Family Activity Guide to Torrance
California has been called the Ultimate Playground and a visit to Torrance is a prime example. Especially for families. With a pristine, uncrowded beach, more than 30 parks, world-class museums, major sports team stadiums, a food scene that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eater, and Disneyland (!) nearby, Torrance has everything your family needs for an unforgettable getaway.
Because every family looks different, this guide is designed for all of them: babies, big kids, tweens, teens, grandparents, four-legged members, and everyone in between.
Discover Torrance on your next family getaway for a trip that’ll leave everyone smiling, whether you’re road-tripping on a long weekend or making Torrance your home base for a bigger Southern California adventure.
Top Family Activities in Torrance
Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular places to go for families:
- Torrance Beach
- South Coast Botanic Garden
- Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center
- Wilson Park Annenberg Treehouse — fully accessible, 2,500sq-ft treehouse designed for all ages
- Del Amo Fashion Center
If you’re looking for specific activities for specific age groups, here is more info and recommendations:
Infants, Toddlers & Young Kids
Torrance has a knack for delighting the under-10 crowd.
With your young ones in tow, you should definitely hit up Torrance Beach. The vibe is relaxed rather than chaotic. It’s less crowded and lesser known, with more manageable waves, which means our pristine shore has plenty of places to park and spread out. You can just relax and let them play in the sand and splash in the waves. There are public showers too, so you can clean everyone off before you leave.
Peaceful, quiet and beautiful, locals call it “the jewel of the Peninsula.” It’s an enormous 87-acre botanic garden in nearby Palos Rancho Verdes and a true urban oasis with more than 2,500 plant species from all over the world. Picnics are encouraged, so pack everyone’s favorites and enjoy all the sights and scents. If you time your visit right, the monthly Kids Club offers themed scavenger hunts designed for little explorers. The garden also welcomes leashed dogs and hosts a summer dog-walking series, so the whole family (four legs included) can come along.
MADRONA MARSH PRESERVE & NATURE CENTER
One of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in LA County, Madrona Marsh is a free and wonderfully slow-paced adventure for young nature lovers. More than 300 bird species have been spotted here, so bring binoculars and make a game of it. Kids love looking down to spot animal tracks in the mud. Self-guided tours are available any time; docent-led tours add depth for curious kids and parents alike.
No trip to Torrance with kids is complete without a stop at the iconic rocket ship park. The three-story retro structure at Los Arboles has been launching local imaginations for decades. Kids can climb all the way up through its four levels while adults take in one of the best views in the South Bay, stretching to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory on a clear day.
WILSON PARK ANNENBERG TREEHOUSE
California’s first universally accessible treehouse in a public space, this 2,500-square-foot wooden structure at Wilson Park was built so that children and adults of all ages and abilities can explore it together. No one sits this one out. The broader Wilson Park is practically a destination unto itself, with a splash pad (open April–October), softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a roller hockey rink, and an amphitheater hosting the free Torrance Summer Nights concert series.
DIG IT!, LE FUNLAND & ZOOMIZOOMI AT DEL AMO FASHION CENTER
One of the largest malls in the United States, Del Amo has a surprisingly rich lineup of activities specifically designed for young children.
Dig It! is an 8,000-square-foot indoor construction-themed play space where kids ages 4–12 can pilot a mechanical arm, drive a remote-controlled truck, operate a full-size digger, dig, tunnel, climb, and build. It’s STEM-based play that genuinely doesn’t feel like learning. (There’s a toddler area too for younger siblings, and drop-off sessions are available if parents want a breather.)
Le Funland and ZoomiZoomi offer soft play equipment, ball pits, and arts and crafts for young ones. A children’s play area on the south side of the mall rounds it out.
On your way into the mall, stop by the California Welcome Center on the main level. The staff are excellent at helping families plan their Torrance itinerary and share tips you won’t find in any guidebook.
Tweens & Teenagers
The tricky age range to please? Not in Torrance.
A lot of teens that come to Torrance are either looking to sunbathe or charge the waves for boogie boarding, body surfing, and surfing. (For more on board riding activities, view our guide to Torrance’s surf scene and taking lessons.) Volleyball nets, nearby food, and a laid-back vibe make it easy to spend hours here. For active families, Torrance Beach is the southern end of the Strand Bike Trail, a 22-mile paved coastal path all the way to Will Rogers State Beach in Malibu. Rent bikes and make it a half-day adventure.
For families traveling with a member who uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid, Torrance Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in LA County, with access mats, ADA parking and restrooms, and free beach wheelchairs available at the lifeguard station.
If your tween or teen has even a passing interest in climbing, or if you’re just looking for something that’ll actually challenge them, Class 5 is the answer. This state-of-the-art climbing gym offers 26,000 square feet of climbing terrain, including a 40-foot lead wall, 17,000 square feet of rope climbing, and 9,000 square feet of bouldering. Parents can climb alongside their kids or watch from the sidelines while the teens figure out the hard routes. Class 5 also offers youth programs.
Located inside Del Amo Fashion Center, Back in Time is a cut above your average escape room. The premise: you’re a recruit for a time-travel agency, transported back through a T.I.M.E. portal with 60 minutes to complete your mission. Solve the puzzles, crack the clues, and return before you become a permanent part of history. It’s genuinely immersive, collaborative, and exactly the kind of experience that makes teens forget they’re having fun with their family. Great for groups of mixed ages too.
