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.
Festivals & annual events in Fontana
What Fontana is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Spring St. Night Market (Fontana)
A free evening market on Spring Street between Juniper and Sierra Avenues in downtown Fontana. Tip: the city lists only the October date, so check for repeat nights.
Free entry
Fontana Halloween Howl (Dog Park Costume Party)
A Halloween party for dogs and their families at the Fontana Park Dog Park. Tip: costumes for pups and kids alike are the point; keep dogs leashed outside the fenced area and bring water.
Not listed; check city page
Fontana Spooky Splash: Halloween Dive-In Movie
A Halloween dive-in movie night at the Fontana Park Aquatic Center, 6-9pm on the city's events page. Tip: bring towels and a warm layer since October evenings cool off quickly by the water, and check the city page for the movie title and pricing.
Not listed; check city page
Fontana Pumpkins in the Park
The city's community-center Halloween afternoon runs at three sites at once: Cypress Center, Don Day Center and Jessie Turner Center. Tip: pick the center closest to you rather than driving between them, since all three run the same 2-5pm window.
Not listed; check city page
Fontana The Campout at Mary Vagle Nature Center
An overnight family campout at the Mary Vagle Nature Center, running from 4pm Saturday to 8am Sunday. Tip: this is a sleepover event, so check the city page for registration and the gear list, and expect it to fill.
Not listed; check city page
Fontana Día de los Muertos
The city holds two Day of the Dead events on the same Sunday: noon-3pm at Southridge Park and 3-6pm at the Jack Bulik Center. Tip: choose one site, and note that Southridge is the earlier, daytime one that suits young kids best.
Not listed; check city page
Fontana Arts presents Disney's Aladdin Jr.
A youth-cast production of Disney's Aladdin Jr. at Steelworkers' Auditorium, with four performances over the weekend. Tip: the 2pm Saturday and Sunday shows are the easiest fit for younger kids.
Ticketed; see city page
Fontana Tree Lighting Ceremony
The City Council lights the tree at Miller Park Amphitheater with live entertainment, light refreshments, activities and a visit from Santa, who takes letters to the North Pole. Tip: it is a weeknight event, so bring your child's Santa letter already written.
Free
Fontana Pictures with Santa
Free Santa meet-and-greets with crafts, candy, music and letters to Santa: Friday 5-7pm at Jessie Turner Center, and Saturday 10am-noon at both Heritage Center and Don Day Center. Tip: bring your own camera or phone for photos.
Free
Fontana Christmas Parade & Festival of Winter
This year's theme is Toys in Action. The 2.2-mile route starts at Arrow Blvd and Sierra Ave and ends at Miller Park. Afterward the Festival of Winter has carnival rides, snow play, live entertainment and Santa photos. Tip: the finish is at Miller Park, so park near there and walk back toward Sierra Ave to watch.
Free to watch
Fontana Days Festival and Parade
A four-day carnival-style community festival at Veterans Park run by the Exchange Club of Fontana, with a parade and vendor booths. The 2027 edition is the 114th annual — one of the oldest continuously held community festivals in the Inland Empire.
See site for admission
Pumpkin Pool-Ooza (Fontana)
A pumpkin-themed rec swim at Fontana Park Aquatic Center priced at regular swim fees. Tip: it is early October and can still be hot, so go for the noon slot and bring towels.
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, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
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. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
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 — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
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.