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Downtown Riverside's best

Kid-friendly spots

Keeping the little ones entertained while navigating the city streets can be a challenge. It helps to have a few reliable places where they can actually be themselves.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Bello Salon image 1
Bello Salon image 2
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Hair salon

Salon has a warm atmosphere with a cozy interior that welcomes all ages. Staff show gentle care to kids, making haircuts fun and safe. The space feels relaxed and inviting, perfect for easy chats and comfort.

Staff show gentle care and patience with kids during haircuts. Children feel safe and welcomed, making the experience positive and fun.

People are saying

"Crystal gave me an awesome haircut and great styling tips."

"It's so kid friendly; the staff are gentle and sweet with my daughter."

"I left feeling like a new person and so relaxed."

Good to know

1

Scheduling an appointment at Bello Salon is easy and can be done online.

2

Haircuts typically cost between $70 and $80, depending on the stylist.

3

Bello Salon offers curbside drop-off to protect hairstyles from sweating.

02
Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Riverside Studio image 1

Studio offers a super chill vibe with quick piercing process and knowledgeable care guidance. Staff show patience and kindness with kids, making ear piercing smooth and comfortable. Walk-ins are welcome with fantastic availability.

Staff show patience and kindness with kids, making ear piercing smooth and comfortable. Specialists focus on children, explaining the process clearly to ease fears and guide post-piercing care.

People are saying

"Vanessa was so patient and kind with my daughter during her piercing."

"The tattooing process felt so peaceful and reassuring."

"The studio's atmosphere and vibes are super cool."

Good to know

1

The studio has fantastic availability for walk-ins.

2

Prices are very reasonable compared to other places.

3

The shop is clean and inviting for first-timers.

03
The Boardwalk Barber Shop image 1

Barber shop offers hot towel shaves and skilled barbers. Staff are kid friendly, making children comfortable with personalized haircuts. Appointments are easy with an online booking system and reminders.

Friendly staff take time to talk with kids and make them comfortable. Haircuts include personalized solutions to fit each child's needs.

People are saying

"It's so Kid Friendly; Tony's kindness really made my son feel special."

"I found the barbers at this Barbershop to be the best."

Good to know

1

It is highly advisable to book appointments online through their website.

2

Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred.

3

There is no guarantee that I will get in without an appointment.

04
Mount Rubidoux Park image 1

Mountain park features scenic hiking trails with panoramic views perfect for all skill levels. Short, kid-friendly paths are stroller and bike accessible, ideal for families. Trails offer a mix of peaceful and lively atmospheres depending on the time.

Short, two-mile trail suits kids and toddlers well. Paths are stroller and bicycle friendly, making it easy for families with young children to enjoy the hike.

People are saying

"The views from the top are amazing and panoramic."

"It's a great place for a walk with your dogs."

"The trail is easy and kid friendly, perfect for families."

Good to know

1

The trail opens half an hour before sunrise and closes half an hour after sunset.

2

The entire trail is steep with no guardrails, so caution is advised.

3

There is a lot of parking available, but no clear designated area.

05
Fairmount Park image 1

Large open space with rose gardens and a playground offers a peaceful setting. Kids enjoy the Kids Playland and trails around the lake. Families love fishing spots and paddle boat rentals for fun outings.

Plenty of space lets kids run and play freely. Awesome playground and Kids Playland provide fun spots. Trails around the lake and fishing areas add variety for family outings.

People are saying

"This park is really beautiful and large."

"It's a great Kid Friendly spot with an awesome playground."

"It's a spacious and shaded spot perfect for walking your dog."

Good to know

1

Summer concerts occur every Wednesday night at 6pm.

2

Parking can be difficult to find at Fairmount Park.

3

Kids Playland offers great activities for children.

06
Riverside Game Lab image 1
Video arcade

Arcade blends vintage pinball and modern VR games in a lively, dark space with a full bar. Kids enjoy classic games alongside adults, making it truly kid friendly. Clean and adult-focused, it offers fun for all ages.

Arcade games from childhood create a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Kids have a blast playing classic games alongside adults.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with a great collection of pinball machines."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my kids had a blast playing games."

"It's a great spot for an inexpensive date night."

Good to know

1

Parking costs only $5 and is super close.

2

The policy change now excludes minors from visiting Riverside Game Lab.

3

They offered a Happy Hour when they opened, during which the credits to play were halved.

07
Stray Dogs Coffee image 1

Bright, spacious interior offers ample seating with cozy corners and large tables. Dog-friendly vibe shines through Polaroid decor and outdoor spots. Kids enjoy a custom strawberry milk in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Ample space includes about 10 large tables with 4 seats each and a cozy corner for kids. A custom strawberry milk offers a flavorful option for children.

People are saying

"The coffee shop's staff is so friendly and helpful."

"The corndog latte was heavenly and a great new flavor."

"It's so Kid Friendly with a cozy corner for kids."

Good to know

1

Stray Dogs Coffee hosts worship nights monthly.

2

They cater parties and events with a coffee cart.

3

Parking can be challenging; street parking is available on 2nd Street.

