Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in San Bernardino with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
San Bernardino on the map
📍 Where San Bernardino is
San Bernardino sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~18 mi / 28 km). It's roughly 54 mi (87 km) from Downtown LA and 97 mi (157 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 San Bernardino
Original McDonald's Site & Museum
On the site of the world's first McDonald's (1940) — a quirky free memorabilia museum and fun Route 66 photo stop.
Free (donations)
Glen Helen Regional Park
Two fishing lakes plus dual waterslides and a zero-depth splash area for toddlers. Packed on hot summer weekends — arrive early.
$10–15/vehicle; swim ~$15–20Family attractions near San Bernardino
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from San Bernardino.
Frisbie Park
At 31 acres, Frisbie on N Acacia Ave is the big one, with playgrounds, a skate park, a dog park, softball fields and shady picnic areas. Older kids gravitate to the skate park while little ones stick to the play structures. Grab a covered picnic table early on weekends — they go fast for birthday parties.
Free
Rialto Branch Library
This San Bernardino County branch on W 1st St is an easy free rainy-day or beat-the-heat option right downtown near City Park. Kids can grab books and cool off in the air conditioning, and county libraries run free children's story times and craft programs. Closed Sundays, so plan a Saturday visit if the weekend is your only window.
Free
Rialto City Park
Rialto's downtown anchor park on E San Bernardino Ave, with a modern playground, ball fields, sports courts and outdoor fitness gear. A solid mid-morning stop before it heats up. Street parking fills fast on Little League game days, so aim for a weekday if you want the playground to yourselves.
Free
Bud Bender Park
Beyond the ball fields, playground and community garden on N Lilac Ave, this park holds Rialto's oldest structure: the Michael White Adobe, built in 1853 and cared for by the Rialto Historical Society. Pair playground time with a walk to the adobe for a little local-history lesson. The perimeter loop even has free exercise machines for parents.
Free
Jerry Eaves Park
This 25-acre park on N Ayala Dr is a favorite for youth soccer, with wide-open fields, gazebos and a fenced playground set back from the parking lot. The play area being separated from cars is a real plus with toddlers who bolt. Clean restrooms and drinking fountains make it easy to camp out a whole afternoon.
Free
Flores Park
A smaller, mellow 3.4-acre neighborhood park on W Etiwanda Ave with a playground, basketball court and shaded picnic spots. The kind of low-key green space you hit when you just need to burn off energy without a big production. Reserve the shelter through the city if you want a guaranteed table for a gathering.
FreeFarmers markets in San Bernardino
San Bernardino Certified Farmers Market
Downtown market at Court Street Square with regionally grown produce — an easy weekday outing for fresh fruit and veggies.
Festivals & annual events in San Bernardino
What San Bernardino is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Rendezvous Back to Route 66
A downtown San Bernardino classic car show and street festival centered on La Plaza Park, successor to the city's original Route 66 Rendezvous — food and craft vendors, two beer gardens and live entertainment.
See site for admission
San Bernardino Lunar New Year Festival
A city-run Lunar New Year celebration at Court Street Square with lion dances, acrobatics, live music, food and artisan vendors, a kids' zone with games and crafts, and calligraphy and tea ceremony workshops.
Free
Local restaurants in San Bernardino
Mitla Cafe
Historic 1937 family Mexican restaurant and beloved IE institution.
Rosa Maria's
Local legend for the chile relleno burrito — a fast, cheap family staple.
The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe
Family pizza spot on the historic Route 66 stretch with creative pies.
Joey's BBQ
No-frills local barbecue with big portions families pile into.
The Mexico Cafe
Gaitan-family Mexican restaurant going strong for 70+ years with a kid-friendly room for big groups.
Los Altos Mexican Food
A no-frills neighborhood taqueria locals swear by for generous plates and salsas — quick, affordable, and easy with little ones.
Seasonal & outdoors near San Bernardino
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Bernardino.
San Bernardino 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
San Bernardino family FAQ
What are the best things to do in San Bernardino with kids?
Family favorites in and around San Bernardino include Original McDonald's Site & Museum and Glen Helen Regional Park. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in San Bernardino?
Yes — free family spots near San Bernardino include Original McDonald's Site & Museum. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in San Bernardino?
Local, family-friendly spots in San Bernardino include Mitla Cafe, Rosa Maria's, The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe and Joey's BBQ, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal San Bernardino guide cover?
Our San Bernardino family guide includes 2 things to do, 6 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 San Bernardino
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Bernardino on one map — then book on your favorite site.