50 Actually Fun Places to Take Kids in the Inland Empire
The local mom’s guide to getting out of the house without spending Saturday morning Googling where to go.
Saturday morning should not require a research project.
You want to take the kids somewhere fun. You would also prefer not to drive two hours, spend $200 or discover after unloading everyone that the place is closed for a private event.
So we created the list we kept wishing someone else would make.
These are 50 real places to explore with kids throughout Yucaipa, Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino County, the mountains, Temecula Valley and Greater Palm Springs.
Some are free. Some are worth saving for a bigger adventure day. Some are beautifully simple places where the kids can run, wander and remember that childhood was never supposed to happen entirely indoors.
Circle five.
Choose one for this weekend.
Then save the rest for the next time someone asks, “What are we doing today?”
START CLOSE TO HOME
1. GardenWorks for Kids
Yucaipa
A nonprofit children’s learning garden created for muddy hands, curious little minds and the kind of play that does not require a screen.
Depending on the season, families can attend themed garden days, create nature-inspired projects, explore the play spaces, meet animals and participate in hands-on activities.
Best for: Toddlers through early elementary
Cost: $–$$, depending on the event
Why it is worth it: It is designed specifically for younger children rather than expecting them to behave like tiny adults in a grown-up garden.
Mom note: GardenWorks limits attendance so families have room to play. Popular events often sell out, so reserve tickets before telling the kids.
2. Yucaipa Regional Park
Yucaipa
Pack breakfast, bring scooters or fishing poles and spend a slower morning beside the lake.
The regional park offers picnic areas, trails, playground space, fishing and seasonal swimming and community activities. San Bernardino County has also hosted family events here with crafts, games, bubbles and live-animal presentations.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $
Pair it with: A picnic or an early GardenWorks event
Mom note: Some activities are seasonal and vehicle admission may apply.
3. Wildwood Canyon State Park
Yucaipa
For the child who wants to walk, collect sticks and ask 47 questions about animal tracks.
Wildwood Canyon preserves oak woodland, grassland, wildlife habitat and the area’s ranching history. It is a real nature outing rather than a manicured playground.
Best for: Preschoolers who like walking through older kids
Cost: Free
Bring: Water, closed-toe shoes and absolutely no expectation of covering a certain number of miles
Mom note: Go early during warmer months and remain alert for wildlife.
4. Oak Glen Preserve
Oak Glen
Walk the nature trails, explore the Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center area and enjoy a mountain morning that feels much farther from home than it actually is.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary ages
Cost: Free or donation-supported
Why kids like it: Trails, trees, wildlife and space to explore without needing to purchase an entire day’s worth of entertainment
Mom note: Mountain weather can be noticeably different from Yucaipa. Bring layers.
5. Los Rios Rancho
Oak Glen
One of the best places to introduce children to the full Oak Glen experience: orchards, seasonal fruit, cider, farm activities and plenty of room to wander.
Oak Glen farms may offer apple, raspberry or pumpkin picking, cider pressing and other seasonal activities, but availability changes throughout the year.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free to enter; activities and food vary
Go for: Apple season, a fall family day or a weekday orchard visit
Mom note: Fall weekends can become extremely busy. Arrive early or choose a weekday.
6. Snow-Line Orchard
Oak Glen
Go for the small apple-cider doughnuts. Stay for the orchard atmosphere, seasonal raspberry picking and the realization that your children can detect cinnamon sugar from approximately half a mile away.
Snow-Line is a family-owned apple farm and cidery that offers seasonal activities, including raspberry picking when available.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $–$$
Do not miss: The mini doughnuts
Mom note: Fruit-picking seasons are brief. Check availability before driving up.
7. Willowbrook Apple Farm
Oak Glen
A charming option for families who want a smaller farm experience, with seasonal activities such as apple picking and cider pressing.
Best for: Preschool and elementary ages
Cost: $$ during activity season
Why choose it: It feels more like a specific family activity than simply walking through a crowded fall destination
Mom note: Reservations or scheduled activity times may be required during peak season.
