Skip to content

Inland Empire family guide

Things to Do in Fontana with Kids

Fontana keeps it simple and kid-pleasing: wide-open parks and water-soaked summer fun, anchored by the sprawling 38-acre Fontana Park with its skate park, splash zones and community center. The Mary Vagle Nature Center lets kids meet local critters, and the Jurupa Hills trails are best in the cool of the morning.

Curated by Punita Patel

💡 Local tip: Fontana regularly tops 95–100°F in summer — hit the Fontana Park Aquatic Center or the air-conditioned Lewis Library, and save the trails for early morning.

Things to do in Fontana

Parks & Hiking

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
Theme Parks & Rides

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
Parks & Hiking

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
Parks & Hiking

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
Museums & Learning

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
Parks & Hiking

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.

Free

Farmers markets in Fontana

Sunday · 10am–3pm

Fontana Farmers Market (Fontana Park)

City-run Sunday market at Fontana Park with fresh produce and a family-wellness focus; EBT/CalFresh accepted.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in Fontana

Comfort & BBQ

Jude's BBQ

Family-owned Central Texas-style fast-casual BBQ in Fontana smoking all meats low-and-slow over oak.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Seasonal & outdoors near Fontana

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

Birthday venue · 1 miBoomersSplash pad · 4 miAyala Park Splash PadChristmas lights · 6 miThoroughbred Christmas LightsToddler spot · 8 miFairmount ParkDog-friendly · 9 miMount Rubidoux Park & TrailJuly 4th fireworks · 9 miRiverside — Mt. Rubidoux FireworksPumpkin patch · 20 miGreenspot Farms

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

Riverside →Redlands →Temecula →Rancho Cucamonga →Corona →San Bernardino →Upland →Ontario →Murrieta →Lake Elsinore →Yucaipa →Hemet →
Browse all SoCal city guides →

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