Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Murrieta with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Murrieta on the map
📍 Where Murrieta is
Murrieta sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~39 mi / 63 km). It's roughly 68 mi (110 km) from Downtown LA and 59 mi (95 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 Murrieta? Start hereRec classes, library cards, school lookup, alerts and getting around.OpenClose
- Rec classes & camps: Murrieta Parks & Recreation lists classes, camps and special events; register online through the city's Rec1 catalog.
- Library card: Murrieta Public Library at Town Square is city-run, and it also honors Riverside County Library System cards.
- Children's library: A 4,500-square-foot Children's Library expansion with a storytime suite is set to open February 2027.
- Find your school: Most of Murrieta is in Murrieta Valley Unified; its New Student Enrollment page links the district's Find My School lookup.
- Swimming: The Cal Oaks pool closed permanently in 2023; city swim programs now run at Vista Murrieta High School's pool.
- Newsletter: Sign up for More Murrieta, the city's e-newsletter with city news and events.
- Alerts: Murrieta Fire & Rescue asks residents to sign up for Alert RivCo and Genasys Protect.
- Evacuations: The fire department's evacuation page covers go bags, pets, large animals and ADA needs.
- Getting around: RTA CommuterLink 206 runs to Lake Elsinore and the Corona Transit Center, and Route 61 reaches Perris Metrolink; youth ride free.
Things to do in Murrieta
Parks & Hiking
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Oak woodlands and seasonal vernal pools; the flat Transpreserve loop is family-doable. Little shade — summer afternoons bake.
~$4–5/adult
Alta Murrieta Sports Park
A landscaped 14-acre park with a tot lot, baseball and football fields, a volleyball court and restrooms. It's also home to the city's Produce for People community garden, which grows food for local pantries.
FreeAntelope Hills Park
A 61-acre park next to Antelope Hills Elementary, with a tot lot, basketball, an amphitheater and bike/walking paths through natural terrain. It's good for a longer walk with a playground stop.
FreeCalifornia Oaks Sports Park
A central sports park with a tot lot, 'spray turtles' water features, tennis and basketball courts, and the city skate park. The 1990 community pool here was permanently closed in 2023, and the replacement is on hold for funding. It hosts the city's Birthday Bash each June.
FreeCole Canyon Park & Reserve
A 165-acre natural park on the west side with dirt hiking trails, including the Copper Canyon (1.5 mi) and Wiashal trails. It has little shade and no facilities, so go early with water. It suits school-age kids better than strollers.
FreeCopper Canyon Park
An 18-acre west-side park made up of two connected parks with tot lots, fields, an amphitheater and restrooms, linked by a mostly shaded bike path. It connects to the Copper Canyon Trail into Cole Canyon.
FreeFirefighters Park
A small, amenity-packed park on Murrieta Hot Springs Road with two playgrounds, rocking fire trucks, spraying turtle water features and a catch-and-release pond. It's a good pick for preschoolers and is close to Pond Park.
FreeLos Alamos Hills Sports Park
Murrieta's biggest sports park (47 acres), with lit fields, two playgrounds for ages 2 and up, shelters and restrooms. Weekends are busy with youth leagues, so weekday evenings are calmer for playground time.
FreeMapleton Park
A 9-acre neighborhood park by Oak Meadows Elementary with playgrounds, fields, BBQs and a flat 1.9-mile fitness route. The route is an easy loop for strollers and new bike riders.
FreeMountain Pride Park Disc Golf
Home to the area's only 18-hole disc golf course, kept up by the local disc golf club, plus ball fields and restrooms. Older kids can learn with a cheap disc, and Rancho Acacias Park has a simpler beginner course.
FreeMurrieta Creek Regional Trail
A regional multi-use trail along Murrieta Creek that is being built in segments linking Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore. The city posts interim maps of the open sections. Check them before planning a family bike ride, since the surface and continuity vary.
Free
Murrieta Skate Park (California Oaks)
A free, unsupervised skate park for skateboards, scooters and bikes, so no membership is needed. A helmet, knee pads and elbow pads are required for every rider, with no exceptions. It's inside California Oaks Sports Park.
FreeMurrieta Summer Public Swim (Vista Murrieta HS Pool)
With the city pool at California Oaks permanently closed, the city now runs swim lessons and public swim at the Vista Murrieta High School pool. Check the city's aquatics page each spring for the schedule and resident vs. non-resident rates.
check sitePond Park
A 15-acre 'hidden gem' fed by the old Murrieta Hot Springs, with a catch-and-release fishing pond, walking path, mature trees and a tot lot. It's shady and quiet, good for a stroll and duck-watching.
FreeSykes Ranch Park
A small park built around the remnants of the 100-year-old Sykes Ranch House, with a walking path down to a tot lot. A bit of local history pairs with playground time.
FreeTown Square Park & Amphitheater
Murrieta's civic lawn next to City Hall and the library, with an amphitheater, the Veterans Memorial walls and the 9/11 rock garden. There's no playground or splash pad here. Come for events like the October Dark in the Park show, the November Field of Honor and the holiday tree lighting.
