Get ready for a fun weekend in Riverside! This week features reptile encounters on Sunday, a chance to see the Riverside Light Parade downtown, and the tail end of the massive Riverside County Fair & Date Festival. Don't miss the unique local happenings happening only on February 28th and March 1st.
See our top picks
First Sundays at Museum of Riverside locations
Various Museum of Riverside locations
Free family crafts and culture exploration on Sunday afternoon.
Communities 4 Children Bowling
Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Classic indoor fun happening Saturday afternoon.
Joseph the Reptile Hunter - MoR at First Sundays
Museum of Riverside booth
See live snakes and lizards downtown Sunday for free!
· February 28
7: This Saturday summit focuses on fatherhood resources and community connection in the Inland Empire area. While pricing isn't clear, these summits are often focused on family engagement, so check the ticketing link.It's a specific community event on Saturday that promotes family involvement.
: If the weather is iffy, head over to Canyon Lanes for some Saturday afternoon bowling action. It’s an easy, classic family activity that usually works well for most ages.Bowling is a guaranteed good time for school-aged kids and it's an indoor activity.
: Check out the 11th annual Chili Cook Off this Saturday in Corona! While they have craft beer, these festivals usually have plenty of food vendors and activities that appeal to families, making it a fun outing.It’s a specific, highly anticipated community event taking place Saturday.
FREE : If you find yourself near Coachella Saturday morning, stop by the library for their Tiny Tales session. It's a perfect, free activity for very young listeners.Another excellent free library reading opportunity happening Saturday for our younger audience.
JAZZ FEST: A BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION - CITY OF FONTANA CALIFORNIA : Attend this vibrant Saturday celebration in Fontana honoring jazz music, featuring live music, dance, and interactive art activities. It’s a great way to introduce kids to culture and history through performance.A dedicated cultural event on Saturday afternoon with music and art activities.
: Catch some high-energy, high-scoring professional indoor soccer Saturday. The Empire Strykers promise a fast-paced, family-friendly game environment at Toyota Arena in nearby Ontario.Indoor soccer is exciting and offers great action for older kids and teens on Saturday.
FAMILY PAINT PARTY : Need a creative boost Saturday? Head to Pitfire Artisan Pizza in Cliff Haven for a Family Paint Party starting just after noon. This is a perfect way to let kids make a mess without destroying your kitchen!A scheduled creative class is a great way to structure Saturday afternoon activities.
· March 1
2: This is your absolute last chance to catch the annual Date Festival, which wraps up Sunday. Expect classic fair fun, food, and attractions out in Palm Desert this weekend. It's worth the drive for a full day of entertainment.It ends on March 1st, making this Sunday its final day. Great for a full day trip.
JUMPSTART: FREE OC FAMILY RESOURCE FAIRFREE : If you're willing to travel south to Villa Mira on Sunday, this resource fair is totally free and geared toward families. Resource fairs often include fun activities designed to keep younger attendees engaged.It's a free, family-focused event happening Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5FREE : Head downtown Sunday afternoon to see Joseph the Reptile Hunter! He'll be showcasing live snakes and lizards where kids can get up close to learn about their unique adaptations. This is a great, easy Sunday activity hosted by the Museum of Riverside.It's free, family-friendly, and features live animals right downtown.
FREE : Check out the community bike ride Saturday night where hundreds of participants decorate their bikes with lights. It's a fantastic spectacle to watch as they parade through downtown. Bring your own light-up bike if you want to join the fun!This recurring event happens only on the last Saturday of the month, fitting perfectly on Feb 28th.
: Take an audio walking tour through historic downtown Riverside this Saturday. It’s a cool way to get the kids out and learn about the city's architecture and stories at their own pace.This is a unique, self-paced, educational activity happening Saturday in the heart of Riverside.
FREE : Head to the Eastvale Library Saturday morning for their regular storytime session. This is a guaranteed quiet, engaging hour perfect for younger kids who love books.A free, scheduled event at a local library provides great low-key Saturday morning entertainment.
FREE : These free family activities happen on the first Sunday monthly, so catch them March 1st! Expect hands-on crafts, nature activities, and Indigenous culture presentations across the various museum sites.It's free, family-focused, and centered around learning at Riverside's own museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Riverside this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are three confirmed free events: the Joseph the Reptile Hunter activity downtown on Sunday, the First Sundays museum activities on Sunday, and the Riverside Light Parade on Saturday evening.
What can we do on Saturday, February 28th?
Saturday offers the Riverside Light Parade in the evening, the 11th Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off in Corona, a Family Paint Party at 12:15 PM, and library storytime in Eastvale at 11 AM.
Are there any family activities happening on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday, March 1st is perfect for free culture exploration with the First Sundays museum activities and the Reptile Hunter event downtown. You can also check out the final day of the Riverside County Fair & Date Festival.
