Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Highland with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Highland on the map
📍 Where Highland is
Highland sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~24 mi / 39 km). It's roughly 61 mi (98 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 Highland
Highland Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center
A San Bernardino County library branch at 7863 Central Ave that keeps resident animals, including a sulcata tortoise, a red-tailed boa, geckos, guinea pigs and birds, with animal-themed programs and storytimes. Call 909-798-8490 to confirm animal viewing times before a special trip.
Free
Aurantia Park & Historic Greenspot Iron Bridge Trail
Highland's first public parkland, donated by a citrus grower in 1988 at 29624 Greenspot Rd, with a trailhead linking to the city's trail network toward the Santa Ana River. The nearby 1912 steel truss Greenspot bridge is now a foot, bike and horse crossing, flat and short enough for small kids. Check the city trails map before you go.
Free
Seven Oaks Dam Guided Tour
Seven Oaks Dam is one of the largest earthen dams in the US (550 ft tall) and isn't open for general visitation; the San Bernardino County Flood Control District runs monthly guided tours at 32330 Santa Ana Canyon Rd. It suits curious school-age kids and older — book by phone and ask about age limits, which the county doesn't state.
Cost not stated by the county; call 909-387-8128Local restaurants in Highland
Mi Cocina Mexican Restaurant
Family-owned Mexican restaurant in the San Manuel village shopping center at 27961 Highland Ave, Suite A, serving Highland since 1991 with founder recipes that haven't changed, plus a patio, bar and banquet room.
Top Kebab
Middle Eastern kebab spot at 27355 W 5th St serving chicken shawerma, kefta kebab, shish tawouk, vegetarian sambousa and baklava. Weekday lunch specials 11am–2pm include rice, hummus, salad and a drink; closed Sundays.
Jenny's Diner
A mom-and-pop 1950s-style diner at 7750 Palm Ave #R, open daily 7am–9pm, with dine-in, takeout and delivery.
Seasonal & outdoors near Highland
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Highland.
Highland 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
Highland family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Highland with kids?
Family favorites in and around Highland include Highland Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center, Aurantia Park & Historic Greenspot Iron Bridge Trail and Seven Oaks Dam Guided Tour. Our guide lists 3 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Highland?
Yes — free family spots near Highland include Highland Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center and Aurantia Park & Historic Greenspot Iron Bridge Trail. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Highland?
Local, family-friendly spots in Highland include Mi Cocina Mexican Restaurant, Top Kebab and Jenny's Diner — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Highland guide cover?
Our Highland family guide includes 3 things to do and 3 local eats — 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 Highland
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Highland on one map — then book on your favorite site.