8. Oak Tree Mountain
Oak Glen
This is the choose-your-own-adventure Oak Glen stop: food, shops, entertainment, trout ponds and an animal park among its family attractions.
Best for: Toddlers through tweens
Cost: Free to enter; pay by activity
Choose this when: Your children have different interests and everyone needs a little something
Mom note: It can feel busy and stimulating. Decide which one or two activities matter before arriving.
9. Riley’s Farm
Oak Glen
Visit a working orchard and living-history farm where seasonal fruit picking and historically themed programs bring California and American history to life.
Best for: Elementary children and older
Cost: Varies significantly by activity
Choose this for: A history-loving child or a more structured family outing
Mom note: Review the specific program before booking; experiences range from casual orchard visits to scheduled historical events.
10. Prospect Park
Redlands
Bring a picnic, walk beneath the trees and let the children explore one of Redlands’ prettiest green spaces.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free
Pair it with: Kimberly Crest, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine or a treat downtown
Mom note: This is a beautiful, simple outing—not an activity-packed destination. Bring bubbles, a ball or a nature scavenger hunt.
MUSEUMS, PLANES AND DINOSAURS
11. San Bernardino County Museum
Redlands
A wonderfully manageable museum for children who love animals, fossils, regional history and asking, “Is that real?”
The museum presents natural and cultural history from the region and participates in Museums for All. Children five and under are currently admitted free, though families should verify admission before visiting.
Best for: Preschool through elementary ages
Cost: $
Why moms like it: It feels like a real museum without requiring an entire day or a trip into Los Angeles
Mom note: Let younger children choose the pace rather than trying to read every display.
12. Lincoln Memorial Shrine
Redlands
A small, free museum devoted to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
Best for: Early elementary and older
Cost: Free
Pair it with: Prospect Park or the A.K. Smiley Public Library
Mom note: This is best as one part of a Redlands history day, not necessarily the sole destination for toddlers.
13. March Field Air Museum
Riverside
Walk among historic aircraft and watch your airplane-loving child lose the ability to speak at a normal volume.
Best for: Ages 3 and up, especially aircraft enthusiasts
Cost: $$
Why it is worth it: The scale of the planes makes the experience exciting even for children too young to absorb the history
Mom note: Much of the experience involves walking outdoors, so choose the weather accordingly.
14. Western Science Center
Hemet
See fossils discovered near Diamond Valley Lake, including enormous Ice Age animals, and explore Riverside County’s natural history.
The Western Science Center is Riverside County’s largest natural-history museum.
Best for: Preschool through middle school
Cost: $–$$
Choose this for: The child who is deeply committed to mammoths, fossils or digging holes in your yard
Mom note: It is smaller than a major-city museum, which can be a benefit with young children.
15. Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center
Jurupa Valley
A quirky local destination involving dinosaurs, rocks, plants and geology.
Best for: Preschool and elementary ages
Cost: Varies by program
Why kids love it: Giant dinosaur figures and the feeling of discovering something wonderfully unexpected
Mom note: Public access, tours and programs may vary. Verify what is open before going.
16. Planes of Fame Air Museum
Chino
Explore a large collection of historic aircraft, including planes connected to major moments in aviation history.
Best for: Elementary ages and older, or any dedicated airplane child
Cost: $$
Pair it with: Another Chino attraction if you are making the longer drive
Mom note: Check the calendar for special flying events, which may also mean larger crowds.
17. Yanks Air Museum
Chino
Another impressive aviation museum with restored aircraft and exhibits spanning aviation history.
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Cost: $$
Why choose it: It can be combined with Planes of Fame for the most airplane-intensive day of your child’s life
Mom note: Two museums in one day may be too much for little kids. Choose one unless airplanes are their entire personality.
18. Palm Springs Air Museum
Palm Springs
A larger destination museum with historic aircraft and exhibits inside air-conditioned hangars—an important phrase in Palm Springs.
