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 (94 km) from Downtown LA and 84 mi (136 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 Moreno Valley
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.
Free
Celebration 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.
Free
Bethune 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
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.
FreeFarmers 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 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
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
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). Our guide lists 4 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
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). Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
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 4 things to do, 3 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 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.