Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Upland with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Upland on the map
📍 Where Upland is
Upland sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Ontario Intl (~4 mi / 6 km). It's roughly 34 mi (55 km) from Downtown LA and 100 mi (160 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 Upland
Memorial Park & Upland Memorial Skate Park
Memorial Park at 1100 E. Foothill Blvd has a playground, ball fields, a basketball court, a rose garden, picnic areas, BBQs and restrooms, with the Upland Memorial Skate Park inside. Bring helmets and pads for scooter and skate kids.
Free
Olivedale Park Universally Inclusive Playground
The city describes this as a universally inclusive playground built for children of all abilities, with sensory activities, wheelchair-accessible ramps and an Alta-Glide swing. The park at 526 E. 8th St also has ball fields, picnic shelters, BBQs and restrooms. Shade is limited, so pick morning or late afternoon in summer.
Free
Cooper Regional History Museum
A small local history museum in Upland's Old Town at 217 E. A St, run by Chaffey Communities Cultural Center, with rotating exhibits — check the current one before you go. A good 45-minute stop combined with lunch downtown.
Pay what you can (donation)Upland Public Library
The library at 450 N. Euclid Ave has children's and teen programming, including a Camp Book Club for ages 9–12 on the first Friday of each month at 3:30pm. It's air-conditioned and free, a good midday break; call (909) 931-4200 for the current storytime schedule.
FreeFarmers markets in Upland
2nd Avenue Market Night
Downtown Upland street market with farmers, artisans, food, and live entertainment — a festive Thursday-night outing.
Upland Farmers Market & Street Fair
A Saturday morning market with produce, vendors, and a street-fair atmosphere in downtown Upland.
Festivals & annual events in Upland
What Upland is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Upland Scary-A-Faire
A free, all-ages Halloween celebration in Historic Downtown Upland with trick-or-treating, games and music. Tip: come at 4pm when lines are shortest and before the crowds thicken after dark.
Free
Upland Turkey Trot 5K & 1K Kid's Dash
The city's 19th annual Thanksgiving-morning run at San Antonio Park has a 1K Kid's Dash at 7:30am and the 5K at 8am, open to all ages. Tip: sign the little ones up for the 1K and let the adults run the 5K right after.
Registration fee; see city page
Upland Hometown Holiday Parade
The 49th annual holiday parade through Historic Downtown Upland starts at 10am, with festivities from 9am to 2pm. Tip: it shares a date with Chino's youth Christmas parade and Fontana's, so pick one; Upland's downtown is walkable, so park a few blocks out.
Free
Upland Lemon Festival
Three days of lemon treats, carnival rides, live music, and a Lemon Idol contest in Historic Downtown Upland.
Upland Centennial Celebration of Route 66
A citywide Route 66 centennial celebration at Memorial Park on Foothill Boulevard, part of the 2026 anniversary of the Mother Road. The city has published only the date, time and location so far. Tip: check the city page for the car show and entertainment lineup and give yourself time to park near Memorial Park.
Upland Monster Mash-Up Movie Night
The city's 4th annual Halloween movie night at Magnolia Park is free and open to all ages. Tip: bring blankets or low chairs and arrive by 5pm for a good spot before the movie starts after dark.
Local restaurants in Upland
Casa Moreno
Family-run Upland Mexican spot with generous combo plates and a casual room.
Spaggi's
Family-favorite Upland Italian for handmade pasta and celebration dinners in a warm setting.
Local shops in Upland
Suzann's Flowers
Family-owned florist since 1968, now the IE's largest, with fresh flowers, plants, and gifts.
The Vintage Vault of Upland
Upland vintage and handmade-goods shop great for unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind finds.
The Plant Safari
An independent plant lover's paradise with trendy houseplants and unique finds, with friendly staff happy to help young gardeners.
Buku Yarns
Friendly independent yarn shop with curated fibers, needles, and a welcoming knit-night community.
Seasonal & outdoors near Upland
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Upland.
Upland 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
Upland family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Upland with kids?
Family favorites in and around Upland include Memorial Park & Upland Memorial Skate Park, Olivedale Park Universally Inclusive Playground, Cooper Regional History Museum and Upland Public Library. Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Upland?
Yes — free family spots near Upland include Memorial Park & Upland Memorial Skate Park, Olivedale Park Universally Inclusive Playground, Cooper Regional History Museum and Upland Public Library. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Upland?
Local, family-friendly spots in Upland include Casa Moreno and Spaggi's — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Upland guide cover?
Our Upland family guide includes 4 things to do, 2 local eats, 4 local shops and 2 farmers markets — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Upland
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Upland on one map — then book on your favorite site.