It is regularly recommended as a family attraction in Greater Palm Springs.
Best for: Ages 4 and up
Cost: $$–$$$
Choose this for: A desert day when you need a substantial indoor activity
Mom note: Pair it with one additional Palm Springs stop rather than trying to do everything.
19. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
Rancho Mirage
Hands-on exhibits, pretend play and open-ended activities made for children rather than merely tolerated by them.
The museum includes imaginative spaces such as a grocery store and outdoor trike track.
Best for: Toddlers through early elementary
Cost: $$
Why it is worth the drive: It is one of the region’s true children’s museums
Mom note: Reservations or timed admission may apply, especially during holidays and school breaks.
20. Pennypickle’s Workshop
Temecula
Temecula’s Children’s Museum is filled with hands-on science, inventions and wonderfully strange things to touch, turn and investigate.
Best for: Preschool through elementary
Cost: $–$$
Choose this for: A hot or rainy day
Mom note: Sessions may be timed. Verify the schedule rather than arriving whenever the spirit moves you.
ANIMALS, FARMS AND GARDENS
21. Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Lake
Meet rescued and rehabilitated wildlife native to the surrounding region, including bears, mountain lions and birds of prey.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $$
Why it is different: It focuses on animals that cannot be returned to the wild rather than operating as a traditional large zoo
Mom note: Check mountain weather and road conditions before leaving.
22. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Palm Desert
See desert animals from around the world, explore botanical gardens and make an entire family adventure of it.
The Living Desert is one of Greater Palm Springs’ major family attractions and features animals such as cheetahs, zebras and bobcats.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $$$
Go when: The weather is mild or you can arrive immediately at opening
Mom note: This is not a casual summer-afternoon outing. Desert heat must be taken seriously.
23. Amy’s Farm
Ontario
Visit a working family farm with educational tours and opportunities to learn where food comes from.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary
Cost: Varies
Choose this for: Animal-loving children and homeschool learning
Mom note: Tours and public access may require advance reservations.
24. UCR Botanic Gardens
Riverside
Explore more than 40 acres of gardens and trails filled with plants, birds and butterflies.
Best for: Preschool and older
Cost: Donation-supported
Why moms like it: Beautiful, inexpensive and genuinely educational without needing to announce that it is educational
Mom note: The terrain includes hills. Bring water and a carrier rather than relying entirely on a stroller.
25. California Citrus State Historic Park
Riverside
Walk through Southern California’s citrus history and show the kids what much of the Inland Empire looked like before warehouses and subdivisions.
The park is part of California State Parks’ Inland Empire District.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $
Pair it with: A picnic and fresh oranges
Mom note: Check the calendar for guided programs or tasting opportunities.
26. Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum
Jurupa Valley
Visit a preserved 1870s ranch and learn about early ranch and farm life in Riverside County.
Best for: Elementary ages and homeschool families
Cost: Free or low-cost, depending on programming
Why it is useful: It turns local history into an actual place children can see
Mom note: Verify public hours; historic sites often have limited schedules.
27. The Gardens at Sunnylands
Rancho Mirage
Walk through beautiful desert gardens, look for birds and let the kids explore the great lawn.
Sunnylands offers free garden access and periodic family-friendly activities such as outdoor movies and programs.
Best for: All ages, especially calmer explorers
Cost: Free for garden access
Mom note: This is a peaceful garden, not a playground. Save it for children who can enjoy wandering without climbing everything.
28. Moorten Botanical Garden
Palm Springs
A compact cactus garden filled with unusual desert plants and enough strange shapes to keep children interested.
Best for: Ages 3 and up
Cost: $
Pair it with: Lunch or another Palm Springs stop
Mom note: Cacti remain extremely committed to being sharp. Keep toddlers close.
29. Shields Date Garden
Indio
Walk the date garden, learn how dates grow and finish with a famous date shake.