08
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant features a central bar and two dance floors for a lively vibe. Staff offer creative kid portions with tasty quesadillas and sides. Colorful lighting and Mexican art create a trendy, festive atmosphere that suits families and partygoers alike.

Staff offer creative suggestions with appropriate portions for kids and listen carefully to all requests. The menu includes a generous portion of quesadilla with rice and beans and enough variety so every child finds something appealing.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good."

"Our server Eddie kept checking in and made sure we had everything."

"The kids' burritos were a hit, and the churros are phenomenal!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

09
Beignet Spot Flagship Store image 1

Small, quaint spot with fresh beignet preparation visible through a large glass window. Staff show kindness to children and offer free beignets, making it very kid friendly. Quiet jazz music adds a cozy, friendly vibe to the intimate space.

Staff show kindness and active listening toward children, engaging them warmly even after tough days. The owner offers free beignets to kids, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families.

People are saying

"These beignets are hot, fresh, and fluffy."

"The Chicken Sandwich here is amazing, with genuinely friendly and welcoming service."

"The staff's kindness made it feel so kid friendly."

Good to know

1

The card payment machine often malfunctions, so bring cash just in case.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for breakfast for four, including tip.

3

The place has plenty of seating, but some tables may be sticky.

10
Dazzle Me Nail Salon & Lashes 15% off for First Time Visitors image 1

Salon features a clean modern interior and a quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Staff excel in professionalism with kids, making nail polish choices fun for toddlers. Easy scheduling and a first-time discount add to the welcoming experience.

Staff show professionalism and help kids feel at ease during services. Toddlers enjoy choosing nail polish colors, and multiple children have received pedicures and nail treatments here.

People are saying

"Araceli and Ceci are amazing nail technicians."

"It's a super relaxing spot, especially the head spa."

"The staff here is so friendly and professional with kids."

Good to know

1

First-time customers receive a 15% discount on services.

2

Appointments can be easily scheduled through Yelp.

3

The salon closes at 6pm, limiting service options in the evening.

11
Maki Sushi & Cocktails image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot offers a festive patio feeling indoors with big windows and sunlight. Kids love the DTR ROLL and special mocktails. Music shifts from classic to old school reggaeton, creating a vibrant atmosphere that suits both calm and lively moods.

Mommy daughter drinks include a mocktail for kids and tasty options for adults. Kids enjoy ordering rolls like the DTR ROLL during meals.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be the best I have ever had."

"I found the poke here to be really fresh and delicious."

"The DTR roll is a great kid-friendly option."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day every day with drinks priced at $7.

2

A special happy hour menu is available throughout the day.

3

Expect wait times of over 30 minutes during peak hours.

12
Baba's Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Offers authentic hot chicken with addicting loaded fries and tasty sandwiches. Kids love the chicken and often finish every bite, making it kid friendly. Downtown location has limited seating and no parking, best for walk-ins.

Kids enjoy the chicken here and often finish every bite. It serves as a go-to spot for families looking for tasty chicken meals.

People are saying

"I thought the loaded fries were the best American food ever."

"I thought Baba's Hot Chicken had the best chicken sandwich."

"The chicken here is seasoned perfectly and so juicy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-served.

2

The sandwich costs $16, and combo meals may not include all items as advertised.

3

Parking is limited, and there are no nearby stopping areas.

13
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum image 1

Spacious galleries display powerful Chicano art with a two-story holographic display that captivates all ages. Kids enjoy free art lessons and vibrant colors that spark creativity. Quiet, comfortable spaces with a brick wall backdrop invite calm, thoughtful visits.

Kids get free art lessons and can join workshops upstairs. The space features vibrant colors that appeal to young visitors.

People are saying

"The galleries here are powerful, showing amazing and boundary-pushing Chicano art."

"The art here is so moving, it made me cry and think."

"It's really Kid Friendly with free art lessons and lots for babies to look at."

Good to know

1

Entry is free on the first Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 pm.

2

The museum hosts live art shows and cultural performances regularly.

3

The top floor features rotating exhibits, so check what's on display.

14
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station theme with vintage pumps and car-shaped topiary delights kids and adults alike. Large patio and outside bar offer live music and a massive drink selection. Kid-friendly menu includes carne asada burritos and nopales breakfast.

The place has a gas station theme that appeals to kids, especially those interested in automotives. It offers a kid-friendly menu with items like carne asada burritos and nopales breakfast that children enjoy.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"The outdoor seating has a fun, funky decor with old gas pumps."

"It's a really kid-friendly spot, especially with the gas station theme."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

15
Mariscos Ixtapa Riverside image 1

Small restaurant buzzes with live weekend music and an old-school Banda vibe. Families enjoy a kid's menu featuring hamburgers and chicken nuggets, though some items lack melt. Cramped seating mixes a cozy family area with a lively bar.

Family friendly atmosphere includes a kid's menu with options like hamburgers and chicken nuggets. Drinks cater to both adults and kids, though some items like grilled cheese may not be melted.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like homemade."

"They have nice live music on weekends."

"It's really kid friendly with options like burgers and nuggets."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday night from 8pm until 1am.

2

Live entertainment is available on weekends, including impersonators.

3

Parking can be very difficult to find near the venue.

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