This museum earns its place on the teen list because it’s hands-on in a way most museums aren’t. Teens can actually climb into a real supersonic jet! Located on historic Zamperini Field, named for Torrance’s own Louis Zamperini, 1936 Olympian, WWII prisoner of war, and one of history’s most extraordinary comeback stories. The museum brings Southern California’s aerospace legacy to life through hangars full of aircraft, displays, and models. Zamperini himself selected the memorabilia on display in the Pilot’s Lounge. Check the calendar for the monthly Celebrity Lecture Series.
DEL AMO FASHION CENTER: TEEN EDITION
Big malls are preteen and teenager playgrounds, and the Del Amo Fashion Center is as big as they come. Three levels of shopping, an 18-screen movie complex, and Dave & Buster’s with hundreds of arcade games make Del Amo a reliable go-to when the group can’t agree on anything else.The escape room (listed above) also adds a genuinely challenging option. The mall’s dining options are extensive and cater to every preference.
If your kiddo is a budding sports nut, Torrance’s location in the heart of the LA metro puts families within reach of virtually every major professional sports franchise in Southern California. Lakers, Clippers, and Kings games are at Crypto.com Arena. The Rams and Chargers play at SoFi Stadium. The Dodgers are at Dodger Stadium. The Angels and Ducks are near Disneyland in Anaheim. And just up the road in Carson, the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park is one of the best live sports values in the region.
PLAN AROUND TORRANCE’S ANNUAL EVENTS
Some of the best family memories in the area happen at local events and festivals. Mark your calendar for these Torrance traditions:
- Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade (May) — one of the largest Armed Forces Day celebrations in the country, this beloved parade through downtown Torrance is a fun, free way to honor our military.
- 4th of July Fireworks Show (July) — celebrate Independence Day in Torrance with a night full of music, food, and fireworks!
- Scaredown in Downtown (October) — a fun-filled day with exciting Halloween activities for all ages, from a trunk or treat to themed mazes, car show, thrilling games and live music performances.
- Cherry Blossom Festival (Spring) — a gorgeous celebration held at South Coast Botanic Garden, with traditional performances, food, and blooms. (See our full guide to Japanese culture in Torrance.)
- Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival (Spring) — a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the city’s deep Japanese American roots with taiko drumming, ikebana, martial arts demos, and more.
- Torrance Summer Nights Concert Series (Summer) — free outdoor concerts at Wilson Park all summer long. Pack a blanket, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy live music under the stars.
- Torrance Farmers’ Market (Year-round, Tuesdays & Saturdays) — the largest farmers’ market in the South Bay is a great family outing, with local produce, fresh flowers, prepared foods, and a buzzy community feel.
Check the Discover Torrance events calendar for current dates and details, plus more events!
TORRANCE’S PARKS: A WORLD OF THEIR OWN
With over 30 parks across the city, Torrance punches well above its weight for outdoor family fun.
No two are alike. There’s the community garden plots at Lago Seco Park, the bocce courts at Columbia Park, and the walk-in play castle at Discovery Park, to name a few. Plus dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash at most parks as well.
For a deep dive into the best parks for picnics, ball games, walking trails, pickleball, and more, read our dedicated guide: Torrance Parks Offer Fantastic Family Fun.
Where to Eat with the Family
With more than 400 restaurants in Torrance, there is something for everyone — literally.
Beloved family favorites: The Ramen Trail is a must. Torrance is the ramen capital of Southern California, with a concentration of authentic Japanese ramen shops unlike anywhere else in LA. King’s Hawaiian Bakery is a Torrance institution serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the spirit of Hawaii. For dessert, Kansha Creamery hand-makes everything with locally sourced organic ingredients, and Sidecar Donuts has elevated the humble donut into an art form.
Dining for every diet: Whether your family has vegans, gluten-free eaters, pescatarians, or just picky kids, Torrance has you covered. Urban Plates lets you filter by dietary restriction right on its website. Din Tai Fung at Del Amo accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners. And Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ clearly marks all dietary options on the menu. Read the full guide to dining out with dietary restrictions in Torrance.
Bringing your dog? Lazy Dog at Del Amo has an actual dog menu. Red Car Brewery, Rudy’s in Old Torrance, and Madre! all welcome dogs on their outdoor patios.
Planning Tips for Every Family
Accessibility: Torrance is one of the most accessible cities in the South Bay, with ADA-compliant beach access, universally accessible parks and trails, paratransit options, and hotels equipped for a range of needs. Read our complete ADA accessibility guide before your visit.
Bringing your dog: Most of Torrance’s 30+ parks welcome leashed dogs. The South Coast Botanic Garden, Miramar Park (with its dedicated Fido Fountain), and miles of coastal walking paths make Torrance genuinely dog-friendly. Several hotels, including Sonesta Select and Sonesta ES Suites, are among the most pet-welcoming in the South Bay. Full details in the pet-friendly Torrance guide.
Cultural experiences: Torrance has one of the most significant Japanese American communities in the United States, and that cultural richness shows up in everything from the Cherry Blossom Festival to the ramen scene to the Bunka-Sai festival.
Stay & Play with the Fam in Torrance
There are 15 hotels in Torrance that put you right in the middle of LA and Orange County attractions at a much better family-friendly price, all keeping popular destinations like Disneyland, SoFi Stadium, LAX, and LA’s other beach cities all within easy reach. Check special packages and deals to find the right fit for your group.
With so much to do, Torrance really is right in the middle of the ultimate playground with family attractions around every palm tree.
Browse more family-friendly activities and experiences or get help booking your stay.