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Inland Empire family guide

Things to Do in San Bernardino with Kids

San Bernardino is the historic heart of the valley and the gateway to the mountains, where families chase open space more than polish. Glen Helen Regional Park draws crowds for its swim lake and waterslides, the original McDonald's Museum on E Street is a quirky free stop, and the city sits at the foot of the Rim of the World drive up to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

📍 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.

💡 Local tip: Use San Bernardino as your launch point up Highway 18 to the mountain lakes, and check conditions at Glen Helen before counting on the lake.

Things to do in San Bernardino

Museums & Learning

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)
Theme Parks & Rides

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 ~$15–20

Farmers markets in San Bernardino

Tuesday · 8am–1pm

San Bernardino Certified Farmers Market

Downtown market at Court Street Square with regionally grown produce — an easy weekday outing for fresh fruit and veggies.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in San Bernardino

Mexican & Tacos

Mitla Cafe

Historic 1937 family Mexican restaurant and beloved IE institution.

Mexican & Tacos

Rosa Maria's

Local legend for the chile relleno burrito — a fast, cheap family staple.

Pizza & Italian

The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe

Family pizza spot on the historic Route 66 stretch with creative pies.

Comfort & BBQ

Joey's BBQ

No-frills local barbecue with big portions families pile into.

Mexican & Tacos

The Mexico Cafe

Gaitan-family Mexican restaurant going strong for 70+ years with a kid-friendly room for big groups.

Mexican & Tacos

Los Altos Mexican Food

A no-frills neighborhood taqueria locals swear by for generous plates and salsas — quick, affordable, and easy with little ones.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Seasonal & outdoors near San Bernardino

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Bernardino.

Splash pad · 6 miAyala Park Splash PadJuly 4th fireworks · 8 miRedlands 4th of July CelebrationBirthday venue · 8 miBoomersToddler spot · 10 miFairmount ParkChristmas lights · 10 miMission Inn Festival of LightsDog-friendly · 11 miMount Rubidoux Park & TrailPumpkin patch · 12 miGreenspot Farms

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

Riverside →Redlands →Temecula →Rancho Cucamonga →Corona →Chino →Chino Hills →Moreno Valley →Idyllwild →Perris →Fontana →Beaumont →
Browse all SoCal city guides →

Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.