Los Angeles is a busy, bustling, metropolis filled with museums, cultural events, and fabulous restaurants. But even as all these favorite spots reopen, and the pace of life picks up again, sometimes families need to get in touch with nature, whether it’s playing at the park, taking a family hike, or a toddler or stroller-friendly walk in the forest. Whatever age or stage the kids are at, getting out there and connecting with nature is so rejuvenating. 

Thankfully, Los Angeles is full of places to get a dose of nature therapy, take a break from the screens, and slow down our rhythms to observe some wildlife. The following places are all amazing for birdwatching (one of the easiest ways for kids to get into wildlife in Los Angeles) as well as spotting other furry and scaly critters.

Dine-in service at indoor restaurants may have been re-shuttered, but Mayor Garcetti is encouraging restaurants to open up outdoor seating in parking lots, sidewalks, and closed streets—helping communities to dine and local businesses to stay afloat. After months of cooking at home or eating take-out, it will be really nice to go out for a bona-fide, fully serviced meal in a restaurant at one of LA's newly created outdoor dining experiences. Families worldwide have not had a normal summer (though we hope we’ve been able to help with some outings and activities), so we’ve scouted out the best, most creative outdoor dining around LA this season.