Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Riverside with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Riverside on the map
📍 Where Riverside is
Riverside sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~14 mi / 22 km). It's roughly 50 mi (80 km) from Downtown LA and 88 mi (141 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 Riverside
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
A historic landmark hotel with castle-like architecture, courtyards, and a famous holiday Festival of Lights families love to wander. The hotel grew in stages from a small 1876 boardinghouse into the block-spanning landmark it is today, with wings added by different architects between 1903 and 1924 — including the Alhambra Court, modeled on a Moorish palace in Granada, Spain. Each holiday season the property is strung with several million lights and hundreds of animated figures for its Festival of Lights, running for about six weeks starting the day after Thanksgiving.
Free to stroll; tours ~$25Castle Park
Classic family amusement park with more than 20 rides and four mini-golf courses, plus Buccaneer Cove, a seasonal water playground with water slides and spray features, and a full arcade. It hosts year-round themed events, from Mardi Gras to its Halloween happening, Castle Dark.
~$30–40 ride wristbandCalifornia Citrus State Historic Park
Living-history park among working orange groves with picnic lawns, trails, and a glimpse of SoCal's citrus heyday. Almost half of the 248-acre park is planted with more than 100 citrus varieties, tracing back to 1873, when the USDA sent Riverside resident Eliza Tibbets two of the first navel orange trees grown in California — trees that helped launch the state's entire citrus industry. Trails wind through the working groves past historic buildings and exhibits explaining how citrus reshaped the region.
Free; parking ~$5The Cheech (Riverside Art Museum)
The country's premier Chicano art museum — kids love the giant lenticular 'Lock & Key' piece. First Sundays (Oct–May) are free with a reservation.
~$18 adult; under 12 freeMarch Field Air Museum
100+ aircraft, mostly on an outdoor flight line — the closest big attraction for Moreno Valley families. The tarmac bakes by midday.
~$15 adult, ~$6 kidsMount Rubidoux
Paved 3.2-mile loop to a summit cross with big views, doable with older kids. Park free at Ryan Bonaminio Park, not the residential streets.
Free
Fairmount Park
Historic Olmsted-firm park with lakes, a splash pad, playgrounds and swan pedal boats.
Free; boat rentals extraFox Performing Arts Center
A beautifully restored 1929 downtown theater — the Mission Revival landmark where Gone with the Wind was famously first previewed — now hosting concerts, comedy and family shows. Check the calendar for kid-friendly performances and pair it with a stroll to the nearby Mission Inn.
Varies by showFree days in Riverside
Free or free-on-certain-days admission. Rules change and some are residents-only — confirm with the venue before you go.
California Citrus State Historic Park
Visitor center & grounds free; open Fri–Sun
A 248-acre open-air museum on California's citrus history, with a free visitor-center museum, walkable groves and weekend tastings; entry is free though parking has a small fee ($7 per California State Parks' current day-use fee schedule — CORRECTED 2026-09-15, was listed as ~$5).
Farmers markets in Riverside
Downtown Riverside Certified Farmers Market
Riverside's flagship market on the Main St pedestrian mall, year-round rain or shine, with produce, hot food, and a stroll-friendly scene; EBT accepted (also Wednesdays).
Festivals & annual events in Riverside
What Riverside is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Doors Open Riverside (8th annual)
Free access to more than a dozen historic downtown sites usually closed to the public, including churches, museums and the main library, with docent-led tours in English. Tip: the Mission Inn Foundation & Museum information center hands out a giveaway; pick a few sites within walking distance rather than trying to see everything. Coordinates point to the Main Library; sites are spread across downtown.
Free
Riverside Halloween Carnival at Nichols Park
A free Halloween carnival at Nichols Park with trick-or-treating, games and activities. Tip: it's a weeknight, so arrive around 5pm to finish before bedtime.
Free
Riverside Spooky Spooktacular Festival at Hunt Park
A free festival at Hunt Park with themed trick-or-treat stations along wooded paths. Tip: wear comfortable shoes, since the stations are spread across the park.
Free
Riverside Ghoul's Night Out at Bryant Park
A free Halloween-night event at Bryant Park with ghostly games and activities for families. Tip: it ends at 7pm, so pair it with neighborhood trick-or-treating afterward.
Free
Art in the Gardens at UCR Botanic Gardens
California artists and craftspeople show ceramics, jewelry, mosaics, fiber arts, woodwork and photography along Alder Canyon at the UCR Botanic Gardens. Tip: the trails are the draw for kids; note campus parking is not included and requires a permit.
Free
Riverside Veterans Parade & Expo
A veterans parade and expo along Market Street, 10th Street and Main Street in downtown Riverside. Tip: park in the downtown garages and walk in, since streets close for the parade.
Free
Riverside Snow Day at Bordwell Park
100+ tons of real snow, crafts and food vendors at Bordwell Park. Tip: sledding sessions go on sale Oct 19 and sell out, so buy early.
Varies; sledding sessions on sale Oct 19
Riverside Breakfast with Santa at Hunt Park
A hands-on holiday morning with activity sessions at 9, 10 and 11am: make a take-home gift at the elf workstation, an edible craft, and a photo in Santa's Cozy Corner. Tip: choose a session time when you register.
Free
Riverside Sensory with Santa at Bourns Youth Innovation Center
A Santa visit designed for children and families of all abilities, with sensory supports, hands-on crafts and quiet, low-pressure exploration at your own pace. Tip: comfort items and communication devices are welcome.
