Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Hemet with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Hemet on the map
📍 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 (113 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 Hemet
Diamond Valley Lake
Large reservoir with shoreline trails, a marina, seasonal fishing, and an aquatic center for paddling.
Day-use ~$10–15
Western Science Center
A compact paleontology museum starring 'Max' the mastodon and Ice Age fossils dug from Diamond Valley Lake.
~$8 adult, ~$6 kidsFamily attractions near Hemet
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from Hemet.
Diamond Valley Lake Marina
A short drive toward Hemet gets you to one of the region's biggest reservoirs, with a marina, boat and kayak rentals, and the scenic Lakeview Trail for family hikes and biking. The panoramic water-and-valley views are worth the trip. Go early in summer to beat the heat and catch calm morning water.
Varies
Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park
This 11-acre park off Newport Road packs in a skate park, lighted basketball court, ball fields, a leisure playground and a walking path with fitness equipment. Three lighted picnic shelters mean shade is easy to find on a hot Inland Empire afternoon — great when you want skating and playground time in one stop.
Free
Wheatfield Park
This big Valley-Wide park is a local go-to with ball fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and shaded play areas. There's plenty of picnic space, so pack a lunch and let the kids burn energy. Restrooms on site make a full afternoon easy.
Free
La Ladera Park
An 8.7-acre neighborhood park with a modern playground featuring climbing walls, slides and toddler-friendly zones over soft rubber flooring, plus a basketball court, tennis, four lighted pickleball courts and a fitness jogging path. Covered picnic tables with BBQ grills make it easy to stay for a cookout.
Free
Sun City Library
Part of the Riverside County Library System, this branch is a cool, free indoor escape when the valley heat climbs. Check the calendar before you go, since story times and kids' programs run throughout the week. Sign up for a card on the spot for books to take home.
Free
Skyview Park
A newer hillside park in Roripaugh Ranch with a basketball court, walking trails, picnic areas and long views over the valley.
FreeFarmers markets in Hemet
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.
Local restaurants in Hemet
Emilio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Second-generation Redín-family Mexican restaurant (since 1983), the area's top-ranked spot with a loyal local following.
Seasonal & outdoors near Hemet
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Hemet.
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
Hemet family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Hemet with kids?
Family favorites in and around Hemet include Diamond Valley Lake and Western Science Center. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Where can families eat in Hemet?
Local, family-friendly spots in Hemet include Emilio's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Hemet guide cover?
Our Hemet family guide includes 2 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 Hemet
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Hemet on one map — then book on your favorite site.