School’s out for summer, and the City of Hawthorne is hosting exciting family-friendly summer programs all season long. During the month of July, we’re joining the National Recreation and Park Association to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, and our programming is in full swing. Activities are available for community members of all ages and range from our popular movies in the park series to an array of enriching sports clinics.
“We’re thrilled to unveil this diverse and engaging lineup of summer activities,” said City Manager Vontray Norris. “During the summer, keeping your kids entertained can be a full-time job—we hope that our various summer activities give the parents of Hawthorne a well-deserved break.”
The City of Hawthorne invites families and friends to enjoy the enchantment of our Movies in the Park series. On July 21, August 18 and September 1, Hawthorne’s picturesque parks will transform into open-air cinemas, screening an exciting selection of family-friendly films, including “Puss in Boots,” “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank” and “The Super Mario Bros Movie.” Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and prepare for an unforgettable movie night under the stars.
Looking to beat the heat? Dive into a world of aquatic fun with our comprehensive aquatics program. Whether you’re an infant or an adult, our swimming lessons offer a range of classes suited for all skill levels. From June to August, participants can enjoy 30-minute or 50-minute lessons, providing a fantastic opportunity to enhance water safety skills and build confidence in the water. Advanced swimmers are encouraged to join the Hammerheads Swim Team, which meets year-round. Additionally, we offer lap swim sessions and invigorating H2O Aerobics classes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Calling all sports enthusiasts! Hawthorne is proud to present a variety of sports clinics and camps designed to enhance skills and foster a love for physical activity. Programs include basketball, volleyball and soccer camps, futsal 101 and B.A.S.I.C. junior tennis, as well as a girls basketball clinic and a co-ed volleyball clinic. Community members from ages 5 to 12 can participate in Hawthorne Dodgers Dream Team Baseball. Our youngest Hawthorne members (ages 2 to 5) can even hit the field running in our Sports for Tots program, which encapsulates the Little Jammers (basketball), Little Strikers (soccer), Little Sluggers (baseball) and Little M.V.P’s (multi-sport) programs. Our instructors will provide invaluable guidance and a positive learning environment for participants of all ages and abilities.
Our 2023 Park Program is also underway and will continue on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until August 19. During the park program, kids take part in the wading pool, recreational games, team sports and more friendship-building activities. The summer camp is free of charge and offers free lunches every day from 12 to 1 p.m.
This summer, you can also build your creative muscle through our diverse range of arts-based classes. Join our intermediate- and advanced-level Mexican Folklore (ballet folklórico) classes. Each session explores the movements and history of the dance style, with instruction offered in both English and Spanish. The City also offers Afro-Fusion dance classes for all ages. Afro-fusion dance offers a connection to the African Diaspora while fostering personal connections and building community around appreciation and kindness. Students are encouraged to explore different types of movement, as well as their own personal and cultural connections to the dance style.
For more information on the City of Hawthorne’s summer programming and to view the complete schedule of activities, please visit https://www.cityofhawthorne.org/departments/community-services. Access the current roster of activities and register here.