Inland Empire family guide

Things to Do in Temecula with Kids

Temecula pairs wine-country scenery with surprisingly kid-friendly fun, anchored by Old Town's wooden boardwalks, candy shops, and the duck pond. Pennypickle's Workshop (the Temecula Children's Museum) is the local gem, a wonderfully wacky inventor's mansion that kids beg to revisit, and hot-air balloons drift over the valley most mornings.

Curated by Simir Shah

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

📍 Where Temecula is

Temecula sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~42 mi / 67 km). It's roughly 74 mi (119 km) from Downtown LA and 54 mi (86 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: Pennypickle's sells timed-entry tickets that regularly sell out, so book online a few days ahead rather than walking up.

Things to do in Temecula

Old Town Temecula

Walkable historic district with candy shops, a children's museum, splash fountains, and weekend events.

Museums & Learning

Pennypickle's Workshop (Temecula Children's Museum)

A whimsical interactive children's museum themed as a mad inventor's lab full of gadgets and experiments.

~$5–6 per person

Old Town Temecula

Six walkable blocks of boardwalks, candy and ice-cream shops, and fountains. Free garages on Mercedes and 6th fill fast on weekends.

Museums & Learning

Pennypickle's Workshop (Temecula Children's Museum)

Whimsical inventor-themed interactive museum, best for ages ~4–10. Timed 2-hour sessions sell out — buy online ahead.

Shopping & Treats

Vail Headquarters

Restored 1800s ranch buildings with the Cookhouse Food Hall and shops. Tuesday's market adds train rides and yard games; free parking.

Free entry; pay for food

Temecula Wine Country Hot-Air Balloon Rides

Those colorful balloons drifting over the vineyards at dawn are a Temecula signature, and several operators fly family-friendly rides that lift off just after sunrise. Flights are weather-dependent and book up fast, so reserve ahead — and the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival each spring is a fun way to see dozens rise at once.

Varies (dawn flights; book ahead)

Animals & Nature

Peltzer Farm

Pig races, pony/train rides and gem mining (winery for the adults). Go a weekday in October to dodge the crush.

Fall admission ~$15–20

Farmers markets in Temecula

Saturday · 8am–12:30pm

Old Town Temecula Farmers Market

One of the region's largest and most popular markets, in historic Old Town with 100+ vendors, hot food, and a lively scene.

Tuesday · 9am–1pm

Vail Headquarters Certified Farmers Market

Set at the historic Vail Ranch HQ with produce, artisan goods, and a heritage backdrop — a relaxed midweek option.

See all SoCal farmers markets →

Local restaurants in Temecula

Burgers & American

Mad Madeline's Grill

Old Town Temecula burger-and-shake joint with a retro, kid-friendly feel.

Burgers & American

Front Street Bar & Grill

Old Town Temecula sit-down American spot, casual and good for family dinners.

Breakfast & Brunch

E.A.T. Marketplace

Old Town Temecula brunch favorite with a wholesome, family-friendly vibe.

Breakfast & Brunch

Small Barn Restaurant

Old Town Temecula brunch spot in a historic barn building serving ube French toast and croque madame on weekends.

Comfort & BBQ

Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ

Old Town Temecula's oldest restaurant, serving hearty breakfasts and Texas-style smoked BBQ since 1927 in a cozy, time-capsule diner that kids love.

Comfort & BBQ

Texas Lil's Mesquite Grill

A boisterous Old Town BBQ-and-Tex-Mex grill with mesquite-smoked ribs, wings, and a big patio — great for a hungry family or a birthday crowd.

Mexican & Tacos

Landeros Mexican Grill + Cantina

Fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican from a family that's served the valley for 20+ years, now in a full-service Old Town spot with a welcoming family vibe.

See all local SoCal restaurants →

Local shops in Temecula

Gifts & Home

Old Town Sweet Shop

Family-run sweet shop with retro candy, fresh fudge, gourmet apples, and ice cream.

Vintage & Thrift

Granny's Attic Antique Mall

A 30,000-sq-ft antique mall with an old-fashioned soda-and-candy shoppe inside.

Toys & Games

The Retro Store

Old Town shop packed with comics, action figures, and trading cards for collectors young and old.

Boutiques & Apparel

Old Town Boutique

Independent Old Town boutique with jewelry and unique women's clothing along the wooden walkways.

Gifts & Home

The Gardener's Cottage

Charming garden-themed gift cottage in Old Town with home decor, florals, and seasonal finds.

Makers & Local Goods

Temecula Lavender Co.

Small-batch bath and body products made from lavender grown on a local Temecula Valley farm.

Makers & Local Goods

The Mercantile

Old Town souvenir-and-gift shop with baby clothes, hand-painted wooden signs, hats, and local goods.

See all local SoCal shops →

Seasonal & outdoors near Temecula

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

Toddler spot · 0 miPennypickle's Workshop July 4th fireworks · 0 miTemecula 4th of July Extravaganza Pumpkin patch · 2 miPeltzer Pumpkin Farm Birthday venue · 6 miUptown Jungle Fun Park Splash pad · 20 miEastview County Park Splash Pad Dog-friendly · 29 miLake Hodges Trails

Temecula 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 →Rancho Cucamonga →Corona →Chino →Chino Hills →San Bernardino →Moreno Valley →Idyllwild →Perris →Fontana →Beaumont →

Browse all SoCal city guides →

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