Family events in Hawthorne, CA

Take a behind the scenes journey into the Ice Age at La Brea Tar Pits. Even while the museum building is undergoing a major renovation, expert guides offer insider access to the active excavations that continue each day. Imagine catching your reflection in bubbling asphalt and encountering the beloved mammoth family, then dive into tales of dire wolves, saber toothed cats, giant sloths, and Columbian mammoths that once roamed this landscape. Explore the world’s only active urban fossil excavation and meet the researchers who are uncovering Ice Age finds right now. It is an opportunity to connect with one of Los Angeles cultural and scientific landmarks. Tour duration is approximate and may vary. Availability is subject to change.

Family Science Sundays at the Marine Mammal Care Center offer a one hour, expert guided exploration of ocean conservation and marine mammals. Participation also includes access to the full visitor experience, with opportunities to view patients and explore the interactive exhibit hall. This session spotlights the marine mammals that live along the Los Angeles coast. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, families learn how local species find food, communicate, and thrive in habitats ranging from kelp forests to open waters. The program also highlights how these animals fit into the coastal ecosystem and why their protection matters. Admission to the center is free, with a $1 nonrefundable booking fee per participant for the program. Attendees present that day receive a $1 coupon that can be used in the gift shop or donated to patient care. If the fee is a hardship, it can be waived during registration with the promo code FSS. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with families encouraged to participate together. An adult must accompany children 13 and under.

LA Jazz Festival brings its Jazz in the Park series to South Park with a performance by Isaiah Collier and special guest Fonville x Fribush. This program is part of a set of 24 free concerts staged in parks across the Los Angeles region, highlighting leading artists spanning jazz, soul, hip hop, and more in open community settings. Bring a blanket, enjoy time with friends and family, and soak up live music in the fresh air. Admission is free, and entry requires an RSVP confirmation.

A family-friendly storytime takes place in the Meeting Room at the North Branch Library, featuring a read-aloud and an opportunity to learn more about K9 Cadbury. Designed for the whole family, it offers a welcoming setting to listen, learn, and enjoy time together.

At Plaza Mexico, the Mercado Food Court on the second floor hosts a lively Lotería gathering that is free to participate in, with prizes given out each week. Families will find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of dining options, making it a comfortable place to relax, share a meal, and enjoy the game together.

This hands-on instrument petting zoo with the Long Beach Symphony welcomes families at the Main Library. Children explore how the different instrument families work and how they fit together to build an orchestra. The Long Beach Symphony provides the instruments, supplies, and information so kids and parents can try real instruments and learn the basics of orchestral music in a friendly setting.