Free
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Downtown Riverside's holiday lighting of the Mission Inn, in its 34th year — a switch-on ceremony with fireworks, then nightly displays through New Year's Eve with vendors, entertainment and a temporary ice rink.
Free to walk the display; ice skating ~$20
Riverside Dickens Festival
A Victorian-era street festival across downtown Riverside, now in its 33rd year — costumed performers, a Friday school day and lantern walk, a pub night and two days of open festival.
See site for admission
Inland Empire Pride Festival
A free all-ages Pride festival at White Park with vendors, music, and community groups.
2026 edition (May) has ended — returns late May 2027
Riverside Tamale Festival
A Latino food and heritage festival at White Park in downtown Riverside from the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation — tamale vendors, artisans and live music.
The 13th annual ran Apr 18, 2026; the 2027 date has not been announced
Museum of Riverside First Sundays: Riverside's First Labor Force
A free family Sunday in downtown Riverside with guest Rosy Aranda (Cahuilla/Serrano) on the Native people who shaped early Riverside, plus a hands-on activity where kids build their own canal. Tip: it's a hands-on history activity that suits ages 6 and up best.
Riverside Fall Festival at Villegas Park
A free evening at Villegas Park with live entertainment, a petting zoo and critter show, a trackless train and food vendors. Tip: the petting zoo and train draw the biggest lines, so go right at 4pm.
Riverside Eastside Fall Festival
A morning Halloween festival at Bordwell Park with trick-or-treat stations, carnival games and a Fun Zone. Tip: the Fun Zone is $3 and cash only, so bring small bills.
Museum of Riverside Fossil Day
A free, family-friendly National Fossil Day talk at La Sierra Library about what fossils are and what they tell us. Tip: it is a weekday afternoon event, and kids who like dinosaurs will enjoy it most.
Riverside Boo Bash in The Crest
A free family Halloween party at Orange Terrace Park with candy, crafts and costume-friendly activities. Tip: costumes are encouraged, and it's a good fit for younger children.
Riverside Halloween Spooktacular at Reid Park
An all-ages evening at Reid Park with Halloween treats and community activities. Tip: this runs the same evening as Planes and Treats, so choose one for young kids.
Riverside Planes and Treats
A free evening at Riverside Airport where kids trick-or-treat along the runway among ghostly planes, with vendors, live music and food. Tip: bring a flashlight since the airfield is dark after sunset.
49th Annual Mission Inn Foundation Run & Health Expo
Downtown Riverside's signature race offers a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a family- and pet-friendly 5K walk, plus a Kids Fun Run and a health expo. Tip: the 5K walk and Kids Fun Run are the family options.
Riverside Trunk or Treat at La Sierra Park
A free Halloween trunk-or-treat for all ages at La Sierra Park with decorated car trunks and activities. Tip: costumes are encouraged; arrive early for the best candy.
Riverside Halloween Carnival at Villegas Park
A free evening of trick-or-treating and ghostly games at Villegas Park. Tip: go right at 6pm to beat lines at the game booths.
Local restaurants in Riverside
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Downtown saloon-style BBQ joint with a casual, kid-welcoming atmosphere.
Tio's Tacos
Beloved taco shop set in an incredible folk-art sculpture garden kids can wander.
Simple Simon's
Downtown bakery-cafe famous for fresh bread and hearty sandwiches.
Las Campanas
Mexican restaurant at the historic Mission Inn with a lovely family-friendly patio.
Heroes Restaurant & Brewery
Downtown brewpub with a big menu and casual booths that suit families.
Back to the Grind
Funky downtown coffeehouse with desserts and a laid-back all-ages vibe.
Mario's Place
Upscale downtown Italian; more date night but welcomes well-behaved kids.
Riverside Food Lab
Downtown food hall with many local vendors — easy when everyone wants something different.
Zacatecas Cafe
Second-generation family Mexican cafe open since 1963, serving Josephine Medina's original recipes for breakfast and lunch.
Saku Ramen
Downtown Riverside ramen shop simmering its broth 12–18 hours and open 24/7 for casual family slurping.
Local shops in Riverside
Downtowne Bookstore
Woman-owned indie bookstore since 1979 near the Mission Inn, with new, used, and rare books.
Cellar Door Books
Independent bookstore hosting kids' storytimes, book clubs, and a friendly bookstore dog.
Sphinx Comics, Cards & Collectibles
Locally owned shop with comics, action figures, toys, games, and trading-card supplies.
Lucky Penny General Store
Women-owned neighborhood shop of thoughtfully curated gifts, cards, and treasures near the Mission Inn.
Mission Galleria
Multi-story antique and vintage emporium across from the Mission Inn where you can wander for hours.
Seasonal & outdoors near Riverside
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Riverside.
Riverside 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
Riverside family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Riverside with kids?
Family favorites in and around Riverside include Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Castle Park, California Citrus State Historic Park and The Cheech (Riverside Art Museum), and more. Our guide lists 8 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Riverside?
Yes — free family spots near Riverside include California Citrus State Historic Park, Mount Rubidoux and Fairmount Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Riverside?
Local, family-friendly spots in Riverside include Lake Alice Trading Co., Tio's Tacos, Simple Simon's and Las Campanas, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Riverside guide cover?
Our Riverside family guide includes 8 things to do, 10 local eats, 5 local shops 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 Riverside
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Riverside on one map — then book on your favorite site.