Best Parks & Nature in the Inland Empire With Kids
By Punita Patel
The IE is full of big regional parks, fishing lakes, splash pads and foothill trails. These are the green spaces families across the Inland Empire load the car for — sorted by distance from you.
50 places · distances from Riverside
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Rancho Jurupa Regional Park
Jurupa Valley · Parks & Hiking
A big Riverside County park along the Santa Ana River with playgrounds, mini-golf, disc golf and a stocked fishing lake. The day-use fee is cheap and buys a whole afternoon; pack a picnic and claim a shaded table early on weekends. Little kids love the ducks and the fishing pond even if you don't cast a line.
$6 adult, $3 child 2–12, under 2 free (fishing extra)
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
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
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
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
Jurupa Valley · Parks & Hiking
Life-size dinosaur replicas, a rock/fossil collection and gem-mining sluice — a quirky hit with dino-obsessed little kids.
Modest admission; activities extra
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
Eastvale · Parks & Hiking
Just south along the Santa Ana River, this 1,500-acre preserve has miles of easy hiking and a self-guided nature trail, plus a Nature Center open Saturdays where kids can see local wildlife exhibits. Parking is cash-only, so bring small bills. Go early in summer to beat the heat, and watch for birds and river views along the flatter sections.
Parking fee (cash only)
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
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
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 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
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
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Ontario · Parks & Hiking
Family park with a swim lagoon, summer water slides, fishing lakes, and shaded picnic areas.
~$10 vehicle; pool extra
Kimberly Crest House & Gardens
Redlands · Parks & Hiking
A French chateau-style 1897 mansion with terraced Italian gardens. Grounds are free to wander; call ahead — it hosts private events.
Grounds free; tours ~$15
Prado Regional Park
Chino · Parks & Hiking
A 60-acre stocked fishing lake plus campsites with hookups (CA fishing license required for ages 16+).
Vehicle fee; camping $35–55
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Perris · Parks & Hiking
Big sandy swim beach, boat/kayak/paddleboard rentals, fishing and camping. Arrive early for parking on hot days.
Day-use fee per vehicle
Prado Regional Park
Chino · Parks & Hiking
A big San Bernardino County regional park on the Chino side of the Santa Ana River with a fishing lake, wide lawns, shaded picnic shelters and a disc golf course. Pack a rod and buy a day fishing permit, or just bring bikes and let the kids loose on the flat paths. Weekends fill with birthday parties, so arrive early for a good picnic spot.
$8/vehicle weekdays, $10 weekends & holidays
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Perris · Parks & Hiking
A big reservoir with a sandy swim beach, easy shoreline trails, and good spots for fishing and picnics. The swim beach and shaded ramadas fill up fast on summer weekends, so arrive before 10am to grab parking and a table. The water is the cheapest way to beat Inland Empire heat with kids.
$10/vehicle day use ($20 summer weekends/holidays)
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
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
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
Big League Dreams Sports Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
A sports complex with replica big-league ballfields where families come to watch or play in youth and adult leagues, with stadium-style settings and concessions — a fun outing even as spectators. Call ahead since access depends on league schedules and tournaments.
Varies
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
The main drive-in gateway to the park's 14,000+ acres of rolling grassland hills, reached via Sapphire/Bane Canyon Road on the Chino Hills side. Wide, gentle trails like the Bane Canyon Loop make it doable for families, and spring wildflowers are a real payoff. If the kiosk isn't staffed you can pay via the state parks app, so bring your phone.
$10 per vehicle
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
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills · Parks & Hiking
90+ miles of trails with almost no shade and common rattlesnakes — go early, carry water, and skip it after rain (the clay roads close).
~$5 vehicle day-use
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
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
Riley's Farm (Oak Glen)
Beaumont · Parks & Hiking
Up the hill in Oak Glen apple country, Riley's is a working orchard and living-history farm where kids can pick apples in fall, press cider and meet farm animals. The classic autumn family outing for Pass-area families, with cooler mountain air a bonus. Open Thursday through Saturday, and fall apple-picking weekends get busy, so arrive early.
Varies (U-pick priced by fruit/season)
Bogart Regional Park
Beaumont · Parks & Hiking
Just up in Cherry Valley, Bogart is the more rugged, foothill park with real hiking, biking and horse trails climbing toward the hills above town. Kids love the easy creekside loops and the lookout hike when it's not too hot. Go in the cooler morning hours, pack water, and bring cash for the entrance booth.
$10 per vehicle day use
Diamond Valley Lake
Hemet · Parks & Hiking
Large reservoir with shoreline trails, a marina, seasonal fishing, and an aquatic center for paddling.
Day-use ~$10–15
Diamond Valley Lake
Hemet · Parks & Hiking
Boating, fishing and lakeside trails — but no swimming or water contact allowed. Trail gates close at posted hours.
Parking/day-use fee
Diamond Valley Lake Marina
Menifee · Parks & Hiking
A short drive toward Hemet gets you to one of the region's biggest reservoirs, with a marina, boat and kayak rentals, and the scenic Lakeview Trail for family hikes and biking. The panoramic water-and-valley views are worth the trip. Go early in summer to beat the heat and catch calm morning water.
Varies
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Murrieta · Parks & Hiking
Oak woodlands and seasonal vernal pools; the flat Transpreserve loop is family-doable. Little shade — summer afternoons bake.
~$4–5/adult
Peltzer Farm
Temecula · Animals & Nature
Pig races, pony/train rides and gem mining (winery for the adults). Go a weekday in October to dodge the crush.
Fall admission ~$15–20
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