Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Moreno Valley with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Moreno Valley on the map
📍 Where Moreno Valley is
Moreno Valley sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~22 mi / 36 km). It's roughly 58 mi (93 km) from Downtown LA and 84 mi (135 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.
🏡 New to Moreno Valley? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: Moreno Valley's Soaring Activity Guide lists youth, adult and senior classes; register online through the city's activity system.
- Library card: Moreno Valley Public Library is city-run; cards are free to California residents and also work at Riverside County libraries.
- Library branches: Besides the Main Library on Alessandro, there are branches at Iris Plaza and on the Moreno Valley Mall's second floor.
- Find your school: Most of the city is in Moreno Valley Unified; its enrollment page links the My School Locator address lookup.
- Val Verde Unified: Parts of south and west Moreno Valley are in Val Verde Unified; use its School Locator to check your address.
- City newsletter: Moreno Valley at Work is the city's newsletter on projects, services and community news.
- Alerts: Register for Alert MoVal, which notifies residents and businesses in areas affected by an emergency.
- Getting around: Riders 18 and under ride RTA free through June 30, 2027. Metrolink's Perris Valley Line stops at Moreno Valley/March Field.
- Local insider: Moreno Valley Mall doubles as a transit hub: RTA Routes 11, 16, 18, 19 and 31 start or stop there.
Things to do in Moreno Valley
Parks & Hiking
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
This county reserve above Moreno Valley is where you go for wide-open Inland Empire views and the trail out to the giant hillside 'M' landmark. Trails are exposed and rocky, so it's best for families with older kids — go early morning to beat the heat and bring plenty of water. Access from Box Springs Mountain Road, and watch for wildflowers in spring.
FreeCelebration Park
A neighborhood favorite for younger kids thanks to its enclosed splash pad right next to a shaded playground. Because the water area is fenced, little ones can't wander off, and the layout lets you park at a picnic table and watch both zones at once. The splash pad runs seasonally, so pack towels and arrive earlier for shade and parking.
FreeBethune Park
Six acres of green space next to Bethune Elementary with ball fields, picnic shelters, a playground and a summer splash pad that's a local go-to on hot days. The splash pad runs roughly Memorial Day through early September and also fires up on weekdays when temps hit 95+. Grab a picnic shelter early on weekends.
Free
Bella Sera Park
A newer 1.8-acre park at 14109 Pandora St., dedicated in September 2025, with two shaded playgrounds, a full basketball court, a fitness area, a turf field and a lit walking path. No restrooms are listed, so plan a short visit.
FreeCity Summer Rec Swim (Valley View High School)
The city runs public open swim and swim lessons in summer at the Valley View High School pool (13135 Nason St.). Resident rates are $1 for kids under 14. Group lessons run on weekdays and Saturdays, and registration opens in spring.
Kids under 14: $1 resident / $3 non-resident; adults $3 / $5; seniors $2 / $4Flight Deck Bike Park
Opened in December 2025 on the south side of Morrison Park (13460 Morrison St.). The city calls it Southern California's largest Velosolutions pump track, with an adaptive track for riders of all abilities, asphalt jump lines and an asphalt bike playground for young riders. There is also a playground, restrooms, a shade shelter, bike repair stations and a 1,000-foot path set with glow-in-the-dark rocks.
FreeHidden Springs Park & Passive Nature Park
On the city's northwest edge at 9675 Hidden Springs Dr., this 7-acre park has a playground, barbecues and a trailhead into the 17-acre Hidden Springs Passive Nature Park next door. The city's own 'Hike to the Top' rates the 3.3-mile Hidden Springs loop as easy (160 ft of gain), but strollers are not recommended and the trail has no restrooms.
FreeHike to the Top (city-led hikes)
Free guided hikes run by the city several times a year, rated easy to strenuous; the Hidden Springs loop is the easy one. Download and sign the adult or minor waiver before you go, and bring water, sunscreen and shoes with good traction. Call 951-413-3280 for dates.
Free (signed waiver required)March Field Park & Valley Skate Park
A 93-acre sports park at 15415 6th St. with a lighted skate park, lighted softball and baseball fields and a lighted soccer arena. It has off-street parking, restrooms and a snack bar on game days. The city lists no playground here, so it suits older kids and teens best.
