New Year, New Adventures: January Fun for Riverside Families - A Calendar of Events
Looking for fun activities for your family in Riverside, California, in January 2026? Here are ideas for local community activities, library storytimes, events sponsored by the Parks and Rec department, and more!
A few housekeeping notes:
Putting this list together is a labor of love for me! I try my best to share accurate information, but always recommend you double check with the location hosting the event - look at their web site, social media, and/or give them a call before heading over! I generally try to link the host’s info in the listing, but you can also google Riverside + the name of the event and it’s likely to show up.
Do you have a family-friendly event in Riverside to add? Please submit your event here.
Are you looking for another month’s event guide? I’m hoping to offer one of these event guides for every month in 2026 (and beyond!) You will be able to access them all 12 months as they are published here.
Fun Activities for Families In and Around Riverside All Month Long
Here are ideas for some activities you could do potentially do anytime in January (depending on the weather):
Go on a hike! Thanks to cooler temperatures, January is one of the best months for hiking around Riverside (as long as it’s not raining!) Check out some family-friendly Riverside hiking trails here.
Have fun at the park! January is also a great month for going to the park, since temperatures are cooler and it can be a quick visit after school before it gets too dark.
Celebrate National Citrus Month (January!) by visiting Citrus State Park (they offer free tours and usually include a citrus tasting), or go shopping at the Farmer’s Market for locally grown citrus.
Go to Joshua Tree National Park - one of the wonderful things about living in Riverside is we have a national park just about an hour away! January can be a great time to visit, with cooler temperatures than summertime making it bearable to spend the day here! We find it very doable to take a (long) day trip from Riverside to Joshua Tree - you can check out some more info about Joshua Tree here at SoCal Nature Kids (my other Instagram account).
Go to the snow - keep an eye out for snow days in the mountains! Oak Glen or Palm Springs Aerial Tramway are the most convenient places for visiting the snow on a day trip from Riverside, in my opinion - you can check out some of my favorite places for visiting the snow here.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Riverside, California, Day by Day
Here is a round up of events and activities happening all month long (this list goes chronologically from January 1 - 31… keep scrolling for events later in the month!)
Thursday, January 1, 2026:
Happy New Year! Remember the library and many other services are closed today due to the holiday.
There is a small, free 5K ParkRun at Ryan Bonaminio Park (by Mt. Rubidoux). They usually meet on Saturdays but are hosting a special New Year’s Day walk/run.
1:00pm CBU Women’s Basketball Game vs. UT Arlington - we have found CBU basketball games to be fun to watch as a family, and reasonably priced (around $6-12 per person).
View lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Friday, January 2, 2026:
Some events, like library story time, may be cancelled today due to New Year’s yesterday - I’d confirm on web sites or social media before attending.
9:30am Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center (Every Friday at 9:30am) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at Arlington Library (every Friday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
View lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Saturday, January 3, 2026:
Some events, like library story time, may be cancelled today due to the holidays - I’d confirm on web sites or social media before attending.
Animal Kids Camp - Vet for a Day! ($50 per child, advance registration required). I’ve heard good things about the activities at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center! More info here.
9:30am Family Storytime at Main Library (every Saturday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
STEAM Saturdays: Mushrooms and Calendars at the San Bernardino County Museum - 10am-3pm. This museum is in Redlands, but it’s lovely for Riverside families and could be worth a bit of a drive! There is an admission charge for the museum ($5-10/person) or consider getting an annual pass.
1:00pm CBU Women’s Basketball Game - we have found CBU basketball games to be fun to watch as a family, and reasonably priced (around $6-12 per person).
View lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Sunday, January 4, 2026:
First Sundays in Downtown Riverside, 1:00 - 4:00pm. This event happens every month (with different activities every time!) It includes free admission to the Cheech and Riverside Art Museum, along with activities at the downtown Main Library, and more! January activities:
Main Library 1-4pm “decorate your own maraca and explore the sounds of music”
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Tyler Galleria Farmer’s Market - 8:30am - 1pm (every Sunday). This farmer’s market is in the parking lot by the Barnes and Noble at the mall. They have a lot more crafts than the other local markets, but also fresh produce and food too.
View lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Monday, January 5, 2026:
Free Carrillon (bell tower) recitals at UCR at 12pm. They offer free parking for these events too! If you have little ones or homeschoolers, come during the day to walk around UCR, hear the bell recital, and perhaps stop by the UCR Botanic Garden. (every Monday)
10:30am Preschool Storytime at Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley (every Monday)
View lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Tuesday, January 6, 2026:
9:30am Preschool Storytime at Main Library (every Tuesday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11am Preschool Playdate at Arlington Library (crafts and activities for preschool kids)
11:00am Family Storytime at Marcy Library (every Tuesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
All day: Stay and Make Craft: Celebrate the New Year (Children & Family) at Arlanza Library. For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
ABCs & 123s at Moreno Valley Library - Main Branch “Join us for fun learning activities designed for preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) to build a foundation for reading readiness.” Space is limited, sessions at 10am and 11am. (every Tuesday)
5pm Family Fun at Moreno Valley Library - Iris Plaza “Join Family Fun at Moreno Valley's Iris Plaza Library on the 1st Tuesday of the month, 5 pm, to participate in a creative project that's fun for all ages! Space is limited, so come early to claim your seats. For more info, please call the Iris Plaza Library at 951-413-3670.”
Last day to view lights (no vendors) at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. The lights for the Mission Inn Festival of Lights will stay on until January 6, but vendors, the ice rink, rides, etc. will be gone on December 31. If you missed attending the Festival of Lights (perhaps you were intentionally avoiding crowds and busyness?), now’s a good chance to check it out!
Wednesday, January 7, 2026:
10:00am Preschool Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Wednesday at 10am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Preschool Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Wednesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
County of Riverside Farmers Market from 8:30am -1:30pm on the corner of Lemon and 10th Street in Downtown Riverside (every Wednesday). This farmer’s market is much smaller than the one downtown on Saturdays, but it’s nice for getting produce or eating from a food truck.
3:30pm Family Storytime at Ssgt. Salvador J Lara Casa Blanca Library (every Wednesday at 3:30pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
5:00pm Twilight Tales at Main Library (every Wednesday at 5pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Thursday, January 8, 2026:
9:30am Baby Bee Storytime at Main Library (every Thursday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Bilingual Storytime at Arlanza Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Orange Terrace Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Writing boxes new year journals - school age Thurs., Jan. 8 4 p.m. at La Sierra Library For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Friday, January 9, 2026:
Winter Slime Time at Arlington Library at 4:00pm (listed on page 59 of the Riverside fall activity book - check with the library for more info!
9:30am Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center (Every Friday at 9:30am) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at Arlington Library (every Friday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Citrus Heritage Run - this race goes through Citrus State Park and along Victoria Avenue and looks like a beautiful course! There are 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon options if you want to run with a stroller or you have a child who loves to run, or a 1 mile fun run for kids (for $25 per child). I’ve heard good things about this race - it would also be fun to go sit along the course and cheer for runners! (For what it’s worth, I don’t think the 1 mile kids run goes through Citrus State Park).
Colorful Dash Fun Run (Hosted by Girl Scouts) - 9-1pm at Rancho Jurupa Regional Park. $28-40 per person depending on when you register. It seems that this is mostly an event for Girl Scouts, but mentions that anyone can join!
9:30am Family Storytime at Main Library (every Saturday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11am JC Penney Kid Zone (at Tyler Mall) - free Mitten Craft Activity, while supplies last
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
STEAM Outdoors: Microgreens at the San Bernardino County Museum. Space is limited for this monthly hands-on program, with sessions at 10:30 and 11:30. My son took a nature class taught by the host for this program, Gloria from Sprout and Blossom, and really enjoyed it! This museum is in Redlands, but it’s lovely for Riverside families and could be worth a bit of a drive! There is an admission charge for the museum ($5-10/person) or consider getting an annual pass.
