Riverside, California may not boast the beaches or famous theme parks that Southern California is known for, but it is a charming and historic city with deep roots in the state’s citrus industry. If you’re searching for a family-friendly destination in SoCal, Riverside should definitely be on your list. Here are some of the most enjoyable activities to do with children in Riverside.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
One of the top spots for kids is Castle Park, featuring 28 rides, four mini golf courses, carnival games, and a large arcade. On hot days, don’t miss Buccaneer Cove, the water playground with slides, tunnels, and spray cannons.
Another exciting place is the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, where families can walk among large, metal dinosaurs in the botanical garden. While admission to the garden is free, a small fee applies for entry to the Earth Science Museum, which showcases exhibits including Chinese dinosaur eggs.
For younger children, Kiddos 101 offers an indoor play area tailored for toddlers under six. Kids will have fun while learning and exploring, but be sure to purchase special grip socks for $2.50 before they dive into the play area.
Glo Mini Golf is a unique 27-hole indoor mini-golf course that glows in the dark. Enhance the experience with 3-D glasses for an even more surreal adventure! There’s also an arcade and gaming rooms equipped with Xbox and VR.
For the aspiring aviators in your family, the March Field Air Museum displays over 70 aircraft and artifacts. The museum includes a dedicated play area where kids can dress up like pilots and explore a mock cockpit.
Don’t miss the Mission Inn Museum where a 75-minute tour reveals the rich history of Riverside’s iconic Mission Inn hotel. While in the Mission Inn District, stop by the Riverside Art Museum for a mix of contemporary and traditional art, along with family-friendly activities.
Dining Options for Families
When it’s time to eat, The Old Spaghetti Factory is a hit with kids, featuring a fun train car seating option and a three-course meal for every order, along with an extensive kids menu.
Tio’s Tacos is another fun choice, filled with eclectic folk art to admire while you wait for fresh and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Simple Simon’s caters to various dietary preferences and offers an impressive selection of homemade baked goods that the whole family will enjoy.
Don’t forget to treat the family to Afters Ice Cream, where you can find quirky flavors like milk and cereal or cookie butter. You can even create your own Milky Bun, a delightful glazed bun filled with ice cream and served warm.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
The Mission Inn is not just a stunning architectural marvel; it also serves as a family-friendly hotel with a spa. Enjoy the heated outdoor pool and multiple dining options, including a cupcake boutique. Parents will love savoring a cactus rose margarita in the Presidential Lounge while kids explore the hotel’s many intriguing features.
At the Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, families can take advantage of rooms that include a sofa bed — perfect for larger groups. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast, a cocktail bar, and a 24/7 market for quick snacks.
The Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center is centrally located and provides breakfast, a Starbucks coffee bar, and an outdoor pool and whirlpool, making it an excellent base for family adventures.
Outdoor Adventures for Kids
Explore the history of Riverside at the California Citrus State Historic Park, which features a replica roadside fruit stand and 250 acres of citrus groves. While you can’t pick fruit, tours may offer samples of fresh-picked goodies.
Enjoy a whole day at Fairmount Park, which spans 250 acres and includes three lakes, walking paths, a rose garden, and a massive 25,000-square-foot accessible playground with a splash pad.
For additional outdoor fun, check out the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area where you’ll find miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking along the Santa Ana River. The nature center offers hands-on experiences with animals and reptiles that kids will love.
If you’re looking for scenic views, trek up Mount Rubidoux, where paved and dirt paths lead to stunning vistas of Riverside and beyond. Just remember to wear appropriate clothing, as some paths can be steep with limited shade.
Fun Activities to Consider
For a nostalgic experience, visit the Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, an affordable option for family movie nights.
Capture a family photo in front of the World’s Largest Paper Cup, a fun concrete landmark located at 800 Iowa Ave. in Riverside, which once housed a paper cup factory.
Another unique photo opportunity is Pumpkin Rock, a giant rock painted like a jack-o’-lantern that can be seen from a distance. The climb may be challenging, but the views and photo ops are well worth it. Plus, the kids will be too worn out to argue afterward!
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Summary
Riverside, California, may not have the flashy attractions of other Southern California cities, but it offers a wealth of family-friendly activities, from thrilling amusement parks and museums to beautiful parks and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring with toddlers or older kids, Riverside is a hidden gem worth discovering together.