Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Perris with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Perris on the map
📍 Where Perris is
Perris sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~29 mi / 46 km). It's roughly 62 mi (99 km) from Downtown LA and 75 mi (120 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 Perris
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Big sandy swim beach, boat/kayak/paddleboard rentals, fishing and camping. Arrive early for parking on hot days.
Day-use fee per vehicle
Southern California Railway Museum
California's largest railway museum (formerly Orange Empire) — admission and parking are free, and weekends you can ride real trolleys all day.
Grounds free; ride tickets ~$8–13
DropZone Waterpark
A city-run waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider, and a shallow Lil' Jumpers area for little ones. It's seasonal and won't open if the weather turns cool, so check the hours calendar before you drive out. Twilight or weekday tickets are the budget-friendly move.
Day tickets ~$25–35; season passes available
Mercado Park
One of the nicest free parks in town, with a splash pad, multiple play structures, basketball, and a stage that hosts Movies in the Park and the End of Summer Splash. The splash pad is the local go-to for cooling off on a hot afternoon. Mornings are best in summer before the equipment heats up.
Free
Cesar E. Chavez Library
Freshly renovated in late 2024, this downtown branch of the Riverside County library is a cool, free indoor option with kids' programs and story times. A reliable midday escape from the heat when outdoor parks get too hot. Parking is easy in the downtown civic area right nearby.
Free
Big League Dreams Perris
A 35-acre sports complex with scaled-down replicas of Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Dodger Stadium and the Big A, plus a playground, batting cages, and a restaurant with an arcade. Even if your family isn't playing, kids love watching games in the mini ballparks. A fun, free spot to wander, with a sit-down meal on site.
Free to visit/spectate; activities varySeasonal & outdoors near Perris
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Perris.
Perris 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
Perris family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Perris with kids?
Family favorites in and around Perris include Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Southern California Railway Museum, DropZone Waterpark and Mercado Park, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Perris?
Yes — free family spots near Perris include Mercado Park, Cesar E. Chavez Library and Big League Dreams Perris. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Perris
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Perris on one map — then book on your favorite site.