Ultimate Guide to 101 Fun Things to Do in the South Bay with Kids
Why Families Love the South Bay
The South Bay is known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back vibe, top-rated restaurants, and vibrant events. Families can enjoy local farmers markets, concerts, festivals, and endless sunshine year-round. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, there’s always something happening in the South Bay that’s perfect for kids of all ages.
Planning Your Visit to the South Bay
Want more ideas beyond this list? Explore our top picks in the Fun Things to Do section and our local event calendar for weekly updates.
Also, check out these Fun Things to do with Kids South Bay Guides:
Fun Things To Do With Kids In Manhattan Beach
Fun Things to do with Kids in Torrance
Fun Things to do with Kids in Redondo Beach
Fun Things with Kids in Carson
Fun Things to do with Kids in Long Beach
Note to our readers, we try to keep things as up to date as possible, but things change all the time. Please contact the venue directly before visiting.
Table of Contents
Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids in the South Bay
Related: The Best Botanical Gardens In Southern California
Related: 12 Best Kid Friendly Farms Near Los Angeles
South Coast Botanic Garden (Palos Verdes)
Marvel at 70+ acres of lush gardens, seasonal blooms, and nature trails.
Wilderness Park (Redondo Beach)
Stroll through peaceful woodlands and spot wildlife along scenic trails.
Valmonte Farm & Garden (Palos Verdes Estates)
Pick fruits, feed animals, and learn about sustainable farming.
Madrona Marsh Preserve (Torrance)
Explore wetlands filled with native plants and birds on easy walking paths.
Malaga Cove Tide Pools (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Discover starfish, crabs, and sea anemones in natural tide pools.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center (Palos Verdes Estates)
Learn about local marine life, geology, and migrating whales.
Beaches, Parks & Piers in the South Bay
Related: South Bay Wilderness Parks and Easy Trails for Kids
Related: The Best Parks & Playgrounds in the South Bay – Los Angeles
Redondo Beach Pier
Spot sea lions, or grab a treat by the ocean.
Hermosa Beach Pier
Walk the pier and enjoy ocean views and beachfront dining.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Fish, surf, or visit the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier.
Polliwog Park (Manhattan Beach)
Feed the ducks, explore the playground, and picnic in open spaces.
Bruce’s Beach (Manhattan Beach)
Relax at a historic park with great views and grassy hills.
South Park (Hermosa Beach)
Scootering paths and a large playground make it a favorite for families.
The Strand (Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo)
Bike, skate, or scoot along this scenic coastal trail.
Greenbelt Trail (Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach)
A shady wood-chip trail perfect for walking and tree climbing.
Averill Park (San Pedro)
Explore a waterfall, ponds, rolling hills and city views.
Anderson Park (Redondo Beach)
Spacious fields, tennis courts, and play areas for active kids.
Rocketship Park (Torrance)
Slide down the rocket and enjoy panoramic city views.
Clutter’s Park (El Segundo)
Watch planes take off and land from LAX’s runways.
Terranea Bluff Trail (Palos Verdes)
Enjoy ocean views, wildlife sightings, and a small beach cove on this family-friendly, well-kept trail with dirt and paved sections.
Manhattan Beach Sand Dunes
Named for its 100-foot sand dune, this park features kid-friendly trails, native plants, and panoramic city views from the top.
Harbor Cruises (Redondo Beach)
Take a family-friendly boat tour of the marina.
Fly Kites (Various Parks and Beaches)
Bring a kite and take advantage of the South Bay’s breezy days.
Horse Trail Riding (Palos Verdes)
Enjoy a guided ride through scenic equestrian trails.
South Bay Archery Club (Torrance)
Kids can learn the basics of archery with expert guidance.
South Bay Sailing (Redondo Beach)
Take a sailing lesson or ride along the calm harbor waters.
Go Whale Watching (Redondo Beach)
Catch a glimpse of migrating whales from a boat or shore.
Family-Friendly Entertainment in the South Bay
Related: The Best Memberships for Families in Los Angeles
Related: Best Indoor Playground and Play Spaces in the South Bay
Southern California Live Steamers: Miniature Train Rides in Torrance Park
Southern California Live Steamers offers free miniature train rides in Torrance Park—fun for kids and train fans alike!
