Free Things to Do in the Inland Empire With Kids
By Punita Patel
You don't need to spend a dime to get the kids out of the house in the Inland Empire. These are the free parks, splash pads, trails and free-day museums families across Riverside and San Bernardino counties actually use.
55 places · distances from Riverside
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Riverside · Arts & Culture
Castle-like 1900s downtown landmark. During the free Festival of Lights, go on a weeknight and use a garage to dodge the crowds.
Free to stroll; paid tours
Mount Rubidoux
Riverside · Parks & Hiking
Paved 3.2-mile loop to a summit cross with big views, doable with older kids. Park free at Ryan Bonaminio Park, not the residential streets.
Free
Louis Robidoux Nature Center
Jurupa Valley · Parks & Hiking
Part of a 40-acre parkland along the Santa Ana River with an old pecan grove, native plant gardens and easy walking trails. A quiet, free spot for a stroller-friendly nature walk and a favorite for spotting birds and lizards. Wear closed shoes and bring water, since shade is patchy and the trails are unpaved.
Free
Flabob Airport
Jurupa Valley · Arts & Culture
A historic little general-aviation airport (established 1925) where you can watch small planes and vintage aircraft take off and land right up close. The old-school Flabob Cafe serves a solid diner breakfast and burgers with a runway view, turning plane-watching into a real family outing. Grab a window table and let the kids count takeoffs.
Free to visit; cafe meals vary
Fairmount Park
Riverside · Parks & Hiking
Historic Olmsted-firm park with lakes, a splash pad, playgrounds and swan pedal boats.
Free; boat rentals extra
California Citrus State Historic Park
Riverside · Parks & Hiking
Living-history park among working orange groves with picnic lawns, trails, and a glimpse of SoCal's citrus heyday.
Free; parking ~$5
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
Jurupa Valley · Museums & Learning
The Jurupa Valley gem for dino-obsessed kids: nine acres of botanical gardens dotted with more than a dozen life-sized dinosaur sculptures, plus a mammoth. Admission is free, so bring $40 to spend in the nursery or gift shop and your parking gets rebated. Go early on a Saturday before the heat and the school buses arrive.
Free admission; $10 parking (rebated with $40 nursery/gift-shop purchase)
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
Moreno Valley · Parks & Hiking
This county reserve above Moreno Valley is where you go for wide-open Inland Empire views and the trail out to the giant hillside 'M' landmark. Trails are exposed and rocky, so it's best for families with older kids — go early morning to beat the heat and bring plenty of water. Access from Box Springs Mountain Road, and watch for wildflowers in spring.
Free
California Citrus State Historic Park
Riverside · Parks & Hiking
Walk working orange groves from Riverside's citrus-boom heyday. Bring a hat and water — it bakes in summer.
Free; free ranger tours Fri–Sun
Vernola Family Park
Jurupa Valley · Parks & Hiking
A well-kept neighborhood park with a playground and a summer splash pad that's a lifesaver on hot Inland Empire afternoons. The whole thing is free — an easy no-plan outing when you just need to burn off energy. Pack towels and a change of clothes in summer, because kids will not leave the splash pad dry.
Free
Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park
Fontana · Parks & Hiking
A 150-acre park with trails into the Jurupa Hills, a playground and picnic shelters. Hike early — little shade, scorching afternoons.
Free
Mary Vagle Nature Center
Fontana · Parks & Hiking
A low-key nature center with live animal exhibits and easy trails in the Southridge area — great for young kids.
Free
Eastvale Community Park
Eastvale · Parks & Hiking
At nearly 47 acres this is the open-space giant in town, with wide soccer fields, a jogging and biking loop, restrooms, and well-designed playgrounds for various ages. It hosts big community events like Picnic In The Park, and the room to run makes it great for kites, scooters, and tag. Bring your own shade — the grassy expanses are wide open.
