It's hot, let's go swimming! It's cold, where's my sweater?
So Cals weather is so unpredictable. But don't let that stop you from enjoying the great outdoors and all of it's natural beauty.
Here is a list of outdoor locations and activities that you just might want to add to your to do list.
Be sure to pick up your trash and be respectful of the families who live in these areas.
*Call or check out the websites prior to your visit as some locations have limited activities available.
If you plan to visit any of these locations - Please be Respectful of their Health and Safety Measures to help protect you and all of their other guests.
Big Bear Lake Big Bear
Fishing, hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, and so much more! Book a room or plan a day trip to create lasting family memories this summer.
- Visitor Center Address: 40824 Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (approx. 49 miles from Fontana)
- Visitor Center Phone Number: 909-866-7000 Toll Free: 800-424-4232
Calico Ghost Town Yermo
Calico Ghost Town offers shops, restaurants, camping and outdoor recreation along with a whole lot of history. Annual events include Civil War Re-enactment, Easter Celebration, Bluegrass in Spring, Calico Days, Ghost Haunt, and Holiday Festival (admission varies per event). For additional information and to make camping reservations, go to the SB County Regional Parks website.
- Address: 36600 Ghost Town Rd, Yermo, CA 92398 (approx. 77 miles from Fontana)
- Phone Number: (760) 254-1123
Forest Falls Forest Falls
Take a short or long hike as you enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautiful waterfalls at Forest Falls. A small gem located in the San Bernardino Mountains.
- Address: Valley of the Falls Dr. Forest Falls, CA 92339 (off hwy 38) (approx. 40 miles from Fontana)
- E-mail: community@forestfalls.com
- Mill Creek Ranger Station phone number: (909) 382-2883
Glen Helen Regional Park San Bernardino
At Glen Helen you can enjoy fishing in two lakes, swimming in a pool, slide on dual water slides, play in the splash pad, and have a picnic in the shelter areas. Not all activities may be open at this time.
- Address: 2555 Glen Helen Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407 (approx. 7 miles from Fontana)
- Phone Number: 909.887.7540
Jenks Lake Mentone
Jenks Lake is a small mountain lake located in the San Bernardino Mountains. There are picnic tables, hiking trails and a swim beach for the kids to splash around. There are also numerous campgrounds located near by.
- Address: 34701 Mill Creek Rd. Mentone, CA 92359 (approx. 30 miles from Fontana)
- Phone Number: 909-794-1123
Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center Jurupa Valley
At the Jurupa Hills Discovery Center you can enjoy 9 acres filled with gardens, dinosaur sculptures, a turtle pond, and so much more. Shop at the Granite Hills Nursery to take home your very own succulents and and plants.
For hours and admissions click on the following links. Hours and admission
- Address: 7621 Granite Hill Drive, Jurupa Valley, California 92509 (approx. 15 miles from Fontana 92336)
- Phone Number: (951) 685-5818
Lake Arrowhead Lake Arrowhead
Enjoy shopping, hiking, dining, SkyPark at Santa's village and more. Book your hotel and enjoy a few days surrounded by natures beauty.
- Lake Arrowhead Village Address: 28200 CA-189 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 (approx. 35 miles from Fontana, 92336)
- Lake Arrowhead Village Phone Number: (909) 337-2533
Lake Gregory Crestline
Lake Gregory is filled with lots of activities to keep the whole family busy. You can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking. There is even a dog park for your furry family member. But best of all, for the hot summer days headed our way, you can enjoy the inflatable water park, splash pads, and water slides. Prices for activities and events vary so be sure to check the website for more info. Call ahead to see which activities are open.
- Address: 24171 Lake Dr, Crestline, CA 92325 (approx. 27 miles from Fontana, 92336)
- Phone Number: (833) 360-5253
Lytle Creek Lytle Creek
Lytle Creek offers picnic areas, camp grounds, hiking, and of course the the creek itself. Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, Lytle Creek has deep canyons, steep slopes, cliffs, and narrow ridges so take precautions while enjoying the area.
- Address: 1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek, California 92358 (approx. 12 miles from Fontana 92336)
- Phone Number: (909) 382-2851
Mary Vagle Nature Center Fontana
The Nature Center is currently closed, however, you can still enjoy the outdoor areas from dusk till dawn. Take a stroll around the pond, enjoy a picnic under the large shade trees, and go on a hike in the foot of the Jurupa Hills. Once the center is open, you and you family can enjoy taking a look at some local history. You will be able to visit some of the furry and scaly friends who live there as well.
- Address: 11501 Cypress Avenue E. Fontana, CA 92337
- Phone Number: (909) 349-6994
Mt. Baldy Mt. Baldy
Head on over to Mt. Baldy and choose from multiple hiking trails as you marvel at the beauty of nature and the gorgeous waterfalls.
- Address: Mt Baldy Rd Bear Canyon Dr, Mt Baldy, CA 91759 (approx. 25 miles from Fontana)
- Phone Number: (909) 982-2829
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs
Enjoy over 2 1/2 mile ride in the world’s largest rotating tram car to the wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Once you reach the top you can enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails.
Advanced ticket purchase is required. For tickets click here.
- Address: 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 (approx. 70 miles from Fontana)
- Phone Number: (888) 515-8726
Silverwood Lake Hesperia
At Silverwood Lake you can enjoy the day fishing, boating, swimming, biking, picnicking, hiking, kayaking, float tubing, wind surfing, and stand up paddle boarding. Family campsites are also available.
- Address: For best results navigating to Silverwood Lake type in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area or 13990 Sawpit Canyon Rd, Hesperia, CA, 92345 into your GPS device. (approx. 26 miles from Fontana, 92336)
- Phone Number: (760) 389-2281
UCR Botanic Gardens Riverside
"A Nature Oasis and Living Museum" For hours and admission click here.
- Address: 1 Botanic Gardens Drive Riverside, CA 92507 (approx. 13 miles from Fontana 92336)
- Phone Number: (951) 827-6555
Looking for more local hidden gems and scenic locations? Search these locations and you just might find a place or two that you would love to visit. Some locations may not be suitable for young children due to the level of the hiking trails.
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park - Ontario
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden - Cal State Long Beach
East Fork Trail (Bridge to Nowhere) - San Gabriel Mountains (North of Azusa)
Eaton Canyon Falls - San Gabriel Mountains (North of Pasadena)
Heart Rock Trail - Crestline
Prado Regional Park - Chino
Rubel Castle - Glendora
San Antonio Falls Trail - Mt. Baldy
Do you know about another family friendly great outdoors location? E-mail me at cynthiam@macaronikid.com so I can add it to the list.
Want ideas for more fun getaways such as theme parks, museums, or zoos for you and your family? Check out additional guides here.