FreeIndoor Play
Murrieta Youth Center
A city drop-in recreation spot for students in grades 6–9 before and after school, plus day camps for ages 5–12 during school breaks. It's a useful option for working parents new to town.
check sitePump It Up Murrieta
An inflatable-bounce venue known mainly for private birthday parties. Parents can also reserve open-jump times on the online calendar. It's best for roughly ages 2–10.
check siteMuseums & Learning
Murrieta Museum at the Historic Hunt House
The Murrieta Historical Society's small museum is in the historic Hunt House beside the city Community Center. With limited hours, it's best for curious school-age kids. Displays rotate, for example a veterans display in November.
FreeMurrieta Public Library (storytimes & Library of Things Jr.)
The library is city-run (not part of the county system) and sits on Town Square. Baby Storytime is for birth to 24 months with a caregiver. Family Storytime (ages 2–5) needs weekly registration. Kids can also borrow toys, games, kits, musical instruments and even museum/park passes from the Library of Things Jr. on their own library card.
Free
More for families in Murrieta
From our researched guides: the Murrieta spots for birthday venues, pickleball courts, bowling alleys, classes and more. Hours and prices change, so check the venue's site before you go.
Birthday party venues
All SoCal birthday venues →Uptown Jungle Fun Park
Multi-level indoor playground with slides, climbers, trampolines and toddler areas; party rooms.
$$
Pickleball courts
All SoCal pickleball courts →Alderwood Park Pickleball Courts
Pickleball courts beside the clubhouse at 28610 Baxter Road. Drop-in play is free; courts 1 and 2 can also be reserved in advance for $2.68/hour residents or $5.37/hour non-residents, up to four bookings.
Venue website ↗Bowling
All SoCal bowling alleys →Lucky Strike Murrieta
A 40-lane alley at 40440 California Oaks Rd with an arcade and billiards. Family Fest events include a kid arcade card and face painting.
Per-game pricing; see site. Family Unlimited promo listed for weekends 11am-3pm
Venue website ↗Classes & lessons
All SoCal classes →GForce Gymnastics & Parkour
Gymnastics and parkour classes serving Murrieta, Temecula, French Valley and Menifee for preschoolers through teens.
$$ enrollment
Venue website ↗Sensory-friendly
All SoCal sensory-friendly spots →Urban Air Adventure Park — Sensory Sessions
Dedicated sensory-friendly sessions without loud music or flashing lights.
Paid play
Farmers markets in Murrieta
Murrieta Certified Farmers Market
A Sunday market at Village Walk Plaza with produce, food, and a friendly community atmosphere.
Festivals & annual events in Murrieta
What Murrieta is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Murrieta Veterans Day Parade (24th annual)
A community parade honoring veterans that starts at Washington Ave & Ivy St and ends at Town Square Park, where the Rotary Field of Honor is on display. Tip: it is a weekday morning, so most schools are closed; walk the route from Town Square end for easier viewing with kids.
Free
Murrieta Rotary Field of Honor
A community flag display at Town Square Park presented by the Rotary Clubs of Murrieta and Old Town Temecula, where visitors recognize their heroes. It runs through the Veterans Day Parade and wraps up the following Sunday. Tip: it is a quick, stroller-friendly stop that pairs well with the parade on Nov 11.
Free
Donuts with Santa (Murrieta)
Free donuts for the first 500 kids, a Santa visit and pet adoptions from Animal Friends of the Valleys at Town Square Park. Entry asks for one non-perishable food or pet item per child. Tip: the donuts are first come, first served, so arrive at 9am sharp.
Free; one non-perishable food or pet item per child
Murrieta Tree Lighting & Festival of Wreaths
A community celebration with twinkling lights, music and local vendors at Town Square Park & Amphitheater. Tip: pair it with the morning Donuts with Santa at the same park for an easy full-day plan.
Free
Murrieta Market Nights (1st & 3rd Thursdays)
The city calendar lists Market Nights in Historic Downtown Murrieta on the first and third Thursday of each month, with local vendors, food trucks, artisans, live music and family-friendly activities. Tip: Go right at 5pm for parking and shorter food-truck lines; dates for January-March and September were not yet posted.
Not listed on the city calendar (browsing typically free)
Dark in the Park (Murrieta)
The city's free Halloween celebration at Town Square Park & Amphitheater, with the Monster Mash House Band, a laser light show and local food vendors. Costumes are encouraged. Tip: bring a blanket for the amphitheater lawn and stay for the laser show at dark.
Local restaurants in Murrieta
Pizza Factory
SoCal-rooted family pizza spot, a classic kids-birthday kind of place.
Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante
Area's oldest family-owned Italian, making everything in-house from Calabrian family recipes.
Alberto's Mexican Food
Homestyle carne asada burritos and combo plates served fast and cheap — a dependable family go-to that's been a local fixture for decades.
Seasonal & outdoors near Murrieta
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Murrieta.
Murrieta 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
Murrieta family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Murrieta with kids?
Family favorites in and around Murrieta include Mulligan Family Fun Center, Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, Murrieta Birthday Bash and Murrieta Youth Center, and more. Our guide lists 22 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Murrieta?
Yes — free family spots near Murrieta include Murrieta Birthday Bash, Murrieta Museum at the Historic Hunt House, Murrieta Public Library (storytimes & Library of Things Jr.) and Alta Murrieta Sports Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Murrieta?
Local, family-friendly spots in Murrieta include Pizza Factory, Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante and Alberto's Mexican Food — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Murrieta guide cover?
Our Murrieta family guide includes 22 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 Murrieta
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Murrieta on one map — then book on your favorite site.