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Inland Empire family guide

Things to Do in Hemet with Kids

Hemet is a wide-open San Jacinto Valley town where families head outdoors — hiking and fishing at Diamond Valley Lake, splashing at the seasonal aquatic facilities, and exploring wildflower trails near Lake Hemet in spring. The historic Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre hosts the long-running outdoor Ramona Pageant, a real slice of local heritage.

Curated by Simir Shah

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

📍 Where Hemet is

Hemet sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~27 mi / 44 km). It's roughly 75 mi (121 km) from Downtown LA and 70 mi (112 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: Diamond Valley Lake's marina and trails are seasonal — call ahead, as hours shrink in the hot summer months.

Things to do in Hemet

Parks & Hiking

Diamond Valley Lake

Large reservoir with shoreline trails, a marina, seasonal fishing, and an aquatic center for paddling.

Day-use ~$10–15
Museums & Learning

Western Science Center

A compact paleontology museum starring 'Max' the mastodon and Ice Age fossils dug from Diamond Valley Lake.

~$8 adult, ~$6 kids
Parks & Hiking

Diamond Valley Lake

Boating, fishing and lakeside trails — but no swimming or water contact allowed. Trail gates close at posted hours.

Parking/day-use fee

Farmers markets in Hemet

Saturday · 11am–9pm

Downtown Hemet Certified Farmers & Artisanal Market

A big all-day-into-evening market on E Florida Ave with fresh produce, breads, pastries, food trucks, and live music.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in Hemet

Mexican & Tacos

Emilio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Second-generation Redín-family Mexican restaurant (since 1983), the area's top-ranked spot with a loyal local following.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Seasonal & outdoors near Hemet

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

Pumpkin patch · 14 miInland Empire Fall FestivalBirthday venue · 15 miUptown Jungle Fun ParkToddler spot · 18 miPennypickle's WorkshopJuly 4th fireworks · 18 miTemecula 4th of July ExtravaganzaSplash pad · 20 miOrange Terrace Park Splash PadDog-friendly · 27 miCalifornia Citrus State Historic ParkChristmas lights · 28 miMission Inn Festival of Lights

Hemet 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 →Chino →Chino Hills →San Bernardino →Moreno Valley →Idyllwild →Perris →Fontana →
Browse all SoCal city guides →

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