FreeMoreno Valley Community Park
A 15.6-acre park at 13380 Frederick St., a short walk from the Civic Center, with a skate park, a playground, four lighted soccer fields and a walking path. Restrooms, barbecues and four small picnic shelters (reservable through the city) make it an easy spot for a birthday picnic.
FreeSantiago Park
A compact 2.8-acre park at 24731 Tiger Ave. with a playground, a basketball court, fitness equipment, a multi-purpose field and a walking path. It has restrooms and a large reservable picnic shelter, which is unusual for a park this size.
FreeShadow Mountain Park
A 10-acre park in the north end at 23680 Presidio Hills Dr. with a playground, two lighted ballfields, a walking path and restrooms. Its medium picnic shelter can be reserved through the city.
FreeSunnymead Park
A 15.5-acre neighborhood park at 12655 Perris Blvd. with an ADA-accessible playground, four lighted softball and baseball fields and three small picnic shelters. It has restrooms and off-street parking, and its snack bar operates during league games.
FreeTownGate Memorial Park
An 8-acre park at 13051 Elsworth St., near the Moreno Valley Mall, with a playground, multi-use fields, a lighted ballfield, restrooms and a walking path. A segment of the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail runs through it, which is handy for a flat stroller or scooter outing.
FreeWoodland Park
A 9-acre park at 25705 Cactus Ave. with four lighted basketball courts, four lighted tennis courts, a pickleball court and a lighted ballfield. There is a playground, a walking path, restrooms and two picnic shelters, so younger siblings have something to do during practice.
Free
Indoor Play
Conference & Recreation Center
The city's main recreation building at 14075 Frederick St., next to the amphitheater, where families register in person for classes, camps and event wristbands such as Snow Day. It also has a ballroom and meeting rooms for rent. Call 951-413-3280 for program details.
Program fees varySky Zone Moreno Valley
Opened in June 2026 at 22550 Town Circle, at the Moreno Valley Mall, with trampoline courts, obstacle courses, climbing attractions and party rooms. Sky Zone also offers a weekday homeschool P.E. session from noon to 2 p.m.
Ticketed; check siteMuseums & Learning
Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch)
The main branch on Alessandro Blvd is a reliable free rainy-day or beat-the-heat option with a children's section and regular story times. Library cards are free for any Riverside or San Bernardino County resident, so visitors staying nearby can borrow too. Check the online events calendar since family programming changes week to week.
Free
Moreno Valley Library – Iris Plaza Branch
A city-run branch at 16170 Perris Blvd. (Iris Ave. and Perris Blvd.), opened in 2020, with a tech area that has four gaming stations, virtual reality and robotics kits. It is closed Sundays. Check the city library calendar for kids' programs.
FreeMoreno Valley Library – Mall Branch
A city-run branch on the second floor of the Moreno Valley Mall, above Crunch Fitness, with a children's area, a teen section and picture books. The library says local performers from Dreamshapers hold monthly performing-arts programs here, and all library events are free.
Free; all library events freeArts & Culture
Civic Center Amphitheater
The city's outdoor stage at 14075 Frederick St. hosts free summer movies and concerts, the July 4 Family FunFest, Day of the Dead and the December Snow Day. Seating is lawn-style, so bring chairs or blankets; the city asks that umbrellas and canopies come down at sunset.
Most city events free; some charge a small feeMoVal Movies
Free family movies on Friday nights at the Civic Center Amphitheater; the 2026 lineup included Monsters, Inc., The Lego Movie and Shrek. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Pets and alcohol are not permitted.
FreeMoVal Rocks! Summer Concerts
A free Thursday-night concert series at the Civic Center Amphitheater, mostly tribute bands, with local food vendors. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Pets and alcohol are not permitted, and canopies come down at sunset.
FreeMoreno Valley Day of the Dead
An evening celebration at the Civic Center Amphitheater with community altars, a Catrina/Catrin contest, Danza Azteca and ballet folklórico performances and a Kids Market of young vendors. The city warns that vendor applications come only through Jotform or a moval.org email address.
Free admissionMoreno Valley Fourth of July Parade & Family FunFest
The morning parade starts at Frederick St. and Alessandro Blvd.; the evening FunFest at the Civic Center Amphitheater has a Kids Zone, live bands and an aerial fireworks show. The fireworks viewing area is on asphalt with no seating provided, so bring lawn chairs and water. Coolers are allowed, but BBQ grills are not.
