Photo: Christopher Alonzo
Photo: knucklehead Lee
Photo: David “HaiTwun” Chen
Museum of Riverside
★4.4(93 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger elementary-aged children particularly enjoy the interactive elements and hands-on activities, while older kids appreciate the deeper historical narratives and art exhibits. Preschoolers can participate but may need more parental guidance.🧡 Saved by 21 families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on interactive exhibits that let kids touch and explore historical artifacts and replicas
- ✓Local citrus industry displays showing Riverside's agricultural heritage
- ✓Native American cultural exhibits with authentic artifacts
- ✓Rotating art galleries featuring regional artists
- ✓Small-scale venue that doesn't overwhelm young visitors
Pro Tips
- 1.Street parking along Mission Inn Avenue can be challenging; use the public parking garage on Orange Street just two blocks away for stress-free arrival
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings when school groups aren't scheduled for a quieter, more personalized experience where kids can spend extra time at their favorite exhibits
- 3.Don't miss the second floor galleries - many families focus on ground-level exhibits and skip the upper level art and cultural displays that older kids find fascinating
- 4.The museum is smaller than big-city institutions, making it perfect for families with shorter attention spans; you won't feel rushed or overwhelmed
- 5.Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Mission Inn across the street for a full day of exploration
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) offer the quietest experience with the most staff availability to answer questions. Avoid weekend afternoons when the museum gets busiest with local families and tourists visiting the nearby Mission Inn.
What to Know
Admission is very affordable (typically under $10 for adults, with children often discounted or free). The museum is located in the historic Mission Inn district with plenty of nearby dining options, and the compact size makes it fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with special exhibits rotating throughout the year. Check their calendar for family-friendly workshops and events, especially during summer months when they often host additional children's programming and craft activities.
Nearby Eats
Mario's Place (classic Italian-American with pizza and pasta kids love) and Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro (casual sandwiches, soups, and baked goods perfect for a quick family lunch) are both within easy walking distance in the Mission Inn district.
More Activities Near Riverside
Museum
Mission Inn Foundation & Museum
★4.6$$$❤️10
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.
Museum
Riverside Art Museum
★4.5$❤️27
Riverside Art Museum offers a refreshing blend of cultural enrichment and hands-on creativity that keeps kids engaged beyond the typical museum experience. With family-focused art workshops, interactive exhibits designed for young learners, and activities where children can create their own masterpieces alongside parents, this museum transforms art appreciation into an active, memorable family adventure.
Museum
UCR ARTS
★4.5$
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.
Park
Barton Street
Free
Barton Street Park in Riverside offers families a perfect blend of active play and relaxation with its well-maintained playground equipment, shaded picnic areas, and scenic walking paths. The park's thoughtful layout caters to children of various ages, making it an ideal spot for morning playdates, afternoon picnics, or evening family strolls through this welcoming neighborhood green space.