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10 Classes Kids Can Take Outdoors around Los Angeles, from Art to Zooga

Photo courtesy of Trapeze School New York - Los Angeles
Photo courtesy of Trapeze School New York - Los Angeles
9/9/20 - By Roberta B

Kids spend enough time indoors—at home, at school, and even at homeschool. In LA where we are lucky enough to have near perfect weather for much of the year, why take class indoors? Add a pandemic into the mix, and taking classes outside can be a true lifesaver. Some of the classes below, ranging from trapeze to surfing to archery, do their thing in the great outdoors all the time. Other classes are getting creative in challenging times and moving their dance studios and art studios out in the fresh air to create healthier environments for learning. So who's ready for some enrichment in the sunshine?

Find more ideas for enrichment classes, tutoring, pod support, and homework help at our online Back-to-School Fair, going on now!

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This is what PE class should look like! Photo courtesy of Paddle Method
This is what PE class should look like! Photo courtesy of Paddle Method

Classes that Are Always Outdoors in LA

Trapeze School of New York

Santa Monica
Kids can learn to be like those daring folks on the flying trapeze, high in the air above Santa Monica Pier. Other circus skills are taught as well, and kids' programs include an overview of all the circus arts. READ MORE

Paddle Method

Marina del Rey
Kids ages 10 and up can learn to stand up and paddle on a paddleboard in the calm waters of Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey. Lessons cover everything from basic standing up to managing wind and waves. READ MORE

LA Surf and Swim

Santa Monica, Venice, Ventura
The legendary Coach Syd of LA Surf and Swim is responsible for decades of successful swimmers on the Westside. He and his team apply a zen-like calm that eases the fears of students from infants to toddlers to older kids, in private or semi-private lessons at three locations around Santa Monica and Venice. The school also offers ocean swimming classes and surfing lessons. Lesson times can be booked individually online. READ MORE

Elite Soccer PK

Encino
Founded by former Malaga CF player Christian Marin Diaz, Elite Soccer PK offers group clinics, private training, after-school programs, birthday parties, and summer camps that are motivational, goal oriented, and effective at improving students' technical skills. READ MORE

Malibu Makos Surf Club

Malibu
Malibu Makos Surf Camp is geared towards surfers of all abilities, ages 5 to 17. Kids also learn the safety, ocean education, and fitness components of a junior lifeguard program. Transportation is available from several locations. Private and small group lessons are also available. READ MORE

Conejo Valley Archers

Simi Valley
The Conejo Valley Archers provides an Open Public Archery Session every Saturday morning at the club's outdoor range. Newcomers and students starting at eight years old are welcome. All equipment is available to use; the price of class is a nominal donation to the club. READ MORE

Classes that Have Moved Outdoors in 2020

Westside School of Ballet

Santa Monica
From little tykes getting their first dancing shoes on to serious students of ballet, Westside is one of LA's premiere ballet and dance studios. Although classes are usually all in the studio, during COVID-19 some classes are offered outdoors, as well as several online options. READ MORE

Blue Starz Dance & Theatre School

Sherman Oaks
Blue Starz is a dance and theater school in the heart of Sherman Oaks, offering classes in ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, and musical theater, for students ages 18 months through 12 years. Camps and birthday parties are also available. In 2020, all classes are conducted in an outdoor studio. READ MORE

The Art Process

West LA
The Art Process provides unique, small art classes, camps, and parties for children ages 4-14 on the Westside of Los Angeles. These mixed media creative classes are mostly being offered online during COVID, but small group classes are available at an outdoor location upon request. READ MORE

Zooga Culver City

Culver City & West Hollywood
Zooga is a kids edutainment studio dedicated to babies, kids, teens, expecting moms, parents, and families. Classes are playful, taught in the branded Zooga style, and studios are environmentally friendly. Classes are available both mobile, schools, and in dedicated studios in Culver City and Calabasas. READ MORE

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About the Author

Roberta Brown
Roberta to launched Mommy Poppins' Los Angeles in 2011. Previously she served as LA Editor for GoCityKids, National Editor for ParentsConnect, and Editor for NickMom—all of which worked out well for her son, who grew up serving as Chief Guinea Pig for all things fun in LA and beyond.
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