Parade free; FunFest $3 pre-sale ($10 family 4-pack), $4 day-of; kids 5 & under free
More for families in Moreno Valley
From our researched guides: the Moreno Valley spots for bowling alleys. Hours and prices change, so check the venue's site before you go.
Bowling
All SoCal bowling alleys →Lucky Strike Moreno Valley
A 40-lane alley at 24666 Sunnymead Blvd with cosmic bowling, private rooms and kids/teen party packages. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Per-game pricing; see site. Family Unlimited promo listed for weekends
Venue website ↗Farmers markets in Moreno Valley
Moreno Valley Certified Farmers Market
Year-round market on Cactus Ave with certified produce — a dependable weekday source for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Festivals & annual events in Moreno Valley
What Moreno Valley is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Moreno Valley Fun Color Run
An untimed 2-mile color run that starts at the Civic Center Amphitheater, with color-powder stations, a goodie bag, event shirt, medal and a closing color toss at 10:45am. Walkers, strollers and leashed dogs are welcome and kids 3-11 have their own price. Tip: there is no day-of registration, so sign up online before Nov 12 and wear clothes you're happy to stain.
Early $10 child / $20 adult (to Oct 2); regular $15 child / $25 adult
Moreno Valley Holiday Snow Day
Trucked-in snow play at the Civic Center Amphitheater with a tot lot for ages 5 and under and sled runs for 6-12, plus free jumpers, games and crafts. The city tree lighting follows at 5:45pm.
~$6 residents; includes 45 min snow play and fun zone
Moreno Valley Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city lights its 30-foot tree at Civic Center with entertainment, photos with Santa and hot cocoa and cookies. It follows the all-day Holiday Snow Day on the same Saturday, so many families do both. Tip: Snow Day has movies on the amphitheater stage and free Fun Zone games, so stay on for the 5:45pm lighting rather than making two trips.
Free
MoVal Multicultural & Art Festival
A city-run afternoon festival at the Civic Center Amphitheater with lion dancing, ballet folklorico, flamenco and reggae, plus food and a children's entrepreneur market where kids run their own booths.
2026 festival (Mar 14) has passed; no 2027 date posted
Moreno Valley Day of the Dead Celebration
The city's Día de los Muertos evening at the Civic Center Amphitheater has community altars, a Catrina/Catrin contest, Danza Azteca Xochipilli, Ballet Folklórico, a live band, craft and info booths and a Kids Market. Tip: it runs after dark, so bring a light jacket for little ones and arrive early to see the altars before the stage shows start.
Local restaurants in Moreno Valley
La Casita Mexican Grill
Casual family-run Mexican spot popular with Moreno Valley locals.
Los Zapatas Mexican Restaurant
Family-owned Moreno Valley favorite since 1995 with house-made corn tortillas and generous carnitas plates.
R Burgers
A locally loved smash-burger and shake counter where everything's made fresh to order — a casual, kid-friendly stop for a quick weeknight dinner.
Seasonal & outdoors near Moreno Valley
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Moreno Valley.
Moreno Valley 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
Moreno Valley family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Moreno Valley with kids?
Family favorites in and around Moreno Valley include Box Springs Mountain Reserve, Celebration Park, Bethune Park and Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch), and more. Our guide lists 27 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Moreno Valley?
Yes — free family spots near Moreno Valley include Box Springs Mountain Reserve, Celebration Park, Bethune Park and Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch). Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
What can kids do in Moreno Valley on a rainy day?
Indoor options in and around Moreno Valley include Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch), Conference & Recreation Center, Sky Zone Moreno Valley and Moreno Valley Library – Iris Plaza Branch, and more. Each listing in our guide is marked indoor or outdoor, so you can filter for the weather.
How can families spend a day in Moreno Valley?
One easy plan: start outside at Box Springs Mountain Reserve while kids have the most energy, break for lunch at La Casita Mexican Grill, then head indoors to Moreno Valley Public Library (Main Branch) for the afternoon. Our guide has prices and tips for each stop, plus 25 more ideas to swap in.
Where can families eat in Moreno Valley?
Local, family-friendly spots in Moreno Valley include La Casita Mexican Grill, Los Zapatas Mexican Restaurant and R Burgers — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Moreno Valley guide cover?
Our Moreno Valley family guide includes 27 things to do, 3 local eats and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Moreno Valley
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Moreno Valley on one map — then book on your favorite site.