Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Hawthorne with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Hawthorne on the map
📍 Where Hawthorne is
Hawthorne sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~4 mi / 6 km). It's roughly 11 mi (18 km) from Downtown LA and 108 mi (173 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Hawthorne
Hawthorne Library (LA County Library)
A 16,949 sq ft branch at 12700 Grevillea Ave with a dedicated children's area, teen space and study rooms, plus early-learning programs and online homework help. It opens at noon on Tue and Wed, so Thu–Sat mornings are the easy window.
Free
Hawthorne Memorial Park
A city park at 3943 W. El Segundo Blvd with BBQ grills, a tot lot, lighted futsal and basketball courts and par-course fitness equipment. Call the city at 310-349-1640 before you go to confirm current amenities.
Free
Beach Boys Historic Landmark
California Historical Landmark No. 1041 at 3701 W. 119th St, dedicated in 2005, marking where the Wilson brothers' childhood home stood and where they recorded 'Surfin'' in 1961. The house itself was demolished in the 1980s for the Century Freeway. It's a ten-minute stop for music fans, so pair it with a park visit.
FreeLocal restaurants in Hawthorne
Pizza Show
Retro-dining-room pizza parlor with hand-tossed pies, baked lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, subs, wings and zeppoles at 13344 Hawthorne Blvd, with private parties and catering offered.
Hummus House
Family-run Turkish-style kabob house with a nine-flavor hummus sampler, shawarma, falafel and fresh baklava, all Zabiha Halal, at 12211 Hawthorne Blvd. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Tata's Cafe
Neighborhood breakfast spot known for breakfast dishes and coffee at 12627 Hawthorne Blvd, open daily 8am–3pm, with takeout ordering.
Seasonal & outdoors near Hawthorne
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Hawthorne.
More Los Angeles family guides
Hawthorne family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Hawthorne with kids?
Family favorites in and around Hawthorne include Hawthorne Library (LA County Library), Hawthorne Memorial Park and Beach Boys Historic Landmark. Our guide lists 3 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Hawthorne?
Yes — free family spots near Hawthorne include Hawthorne Library (LA County Library), Hawthorne Memorial Park and Beach Boys Historic Landmark. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Hawthorne?
Local, family-friendly spots in Hawthorne include Pizza Show, Hummus House and Tata's Cafe — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Hawthorne guide cover?
Our Hawthorne family guide includes 3 things to do and 3 local eats — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Hawthorne
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Hawthorne on one map — then book on your favorite site.