Known for its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere, Palos Verdes offers plenty of ways for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy the community. This August, families can make the most of the final weeks of summer with outdoor movies, live music, hands-on science programs, creative activities and nature experiences throughout the Peninsula.
Pedro Pet Pals Pet Adoption Event
Meet Cats, Kittens and Foster Dogs at Eastview Park
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Eastview Park | 1700 Westmont Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes
Animal-loving families can spend the afternoon meeting pets in need of loving homes at Pedro Pet Pals’ mobile adoption event. Cats and kittens will be available to meet from noon to 3:00 p.m., while the Foster Dogs Frolic will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Look for the Pedro Pet Pals adoption truck at Eastview Park and stop by to meet the organization’s foster animals, learn more about adoption and support a local rescue.
Family Movie: Zootopia 2
Enjoy an Afternoon Film and Popcorn
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Malaga Cove Library | 2400 Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates
Settle in for a family-friendly afternoon screening of Zootopia 2. Children and their families can enjoy the movie together, along with popcorn, making this an easy and entertaining way to spend a summer afternoon.
Digging It! with the Science Heroes
Hands-On Science Fun for Curious Kids
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 3:00–3:45 PM
Peninsula Center Library | Community Room | 701 Silver Spur Rd #3603, Rolling Hills Estates
Families can enjoy an afternoon of exciting experiments with the Science Heroes, featuring demonstrations such as the Toilet Tornado and Hydro-cannon. Recommended for ages four and older, this free 45-minute program makes science entertaining and approachable for young learners.
No registration is required. Program details are subject to change.
National Night Out Kickoff Party
Meet Local First Responders at Hesse Park
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Fred Hesse Community Park | 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes
Join the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and local first responders for an afternoon focused on community connection and neighborhood safety. Families can explore fire trucks and Sheriff’s vehicles, meet local first responders, and enjoy games, children’s activities and giveaways.
Complimentary snow cones, popcorn and other light refreshments will also be available. Following the kickoff event, participating Neighborhood Watch groups will host local block parties throughout the community.
Movies in the Park: Hoppers
A Family Movie Night Under the Stars
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | Activities Begin at 7:00 PM
Ken Dyda Civic Center | 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes
Bring a blanket or low-slung beach chair and enjoy an outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers. Family-friendly activities begin at 7:00 p.m., with the movie starting at dusk, approximately 15 minutes after sunset.
A food truck and special treats will also be available, making this a fun and relaxed summer evening for the whole family.
Summer Concert in the Park: Pulp Vixen
Top 40 Hits, Family Activities and Live Music
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Ken Dyda Civic Center | 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes
Dance the afternoon away as award-winning all-female band Pulp Vixen performs an energetic mix of current favorites and nostalgic Top 40 hits. Known for their talented vocalists, accomplished musicians and lively performances, the group promises a fun soundtrack for all ages.
The family-friendly event will also feature games, giveaways, children’s inflatables and a food truck. Beer and wine will be available for adults. Bring beach chairs and a blanket and settle in for an afternoon of live music and summer fun.
Family Fun Activities at Terranea Resort
Classic Summer Games by the Coast
Every Friday Through August 28, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Cielo Point Lawn at Terranea Resort | 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
Families can join Terranea Resort’s recreation team for a little friendly competition on the Cielo Point Lawn. Activities include a water balloon toss at noon, a watermelon-eating contest at 2:00 p.m. and a hula-hoop contest at 3:00 p.m.
The complimentary program is open to all ages and offers a playful way to enjoy a summer afternoon near the coast. Check Terranea’s event calendar to confirm availability for your preferred date.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts at Terranea Resort
Create a Colorful Summer Souvenir
Every Saturday Through August 28, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Cielo Point Lawn at Terranea Resort | 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes | $35 per Shirt
Families can get creative while designing their own colorful, one-of-a-kind Terranea-branded tie-dye T-shirt. Held outdoors on the Cielo Point Lawn, this hands-on activity offers children and parents a fun way to make a personalized souvenir from their summer day by the coast.
Summer Caricatures at Terranea Resort
Take Home a Personalized Portrait
Every Saturday Through August 29, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Cielo Point Lawn at Terranea Resort | 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes
Families can capture a favorite summer memory with a personalized caricature created at Terranea Resort. These playful, one-of-a-kind sketches offer a fun keepsake to take home and enjoy long after the season ends.
The activity is open to all ages, and walk-ups are welcome.
Walk Among Hundreds of Colorful Butterflies
Open Through September 30, 2026
South Coast Botanic Garden | 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Families can step inside a vibrant tropical habitat filled with hundreds of butterflies rarely seen in Southern California. The experience begins in the Host and Nectar Garden, continues through the Emergence Chamber—where visitors may see a butterfly emerge from its pupa—and concludes inside the pavilion with butterflies flying all around.
Guests can add the Butterfly Feeding Experience for $6 and use a special “lollipop” feeder to encourage butterflies to come closer.
For an even more in-depth experience, the new Behind the Wings Tour offers exclusive access to the work that happens before the butterflies enter the pavilion. Participants become honorary staff members for the day and learn how butterfly shipments arrive, how chrysalises are processed and how butterflies prepare to take flight inside the staff-only Emergence Chamber.
Guests can also name a chrysalis, add a photo to the Behind the Wings board and receive an update when their butterfly emerges. Tours are offered Fridays at noon and 3:00 p.m. and are recommended for ages six and older.
Behind the Wings Tour: $65 for members | $75 for non-members
After visiting SOAR, families can continue exploring the Garden and discover Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study.
Enjoy the Final Days of Summer in Palos Verdes
Whether your family prefers outdoor entertainment, creative activities, science, animals or live music, August offers something for nearly every age and interest. These local events provide an opportunity to spend time together, discover new experiences and enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle that makes Palos Verdes such a special place to live and visit.
Event dates, times, pricing and availability may change, so be sure to confirm details with each venue before attending.