Free
Eastvale Library
Eastvale · Museums & Learning
Eastvale's Riverside County branch sits on the Eleanor Roosevelt High School campus, so plan around its afternoon-heavy hours. It runs free kids' story times and is a reliable cool, quiet escape on triple-digit afternoons. Saturday mornings are the easiest window for a relaxed visit with little ones.
Free
Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch)
Moreno Valley · Museums & Learning
The main branch on Alessandro Blvd is a reliable free rainy-day or beat-the-heat option with a children's section and regular story times. Library cards are free for any Riverside or San Bernardino County resident, so visitors staying nearby can borrow too. Check the online events calendar since family programming changes week to week.
Free
Celebration Park
Moreno Valley · Parks & Hiking
A neighborhood favorite for younger kids thanks to its enclosed splash pad right next to a shaded playground. Because the water area is fenced, little ones can't wander off, and the layout lets you park at a picnic table and watch both zones at once. The splash pad runs seasonally, so pack towels and arrive earlier for shade and parking.
Free
Bethune Park
Moreno Valley · Parks & Hiking
Six acres of green space next to Bethune Elementary with ball fields, picnic shelters, a playground and a summer splash pad that's a local go-to on hot days. The splash pad runs roughly Memorial Day through early September and also fires up on weekdays when temps hit 95+. Grab a picnic shelter early on weekends.
Free
Flores Park
Rialto · Parks & Hiking
A smaller, mellow 3.4-acre neighborhood park on W Etiwanda Ave with a playground, basketball court and shaded picnic spots. The kind of low-key green space you hit when you just need to burn off energy without a big production. Reserve the shelter through the city if you want a guaranteed table for a gathering.
Free
Bud Bender Park
Rialto · Arts & Culture
Beyond the ball fields, playground and community garden on N Lilac Ave, this park holds Rialto's oldest structure: the Michael White Adobe, built in 1853 and cared for by the Rialto Historical Society. Pair playground time with a walk to the adobe for a little local-history lesson. The perimeter loop even has free exercise machines for parents.
Free
Lewis Library & Technology Center
Fontana · Museums & Learning
A large, modern county library with a kids' area and free tech access — a cool, free indoor refuge with regular children's programs.
Free
Harada Heritage Park
Eastvale · Parks & Hiking
The big all-in-one Eastvale park: a large playground, ball fields with batting cages, a walking path, and a 10,000 sq ft skate park with bowls and ramps. There's also a fenced dog park split into big-dog and small-dog sides. Come early on weekends when the youth ballgames pack the lot.
Free
Cedar Creek Park
Eastvale · Parks & Hiking
A local favorite for hot days thanks to its free splash pad, plus two playgrounds for different ages, shaded picnic tables with BBQs, and walking paths. Pack towels and water shoes since the splash area has no shade right over it. The picnic tables fill up fast on summer weekends, so stake one out early.
Free
Rialto Branch Library
Rialto · Museums & Learning
This San Bernardino County branch on W 1st St is an easy free rainy-day or beat-the-heat option right downtown near City Park. Kids can grab books and cool off in the air conditioning, and county libraries run free children's story times and craft programs. Closed Sundays, so plan a Saturday visit if the weekend is your only window.
Free
Rialto City Park
Rialto · Parks & Hiking
Rialto's downtown anchor park on E San Bernardino Ave, with a modern playground, ball fields, sports courts and outdoor fitness gear. A solid mid-morning stop before it heats up. Street parking fills fast on Little League game days, so aim for a weekday if you want the playground to yourselves.
Free
Miller Park
Fontana · Parks & Hiking
A neighborhood park with a playground, a seasonal pool, and an amphitheater with a splash pad that hosts free community concerts and festivals.
Free
Jerry Eaves Park
Rialto · Parks & Hiking
This 25-acre park on N Ayala Dr is a favorite for youth soccer, with wide-open fields, gazebos and a fenced playground set back from the parking lot. The play area being separated from cars is a real plus with toddlers who bolt. Clean restrooms and drinking fountains make it easy to camp out a whole afternoon.
