Clutter-free Outdoor Activities

Clutter-free Outdoor activities

Every day, all I want to be doing is basking in this * amazing * weather. My doors are left open and I’m feeling antsy to be outside. Living in Southern California, there’s SO much to do this summer. What’s your poison? Do you want to relax, be active, or be entertained? Whether you want an activity with your pals, a date night, or an excursion with the kids, I’ve got some ideas of some awesome outdoor activities for you to enjoy.

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Theatricum Botanicum

An outdoor theater in Topanga, Theatricum puts up both classics and some newer works. This season you can go see Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor, Ernest Thompson’s The West Side Waltz, or Ellen Geer’s Trouble the Water, adapted from Rebecca Bruff’s book. These shows run through October, so you’ve got plenty of time to check them out!

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Outdoor Movie Night

Maybe you want to set the scene in the backyard - use your laptop, or even a projector if you have one, snuggle up with some blankets, and have a lazy movie night at home. Or maybe, you want a change of scenery and want to hit Street Food Cinema, an outdoor movie event at multiple locations throughout Los Angeles featuring delicious food trucks and live music prior to the show.

Plant a Garden

Pick some plants that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, such as, Echinacea (also called Coneflower) or Coreopsis flowers, to plant a sustainable garden. Make it a family activity and have the the kids help plant the seeds. And, of course, be mindful of everything you’re using in your garden. Stay organic and avoid pesticides.

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Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of fun things you could easily spot on a walk - a blue front door, a yellow flower, etc., and create a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood. There’s plenty of templates online you can print out too!

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Picnic

One of my absolute favorite activities ever. I love setting up a charcuterie board to share with friends and fam, whether that’s in my own backyard or at one of my fave parks. I love doing a picnic at Lake Hollywood Park or Holmby Park. If you’re in the market for a new picnic blanket, check out these from Black owned brands: Morgan Harper Nichols and By Brije. And, if you’ve gone dairy free, scoop some amaaaazing DF cheeses from Besties Vegan Paradise in East Hollywood.

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Nautical Experiences

What better way to celebrate life than getting out on the water. Rent a duffy boat with 12 of your besties, and bring tons of snacks and drinks. So much fun and a unique activity from day to day life. Awesome for a sunset cruise, brunchy booze cruise, or a family activity. Any way you go you’ll have a blast. Rent from Marina Del Rey or Newport Beach. Be sure to check groupon too because there’s usually deals! Groupon also has boat trips for whale and dolphin watching!

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Summer Sounds Concert Series

Several Sundays throughout the summer, Plummer Park hosts free concerts from 5pm-6:30pm. Ranging in genres from funk, to salsa, to classical, there’s a concert everyone will enjoy. Click here to check out the artists and see the dates coming up. Pull up with your lawn chair, and enjoy!

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Paddle Boarding or Surfing

Hit the beach and rent some paddle boards! A great activity for you alone or with your kids! Rent boards out of Marina Del Rey or Malibu from Paddle Method. Take a lesson if it’s your first time. Poseidon Paddle & Surf in Santa Monica has rentals and classes for both paddle boarding and surfing, if that’s more your speed.

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Catalina Island

Take a little day trip to Catalina Island. Or a weekend trip - there’s some of the best nearby camping spots there! Hit a beach bar or restaurant, rent a golf cart, check out some wild life (lots of Bison there), or partake in any water sport of your choosing - they’ve got it all! If you’re wanting to camp, make a reservation in advance because spots sure fill up!

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Tree People

Tree People is an organization committed to educating people about nature, our environment, and preserving it. From their website about their work: “After fires burn, TreePeople reforests. When schools are covered in concrete, TreePeople creates green schoolyards. When communities experience food insecurity, TreePeople donates fruit trees. When California is drought-stricken, TreePeople designs solutions to capture rainwater. As the world faces increasing threats from a more hostile climate, TreePeople helps create actionable solutions.” They have a number of resources on their website and ways to get involved. One of those ways is by taking an Eco-Tour to learn about the trees, soil, mulch, and more. They have family tours, and tours geared just toward children, including nature crafts.

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