K1 Speed (Torrance)
Indoor electric go-karts for kids (and grown-ups) ready to race.
South Bay Galleria – World of Dinosaurs (Redondo Beach)
Explore lifelike dino displays inside the mall.
Olivia’s Dollhouse Tea Room (Torrance)
Dress up and enjoy a princess tea party experience.
The Art Zone (Redondo Beach)
Let kids get messy and creative with open-ended art play.
Dig It (Torrance)
A hands-on indoor play space with construction-themed fun.
Splash Pads & Pools to Cool Off
Related: The Coolest Splash Pads And Pools Around LA
Seaside Lagoon (Redondo Beach)
A seasonal saltwater lagoon with slides and a sandy beach.
Splash Pad at Alondra Aquatic Center (Lawndale)
Cool off with water features perfect for young kids.
Splash Pad at Wilson Park (Torrance)
Seasonal splash fun in one of the largest local parks.
Splash Pad at Promenade on the Peninsula (Rolling Hills Estates)
Combine shopping and splashing for the perfect summer stop.
Hawthorne Pool (Hawthorne)
An affordable public pool with swim programs and open swim.
Victor E. Benstead Plunge (Torrance)
Indoor heated pool for lessons and family swim.
Begg Pool (Manhattan Beach)
Neighborhood pool with lap swim and kids’ swim classes.
Kayaking & Pedal Boating (Redondo Beach Pier)
Rent a kayak or pedal boat and cruise the calm waters.
Aquariums, Museums & Educational Spots
Related: Best Children’s Museums in Los Angeles & Orange County
Related: Fun Things to Do With Kids Who Love Airplanes, Trains, Boats & Cars
Related: Guide to Southern California Zoos & Aquariums
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)
Interactive exhibits and touch tanks introduce kids to ocean life.
Battleship USS Iowa Museum (San Pedro)
Walk the deck of a real battleship and learn naval history.
Roundhouse Aquarium (Manhattan Beach Pier)
Small but mighty—touch tanks and ocean education for all ages.
Marine Mammal Care Center (San Pedro)
Learn how sea lions and seals are rescued and rehabilitated.
Korean Friendship Bell (San Pedro)
A stunning landmark with ocean views and cultural history.
Point Vicente Lighthouse (Palos Verdes)
See this historic lighthouse and spot migrating whales.
Western Museum of Flight (Torrance)
Explore vintage planes and aviation exhibits.
Lomita Train Museum (Lomita)
Ride miniature trains and explore model railroads.
International Printing Museum (Carson)
Discover how printing shaped the world with hands-on exhibits.
Automobile Driving Museum (El Segundo)
Climb into classic cars and enjoy ice cream Sundays.
LA Fire Department Museum (San Pedro)
View antique fire engines and firefighting tools.
Unique South Bay Experiences for Kids
Related: South Bay Indoor Activities Guide: Perfect for Rainy Days, Heat Waves, and More
Picnic under the planes as they fly over head from LAX (Westchester)
Southern California Live Steamers (Torrance)
Ride miniature trains around a park loop for free (select Sundays).
Rainforest Flora (Torrance)
Feed koi and turtles in this indoor tropical plant nursery.
Go Kart World (Carson)
Race a variety of tracks for all age levels.
Looking Glass Submarine (Redondo Beach)
Take a semi-submersible tour and explore sea life up close.
Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson)
Catch an LA Galaxy game or local sports tournament.
Go See the Goodyear Blimp (Carson)
Spot this iconic airship as it launches or lands nearby.
South Bay Lakers Game (El Segundo)
Cheer on the Lakers’ G-League team at a family-friendly venue.
Ice Skating at LA Kings Ice (Palos Verdes + El Segundo)
Cool down and glide on the rink at Promenade on the Peninsula.
Visit a Local Library (Multiple Cities)
Join storytime, grab a book, or attend a kids’ activity.
Malaga Cove Library (Palos Verdes Estates)
A charming spot for books, storytime, and quiet reading.
