Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Yucaipa with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Yucaipa on the map
📍 Where Yucaipa is
Yucaipa sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~32 mi / 51 km). It's roughly 69 mi (111 km) from Downtown LA and 91 mi (147 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 Yucaipa
Yucaipa Regional Park
Three fishing lakes, playgrounds, pedal-boat rentals, disc golf, trails and picnic shelters make this an all-day park; the half-acre swim lagoon with dual-flume slides is summer only, with a 48-inch height minimum for the slides. Fishing permits are per person and the county stocks on Thursdays, so aim for a Thursday visit.
$10/vehicle weekdays, $15 weekends, $20 holidays; fishing $15 adult, $5 kids 4–14; lagoon and slides $15–20/person in summer
Wildwood Canyon State Park
An 855-acre preserve of grassland and centuries-old live oaks with easy hiking trails; leashed dogs allowed and no camping. State Parks warns fire danger is high, so no smoking or open flames. Bring water and go early on warm days since shade is patchy.
Free entry and parking (no fee listed by State Parks)Yucaipa Community Park
A 32.5-acre city park at 34900 Oak Glen Rd with multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, picnic areas and walking paths, beside the Community Center. Playground details aren't confirmed on the city site, so call ahead if you need one.
No entry fee listed by the city
Mousley Museum of Yucaipa History
Run by the Yucaipa Valley Historical Society at 35308 Panorama Dr. Treat it as a monthly outing rather than a drop-in: call (909) 790-4685 to confirm the program or book a visit.
Free monthly programsFarmers markets in Yucaipa
Yucaipa-Calimesa Certified Farmers Market
A weekly market at Yucaipa Community Park with certified produce in a park setting.
Festivals & annual events in Yucaipa
What Yucaipa is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Yucaipa Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Run
The Healthy Yucaipa Committee's 5th annual Thanksgiving-morning run at Yucaipa Community Park has a 1-mile option that works well for younger kids, with a race shirt, finisher's medal and trophies for top finishers in age groups including 10 & under. Tip: early registration ends Oct 31 and is $5 cheaper; pick up your packet at 6:30am.
1-mile $25 / 5K $35 early (to Oct 31); $30 / $40 late
Yucaipa Winterfest
A city-run holiday street festival in Historic Uptown Yucaipa with a tree lighting, Santa arriving by fire engine, Santa's Workshop, a kids' zone, live entertainment, food vendors and a beer garden. Rain or shine; leashed dogs welcome.
Free entry; kids' zone inflatables separately ticketed
Yucaipa Autumnfest
A city-run fall street festival in Historic Uptown Yucaipa with live performances, kids' activities, a haunted house, a car show, a beer garden and food and merchandise vendors.
Local restaurants in Yucaipa
Kopper Kettle Kafe
Yucaipa's family-owned breakfast-and-lunch favorite for 40 years, open seven days a week.
Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine
Family-run Syrian-Mediterranean kitchen with a kid-friendly vibe doing shawarma, kebabs, falafel and hummus.
Chai Coffee Co.
Coffee from local roasters plus bagel sandwiches, avocado toast, crepes, waffles and pastries in Historic Uptown at 12124 California St, open daily 8am–2pm per the city tourism site.
Del Mar Grill & Cantina
A Yucaipa Mexican restaurant at 34471 Yucaipa Blvd serving tacos, burritos and enchiladas, with a full bar, catering and the Casa Del Mar Event Center for private parties.
Element Shaved Creamery
An Uptown Yucaipa dessert shop at 12120 California St serving fluffy shaved cream 'snow' in creative flavors and toppings, open Tue–Sun afternoons.
The Suga Mamas Candy Shop
An artisan candy shop at 35095 Yucaipa Blvd making fruit-juice gummies, caramel apples, brittle and chocolate truffles (formerly Roundabout Sweets & Treats).
Local shops in Yucaipa
Timeless Pages — The Book Place
Cozy Old Town used bookstore with over 25,000 books from 1800s antiques to brand-new titles for every age.
Loved Homestead
Family-owned Old Town boutique blending curated home goods, gifts, and vintage finds, with baby and pet sections.
The Vintage Vault (Yucaipa)
Eclectic locally owned vintage shop full of lighting, artwork, decor, and quirky antiques to discover.
Soaring Swine Acres
Small-batch jams, jellies, sauces, salsas, pickles and honeys, with in-person tastings Tuesday–Saturday, at 12166A California St.
Second Acts Resale
A woman-owned Uptown Yucaipa resale shop at 35115 Yucaipa Blvd with hand-curated clothing, accessories and home goods, including vintage and secondhand finds.
Seasonal & outdoors near Yucaipa
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Yucaipa.
Yucaipa 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
Yucaipa family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Yucaipa with kids?
Family favorites in and around Yucaipa include Yucaipa Regional Park, Wildwood Canyon State Park, Yucaipa Community Park and Mousley Museum of Yucaipa History. Our guide lists 4 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Yucaipa?
Yes — free family spots near Yucaipa include Wildwood Canyon State Park, Yucaipa Community Park and Mousley Museum of Yucaipa History. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Yucaipa?
Local, family-friendly spots in Yucaipa include Kopper Kettle Kafe, Damasco Mediterranean Cuisine, Chai Coffee Co. and Del Mar Grill & Cantina, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Yucaipa guide cover?
Our Yucaipa family guide includes 4 things to do, 6 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 Yucaipa
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Yucaipa on one map — then book on your favorite site.