Shields Date Garden is included among Greater Palm Springs’ free and inexpensive attractions.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free to explore; food costs extra
Mom note: The date shake may become the children’s primary educational takeaway.
30. Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
Temecula
A seasonal farm outing with pumpkins and family activities during the fall.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary
Cost: $$–$$$ during the season
Choose this for: A full fall-experience day
Mom note: Seasonal farms can change activities and pricing annually. Read the current details before promising anything involving ponies.
LAKES, PARKS AND PLACES TO RUN
31. Lake Gregory Regional Park
Crestline
Spend a mountain day at the lake with seasonal swimming and water activities.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $–$$$, depending on activities
Why it feels special: Mountain air and lake play without driving all the way to a major vacation destination
Mom note: Waterpark offerings and fees are seasonal. Check current operations before going.
32. Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Perris
Swim when conditions permit, picnic, explore the shoreline or make it a boating and outdoor-adventure day.
Lake Perris covers more than 8,800 acres and offers water recreation and trails.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $–$$
Mom note: Always verify swimming conditions, weather, closures and water-quality notices.
33. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
Hesperia area
Plan a lake day with swimming, fishing, boating or a picnic against a mountain backdrop.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $–$$
Choose this for: A full outdoor day rather than a quick outing
Mom note: Check water conditions and seasonal restrictions before leaving.
34. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
Ontario
A regional park with lakes, fishing, picnic space and seasonal swimming facilities.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $–$$
Mom note: Swimming and water-slide hours are seasonal and should be confirmed directly with the park.
35. Prado Regional Park
Chino
Bring fishing poles, bikes or a picnic and enjoy a large regional park with plenty of space.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $
Choose this for: A slower family day rather than a highly scheduled attraction
Mom note: Check current lake and activity conditions.
36. Rancho Jurupa Park
Jurupa Valley
A family-friendly regional park with playgrounds, fishing, camping and seasonal water play.
Best for: Toddlers through elementary
Cost: $
Why kids like it: Enough options to make an ordinary park day feel more like an adventure
Mom note: Splash-pad operations are seasonal; verify before loading everyone into swimsuits.
37. Fairmount Park
Riverside
Walk around the lake, feed your family—not the wildlife—a picnic and enjoy one of Riverside’s best-known historic parks.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free
Pair it with: The Riverside Main Library, Riverside Art Museum or The Cheech
Mom note: Choose a comfortable, active area of the park and keep normal city-park awareness.
38. Glen Helen Regional Park
San Bernardino
A large regional park offering lakes, picnic spaces, playgrounds and seasonal events.
San Bernardino County regularly hosts family activities at its regional parks, including crafts and nature-themed programming.
Best for: All ages
Cost: $
Mom note: Look at the county event calendar before visiting; special programming can make the trip much more worthwhile.
39. Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
Murrieta
Walk family-friendly trails through protected grasslands, oak woodland and seasonal vernal pools.
Best for: Preschoolers who enjoy walking through older kids
Cost: Free or low-cost parking
Go for: Wildflowers, nature study and cooler-season hikes
Mom note: Trail access can change because of weather, fire conditions or habitat protection.
40. Coachella Valley Preserve
Thousand Palms
See a real desert oasis with towering native palms and trails through an unexpectedly lush landscape.
The preserve is highlighted among Greater Palm Springs’ free outdoor attractions.
Best for: Ages 4 and up
Cost: Free or donation-supported
Mom note: Visit in cooler weather, bring more water than you think you need and never underestimate the desert.
BIGGER ADVENTURE DAYS
41. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs
Ride a rotating tram from the desert floor into the San Jacinto Mountains, where the temperature and scenery can feel like another world.
The ride takes roughly ten minutes, and the tram cars generally operate at regular intervals.
Best for: Ages 3 and up
Cost: $$$
Why kids remember it: The ride itself is the attraction
Mom note: Mountain temperatures can be dramatically colder. Bring layers even when Palm Springs feels like the surface of the sun.