Downtown Riverside Farmer’s Market 8 am - 1 pm on Main Street between 6th and 5th Street. (Every Saturday). This is a lovely farmer’s market with lots of locally grown produce and other food items (we are partial to the yogurt, honey, and bread booths!) You can also walk through the Mission Inn Lobby which is nearby.
Sunday, January 11, 2026:
Free train rides by Riverside Live Steamers at Hunter Hobby Park - 10am-3pm (every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month). This is a fun little ride through the park (near UCR). No cost to ride, but donations appreciated!
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Tyler Galleria Farmer’s Market - 8:30am - 1pm (every Sunday). This farmer’s market is in the parking lot by the Barnes and Noble at the mall. They have a lot more crafts than the other local markets, but also fresh produce and food too.
Monday, January 12, 2026:
Free Carrillon (bell tower) recitals at UCR at 12pm. They offer free parking for these events too! If you have little ones or homeschoolers, come during the day to walk around UCR, hear the bell recital, and perhaps stop by the UCR Botanic Garden. (every Monday)
10:30am Preschool Storytime at Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley (every Monday)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026:
9:30am Preschool Storytime at Main Library (every Tuesday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Family Storytime at Marcy Library (every Tuesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
ABCs & 123s at Moreno Valley Library - Main Branch “Join us for fun learning activities designed for preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) to build a foundation for reading readiness.” Space is limited, sessions at 10am and 11am. (every Tuesday)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
10:00am Preschool Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Wednesday at 10am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Preschool Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Wednesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
County of Riverside Farmers Market from 8:30am -1:30pm on the corner of Lemon and 10th Street in Downtown Riverside (every Wednesday). This farmer’s market is much smaller than the one downtown on Saturdays, but it’s nice for getting produce or eating from a food truck.
3:30pm Family Storytime at Ssgt. Salvador J Lara Casa Blanca Library (every Wednesday at 3:30pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
5:00pm Twilight Tales at Main Library (every Wednesday at 5pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Thursday, January 15, 2026:
9:30am Baby Bee Storytime at Main Library (every Thursday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Pajama Bilingual Storytime/ La Hora del Cuento Pijamada (story time happens every Thursday at 11:00am but this is a special pajama edition!) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Orange Terrace Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
9:30am Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center (Every Friday at 9:30am) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at Arlington Library (every Friday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Saturday, January 17, 2026:
Volunteer Opportunity through IE Waterkeeper: Native Planting at Hidden Valley Nature Center - 9-11am. All ages welcome, under 18 need a parent/guardian to attend too.
New Year, Clean Start Clean-Up: Volunteer Opportunity through Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful - 8:00am-11am at Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Find more info and sign up here.
Hands on Science for Teens: Turning Milk into Plastic at 4pm
9:30am Family Storytime at Main Library (every Saturday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
DIY Hologram Projector (Teens) Sat., Jan. 17 at 1pm at Orange Terrace Library For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
2026 Vision Boards (All Ages) Sat., Jan. 17 3pm at Arlington Library For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
STEAM Saturdays: Mushrooms and Calendars at the San Bernardino County Museum - 10am-3pm. This museum is in Redlands, but it’s lovely for Riverside families and could be worth a bit of a drive! There is an admission charge for the museum ($5-10/person) or consider getting an annual pass.
Downtown Riverside Farmer’s Market 8 am - 1 pm on Main Street between 6th and 5th Street. (Every Saturday). This is a lovely farmer’s market with lots of locally grown produce and other food items (we are partial to the yogurt, honey, and bread booths!) You can also walk through the Mission Inn Lobby which is nearby.
Sunday, January 18, 2026:
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Tyler Galleria Farmer’s Market - 8:30am - 1pm (every Sunday). This farmer’s market is in the parking lot by the Barnes and Noble at the mall. They have a lot more crafts than the other local markets, but also fresh produce and food too.