Free
Frisbie Park
Rialto · Parks & Hiking
At 31 acres, Frisbie on N Acacia Ave is the big one, with playgrounds, a skate park, a dog park, softball fields and shady picnic areas. Older kids gravitate to the skate park while little ones stick to the play structures. Grab a covered picnic table early on weekends — they go fast for birthday parties.
Free
Ontario Mills
Ontario · Indoor Play
Huge indoor outlet mall with Dave & Buster's, an arcade, a ropes course, and comedy — great for rainy days.
Free entry; attractions extra
Original McDonald's Site & Museum
San Bernardino · Museums & Learning
On the site of the world's first McDonald's (1940) — a quirky free memorabilia museum and fun Route 66 photo stop.
Free (donations)
Ontario Mills
Ontario · Shopping & Treats
California's largest outlet mall (200+ stores) with AMC 30, the Improv and Dave & Buster's — a solid rainy/hot-day fallback. Note your entrance door.
Free entry; attractions ticketed
Fontana Park
Fontana · Parks & Hiking
A 38-acre flagship park with a big skate/BMX park, dog park, tiered playgrounds and an amphitheater. Go early before the inland heat peaks.
Free
Victoria Gardens
Rancho Cucamonga · Shopping & Treats
Open-air shopping town center with a cultural center, splash areas, and family events.
Free; shops/dining extra
Victoria Gardens
Rancho Cucamonga · Shopping & Treats
Open-air 'main street' mall with the Cultural Center, a library and the Lewis Family Playhouse (strong kids' theater series). Easy free parking.
Free entry
Tom's Farms
Corona · Shopping & Treats
Roadside marketplace with a fudge shop, weekend pony rides, a mini train, a petting corral, and burgers.
Free entry; food/rides extra
A.K. Smiley Library & Lincoln Shrine
Redlands · Museums & Learning
A storybook 1898 Moorish-style library beside Smiley Park, with the only Lincoln/Civil War museum west of the Mississippi next door — free.
Free
Tom's Farms
Corona · Theme Parks & Rides
Roadside farm market off I-15 with a weekend fun zone — pony rides, petting zoo, carousel, gem mining, free magic show — plus famous fudge.
Free entry; rides pay-per-play
Big League Dreams Perris
Perris · Parks & Hiking
A 35-acre sports complex with scaled-down replicas of Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Dodger Stadium and the Big A, plus a playground, batting cages, and a restaurant with an arcade. Even if your family isn't playing, kids love watching games in the mini ballparks. A fun, free spot to wander, with a sit-down meal on site.
Free to visit/spectate; activities vary
Cesar E. Chavez Library
Perris · Museums & Learning
Freshly renovated in late 2024, this downtown branch of the Riverside County library is a cool, free indoor option with kids' programs and story times. A reliable midday escape from the heat when outdoor parks get too hot. Parking is easy in the downtown civic area right nearby.
Free
Mercado Park
Perris · Parks & Hiking
One of the nicest free parks in town, with a splash pad, multiple play structures, basketball, and a stage that hosts Movies in the Park and the End of Summer Splash. The splash pad is the local go-to for cooling off on a hot afternoon. Mornings are best in summer before the equipment heats up.
Free
Southern California Railway Museum
Perris · Museums & Learning
The West Coast's biggest railway museum, where kids can actually ride restored trolleys and trains on weekends. Walking the grounds and climbing aboard parked locomotives is free any open day, so you can come just to explore. Bring hats and water in summer since most of the yard is in full sun.
Free admission & parking; train/trolley rides ~$12–14
Ruben S. Ayala Park
Chino · Parks & Hiking
Chino's largest community park at roughly 140 acres, with sprawling ballfields, playgrounds, picnic shelters and batting cages. It's the classic free local pick for burning off energy or catching a weekend youth game. The batting cages need helmets and run on their own schedule, so call ahead if that's the plan.
