Mission Inn Foundation & Museum
About
Step into a fairytale at the Mission Inn Museum, where kids can explore a stunning castle-like hotel filled with hidden courtyards, ornate fountains, and spiral staircases. The guided tours bring history to life through storytelling about this National Historic Landmark, making it feel like an adventure through a Spanish palace right in the heart of Riverside.
Highlights
- ✓Ornate Spanish Renaissance architecture that feels like exploring a castle
- ✓Beautiful courtyards with fountains and hidden alcoves to discover
- ✓Fascinating collection of bells, artifacts, and historical treasures
- ✓Spiral staircases and secret passages that spark kids' imaginations
- ✓Stories about famous guests and the hotel's Hollywood connections
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the earliest tour of the day (10 AM) for smaller crowds and more personalized attention from guides
- 2.Park in the city parking structures along Main Street for easy access,parking is metered but affordable
- 3.Visit the gift shop first to let kids pick out a postcard, then challenge them to find those spots during the tour
- 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes as tours involve stairs and uneven surfaces throughout the historic building
- 5.Combine your visit with a stroll down Main Street afterward,the pedestrian-friendly area has ice cream shops and is great for post-tour treats
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday at 10 AM) offer the quietest experience. Extended evening hours on weekdays (until 7 PM) can also work well if you catch the 5 PM or 6 PM tour when day crowds have thinned.
What to Know
Tours require tickets and advance reservation is recommended, especially on weekends. The venue involves multiple stairs and may not be fully accessible for strollers,baby carriers work better for younger siblings.
Seasonal Notes
The museum shines during the holiday season (November-January) when the Mission Inn hosts its famous Festival of Lights with millions of twinkling lights. Special holiday tours may be available. Summer visits can be warm, but the indoor tour provides air-conditioned relief.
Nearby Eats
Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro on Main Street offers kid-friendly sandwiches and pastries in a casual setting. Mario's Place, also nearby, serves family-style Italian food with pizza and pasta that please picky eaters.
More Activities Near Riverside
Riverside Art Museum
Riverside Art Museum offers a refreshing blend of cultural enrichment and hands-on creativity that keeps kids engaged beyond the typical museum experience. With family-focused art workshops, interactive exhibits designed for young learners, and activities where children can create their own masterpieces alongside parents, this museum transforms art appreciation into an active, memorable family adventure.
UCR ARTS
UCR ARTS brings contemporary art to life for families through engaging rotating exhibitions of photography and visual arts. With dedicated family-friendly programs and interactive learning opportunities, this welcoming museum makes art accessible and fun for children of all ages, encouraging creativity and visual exploration in a relaxed, educational environment.
Museum of Riverside
The Museum of Riverside brings local history to life through interactive exhibits that captivate children's imaginations while teaching them about California's cultural heritage. With hands-on displays specifically designed for young learners, families can explore everything from citrus industry history to indigenous cultures in an engaging, touchable environment that makes learning feel like play.
Citrus Valley High School
Please note: There appears to be conflicting information about this location. While described as a seasonal splash pad, the address corresponds to Citrus Valley High School in Redlands. If there is indeed a splash pad facility on the school grounds, it would likely be available during summer months when school is not in session, offering a refreshing way for kids to cool off during hot Inland Empire summers.