The eighth largest city in Los Angeles County is Torrance. And within the city of Torrance, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly things to do.
Torance Beach. Photo by 305 Seahill 
Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park
5101 Calle de Ricardo, Torrance, CA 90505
Take the kids to this park, and they’ll feel like they’re almost astronauts. You’ll find swings, slides, and playground equipment as well as rocket-shaped climbing structures. And while you won’t find public restrooms here, you will find picnic areas and great views of the city.
Madrona Marsh Preserve
3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90505
The Madrona Marsh Preserve provides families with a unique view of wildlife and habitats right in the middle of a big city. Families can take advantage of nature walks, bird watching, docent tours, and a variety of special events here. The Madrona Marsh Preserve serves as a habitat for a variety of creatures including birds, small mammals, insects, and reptiles. The Preserve and Nature Center offer free admission. Check the website for hours and a calendar of events. A special “Tyke Hike” (for kids ages 3 months to 6 years) is offered on the first Thursday of each month.
Paradise Park
5006 Lee St., Torrance, CA 90503
The kids will be busy at Paradise Park. The play equipment includes some wiggly slides and fun climbing structures. The play structures are shaped like a train, a submarine, and a planet. The park also offers a picnic area, tennis courts, and large grassy fields.
Western Museum of Flight
Torrance Airport
3315 Airport Dr., Red Baron #3, Torrance, CA 90505
The Western Museum of Flight has a number of aircraft on display including World War II fighters, target drones, jet aircraft engines, various aircraft components, and much more. The Museum serves as an educational institution so that visitors can gain an appreciation of Southern California’s aviation history. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5, and children under 12 are free.
Katy Geissert Civic Center Library
3301 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
The Katy Geissert Civic Center Library hosts a variety of family-friendly special events. Recent activities have included a “LACMA On-Site: Family Art Workshop,” story times, summer reading activities, and more. In addition to the Civic Center Library, Torrance also has several other public libraries. Check the website for a list of upcoming events and locations.
Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market
Charles H. Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA
Go shopping at the Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. You’ll find a wide variety of seasonal produce from 60 different farms. In addition, you’ll find nuts, prepared foods, eggs, baked goods, flowers, and much more.
The Little Gym of Torrance
21203A Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA
You’ll find a variety of classes and special activities at The Little Gym of Torrance. All physical activities are designed with the “three-dimensional learning” approach in mind — Brain Boost, Get Moving, and Citizen Kid. Classes are offered for babies as young as four months old all the way up to bigger kids who are 12 years old. They also host birthday parties.
King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant
2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
If you’re a fan of King’s Hawaiian sweet bread, then you must make a point of visiting the restaurant. You can shop for sweet treats from the bakery or treat yourself to a meal in the large restaurant. The menu offers an assortment of Hawaiian local food as well as more traditional American dishes. Kids will also be enchanted by the large fish tank in the main dining room.
Torrance Beach
201 Paseo De La Playa, Torrance, CA 90277
You’ll find one beach in Torrance, and it’s well-worth exploring. Some find the Torrance Beach less crowded than other beaches in southern California. The Torrance Beach is 1.5 miles long and is close to Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. It’s a perfect place for families to bike, swim, people-watch, and swim. There are restrooms, outdoor showers, a lifeguard station, and a cafe nearby.
Del Amo Fashion Center
3625 Carson St., Torrance, CA 90503
This large shopping center, with more than 200 stores, has everything for the whole family. You’ll find a JCPenney, Macy’s, Barnes and Noble, Disney Store, Gymboree, and much more. You can also sign up for the Simon Kidgits Club to earn store discounts, special emails offering discounts, invitations to special events, and more.
Torrance Art Museum
3320 Civic Center Dr., Torrance, CA 90503
Torrance Art Museum houses a variety of modern and contemporary art pieces. They also host a “Stories in Art” program for children ages 6-11. The event combines storytelling, touring the exhibitions, and providing children the chance to create their own art. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday (from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm) and admission is free.
(Charles H.) Wilson Park
2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
You’ll find lots to do at Wilson Park. Facilities include a fitness course, tennis courts, softball diamonds, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, children’s play equipment, and much more. And don’t forget that Wilson Park is also home to the Southern California Live Steamers. Free public run days are offered on the 1st Sunday (from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm) and 3rd Saturday (from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm) of each month. Kids will love going for a ride on these mini-trains.
Bowling — Palos Verdes Bowl
24600 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
or AMF Bowl-O-Drome Lanes
21915 S. Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
When it comes to bowling in Torrance, families have two options. Palos Verdes Bowl is open seven days a week and has an on-site restaurant. They are also participating in the Kids Bowl Free Summer Bowling Program. More information can be found here. At AMF Bowl-O-Drome Lanes, you’ll find 40 bowling lanes, an arcade, ping pong, billiards, and more. They are also offering a special Summer Bowling Pass. More information can be found here.
Toyota USA Automobile Museum
19600 Van Ness Ave., Torrance, CA 90501
For families who are interested in cars, and especially the evolution of the Toyota Company, then plan a visit to the Toyota USA Automobile Museum. Inside, you’ll find a collection of vintage Toyotas, dating back to a 1959 model. Tours must be scheduled in advance. Check the website for more details.
Mulligan Family Fun Center
1351 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
It truly is a “family fun center” here. Families can play miniature golf, enjoy the arcade, take advantage of the batting cages and rock wall, drive the go-karts, and much more. There’s even a special kids play area for younger members of the family. Information about pricing is available online.