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Inland Empire family guide

Things to Do in Chino Hills with Kids

Chino Hills wraps around the rolling grasslands of Chino Hills State Park — 14,000+ acres of gentle family trails and spring wildflowers, entered on the Bane Canyon side. Back in town, families circle the little lake and waterfall at English Springs Park and stroll the fountains of The Shoppes open-air town center.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

Chino Hills on the map

📍 Where Chino Hills is

Chino Hills sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~9 mi / 15 km). It's roughly 30 mi (48 km) from Downtown LA and 93 mi (150 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.

Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.

💡 Local tip: The state park's Bane Canyon (Sapphire Road) entrance is the one you can drive into — pay at the kiosk or via the state parks app, and hike the hills in the cool morning since there's almost no shade.

Things to do in Chino Hills

Parks & Hiking

Chino Hills State Park

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
Parks & Hiking

English Springs Park

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
Parks & Hiking

Grand Avenue Park

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
Parks & Hiking

Chino Hills Community Park

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
Arts & Culture

The Shoppes at Chino Hills

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)
Parks & Hiking

Big League Dreams Sports Park

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

Farmers markets in Chino Hills

Wednesday · 3:30pm–8pm

Heritage @ The Shoppes at Chino Hills Farmers Market

Outdoor evening market at The Shoppes — easy to pair with shopping and dining for a family weeknight.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Festivals & annual events in Chino Hills

What Chino Hills is known for — the events locals plan the year around.

Fri, Oct 30, 2026 · 3-5pm

Chino Hills Trick or Treat at The Shoppes

A city-run Halloween event with free candy, craft stations, a photo booth and games while supplies last. There is a costume contest with prizes. Tip: it is only two hours, so arrive at 3pm before the candy runs out.

Free

Fri, Dec 11, 2026 · 7-9pm

Chino Hills Boat Parade

The annual holiday parade, run with the Kiwanis Club, has decorated boats plus bands and equestrian entries near City Hall on Peyton Drive. Tip: the city says to arrive early for parking along the route. It is a Friday evening, so bring jackets.

Free (no admission listed)

See all SoCal festivals →

Local restaurants in Chino Hills

Pizza & Italian

Pizzaioli

Family-owned Chino Hills Italian since 1995 cooking made-to-order dishes from recipes passed down generations.

Asian

Le Kinaree Thai Eatery

Beloved Chino Hills Thai eatery serving authentic, fresh-cooked classics seven days a week.

See all 2 restaurants in Chino Hills →

Seasonal & outdoors near Chino Hills

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Chino Hills.

Chino Hills is part of the Inland Empire family guide — see the region's best things to do, local eats and events.

More Inland Empire family guides

Browse all SoCal city guides →

Chino Hills family FAQ

What are the best things to do in Chino Hills with kids?

Family favorites in and around Chino Hills include Chino Hills State Park, English Springs Park, Grand Avenue Park and Chino Hills Community Park, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.

Are there free things to do in Chino Hills?

Yes — free family spots near Chino Hills include English Springs Park, Grand Avenue Park, Chino Hills Community Park and The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.

Where can families eat in Chino Hills?

Local, family-friendly spots in Chino Hills include Pizzaioli and Le Kinaree Thai Eatery — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.

What does the YourSoCal Chino Hills guide cover?

Our Chino Hills family guide includes 6 things to do, 2 local eats and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.

Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.

Where to stay in Chino Hills

Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commission

Compare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Chino Hills on one map — then book on your favorite site.