13 listings in Riverside, CA: free family activities, kids' programs and storytimes. Each one checked against its official source, every catch spelled out.
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First Sunday of each month, 12–5pm (October through May)
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture · Riverside
The Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are free on the first Sunday of each month, noon to 5pm, from October through May. One visit covers both buildings on Mission Inn Avenue, a block apart. Regular adult admission is $17.95.
UCR ARTS' Family First Sunday celebrates Día de los Muertos: make a cyanotype sun print to honor someone you love (skulls, marigolds and frames provided, or bring your own objects), with short sets by Mariachi Los Alteños de UCR at 11:00, 11:40 and 12:20. Sunday, November 1, 2026, 11am to 12:30pm at the Culver Center of the Arts.
Ontario's library celebrates bilingualism with stories, songs and activities in English and Spanish for ages 0 to 5. Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 10:30 to 11:15am at Ovitt Family Community Library. Space is limited: free tickets are handed out first come, first served starting 30 minutes before. Cuentos, canciones y actividades bilingües para niños de 0 a 5 años; los boletos se entregan 30 minutos antes.
Verified Oct 27 · ontarioca.gov
Catch: Ages 0–5 · Free ticket at the library, handed out from 30 minutes before; limited space
Story time in English and Spanish for young children at Riverside Public Library's Arlanza branch: books in both languages, songs and fingerplays, then a simple craft. Friday, November 20, 2026, 11am to noon; check the library calendar for other dates. Hora del cuento bilingüe con libros en inglés y español, canciones y una manualidad.
The City of Temecula's annual tree lighting brings festive music, hot chocolate and treats, and a visit from Santa Claus to the Duck Pond and Veterans Memorial. Monday, November 30, 2026, 7 to 8:30pm.
Ontario kicks off the season at Town Square with cookie decorating, letters to Santa, community performances, photos with Santa and the tree lighting. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8pm. Free for all ages.
Corner of Main Street and University Avenue · Riverside
The Museum of Riverside sets up at Main Street and University Avenue during December's Arts Walk to share Victorian-era holiday traditions and help you make vintage-inspired decorations. Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 9pm.
Moreno Valley lights its 30-foot tree at City Hall with entertainment, photos with Santa, and hot cocoa and cookies. Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:45pm. The city's Holiday Snow Day is the same day.
A Santa experience designed for accessibility and comfort: children and families of all abilities can visit Santa, make hands-on holiday crafts and explore textures, colors and scents at their own pace. Sensory supports, comfort items and communication devices are welcome. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 to 11am.
The City of Fontana's free Festival of Winter at the Miller Park Amphitheater has rides and attractions, live entertainment, photos with Santa, vendors and activity booths, sledding on over 40 tons of fresh snow and a snow Tot Lot for little ones. Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11am to 4pm, the same day as the Fontana Christmas Parade (10am, Sierra Ave. and Arrow Blvd.).
Rancho Cucamonga's winter celebration at Red Hill Community Park has holiday crafts, entertainment and a photo with Santa, all free. Real snow play and sledding need a $10 wristband (sold online and at Central Park and the RC Sports Center; they sell out). Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11am to 3pm.
Verified Oct 27 · cityofrc.us
Catch: Snow play and sledding need a $10 wristband per person (crafts, entertainment and the Santa photo need none)
The Museum of Riverside opens its decorated Victorian Heritage House for a once-a-year holiday open house: docents show how Victorians decorated, with live music, warm apple cider, cookies, a period-inspired craft and a visit from Father Christmas. Sunday, December 13, 2026, noon to 4pm.
Any time during library hours (7-day loan, once every 30 days)
San Bernardino County Library branches · Riverside
San Bernardino County Library cardholders can check out a free County Museum Pass at any branch: one-day admission for two adults and three children at the San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands or the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. Keep it 7 days; one checkout every 30 days. Passes are limited, so call your branch to check availability. Regular adult admission in Redlands is $12.
Verified Oct 27 · library.sbcounty.gov
Catch: San Bernardino County Library card required · Limited passes per branch; once every 30 days
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