From full moon walks, activities during sunset and twilight strolls, this roundup of L.A. garden events showcases all of the ways you and your family can take advantage of summer nights.
Sunset Series at South Coast Botanic Garden
June 20-Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m.
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula
Roam South Coast Botanic Garden’s 87 acres afterhours during the summer Sunset Series every Thursday night. Play yard games, grab a bite or cocktail and enjoy live music. Head to the kids’ zone, where Ms. Allison will entertain little ones with parachutes, obstacle courses, bubbles and more. $15-18 for ages 5 and up; free for ages 4 and under. southcoastbotanicgarden.org
Pro tip: While every Thursday features a special musical guest, we recommend visiting the gardens on July 25 for John Williams Night with the PV Symphonic Band, a 40-piece community ensemble with professional and amateur musicians of all ages.
Forest Bathing at The LA Arboretum
July 21, 8 p.m., Aug. 18-19, 7 p.m.
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
Deepen your connection with nature, calm your nervous system and engage your senses during this unique forest bathing experience, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku. A certified forest therapy guide will guide you through the gardens during these full moon walks. $25-$35. arboretum.org
Pro tip: This one is for the tweens, teens and grownups. Bring your kids ages 12 and up to slow down for a moment during your busy summer.
Rusalka by Pacific Opera Project at Descanso Gardens
July 12-14, 19-21, 7:30-10 p.m.
1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge
L.A.-based Pacific Opera Project returns to the main lawn at Descanso Gardens with “Rusalka.” Written in 1901 by Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, this fairytale opera was the original inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” POP’s version will be presented with orchestra and sung in English. $20-$55. descansogardens.org
Pro tip: Food and dinner will be available for purchase, so come early for dinner before the show.
Twilight Garden Strolls at The Huntington
July 7, 14 and 28, 4:30-8 p.m.; Aug. 11 and 18, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
Twilight strolls return to The Huntington for six Sundays this summer. Cool off and explore the gardens after 5 p.m., when day turns to dusk. Most gardens will be open, along with The Huntington Store, 1919 Café and hot food stations. $5-$20. huntington.org
Pro tip: Although the Children’s Garden will be closed, kids will still enjoy running free through one of The Huntington’s many lawns.
To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.
Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent
