101 Family Day Trips and Staycation Ideas Around the Inland Empire
Remember, it's always best to follow each link to get details about your visit directly from your destination, since some places operate seasonally or by reservation, as well as to check each venue's COVID requirements (masks, limits, social distancing).
Free activities and splurges that are worth it. The coolest stuff for a staycation in town and road trips for less than a tank of gas from Inland Empire. Kids Out And About has tons of ideas for family travel, with places to explore, learn, and have fun!
KidsOutAndAbout is America's online guide to everything for kids, teens, and families! If you don't already receive our free weekly e-newsletter, sign up today to make sure you're in the know about free stuff, festivals, classes, camps, vacation ideas, and all the best events near you!
Explore a Garden
 |
California Botanic Garden |
| |
UC Riverside Botanic Gardens |
|
Moorten Botanical Garden |
|
Highland Springs Ranch and Inn (lavender) |
|
Fork and Plow Lavender Farm |
Get Wild on a Hike
| |
Heart Rock Trail |
|
San Bernardino National Forest - Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50 |
|
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve |
|
Whitewater Preserve |
|
Big Bear Hiking and Biking Trails - Big Bear Lake, CA |
Time Travel Today
| |
Calico Early Man Site |
|
Calico Ghost Town |
|
Coachella Valley History Museum |
|
Gilman Historic Ranch and Wagon Museum |
|
Kimberly Crest House and Gardens |
|
Village Green Heritage Center |
Make Life a Beach
|
Whitewater Preserve |
|
Yucaipa Regional Park |
|
Lake Gregory |
 |
Dana Point Harbor "Baby Beach" |
|
Pirate's Cove Beach at Corona Del Mar State Beach |
|
Laguna Main Beach |
|
Salt Creek Beach Park |
Splash into Some Water Fun
|
Fiesta Village Water Park |
| |
Raging Waters |
|
The Dropzone Water park |
|
The Cove Water Park |
Spend the Day at a Museum
|
Cabot's Museum |
 |
Goldstone Deep Space Communications |
|
Ontario Museum of History & Art |
|
Pennypickle's Workshop |
|
Riverside Art Museum |
|
Western Science Museum |
Explore These Cities
| |
Carlsbad |
|
San Diego |
|
Ventura |
|
San Clemente |
|
Mission Viejo |
|
Laguna Beach |
All Aboard Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Boats!)
| |
CA Rt 66 Museum |
|
March Field Air Museum |
|
Palm Springs Air Museum |
|
Planes of Fame Air Museum |
|
Southern CA Railway Museum |
|
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway |
|
JT&S Railroad Museum |
|
Marconi Auto Museum |
Grow Some Fun at the Farm
| |
Bates Nut Farm |
| |
DeJong's Dairy Farm |
|
Namaste Farm |
|
Temecula Berry Farm |
|
Underwood Family Farms |
Play Ball!
| |
Fiesta Village Miniature Golf |
|
Hit & Run Batting Cages |
|
Mulligan Family Fun Center Miniature Golf |
|
Mission Hills Croquet Club |
|
Fantasy Family Bowling Center |
Treat Yo' Self
| |
Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream |
|
La Michoacana |
|
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream |
|
Old Town Sweet Shop |
|
a la Minute Ice Cream |
Connect with Nature
|
Big Bear Hiking and Biking Trails |
|
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary |
|
Joshua Tree National Park |
|
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area Riverside |
|
Skull Canyon Ziplines |
|
Sherman Library and Gardens |
Amuse Yourself at These Amusement Parks
| |
Castle Park |
|
Knotts Berry Farm |
| |
Scandia Family Fun Center |
|
Six Flags |
Talk to the Animals
|
Orange County Zoo |
|
Zoomars Petting Zoo |
|
Montebello Barnyard Zoo |
|
LA Zoo and Botanical Garden |
|
Aquarium of the Pacific |
|
STAR Eco Station |
Explore the Globe Close to Home
| |
Museum of Ancient Wonders |
|
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden |
|
The YOK Center |
|
Le Polynesia - Polynesian Dance School |
|
Bahar Kids - Center For Persian Immersion and Cultural Education |
Let's Go Chasing Waterfalls
| |
Etiwanda Falls Trail |
|
Bonita Falls |
|
Tahquitz Canyon Falls |
| |
Holy Jim Falls |
|
Tenaja Falls |
Get Active Indoors
| |
High5 Indoor Playground |
|
Kids Empire - Rialto |
|
Riverside, California - Luv 2 Play |
|
iFly |
|
Sky Zone |
Challenge Yourself
Shop Your Heart Out
|
Frugal Frigate |
|
Inland Center |
|
Jack's Toy Shop |
|
Haiku Pop Gaming & Collectibles |
Limiting our list to 101 ideas meant some great destinations may have been left off the list - if there is something you’d like to see added, share it with us on Facebook!
Most of these destinations are within an hour from Inland Empire. For those that are a bit farther away:
= Less than 1 hour away
= 1 to 2 hours away
= 2 to 3 hours away
= Just over 3 hours away