It’s Getting Warmer! Our Favorite Outdoor Activities & Events to Explore This Month

Outdoor classes, tours, and events are a rite of Spring, but this year those offerings are especially robust. We’ve put together a list of happenings in cities across the country that are worthy of venturing out for. Check out what’s coming to your town below.

New York

∙ The New York Botanical Garden is hosting the whimsical work of Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama in a new installation "KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature" that will be on display through the end of October. Reservations are required to view the fantastical sculptures that dot the garden’s 250 acres, and are available through the NYBG website.

∙ Lincoln Center is celebrating the reemergence of art in New York with Restart Stages, an ongoing roster of outdoor programming staged by organizations across the five boroughs. These free and low-cost events are announced a few weeks ahead of time, with April programming including an event for World Health Day honoring healthcare workers with an outdoor concert by members of the New York Philharmonic. May events can be found on the Restart Stages website.

Boston

∙ Remnant Brewing in Somerville has resumed its outdoor "Yoga in The Beer Garden" series with hour-long power yoga classes every Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Spaces are available on a reservation basis for yogis of all levels. If there’s inclement weather, the class is moved inside to the tap room where masks are required. The brewery is nestled into Bow Market — home to over 30 independent food, art, and retail shops — and is a great place to explore after class.

∙ After a long winter indoors, get kids into nature with Mass Audubon’s Afternoons Outside program. The course will be held on Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. from April 29 through June 3, and offers kids a way to connect with the outdoors at the Boston Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Mattapan. A sliding scale fee is available.

Washington D.C.

 

∙ H Street Farms is seeking volunteers to help tend its rooftop garden above the W.S. Jenks & Son Hardware Store on the weekends. Sign up to flex your green thumb any Saturday or Sunday in May from 12 to 4 p.m.

∙ Get out of the city with a three-mile sunrise hike at Great Falls led by Smithsonian Associates on May 1, May 5, and May 20. Register in advance for this morning excursion at Great Falls National Park that includes a hike past the falls and into Mather Gorge. The hike leader will share information about the area’s unique geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts along the Potomac.

Chicago

∙ The Forge: Lemont Quarries is an outdoor adrenaline junky’s delight, with rope courses, ziplines, climbing walls, tactical laser tag, and more. The park offers passes by the activity, as well as yearly memberships, and requires reservations before each visit. The Forge is currently accepting reservations through the end of May.

∙ The Chicago Academy of Sciences is leading two free nature walks on May 1 at 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The quick 20-minute walks through the restored prairie of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Grounds is part of the City Nature Challenge, that encourages people to document wildlife in their cities. Participants of the event, which is programmed for families with children between 2 and 8 years old, are encouraged to roam the grounds and document the species they encounter after the walk.

Los Angeles

∙ Enjoy dinner and a movie al fresco on the pool deck of the JW Marriott in Downtown LA Fridays and Saturdays in May. Upcoming screenings include "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Pretty Woman," and "Selena." Reservations are required, and run $45 per person including one appetizer, one entree, and unlimited popcorn. A full bar is also on site, but is not part of the ticket price.

∙ The Los Angeles Conservancy is running two self-guided tours in May devoted to the work of legendary architect Paul R. Williams. The conservancy will run a concurrent virtual tour and provide information about Williams and insights into his designs, which include the Los Angeles County Courthouse and Saks Fifth Avenue. The tours will take place on May 12 and May 26 at 6 p.m., and require advanced registration.

San Francisco

∙ The Center For Asian American Media is holding CAAMFest, a celebration of the work of Asian media makers, from May 13 through 23 with live-streaming, on-demand, and drive-in programs. CAAM will update their website with more information as the opening date approaches.

∙ It’s baseball season, and the San Francisco Giants are welcoming fans into Oracle Park once again. The team will play nine home games throughout the month of May at 22 percent capacity in the stadium, giving around 9,000 fans the chance to attend each game. In order to gain entry, all fans are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination.

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.