VISITING Inland Empire · The IE

Visiting Inland Empire with toddlers and little kids: the plan.

Chino has the youth museum and the air museum within a few miles of each other. Redlands has the county museum, and Riverside has the citrus park and the Mission Inn.

Top 2 can’t-miss spots

#1Chino, 13191 Sixth Street
Chino Youth Museum
Closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Kids $10Under 2 freeIndoor
See it in the guide
#2Redlands, 2024 Orange Tree Lane
San Bernardino County Museum
Closed Mondays.
Adults $12Kids 5 and under freeIndoor
See it in the guide
Nap breaks built in

One day or two in Inland Empire

A couple of big stops, a real lunch and a nap in the middle. Tap a stop for the full listing.

If you have one day
MORNINGChino Youth MuseumOpens at 10, Wed–Sat · Chino, 13191 Sixth Street · $10 kids
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPYanks Air MuseumOpen until 4 · Chino Airport, 15121 Stearman Drive
If you have two days

Day 1 is the one-day plan above. Day 2:

MORNINGSan Bernardino County MuseumOpens at 9, Tue–Sun · Redlands, 2024 Orange Tree Lane · $12 adults
NAPBack to the hotel for nap. If your little one sleeps best in the car, take a loop.
AFTER NAPCalifornia Citrus State Historic ParkOpen until 5 · Riverside, 9400 Dufferin Ave.
Where to stay

Kid-friendly areas near the big attractions

Pick the area by the stops you’ll make most, then plan around nap.

RIVDowntown RiversideClose to the Mission Inn and a short drive to the citrus park.Near California Citrus State Historic Park
ONTOntarioClose to Chino’s two museums.Near Chino Youth Museum and Yanks Air Museum
Before you go

Practical tips

Parking, strollers, changing tables and the best times to go.

Driving
You’ll need a car. Distances between Chino, Riverside and Redlands run 20 to 40 minutes without traffic.
Heat
Summer afternoons get hot, so plan outdoor time for the morning.
Visiting in November or December?

Santa and Christmas lights in Inland Empire

If your trip lands in the holiday season, these two pages have the dates, prices and booking links.

Santa in Inland EmpireBreakfast with Santa, Santa photos and Santa trains, with 2026 pricesChristmas lights in Inland EmpireDrive-thru and walk-through displays, start times and 2026 prices
Good questions

Visiting Inland Empire with toddlers: the FAQ

Is Inland Empire kid-friendly?

For a family with kids under 6, yes. Our Inland Empire guide lists 6 places we checked for little kids, plus 2 free places and 2 picks for babies and toddlers. This page adds free storytimes at 2 library systems. This week’s list has 18 dated outings for ages 0–6. See free things to do in Inland Empire and this weekend’s list.

Where should we stay with a toddler?

Downtown Riverside puts you near the Mission Inn and the citrus park. Ontario is handy for Chino and the airport.

What if it rains?

The Chino Youth Museum, the county museum in Redlands and Yanks Air Museum are indoors.

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