)

I just took the free archery class and was very impressed. I arrived at 7:45am to sign up for the 11am Saturday class and there was already a group of people waiting, so make sure you arrive early! Classes are limited to 24, so they fill up fast. Once you sign up, you can leave to have breakfast, do something else in the park, etc.
The instructors were very friendly and thorough. I felt that I learned a lot and I’m already looking forward to returning for practice shooting. While the classes are free, do try to bring a little cash for donation; the instructors are volunteers and the money goes towards equipment (which they never charge for). It’s pretty cool that something this fun and useful is actually free.

This place is really amazing! There are free classes every Saturday at 11am for you to learn the basics of archery. The staff is very welcoming and thorough and will teach you everything you need to know. Once you take this prep class, which is about 2 hours, you are welcome to come back anytime during their open hours and shoot for free! Where else can you do fun activities for free these days? They provide everything you need too!
The shooting range is small but you don’t need much else. It is outside on the outskirts of a park so it’s a great weekend activity and you can easily do other things after.
Be sure to arrive early on Saturday to get the waiver forms. The class caps at 24 people and it’s first come first serve. Even though the class starts at 11am, it’s not surprising to have it full by 9:30am. Get there early, secure your spot with a form, go grab breakfast, and come back and have fun!!!

Everyone get your butt over here and get your inner Katniss, Legolas, or Hawkeye on and grab the bow and shoot some arrows.
Yay! I was so excited when the boy took me here for a date. It was absolutely amazing and such a different experience.
The range is all volunteer run and completely open and FREE to the public. On Saturdays, they have training in the morning at around 11am. Classes fill up VERY quickly. By the time that we arrived, at 9am, we were the LAST set of students to be accepted into the introductory safey/​beginners class.
I would suggest arriving EARLY in the morning to grab a spot, fill out the forms, and come back later. (we went home to nap).
The instructors are very thorough and ensure that you get the technique and form right. Most importantly, they emphasize safety which is very crucial.
Each student gets paired up with an instructor and have a few minutes one-​on-​one time to shoot your arrows correctly. One you get your groove down, you’re free to shoot a couple more times taking turns with other students.
After your first class, you’re free to come whenever there is open shooting.
I would DEFINITELY recommend this and take it with a light heart. Go release some stress and see how your aim is.
They do have a donation box, and knowing that all the staff there are on a volunteer basis, it would be great to leave a little something.
I forgot to mention that they provide all the supplies and make sure wear that arm guard and make sure it fits the entire length of your forearm, you dont want a bruise!

Super fun!
The hubby and I came here to enjoy some archery as first timers! And we had… an AMAZING TIME! Now this program is run by volunteers, and is entirely FREE– everything including safety gear and equipment is provided for you!!! Turns out this program was privately founded to educate the community on the art of archery! Now they function on donations only so please be generous, since donations are also used for the upkeep of the equipment.
Moving on, we came early on a Saturday morning (like at 7am) to pick up sign up forms for the first time mandatory introductory session. But since we live so close, we just turned around and went back to sleep until the class started. FYI I fully recommend you come early bc there are only a certain number of spots available for the first instructional session, and many got turned away when the class started.
After the introductory safety class, you get a chance to try out the range for yourself, with staff watching you to provide direction and ensure safety of course. Now Ive never done this before, but it was crazy fun! I felt sooo Hunger Games while getting my archery on. I really had to chance to release my inner Katniss!!!
Now as you can see in the attached pics, the first bullseye I fired was kinda sad. barely sticking to the target, and eventually sagged down. but by the end of the session, I was shooting bulls eyes no problemo with the help of staff of course! I would have been lost without them…
Highly recommend! So come out here and broaden your horizons! Cant wait to come back and shoot some more targets!

I have been here several times. I can’t believe it’s free to learn and they are always there on the weekends. It is donation based, but they don’t force you to pay. If you can only give a $ 1, you can do that. They provide everything, but you must take a safety class. They are so helpful and do this out of the kindness of their heart and for the love of the sport. It’s a fun date idea and a new hobby to pick up!

This is place is one of LA’s best kept secrets! Archery for FREEZY! And they teach you how too!
The teachers here are all volunteers and the classes are every Saturday at 11:00 am and the second Sunday of every month at 1:30 pm. Don’t worry, they even provide all the equipment you’ll need for FREE!
The classes aren’t usually too full, but it’s on a first come first served basis. After you’ve already taken a class, you can always come back to the range and shoot during Open Shooting Times Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, Sundays from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
For the more experienced shooters, there is another session on Weds from 6:30 — 8:00 pm, and yes, there is no rental fee.

What an interesting and refreshing way to spend my Saturday morning. First things first: GET HERE AT LEAST 30 MINS EARLY FOR THE ARCHERY SAFETY /​INTRO CLASS. There’s only so many spots and people know to get there ahead of time — a few people got there just at 10:30 last weekend and were turned away.
Ok, so I didn’t know how beautiful Ranch Park is — green, varied and packed — the archery range was surrounded by athletics and dog show training the morning I went. Quite the boisterous January morning.
The archery lesson itself: going through this one-​hour safety and prep class and practicing with a handful of instructors allows you to come in whenever you like to shoot some bows n arrows in your downtime. The class is lengthy and everything is repeated ad nauseam, but safety does seem to be a priority of theirs — for good reason, too. I found the whole experience to be a thorough introduction to archery… then they cleared the range for us n00bs and we got to shoot a few rounds. Didn’t end up leaving until after 1, which if you think about it … means a lot of fun for FREE.