South Bay with Kids

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Tonight: last RPV concert, Sunday book festival

Tonight is the last Rancho Palos Verdes summer concert — Pulp Vixen, 4–6 at the Ken Dyda Civic Center, free, with inflatables and crafts. Sunday, if you want a bigger outing, is the LA Kids Book Festival in West Hollywood (free; register). Cards below. We left parking, food, and prices blank unless we could confirm them.

This weekend

This weekend

RPV Summer Concerts in the Park: Pulp Vixen

When: Saturday, August 22, 4–6 p.m.
City: Rancho Palos Verdes
Address: Ken Dyda Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry, parking unknown.
Food: Food trucks on site; picnic blankets welcome.
Why: Last concert of the series, with inflatables, crafts, and music-themed giveaways for kids.

This weekend

Redondo Pier Summer of Music: CC Stugino

When: Saturday, August 22, 6–8 p.m.
City: Redondo Beach
Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, west end of the Pier
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry, parking unknown. Weather permitting.
Why: Free blues-rock on the pier, open to the public.

This weekend

Griffith Observatory public star party

When: Saturday, August 22, 2:00–9:45 p.m. (next: September 19)
City: Los Angeles
Address: 2800 East Observatory Road
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry (building, grounds, and public telescopes). Parking is paid at the Observatory lot and nearby street; the official getting-here page does not list the rate. Limited.
Parking: Paid lot and street near the Observatory, limited. Free parking around the Greek Theatre if you can walk up to a mile uphill (not after 1 p.m. on concert evenings).
Why: Look through volunteer telescopes at the Sun, Moon, and planets — a family outing worth the drive.

This weekend

LA Kids Book Festival

When: Sunday, August 23, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
City: West Hollywood
Address: West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd
Cost: $12 for a family of four2 adults + 2 kids: free entry (register). Parking if you use Lot A all day: $1/15 min, $12 daily max (first hour free; extra hour with park/rec validation).
Parking: Lot A garage at West Hollywood Park (paid, $12 daily max). Street meters $1–$2/hour.
Food: Food trucks, drinks, and snacks on site.
Why: Authors, performances, and a closing foam party — free if you register.

This weekend

Downtown Torrance Antique Street Faire

When: Sunday, August 23, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
City: Torrance
Address: 1317 Sartori Avenue
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free admission, parking unknown. Optional antique appraisal is $3 per item.
Food: Buy there — restaurants in downtown Torrance.
Why: Vintage stalls, live music, and a noon dance performance, a few blocks from home.

This weekend

Family Science Sunday at Marine Mammal Care Center

When: Sunday, August 23 — sessions at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
City: San Pedro
Address: 3601 South Gaffey Street #8
Cost: $4 for a family of four · Required2 adults + 2 kids: $1 nonrefundable booking fee each ($4) if all four join. Admission otherwise free. Fee waived with code MMCARE if needed. Parking free on site.
Parking: Free lot in front of the hospital.
Why: A one-hour ocean science session plus patient viewing and the exhibit hall.
Ages: Ages 8 and up; adults must accompany children 13 and under.

Coming up

Coming up

Let’s Get Organized

When: Wednesday, August 26, 3–4 p.m.
City: Hermosa Beach
Address: Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Avenue
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free program, parking unknown.
Why: Design a desk organizer before school starts.
Ages: Ages 5–12 with a parent or caregiver.

Coming up

Smarty Pants Storytime

When: Friday, August 28, 9:30–10:00 a.m.
City: Hermosa Beach
Address: Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Avenue
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free program, parking unknown. Register everyone in your party.
Why: Books, songs, and movement for school readiness — a short Friday stop.
Ages: Ages 2–5 with a parent or caregiver.

Coming up

Friday Fun at Madrona Marsh

When: Friday, August 28, 10:00 a.m.–noon
City: Torrance
Address: Madrona Marsh Nature Center, 3201 Plaza Del Amo
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free program, parking unknown. Call Tuesday at 10 a.m. to register; first 20 people.
Why: Story time, science, art, and a nature tour for preschoolers.
Ages: Ages 3–6 with a parent or guardian.

Coming up

Torrance Summer Nights: Coldplay USA

When: Saturday, August 29, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
City: Torrance
Address: Wilson Park Amphitheatre, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry, parking unknown.
Why: A free tribute set on the Wilson Park lawn. Bring a blanket or chair.

Coming up

Korean Friendship Bell

When: Saturday, September 5
City: San Pedro
Address: Angels Gate Park
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free to visit, parking unknown.
Why: Pair a Labor Day Saturday at the bell with ArtLab down the hill, then Petty Theft in Torrance.

Coming up

ArtLab: Science & Art Workshops

When: Saturday, September 5, 1–3 p.m.
City: San Pedro
Address: Marine Mammal Care Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free workshop (register on Eventbrite about two weeks prior). Parking free at MMCC.
Parking: Free lot in front of the hospital.
Why: A science lesson, a tour of patients, and an art project — supplies included.
Ages: All ages; children must be with an adult.

Coming up

Torrance Summer Nights: Petty Theft

When: Saturday, September 5, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
City: Torrance
Address: Wilson Park Amphitheatre, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry, parking unknown.
Why: Tom Petty tribute on the Wilson Park lawn after a San Pedro afternoon.

Free this week

Free this week

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

When: Tue–Fri 12–5 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
City: San Pedro
Address: 3720 Stephen M. White Drive
Cost: $9 for a family of four · Suggested donation2 adults + 2 kids: free entry. Suggested donation $10/adult, $5/child ($30 if you give). Parking $3/hr, $9 daily max (card only) — $9 required if you drive and stay.
Parking: Cabrillo Beach paid lot, $3/hr with a $9 daily max.
Food: Picnic areas in Cabrillo Coastal Park next to the aquarium.
Why: Southern California marine life, free to walk in, a few minutes from the harbor.

Free this week

Marine Mammal Care Center public visitation

When: Friday–Monday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
City: San Pedro
Address: 3601 South Gaffey Street #8
Cost: Free2 adults + 2 kids: free entry. Parking free on site. Reserve ahead; walk-ins are limited.
Parking: Free lot in front of the hospital.
Why: See seal and sea lion patients and the exhibit hall without a program fee.