Summer Activities With LA’s Nonprofits

Los Angeles boasts an impressive landscape of nonprofit organizations, from small, community-based initiatives to international networks that impact global policy. The work of LA’s nonprofits touch every industry, neighborhood and part of life in our city, and many offer fun, unique activities open to the public, providing opportunities to both entertain and help the community.

What better way to spend your summer than with some of the nonprofits that make Los Angeles one of the most innovative and creative cities in the world?

Here are just a few of our favorite summer activities hosted by local nonprofits that we recommend checking out:

LA River

The LA River Corp works to transform the LA River to improve people’s lives by carrying out sustainable land use projects, advocacy for river-friendly policy and programs for community benefit. The LA River Corp offers many family-friendly ways to enjoy the river throughout the summer. Here are a few selections:

Night Run series: June 25 7:30pm-10:00pm, tickets $25
Bike Tour with Good Eggs LA: August 8, 4:30pm-7:30pm, tickets $10

LA Works

LA Works has been mobilizing volunteers in Los Angeles since 1991. The nonprofit features thousands of volunteer opportunities year round, and summer is the perfect season to spend some of your free time helping others. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Be a Kid Again: Children’s Creative Corner, July 14 (ages 18+)
Serve it up: Prep and Provide Meals for the Homeless @ LA Mission, July 18 (ages 13+)
Annual Print Fair & Exhibition: Self Help Graphics & Art, July 25 (ages 18+)

Tree People

Tree People is a nonprofit focused on growing a green and climate-resilient Los Angeles. This summer, Tree People will be hosting free and informative family tours and native plant exploration at their headquarters in Coldwater Canyon Park on July 19 and August 16 from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Learn about the magic of mulch at Dr. Dirt’s laboratory and tour the urban watershed garden for a live demonstration of how rainwater flows in our city. You can even learn how to grow California native plants yourself!

Annenberg Community Beach House

Photo by Takashige Ikawa / Frederick Fisher and Partners

The Annenberg Community Beach House is a favorite summer destination for Angelenos. This family-friendly destination is open to all and no membership is required. With spectacular views, a splash pad, children’s play area, gallery, historic pool, and Marion Davies Guest House, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The pool is open for the summer June 6-September 7.

Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for youth ages 1-17, and $5 for Seniors 60+.