Riverside · Riverside County, CA
Family things to do in Riverside
Scout analyzed 98 Riverside places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
98
Matches
27
Typical spend
$25
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Historic Aviation Discovery and Park Afternoon in Riverside
Spend the afternoon marveling at fighter jets and vintage bombers across the open tarmac of March Field Air Museum. Follow up with scratch-made burgers at The Rustik Fork and a relaxing playground stop at Orange Terrace Community Park.
Jurupa Dino Adventure & Park Fun
Kick off the morning with an adventure to the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs, rocks, and fossils. After working up an appetite, grab a casual lunch, and then burn off some energy at a nearby park.
Family Fun Day at Castle Park
Spend a fun-filled day with the family at Castle Park, enjoying carnival rides and games. Afterward, grab a casual lunch that everyone will love, then round out the day with a relaxed park visit.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Downtown Riverside
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum
Visit The Cheech for 1.5-2 hours to explore Chicano art and culture, suitable as a standalone activity or paired with a meal in downtown Riverside. Expect to spend $10-15 per person for admission.
La Sierra Hills
La Sierra Park
La Sierra Park is a good spot for a casual outdoor activity, like a picnic with family or a solo walk, and pairs well with bringing your own food. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and potentially a few dollars on snacks or drinks.
Downtown Riverside
Pixels Bar & Eatery
Pixels Bar & Eatery is a casual spot for drinks and bar food in the evening, often featuring DJ nights. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour or two.
Downtown Riverside
Tio's Tacos
Tio's Tacos is a casual and quirky spot for a meal, suitable for families or a relaxed outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-$25 per person for food in its unique art-filled environment.
Downtown Riverside
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal
This is a good spot for an evening meal with friends or a date, potentially followed by drinks if the DJ is playing. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $30-75 per person for food and a couple of drinks.
Magnolia Center
Islands Restaurant Riverside
This casual burger spot is good for a relaxed family meal or an easy lunch. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $15-35 per person for food and drinks.
Outdoors
Potato Mountain
Potato Mountain is a free hiking trail in Claremont, ideal for a morning or afternoon outdoor excursion with family or for a solo adventure. Expect to spend about 3 hours walking and enjoying the views, best on a cool day.
Outdoors
Heart Rock Trail
This scenic trail leads to a unique heart-shaped rock and waterfall, making for a pleasant 1.5 to 2-hour outdoor activity. It costs nothing beyond potential parking fees and pairs well with a picnic or other area exploration.
Outdoors
Ortega Falls
Ortega Falls is a natural stop along Ortega Highway for a short hike to see a seasonal waterfall, good for a brief outdoor break during a scenic drive. It costs nothing to visit, typically taking an hour or less.
Family
Bullwinkle's Upland
Bullwinkle's Upland is a good spot for a few hours of family fun, offering activities like mini-golf and go-karts. Expect to spend $20-$50 per person for an afternoon.
Arlington Heights
California Citrus State Historic Park
This park is suitable for a 1-2 hour visit, offering a relaxed outdoor experience with historical insights into California's citrus industry. Expect to spend about $6-$10 per person for entry, making it an affordable educational outing.
La Sierra
Candeeland Riverside
Candeeland Riverside is an indoor playground good for a 1.5-hour activity with young children, especially on weekends or for a birthday. Expect to spend $15-25 per child for entry. Parking is easy at the Galleria at Tyler.
Downtown Riverside
White Park
White Park is good for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, like a stroll through gardens or a picnic. It's a nice standalone visit for about an hour or can be paired with nearby errands.
Orangecrest
Orange Terrace Community Park
This community park is suitable for a free family outing or solo sports practice, typically lasting 1-2 hours. It can be paired with a picnic or a quick stop for kids to play.
Mission Grove
The Rustik Fork
The Rustik Fork is a good spot for a casual meal of American classics, suitable for families or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 75 minutes and between $15-40 per person, pairing well with a local movie or shopping trip.
Ramona
TOASTED INC
TOASTED INC is a good spot for a quick breakfast or lunch, ideal for a relaxed solo or family outing. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for coffee and a bagel/sandwich, with visits lasting about 30 minutes.
Outdoors
Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
This is a good spot for a few hours of hiking to a waterfall, suitable for active families or a solo workout. It's a free outdoor activity best done on a weekend morning when the weather is mild.
Downtown Riverside
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is a good spot for a relaxed outdoor outing, perhaps combined with a picnic or pedal boating. Expect to spend a few hours here, with costs ranging from free to around $20 if renting equipment.
Outdoors
Hidden Valley Nature Center
Hidden Valley Nature Center is a free outdoor activity for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, typically lasting 1-3 hours. It's great for a casual family outing or solo adventure.
Family
The Cove Waterpark
This water park is a full-day family outing, typically lasting 4-6 hours. Expect to spend $15-35 per person on admission and snacks. It pairs well with a picnic if outside food is allowed.
Downtown Riverside
Back To The Grind
This coffee shop and event venue is a good stop for a casual meal or drink, easily pairing with downtown exploration. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $10-$25 per person for coffee, food, or a beverage.
Eastside
Dapper Dine & Lounge
Dapper Dine & Lounge is a casual restaurant suitable for an evening meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $20-50 per person for a full meal.
Downtown Riverside
Fire Up Grill
Fire Up Grill is a casual spot for a quick meal, suitable for lunch or dinner. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a typical visit lasting about an hour.
Downtown Riverside
Heroes Restaurant & Brewery
Heroes Restaurant & Brewery is a casual stop for a meal and drinks, suitable for families or a solo visit, especially when exploring downtown Riverside. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person for food and a brew.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 98 analyzed Riverside places fit family.
- 55% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 60% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Educational.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in Riverside
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Riverside.
See what's bookable in Riverside(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.
Make it a night out
Staying over in Riverside?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Riverside — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
Find places to stay in Riverside(opens in a new tab)Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.