Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Norco with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Norco on the map
📍 Where Norco is
Norco sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~9 mi / 15 km). It's roughly 41 mi (66 km) from Downtown LA and 87 mi (140 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 Norco
George Ingalls Event Center
The city-run 80-acre center (covered arenas, a barn, a hall and a lawn) is the heart of Horsetown USA and hosts horse shows, gymkhanas, rodeos and family days. Each event sets its own admission and hours, so check the calendar before driving out and bring cash for parking at big events.
Varies by event; check the calendar (not a drop-in park)S&D Horseback Riding (wagon and trail rides)
A guided horse-drawn wagon ride of about 45 minutes tours Norco's riverbed trails and neighborhoods — the easiest way for toddlers and grandparents to experience Horsetown USA. Trail rides need riders age 7 or older; the campfire and s'mores add-on runs Friday–Sunday only.
Wagon ride $45/person (ages 2+); 1-hr trail ride $75 weekdays / $85 weekends (ages 7+)
Norco Heritage Room (Historical Collection)
A small room inside the Norco Community Center (2870 Clark Ave) with archived photos, documents and relics from Norco history, staffed by the Historic Preservation Commission. A quick 20–30 minute stop, only open Thursdays, so pair it with a park visit.
Free admission and parkingFarmers markets in Norco
Norco Farmers & Artisans Market (EAT! Center)
Rural-themed Thursday-evening market at the EAT! Cultural Center with farmers, artisans, and a 'Horsetown USA' vibe.
Festivals & annual events in Norco
What Norco is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Norco Horseweek
A ten-day western celebration built around a ranch rodeo, bull riding, a Saturday morning parade and community nights. No horse required to take part in most events.
The 54th annual ran Apr 17-26, 2026; 2027 dates not yet published
Local restaurants in Norco
Brunk's Steakhouse
Family-owned Norco steakhouse from the Brunk's Butchery team serving in-house dry-aged prime cuts and crafted burgers.
Black Horse Tavern & Grill
Family-owned tavern at 1825 Hamner Ave, open since 2008, known for marinated hanger steak, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, with a kids menu (ages 12 and under) and Sunday service from 9am.
Doña Luisa's Mexican Grill
Family-owned Mexican grill at 3250 Hamner Ave Suite 202 with family-recipe chile relleno, chilaquiles, flautas and burritos. Weekend breakfast starts at 8am and weekday lunch specials run 11am–3pm.
Crazy Brothers Sushi
Family-owned sushi restaurant at 3699 Hamner Ave, open Tue–Sun, closed Mondays, with online ordering for pickup.
Koya Sushi
Japanese restaurant at 140 Hidden Valley Pkwy Suite D with sushi and sashimi platters, rolls, chicken yakisoba and katsu bento boxes, with online ordering.
Seasonal & outdoors near Norco
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Norco.
Norco 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
Norco family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Norco with kids?
Family favorites in and around Norco include George Ingalls Event Center, S&D Horseback Riding (wagon and trail rides) and Norco Heritage Room (Historical Collection). Our guide lists 3 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Norco?
Yes — free family spots near Norco include Norco Heritage Room (Historical Collection). Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in Norco?
Local, family-friendly spots in Norco include Brunk's Steakhouse, Black Horse Tavern & Grill, Doña Luisa's Mexican Grill and Crazy Brothers Sushi, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Norco guide cover?
Our Norco family guide includes 3 things to do, 5 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 Norco
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Norco on one map — then book on your favorite site.