Monday, January 19, 2026:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day means libraries and other location may be closed today.
10am- 12pm 31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Walkathon - starts at Bordwell Park/Stratton Center (2008 MLK Blvd Riverside CA) and goes downtown. Sign up here to participate - $40, includes t-shirt.
Free Carrillon (bell tower) recitals at UCR at 12pm. They offer free parking for these events too! If you have little ones or homeschoolers, come during the day to walk around UCR, hear the bell recital, and perhaps stop by the UCR Botanic Garden. (every Monday)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026:
9:30am Preschool Storytime at Main Library (every Tuesday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Family Storytime at Marcy Library (every Tuesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
ABCs & 123s at Moreno Valley Library - Main Branch “Join us for fun learning activities designed for preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) to build a foundation for reading readiness.” Space is limited, sessions at 10am and 11am. (every Tuesday)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026:
10:00am Preschool Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Wednesday at 10am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Preschool Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Wednesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
County of Riverside Farmers Market from 8:30am -1:30pm on the corner of Lemon and 10th Street in Downtown Riverside (every Wednesday). This farmer’s market is much smaller than the one downtown on Saturdays, but it’s nice for getting produce or eating from a food truck.
3:30pm Family Storytime at Ssgt. Salvador J Lara Casa Blanca Library (every Wednesday at 3:30pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
5:00pm Twilight Tales at Main Library (every Wednesday at 5pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Thursday, January 22, 2026:
9:30am Baby Bee Storytime at Main Library (every Thursday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Bilingual Storytime at Arlanza Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Orange Terrace Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
6:00pm CBU Women’s Basketball Game - we have found CBU basketball games to be fun to watch as a family, and reasonably priced (around $6-12 per person).
Friday, January 23, 2026:
9:30am Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center (Every Friday at 9:30am) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at Arlington Library (every Friday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Saturday, January 24, 2026:
2pm Caldecott-Award Winning Children’s Author and Illustrator Kadir Nelson is doing a “conversation and book signing” through the Downtown Bookstore. We really love Kadir Nelson’s books in our house, and this is a really cool that such a big author/illustrator is coming to Riverside! You must RSVP in advance (email info@downtownbookstore.com) and note that the event may not be at the Bookstore itself, depending on space.
11am - 8pm 2026 Riverside Lunar Festival - “Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Riverside’s 14th Annual Lunar Festival! Food, culture, music & fun for all ages” in downtown Riverside (on Mission Inn Avenue between Lime and Orange.) Admission is free for all. (also on Sunday, January 25)
9:30am Family Storytime at Main Library (every Saturday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Downtown Riverside Farmer’s Market 8 am - 1 pm on Main Street between 6th and 5th Street. (Every Saturday). This is a lovely farmer’s market with lots of locally grown produce and other food items (we are partial to the yogurt, honey, and bread booths!) You can also walk through the Mission Inn Lobby which is nearby. (Parking may get tricky as the morning goes on due to the Lunar Festival happening nearby).
Scrap N' Yap (Teen & Adult) - Sat Jan 24 at 4pm at Orange Terrace Library For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
STEAM Saturdays: Mushrooms and Calendars at the San Bernardino County Museum - 10am-3pm. This museum is in Redlands, but it’s lovely for Riverside families and could be worth a bit of a drive! There is an admission charge for the museum ($5-10/person) or consider getting an annual pass. They are also offering an evening program for stargazing called Cosmic Nights, starting at 7pm (I believe there may be an additional fee for the evening program).
Sunday, January 25, 2026:
11am - 8pm 2026 Riverside Lunar Festival - “Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Riverside’s 14th Annual Lunar Festival! Food, culture, music & fun for all ages” in downtown Riverside (on Mission Inn Avenue between Lime and Orange.) Admission is free for all. (also on Saturday, January 24).
