Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Menifee with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Menifee on the map
📍 Where Menifee is
Menifee sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~35 mi / 57 km). It's roughly 68 mi (110 km) from Downtown LA and 68 mi (109 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 Menifee
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
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
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
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.
VariesFestivals & annual events in Menifee
What Menifee is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Menifee Fall Festival
Vendor booths, live entertainment, community performances, costume contests and trick-or-treating at Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee campus. Tip: dress kids in costume and bring a bag for the trick-or-treating stops.
Not listed; check city page
Menifee Day of the Dead
Live performances, traditional music and dance, community altars and a Catrina contest, plus cuisine, artisan vendors and children's activities at Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee campus. Tip: the children's activities are best in the early hours, before the evening performances draw big crowds.
Not listed; check city page
Trot for a Cause 5K (Menifee)
A 5K at Central Park with inflatables, color zones, obstacles, a fun zone, food vendors and health and fitness resources. Tip: the fun zone makes it a good pick for families who want more than just the run.
Not listed; check city page
Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
The city's tree lighting and holiday bazaar at Mt. San Jacinto College's Menifee campus. Tip: shop the bazaar early and stay for the lighting after dark.
Not listed; check city page
Menifee Menorah Lighting
A Chanukah menorah lighting at Central Park. Tip: it is a weeknight evening event, so bring jackets for kids.
Not listed; check city page
Local restaurants in Menifee
Breakfast Club of Menifee
Locally voted 'Best Breakfast,' serving scratch-made favorites with fresh, local ingredients since 2009.
Seasonal & outdoors near Menifee
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Menifee.
Menifee 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
Menifee family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Menifee with kids?
Family favorites in and around Menifee include Wheatfield Park, La Ladera Park, Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park and Sun City Library, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Menifee?
Yes — free family spots near Menifee include Wheatfield Park, La Ladera Park, Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park and Sun City Library. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Menifee?
Local, family-friendly spots in Menifee include Breakfast Club of Menifee — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Menifee guide cover?
Our Menifee family guide includes 5 things to do and 1 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Menifee
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Menifee on one map — then book on your favorite site.