42. SkyPark at Santa’s Village
Skyforest
Spend a full day exploring an outdoor adventure park wrapped in year-round Christmas nostalgia.
Best for: Preschool through tween ages, depending on activities
Cost: $$$
Choose this for: A birthday, holiday outing or bigger family day
Mom note: Review height, age and activity restrictions before purchasing tickets.
43. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Big Bear Lake
Choose from seasonal mountain attractions such as the alpine slide and other family rides.
Best for: Preschool and older, depending on attraction requirements
Cost: $$$
Mom note: Check height requirements and operating schedules before going.
44. Cabazon Dinosaurs
Cabazon
Stand beneath enormous roadside dinosaurs and take the picture every Inland Empire child is apparently required to have.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Some exterior viewing is free; paid attraction areas may be available
Pair it with: A Palm Springs trip or desert drive
Mom note: This can be a quick stop or a longer paid visit, depending on what is currently open.
45. Calico Ghost Town
Yermo
Explore a preserved silver-mining town with Old West buildings, history and family attractions.
Calico is operated by San Bernardino County and is generally open daily, with admission charged for adults and children over three. Verify current pricing before visiting.
Best for: Elementary ages and older
Cost: $$
Choose this for: A history-loving child or road-trip stop
Mom note: It is a significant drive from Yucaipa and can be extremely hot.
46. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree
Climb around kid-appropriate rock areas, take a short nature walk and experience a landscape that looks like another planet.
Joshua Tree is widely recommended as a family outdoor destination near Greater Palm Springs.
Best for: Preschool and older
Cost: $$ per vehicle
Mom note: Choose short, age-appropriate stops. Heat, dehydration and getting lost are real risks—not opportunities for character development.
47. Mount San Jacinto State Park
Idyllwild or Palm Springs tram access
Explore mountain trails, forests and dramatically cooler scenery.
Best for: Ages 4 and up
Cost: Varies by access point
Mom note: Wilderness areas may require permits, and minors must be accompanied appropriately.
48. Big Bear Lake Village
Big Bear Lake
Walk the village, get a treat and pair it with the zoo, lake or another mountain activity.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free to walk; your children will locate paid snacks
Mom note: The village alone may not fill an entire day for younger children. Pair it with one main attraction.
49. Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead
Walk along the lakefront village, browse the shops and have lunch overlooking the water.
The village is regularly promoted as a relaxed, family-friendly mountain stop.
Best for: All ages
Cost: Free to walk
Mom note: Lake access is limited in many areas because Lake Arrowhead is private. Visit for the village experience unless you have confirmed access elsewhere.
50. GardenWorks Seasonal Adventure Days
Yucaipa
Return to the garden for an entirely different experience.
One month might bring dinosaurs, ladybugs or fairy gardens. Another might include pumpkins, water play, hands-on planting, scavenger hunts or a slower morning created especially for toddlers.
Because the best local place is not always the one you visit once.
Sometimes it is the one that becomes part of your children’s childhood.
Best for: Toddlers through early elementary
Cost: $–$$
Mom note: Join the GardenWorks email list for first access to new dates before they are announced everywhere else.
BEFORE YOU LOAD THE CAR
Hours, prices, reservations, seasonal offerings, weather restrictions and closures can change.
Please check each destination’s official website before gathering the snacks, shoes, water bottles and 14 emotionally essential stuffed animals.
This guide gives you somewhere real to start.
It cannot personally guarantee that the splash pad will be turned on when you arrive.
WANT SOMEWHERE EASY TO START?
GardenWorks for Kids is a nonprofit children’s learning garden in Yucaipa serving families throughout Redlands, Beaumont and the Inland Empire.
We create hands-on garden experiences, seasonal family events, field trips, birthday parties and screen-free places for childhood to feel a little slower again.
Visit GardenWorksForKids.org for upcoming events.
Follow @gardenworksforkids on Instagram for local family adventures, event announcements and first access to limited-capacity garden days.