Photo: Riverside Art Museum
Photo: Cashflow RE Diana Lovetravel
Photo: Raymond M.
Riverside Art Museum
★4.5(373 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 4-12. Preschoolers enjoy the tactile, hands-on art activities and workshops, while elementary-aged children can appreciate the diverse collections and more complex creative projects. Toddlers may have limited attention spans for the exhibits but can still enjoy supervised craft sessions.🧡 Saved by 27 families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on family art workshops where kids create take-home projects
- ✓Interactive exhibits specifically designed for young visitors
- ✓Rotating children's gallery with age-appropriate contemporary art
- ✓Special family days with themed activities and demonstrations
- ✓Beautiful historic building architecture that fascinates curious kids
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead or check their website for the family workshop schedule,these popular sessions often require advance registration and fill up quickly
- 2.Visit on First Thursdays when many Riverside arts venues offer extended hours and special programming, creating a fun cultural evening for families
- 3.Pack wet wipes and spare clothes for younger kids participating in painting or messy art activities
- 4.The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building near Mission Inn,arrive early to find street parking or use nearby public lots within easy walking distance
- 5.Take advantage of free admission days throughout the year to make this an affordable family outing
Best Time to Visit
Saturday mornings right at 10:00 AM opening offer the calmest experience before afternoon crowds arrive. Wednesday through Friday afternoons are also quieter, making it easier for kids to engage with exhibits and staff without feeling rushed.
What to Know
Admission fees are family-friendly with discounts for children, and the museum offers free admission on select days throughout the year. The historic building is located in downtown Riverside with street and lot parking available nearby, and while there's no on-site café, numerous restaurants are within walking distance.
Seasonal Notes
The museum hosts special holiday-themed art workshops during winter break and summer camp programs during June and July. Check their calendar for seasonal family events like Día de los Muertos celebrations and spring break art activities.
Nearby Eats
The Mission Inn Avenue area offers several family-friendly options including Simple Simon's Bakery & Bistro (just steps away with kid-pleasing sandwiches and pastries) and ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen which has a surprisingly good children's menu in a casual atmosphere.
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
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.
Museum
Museum of Riverside
★4.4$❤️21
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.
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.