Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Corona with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Corona on the map
📍 Where Corona is
Corona sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~15 mi / 23 km). It's roughly 42 mi (68 km) from Downtown LA and 82 mi (131 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.
Things to do in Corona
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
A historic day spa with mineral pools and the famous red-clay "Club Mud," geared to teens and grown-ups. People have soaked in its naturally warm mineral springs since the 1800s, and Club Mud's California red clay — trucked in fresh daily from a mine a few miles away — has been a signature treatment for more than a century. The property spans about a dozen acres of gardens and pools in Temescal Valley.
~$80–100 day pass
Tom's Farms
Roadside marketplace that grew from a 3,500-square-foot produce stand in 1971 into a sprawling family destination, adding its hamburger stand in 1974. Today it's a fudge shop, weekend pony rides, a mini train and carousel, a petting corral, and burgers, all still built around the original farmers market.
Free entry; food/rides extraFamily attractions near Corona
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Corona.
Norco Heritage Room (Historical Collection)
A small room inside the Norco Community Center (2870 Clark Ave) with archived photos, documents and relics from Norco history, staffed by the Historic Preservation Commission. A quick 20–30 minute stop, only open Thursdays, so pair it with a park visit.
Free admission and parking
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
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)
George Ingalls Event Center
The city-run 80-acre center (covered arenas, a barn, a hall and a lawn) is the heart of Horsetown USA and hosts horse shows, gymkhanas, rodeos and family days. Each event sets its own admission and hours, so check the calendar before driving out and bring cash for parking at big events.
Varies by event; check the calendar (not a drop-in park)
Castle Park
Classic family amusement park with more than 20 rides and four mini-golf courses, plus Buccaneer Cove, a seasonal water playground with water slides and spray features, and a full arcade. It hosts year-round themed events, from Mardi Gras to its Halloween happening, Castle Dark.
~$30–40 ride wristband
Eastvale Community Park
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
California Citrus State Historic Park
Living-history park among working orange groves with picnic lawns, trails, and a glimpse of SoCal's citrus heyday. Almost half of the 248-acre park is planted with more than 100 citrus varieties, tracing back to 1873, when the USDA sent Riverside resident Eliza Tibbets two of the first navel orange trees grown in California — trees that helped launch the state's entire citrus industry. Trails wind through the working groves past historic buildings and exhibits explaining how citrus reshaped the region.
Free; parking ~$5Farmers markets in Corona
Corona Certified Farmers Market
At Main St. Marketplace with 20+ certified growers — a reliable Saturday-morning stop for fresh, locally grown produce.
Festivals & annual events in Corona
What Corona is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Corona Halloweekend (Treat Trail & Movie)
Friday brings hands-on STEM, Halloween story time, BINGO and treats at the Corona Public Library. Saturday has a Treat Trail with booths, games, a spooky maze and giveaways on the Historic Civic Center front lawn (815 W. 6th St), then a family movie at dusk. Tip: bring blankets and chairs for the movie and wear a costume.
Local restaurants in Corona
Citrus City Grille
Comfortable downtown sit-down American spot reliably welcoming to families.
Miguel's Jr
SoCal-born family Mexican fast-casual famous for its salsa and bean-and-cheese burritos.
Tom's Farms
Roadside burgers, a candy store, and animals to see — a full family outing.
Eduardo's Mexican Restaurant
Sibling-run Corona local tradition since 1994 famed for homemade carnitas, giant super burritos and fresh salsa.
Local shops in Corona
Corona Antique Gallery
Multi-dealer antique gallery with furniture, glassware, and collectibles to hunt through.
HobbyTown Corona
Locally owned hobby store with RC vehicles, models, trains, drones, games, and toys.
Seasonal & outdoors near Corona
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Corona.
Corona 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
Corona family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Corona with kids?
Family favorites in and around Corona include Glen Ivy Hot Springs and Tom's Farms. Our guide lists 2 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Corona?
Yes — free family spots near Corona include Tom's Farms. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Corona?
Local, family-friendly spots in Corona include Citrus City Grille, Miguel's Jr, Tom's Farms and Eduardo's Mexican Restaurant — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Corona guide cover?
Our Corona family guide includes 2 things to do, 4 local eats, 2 local shops 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 Corona
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Corona on one map — then book on your favorite site.