Best Hidden Gems For Kids in the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire covers a vast area of Southern California and there are tons of hidden gems for kids throughout the area. Below is a list of the very best of those hidden gems.

Sawdust Factory
1525 Howard Access Rd
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 946-0866
www.thesawdustfactory.com

The Sawdust Factory is a woodcraft shop where adults and children alike can create their very own woodcraft project. With hundreds of projects to choose from and lots of personalization touches available, this DIY craft factory is the place to be. Some projects are even made out of stenciled wood-cut children's hands. The shop is organized in "stations" to help your project come to life. The staff is super friendly and available to lend a hand when needed. Be sure to wear old clothing and allow ample time to paint and create your very own woodcraft project. Holiday woodcraft projects are on high demand - so call ahead to check spot availability. Group field trips and birthday parties are available.

Pennypickle's Workshop
42081 Main St
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 308-6376
www.pennypickles.org

Pennypickle's Workshop is a children's museum full of scientific exploration and wonderment. Set up to appear as though it is the scientist Phineas Pennypickle's home, this museum is full of thought-provoking inventions. From a bathroom and music room to time travel and more there is so much to do and explore. Closed on Mondays, Pennypickle's is open Tuesday through Sunday with specific time sessions. Be sure to swing by the gift shop too - it's stocked full of amazing scientific gadgets and make sure to call ahead to see if there is room in a session before you go.

The Cove Waterpark - Jurupa Aquatic Center
4310 Camino Real
Riverside, CA 92509
(951) 360-1974
www.covewaterpark.com

A family-friendly water park that is fun for all, Riverside's The Cove Waterpark offers up a ton of fun in the sun. From a Lil' Mates Lagoon for the younger kids, to a Ne'er Ending River to relax in, 3 Crow's Nest Slides, Riptide Reef Flowrider and many more water attractions, the water park in Riverside is a definite must for kids and adults looking to cool off during the Summer months! Life jackets and tube floats are available at no extra cost. Wear swim shoes though because the ground gets hot, hot, hot!

Chino Youth Museum
13191 6th St
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 464-0499
www.chinoyouthmuseum.com

Located in beautiful downtown Chino, The Chino Youth Museum sits inside of the historical First National Bank and offers children an interactive, hands-on, friendly museum that is small enough that your kids explore freely. Set up with different exhibits that are both interactive and fun, let your kids ride a real Chino Police Motorcycle and be a bank teller, television program director, artist or chef. Located just next door is a beautiful shaded grassy area with water fountains that is perfect for a picnic lunch.

Child's Play
28860 Old Town Front St
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 699-7696
www.childsplaytemecula.com

Located in Temecula, Childs play is an indoor, temperature controlled playground designed for children up to 6 years old. Offering lots of interactive opportunities to play with your child., the toys and attractions are cleaned daily and there is a large eating area stocked with vending machines, high chairs and microwave. Birthday parties, group rates and monthly memberships are available as well.

Fingerprints Youth Museum
123 S Carmalita St
Hemet, CA 92543
(951) 765-1223
www.fingerprintsmuseum.com

The Fingerprints Youth Museum is located in downtown Hemet and it's a great place for kids of all ages. There are lots of exhibits and activities to do and explore in this museum. From Police motorcycles, ambulance, rock climbing, fire engine, doll house, arts and crafts, dinosaur fossil digging, trash truck, grocery store and tons more, you can easily spend an entire day there. There is a lunch room for eating lunch in.