Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Fontana with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Fontana on the map
📍 Where Fontana is
Fontana sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~9 mi / 14 km). It's roughly 45 mi (73 km) from Downtown LA and 97 mi (156 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 Fontana
Fontana Park
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
Fontana Park Aquatic Center
Slides, pools and a splash pad next to Fontana Park — the way to beat a 100°F inland summer day.
Low daily admission
Mary Vagle Nature Center
A low-key nature center with live animal exhibits and easy trails in the Southridge area — great for young kids.
Free
Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park
A 150-acre park with trails into the Jurupa Hills, a playground and picnic shelters. Hike early — little shade, scorching afternoons.
Free
Lewis Library & Technology Center
A large, modern county library with a kids' area and free tech access — a cool, free indoor refuge with regular children's programs.
Free
Miller Park
A neighborhood park with a playground, a seasonal pool, and an amphitheater with a splash pad that hosts free community concerts and festivals.
FreeFarmers markets in Fontana
Fontana Farmers Market (Fontana Park)
City-run Sunday market at Fontana Park with fresh produce and a family-wellness focus; EBT/CalFresh accepted.
Local restaurants in Fontana
Jude's BBQ
Family-owned Central Texas-style fast-casual BBQ in Fontana smoking all meats low-and-slow over oak.
Seasonal & outdoors near Fontana
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Fontana.
Fontana 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
Fontana family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Fontana with kids?
Family favorites in and around Fontana include Fontana Park, Fontana Park Aquatic Center, Mary Vagle Nature Center and Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Fontana?
Yes — free family spots near Fontana include Fontana Park, Mary Vagle Nature Center, Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park and Lewis Library & Technology Center. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Fontana?
Local, family-friendly spots in Fontana include Jude's BBQ — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Fontana guide cover?
Our Fontana family guide includes 6 things to do, 1 local eats and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Fontana
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Fontana on one map — then book on your favorite site.