How to Have Fun and Stay Cool in Woodland Hills This August

Beat the Heat This August:

While all Californians look forward to that crossover temperature period when they can go from cargo pants to cargo shorts, miniskirts, tank tops and flip-flops, there is such a thing as “too hot.” Sometimes, the Southern California climate rises to the point that you just need relief, no matter where that relief comes from. For most, especially those involved heavily in Cali’s renowned surfing scene, this normally equates to heading to the beach for some fun in the surf.

But there are plenty of other ways to beat the heat this summer, and if you find yourself in or around the Woodland Hills area during these remaining warm months, the following collection of ideas regarding how to stay cool – while having fun – will definitely come in handy.

Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, established in 1994 and owned by the City of Calabasas, is a venue often referred to as “the crown jewel of the city.” Here, a tennis and swim center boasting 16 lighted tennis courts, a 25-yard pool, member-accessible gym, fitness classes and “tot lot” beckons you to come in from the heat and enjoy yourself. After-school tennis classes are available through the Top Seed Tennis Academy and a tennis summer camp, and swim lessons are offered in the summer months, as well. If you’re looking for a real way to stay cool in Woodland Hills this summer, the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center represents quite the “refreshing” option.

Is there anything that says “summer” like kicking back in an air conditioned multiplex theater and catching the latest big-budget blockbuster? Indeed, the AMC Fallbrook 7  in West Hills is the consummate venue to indulge in this classic summertime routine, allowing you to see your show from the luxury of extra-comfy recliners covered in plush leather and offering a myriad of snack and drink possibilities courtesy of a high-tech Coca-Cola “freestyle” machine. Also offered at this AMC location are reserved seating and the option to have your drinks and food served at your seat – at whatever time you choose. This is the ultimate summertime experience in Woodland Hills, especially for cinema aficionados.

Of course, we couldn’t talk about summer without mentioning ice cream, and in the Woodland Hills area, there is no shortage of shops that will have even the most hardcore ice cream buffs amazed. Perhaps one of the most unique of these places is Jerry’s Soda Shoppe, located inside the De Soto Pharmacy on Roscoe Boulevard in Canoga Park – this throwback old-fashioned ice cream “parlor” takes you on a whimsical journey into the past when ice cream shops reigned supreme inside and alongside pharmacies, complete with soda fountains, classic spinning stools at counters, legendary display cases and more. Other spots we highly recommend are Sloan’s Ice Cream, Wanderlust Creamery and Melt Gelato & Crepe Café.

New this year, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works’ Los Angeles County Beach Bus offers year-round bus service from Topanga Canyon to local beaches for a bit of sun and surf…whenever the urge strikes. Enjoy the surf, sand and surroundings at Topanga Beach, Will Rogers Beach and Santa Monica Beach, and learn why the Beach Boys were on to something when they proclaimed “I wish they all could be California girls.” See the schedule in the link above for more information.

Sure, it was shows such as the legendary Beverly Hills 90210 and hit films like Clueless that took us into the lucid fantasies of young beautiful fashionistas and their penchant for strutting around L.A. shopping malls in high heels and expensive jewelry, but the lure of the mall continues to live on – especially in Woodland Hills. This summer, take an air conditioned walk around the Westfield Topanga and discover how the concept of “the mall” has dynamically evolved into something truly extravagant and unique. A plethora of retailers exhibit at this L.A. shopping mecca, including Eighteen Eight, 100-Percent Pure, 24-Hour Fitness, Abercrombie & Fitch, Adore Cosmetics, Aeropostale, Aldo, American Eagle, AirTech and more, while a nearly infinite amount of dining choices, events and special engagements round out the Westfield Topanga experience. And yes, you can stroll around in your six-inch stilettos if you want to.

With some areas of America recording some of the warmest weather on record this summer, folks have been redefining what they want out of their free time. For residents of Woodland Hills, this is almost a no-brainer, given the surplus of things to do, see and shop for in and around town. Ready to have fun and stay cool in Woodland Hills?