Free train rides by Riverside Live Steamers at Hunter Hobby Park - 10am-3pm (every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month). This is a fun little ride through the park (near UCR). No cost to ride, but donations appreciated!
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Tyler Galleria Farmer’s Market - 8:30am - 1pm (every Sunday). This farmer’s market is in the parking lot by the Barnes and Noble at the mall. They have a lot more crafts than the other local markets, but also fresh produce and food too.
Monday, January 26, 2026:
Free Carrillon (bell tower) recitals at UCR at 12pm. They offer free parking for these events too! If you have little ones or homeschoolers, come during the day to walk around UCR, hear the bell recital, and perhaps stop by the UCR Botanic Garden. (every Monday)
10:30am Preschool Storytime at Glen Avon Library in Jurupa Valley (every Monday)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026:
9:30am Preschool Storytime at Main Library (every Tuesday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Family Storytime at Marcy Library (every Tuesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
ABCs & 123s at Moreno Valley Library - Main Branch “Join us for fun learning activities designed for preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) to build a foundation for reading readiness.” Space is limited, sessions at 10am and 11am. (every Tuesday)
Wednesday, January 28, 2026:
10:00am Preschool Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Wednesday at 10am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Preschool Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Wednesday at 11am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
County of Riverside Farmers Market from 8:30am -1:30pm on the corner of Lemon and 10th Street in Downtown Riverside (every Wednesday). This farmer’s market is much smaller than the one downtown on Saturdays, but it’s nice for getting produce or eating from a food truck.
3:30pm Family Storytime at Ssgt. Salvador J Lara Casa Blanca Library (every Wednesday at 3:30pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
5:00pm Twilight Tales at Main Library (every Wednesday at 5pm). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Thursday, January 29, 2026:
9:30am Baby Bee Storytime at Main Library (every Thursday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Bilingual Storytime at Arlanza Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at La Sierra Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Orange Terrace Library (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
11:00am Family Storytime at Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library at Lincoln Park (every Thursday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Puzzle Day (All Ages) - Thurs., Jan. 29 - all day at Marcy Library For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Friday, January 30, 2026:
9:30am Family Storytime at Ameal Moore Nature Center (Every Friday at 9:30am) For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
10am-12pm Lego Club at Orange Terrace Library (every Tuesday and Friday). Legos are provided or you may bring your own. Intended for children and families.
11:00am Baby Bee Storytime at Arlington Library (every Friday at 11:00am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
Saturday, January 31, 2026:
Little Land Use Learners 10am at Land Use Learning Center (by Mt. Rubidoux). This is a free two-hour children’s nature program held on the last Saturday of every month, featuring story time, crafts, nature walks, and more.
9:30am Family Storytime at Main Library (every Saturday at 9:30am). For more info: Riversideca.gov/library
Downtown Riverside Farmer’s Market 8 am - 1 pm on Main Street between 6th and 5th Street. (Every Saturday). This is a lovely farmer’s market with lots of locally grown produce and other food items (we are partial to the yogurt, honey, and bread booths!) You can also walk through the Mission Inn Lobby which is nearby.
Free tours at the Heritage House (by CBU) from 12-4pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). All ages are welcome, in my opinion it’s best for ages 5+ (or a baby in a carrier). Book your tour here.
Free outdoor tours at Citrus State Historic Park at 11am and 2pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Tours are free, parking is $7 per car and they strictly enforce it.
STEAM Saturdays: Mushrooms and Calendars at the San Bernardino County Museum - 10am-3pm. This museum is in Redlands, but it’s lovely for Riverside families and could be worth a bit of a drive! There is an admission charge for the museum ($5-10/person) or consider getting an annual pass.
1:00pm CBU Women’s Basketball Game - we have found CBU basketball games to be fun to watch as a family, and reasonably priced (around $6-12 per person).
8pm UCR Orchestra Concert - if you have older children learning an instrument or interested in music, this could be a fun way to expose them to orchestra music! Tickets are $6-$10 each, with free parking available.
