Los Angeles family guide
Things to Do in Torrance with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Torrance on the map
📍 Where Torrance is
Torrance sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: LAX (Los Angeles Intl) (~8 mi / 13 km). It's roughly 16 mi (26 km) from Downtown LA and 103 mi (166 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.
🏡 New to Torrance? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: Browse the seasonal Seasons Guide and register at torrance.rec.us; Torrance residents get a one-week head start on registration.
- Library card: Torrance Public Library is city-run; California residents apply online for a temporary number, then bring California ID to pick up the card.
- Storytime: Babytime, Toddlertime, Family Storytime and Sensory Storytime rotate among six branches, including Katy Geissert Civic Center, El Retiro and Southeast.
- Find your school: Torrance Unified serves the city; enter your address in the district's School Locator to see your assigned schools.
- The Plunge: The Victor E. Benstead Plunge is a heated outdoor 50-meter pool kept around 80 degrees year-round, with lessons and Saturday rec swim.
- Splash pad: Wilson Park's free splash pad runs seasonally, May 23 to November 11 in 2026, with no reservations taken.
- Emergency alerts: TorranceAlerts sends city emergency notices by call, text, email and app; existing sign-ups carried over into regional Alert SouthBay.
- City events & e-news: The city calendar lists community events; subscribe to the Torrance eNewsletter for city news.
- Getting around: Torrance Transit's local fare is $1, students with K-12 ID pay 50 cents, and children under 5 ride free.
Things to do in Torrance
Parks & Hiking
Columbia Park
At 52 acres, this is Torrance's largest park. It has a playground, walking paths, an amphitheater, a community garden and a cherry tree grove that hosts the city's spring Cherry Blossom Festival. There are restrooms, picnic tables and BBQs, and the four soccer fields get busy on weekends.
FreeDelthorne Park
A 9.7-acre park with tree-shaded winding lawns, small brooks and footbridges, which make it a pleasant, low-key stroll with little kids. It has a rubberized jogging track, a playground, game courts, restrooms and BBQs.
FreeEl Nido Park ("The Nest")
A 12-acre city of Torrance park with a large children's play area and a well-shaded picnic area with barbecues. It also has restrooms, a basketball court and a softball field. The mailing address reads Redondo Beach 90278, but the park is run by Torrance.
FreeEl Retiro Park
A 4.8-acre park in the Hollywood Riviera area with children's play equipment, lighted tennis courts, a rotunda and BBQ picnic areas. It sits next to the El Retiro Library, and two lots offer about 60 parking spaces. The address reads Redondo Beach 90277, but the park is run by Torrance.
FreeEntradero Park
At 26.5 acres this is Torrance's second-largest park, and it doubles as a stormwater basin, so it has wide grassy lowlands with a walking path. It has a playground, restrooms, BBQs and picnic tables. The city has been installing new ranch-style fencing since June 2026.
FreeLago Seco Park
A 15-acre South Torrance park with a playground, community garden plots, basketball courts and a 0.67-mile fitness course. It's home to Riviera Little League, so the ball fields are busy on spring weekends. BBQs and picnic tables are available.
FreeSea-Aire Park & Golf Course
A small South Torrance park with a playground, picnic area and restrooms, next to a 9-hole, par-3 pitch-and-putt course. The short holes make it a manageable first golf outing for kids. Call the course at (310) 316-9779 for tee times and rates.
Park free; golf fees apply (check site)Sur La Brea Park
A 7.4-acre Southeast Torrance park with a playground, fitness course, tennis courts, a basketball court and a softball diamond. Restrooms, BBQs and reservable picnic areas make it an easy neighborhood birthday-party spot.
FreeVictor E. Benstead Plunge
Torrance's heated outdoor 50-meter pool has run since 1956 and stays at 80–81° year-round. The all-ages rec swim is only on Saturday afternoons. It's card-only, with no cash, and residents get the first registration window for swim lessons.
Youth 15–17 $3, adults $5; card only (surcharge)Victor Park
A 6.6-acre park with a playground, a large open lawn, BBQ picnic tables and a 0.18-mile fitness path. It sits right next to the Henderson Library, so it pairs well with Tuesday family storytime. Restrooms are on site.
FreeWilson Park Annenberg Tree House
A 2,500 sq ft wooden tree house at Charles H. Wilson Park (2200 Crenshaw Blvd), billed as California's first universally accessible tree house in a public space. Winding ramps make it work for strollers and wheelchairs. The splash pad is in the same park, so pair the two.
FreeWilson Park Splash Pad
Free, unsupervised splash pad at Charles H. Wilson Park. Swim diapers are required for children who aren't potty-trained, and kids under 12 need an adult 18 or older. No food, drinks, glass or pets, and street shoes are prohibited, so bring water shoes.
FreeLos Arboles 'Rocketship' Park
A 6.3-acre park at 5101 Calle de Ricardo, best known for its rocket-ship play structure, with picnic tables and city views. The park closes at 10pm, so late afternoon gives the best light.