Free
North Etiwanda Preserve (Etiwanda Falls)
Rancho Cucamonga · Parks & Hiking
A ~3.2-mile out-and-back to a seasonal waterfall. No dogs, no trailhead restrooms, and the lot fills on weekend mornings.
Free; parking ~$3.25 via app
Chino Hills Community Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
A spacious park anchored by baseball and softball fields, with snack shacks on game days. The McCoy Trailhead here connects to scenic hiking with local flora and wildlife, so you can pair a playground stop with a short nature walk. A favorite for youth sports, so weekends are lively.
Free
The Shoppes at Chino Hills
Chino Hills · Arts & Culture
An open-air town center with 70+ shops and restaurants along walkable streets and fountains, easy to stroll with a stroller. Barnes & Noble is a reliable rainy-day stop for kids, with plenty of family dining. Come at dusk when the fountains and lights make it feel festive.
Free (dining/shopping varies)
Grand Avenue Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
A well-equipped community park with age-specific playgrounds, an adaptive swing and a trike play area great for little ones, plus lighted courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball and a walking trail. A covered picnic area and BBQs make it an easy spot for a family gathering.
Free
Sun City Library
Menifee · Museums & Learning
Part of the Riverside County Library System, this branch is a cool, free indoor escape when the valley heat climbs. Check the calendar before you go, since story times and kids' programs run throughout the week. Sign up for a card on the spot for books to take home.
Free
English Springs Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
An 8-acre neighborhood park built around a man-made lake with a little waterfall, broad lawns and shady gazebos. Kids love watching the ducks while the playground and picnic areas keep everyone happy for an afternoon. Pack a blanket, and note the park can close during heavy rain when water levels rise.
Free
Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park
Menifee · Parks & Hiking
This 11-acre park off Newport Road packs in a skate park, lighted basketball court, ball fields, a leisure playground and a walking path with fitness equipment. Three lighted picnic shelters mean shade is easy to find on a hot Inland Empire afternoon — great when you want skating and playground time in one stop.
Free
La Ladera Park
Menifee · Parks & Hiking
An 8.7-acre neighborhood park with a modern playground featuring climbing walls, slides and toddler-friendly zones over soft rubber flooring, plus a basketball court, tennis, four lighted pickleball courts and a fitness jogging path. Covered picnic tables with BBQ grills make it easy to stay for a cookout.
Free
Noble Creek Regional Park
Beaumont · Parks & Hiking
Beaumont's big sprawling park off Oak Valley Parkway, with playgrounds, shaded picnic ramadas, walking paths and the youth ball fields where half the town's kids play on weekends. Bring a ball and a picnic; the grassy open areas are perfect for little ones to run off energy. It also hosts community events like Spring Fling — check the rec district calendar before you go.
Free (day use)
Wheatfield Park
Menifee · Parks & Hiking
This big Valley-Wide park is a local go-to with ball fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and shaded play areas. There's plenty of picnic space, so pack a lunch and let the kids burn energy. Restrooms on site make a full afternoon easy.
Free
Beaumont Library District
Beaumont · Museums & Learning
The charming downtown library on E 8th Street is a reliable rainy-day or beat-the-heat stop with a dedicated kids' area and regular story times. It's an independent district library, so check their online calendar for children's programs before you head over. Easy free parking and a quick walk to old-town Beaumont.
Free
Old Town Temecula
Temecula · Arts & Culture
Walkable historic district with candy shops, a children's museum, splash fountains, and weekend events.
Free to stroll
Old Town Temecula
Temecula · Arts & Culture
Six walkable blocks of boardwalks, candy and ice-cream shops, and fountains. Free garages on Mercedes and 6th fill fast on weekends.
Free to stroll
Vail Headquarters
Temecula · Shopping & Treats
Restored 1800s ranch buildings with the Cookhouse Food Hall and shops. Tuesday's market adds train rides and yard games; free parking.
Free entry; pay for food
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