Free
Indoor Play
Del Amo Fashion Center kids' spots
The mall's directory lists several kid stops: Dig It (lower level), Le Funland and ZoomiZoomi play spaces, a free lower-level Play Area, Hello Pottery and Build-A-Bear Workshop. It also has the AMC Del Amo 18. On a hot or rainy day you can split a few hours between play and a treat.
Free to enter; attractions priced individuallyTouchstone Class 5 climbing gym
A large Touchstone climbing gym with 40-foot rope walls and a big bouldering area. It runs youth classes, teams and camps, plus a "Climbing with Kids" option. It best suits school-age kids and teens, and a family membership covers children 12 and under.
Kids 12 & under day pass $30; check site for gear rentalMuseums & Learning
El Retiro Library
A small city of Torrance branch in the Hollywood Riviera with Toddlertime (18 months–3 years) on Wednesdays at 10:30am, plus Sensory Storytime on select dates. Its hours are shorter than the other branches, and El Retiro Park's playground is next door.
FreeHenderson Library
A city of Torrance branch with Family Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Victor Park's playground is next door, so it's easy to follow stories with playtime.
FreeKaty Geissert Civic Center Library
The main library of Torrance's own city system, which is separate from LA County Library. Babytime is Wednesdays at 1pm and Toddlertime is Thursdays at 10:30am, and there's a Sensory Storytime for ages 0–5 (check dates). It sits in the Civic Center next to the Plunge and the Torrance Art Museum.
FreeNorth Torrance Library
A city of Torrance branch with Toddlertime on Mondays at 10:30am and Family Storytime on Saturdays at 10:30am, one of the few weekend storytimes in the area. It sits next to McMaster Park.
FreeSoutheast Library
A city of Torrance branch with Babytime (6–18 months) on Tuesdays at 10:30am and Family Storytime on Fridays at 10:30am. It's also one of three branches that host Sensory Storytime for children with sensory needs, so check the calendar for dates.
FreeTorrance Historical Society Museum
A small local-history museum in Old Torrance, a few blocks from the downtown shops on El Prado and Sartori. The society also offers free walking tours. Call (310) 328-5392 to confirm hours before a visit.
Check siteWalteria Library
A small South Torrance branch with Family Storytime on Mondays at 10am. It sits next to Walteria Park, which has a playground and picnic facilities.
Free
Western Museum of Flight
Aviation museum at Zamperini Field (3315 Airport Dr) with a kids' program called Kids Love Aviation Science. Children under 12 are free, so only adults pay. Free on-site parking, with overflow at 3301 Airport Dr.
$10 general; children under 12 free; members freeArts & Culture
Scaredown in Downtown
A free Halloween street event in Historic Downtown Torrance with trunk-or-treat for costumed kids, games, prizes, photo ops and a live DJ. Downtown restaurants and vendors line the streets. It wraps up in the evening, and 2026 was the 10th year.
FreeTorrance 4th of July Fireworks Show
The city's July 4 evening has live music, food trucks and a 9pm fireworks show. 2026 added a stroller and wagon parade for little kids. Only water may be brought in: no outside food, pets, canopies, umbrellas or pointed-leg chairs. Streets around Madrona Ave and Civic Center Dr close at about 6pm.
Free; food trucks extraTorrance Art Museum
A free city contemporary art museum in the Civic Center that shows rotating exhibitions, such as the fall 2026 "Baker's Dozen" survey of Southern California artists. It best suits older kids and teens. It's open only while a show is up, so check the dates before you visit.
FreeTorrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival
A free spring festival under Columbia Park's cherry trees, with Japanese cultural performances, artisan crafts and food for purchase. The trees were donated by Soka Gakkai International. Columbia Park's playground and paths make it easy to spend the day.
Free; food for purchaseTorrance Summer Nights concerts
A free summer concert series at the Wilson Park Amphitheatre, with a rotating lineup of music and cultural performances for all ages. Bring a blanket or low lawn chairs. The playground and Tree House are steps away for wiggly kids.
Free
More for families in Torrance
From our researched guides: the Torrance spots for bowling alleys, arcades, classes. Hours and prices change, so check the venue's site before you go.
Bowling
All SoCal bowling alleys →Lucky Strike Torrance
A 40-lane alley at 21915 S Western Ave that offers bumpers for young bowlers, an arcade and kids/teen party packages. Regular Family Fest events include free bowling and live entertainment.
Per-game pricing; see site. Family Unlimited promo listed for weekends 11am-3pm
Venue website ↗Arcades & fun centers
All SoCal arcades →Dave & Buster's Torrance
Arcade with racing games, shooters, air hockey and basketball, plus dining and party hosting, at 21880 Hawthorne Blvd. Minor policies aren't listed on the page, so call ahead about evening rules.
Play & Eat combos from $19.99; game cards priced per card; see site
Venue website ↗Classes & lessons
All SoCal classes →Big Blue Swim School
Indoor swim school at Del Amo Fashion Center with no contracts; four progressive levels (+ more locations).
$$ enrollment
Venue website ↗Farmers markets in Torrance
Torrance Certified Farmers' Market
One of the South Bay's largest markets with a big produce selection inside a park with playgrounds.
Festivals & annual events in Torrance
What Torrance is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Torrance Turkey Trot 3-Mile Fun Run
The city's Thanksgiving-morning 3-mile fun run at the Torrance Crossroads center, with commemorative shirts, a prize drawing and a food-drive collection. It is a 3-mile walk or run, so it works for stroller families and older kids. Tip: register at torrance.rec.us (early rate ends Oct 15); walk-up sign-up on race day is 6:30-7:30am.
$30 early (to Oct 15), $35 regular, $40 late
Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival
A two-day free Japanese cultural festival at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center run by the Sister City Association — taiko, dance, martial arts, calligraphy, tea ceremony and food. 2026 was the 51st year.
Free admission
Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade
A weekend of military exhibits at the Torrance City Yard plus a Saturday afternoon parade along Torrance Boulevard. 2026 was the 64th annual.
2026 edition (May 15-17) has passed; 2027 dates not posted
Local restaurants in Torrance
Scardino's Italian Restaurant
Warm family-owned southern Italian ristorante with pasta, pizza, and seafood.
HiroNori Craft Ramen
Craft ramen shop making its own noodles and rich broth, an easy kid-friendly slurp in the South Bay.
Aunty Maile's
Casual counter-service Hawaiian spot serving big island plates the family can split.
La Capilla
A homey Torrance Mexican restaurant with murals, vinyl booths, and generous combo plates — a neighborhood mainstay that's easy and unpretentious with kids.
Santouka Ramen
Rich shio tonkotsu with pork cheek, served inside Mitsuwa Marketplace. The Japanese-market food court is fun, casual, and kid-easy.
Torrance Yokocho
Alleyway-style Japanese food hall with ramen, udon, izakaya bites, fried chicken, and tempura. Multiple stalls mean something for everyone.
Torrance Bakery
Family-owned bakery at 1341 El Prado Ave in Old Torrance with pastries, cupcakes, muffins, custom cakes and a café serving sandwiches. Open Mon–Fri 7am–6pm, Sat 7am–5pm, Sun 8am–3pm.
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Old Torrance brewpub at 1266 Sartori Ave, open daily. Its own site does not mention a kids menu or patio, so check before bringing little ones.
Gaetano's Italian Restaurant
Family Italian restaurant at 2731 Pacific Coast Hwy. Its site lists a kids menu and online takeout ordering.
Hank's Italian Restaurant
A South Bay Italian restaurant from the late 1960s, now run by the Curiel family, with handcrafted pizzas, pasta, Italian meats and cheeses and a full bar, at 3760 W 242nd St. It mentions patio dining and online ordering.
Clutch and Coffee
An Old Torrance breakfast and lunch spot at 1321 El Prado Ave serving omelets, benedicts, open-face toast, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches and burgers, all made to order. Open Tue–Sun, closed Monday.
Sartori Thai Cuisine
A compact Old Torrance Thai kitchen at 1255 Sartori Ave Suite B serving soups, curries, noodles and combination plates, take-out only (no dining room). Closed Monday.
Lisa's Cafe & Bakery
A local cafe and bakery in Town & Country Plaza at 2809 Pacific Coast Hwy, with roots back to 1979, known for its Chinese Chicken Salad, plus sandwiches and pastries. Open Mon–Sat, closed Sunday.
Local shops in Torrance
Street Faire Antiques
An Old Torrance antiques and vintage store at 1317 Sartori Ave, and the office for the monthly Torrance Antique Street Faire (fourth Sunday). Inventory rotates through vintage furniture, collectibles and gifts, and it is open Tue–Sun.
Saint-Ex Books
An independent bookstore, the former Sandpiper Books (est. 1992), reopened under new owners with a Little Prince theme at 4665 Torrance Blvd, open Mon–Sat.
Seasonal & outdoors near Torrance
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Torrance.
More Los Angeles family guides
Torrance family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Torrance with kids?
Family favorites in and around Torrance include Scaredown in Downtown, Torrance 4th of July Fireworks Show, Torrance Art Museum and Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival, and more. Our guide lists 31 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Torrance?
Yes — free family spots near Torrance include Scaredown in Downtown, Torrance 4th of July Fireworks Show, Torrance Art Museum and Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Torrance?
Local, family-friendly spots in Torrance include Scardino's Italian Restaurant, HiroNori Craft Ramen, Aunty Maile's and La Capilla, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Torrance guide cover?
Our Torrance family guide includes 31 things to do, 13 local eats, 2 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Torrance
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Torrance on one map — then book on your favorite site.