Top 8 Theme Parks And Amusement Parks In Riverside, California - Updated 2024

Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 4 min read

Located under an hour’s drive away from famous Los Angeles in sunny Southern California is the historic city of Riverside. The city is one of the biggest in the inland regions of California and is widely known as the birthplace of California’s citrus industry. It is also home to the famous Mission Inn, a classic example of Mission Revival style architecture popular in the 19th century. Several important museums and universities are also located here. Many amazing theme parks and amusements parks are situated within the city limits or in nearby areas. From Castle Park through Disneyland Park to Pacific Park, there is a park to suit everyone’s tastes. Locals and visitors throng to these parks, where you can enjoy exciting rides, arcade games, mini-golf, live entertainment, parades, dining and shopping. For the ultimate dose of fun, take a look at our list of the top theme parks and amusement parks in Riverside, California.

1. Castle Park

Castle Park
Source: Photo by user Jeremy Thompson used under CC BY 2.0

Spread out over 25 acres (10 hectares), Castle Park in the city of Riverside, California, offers a whole lot of family-friendly excitement, fun and games. The amusement park boasts more than 35 attractions and rides, a video games arcade, four 18-hole miniature golf courses and a four-level water playground called ‘Buccaneer Cove’. There are restaurants, cafe and snack bars to keep you fuelled up for the rides, mini-golf sessions, arcade games, water rides, etc. The park also holds magic shows and spectacular special events for Halloween, Christmas, etc.

Castle Park

Address: 3500 Polk St, Riverside, CA 92505, United States

Website: Castle Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

Price: 11 USD onwards

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Nearby theme and amusement parks

2. Fiesta Village Family Fun Park

This coaster may be smaller but it packs a big punch! Come on down this weekend and ride the dragon and all our other...

Posted by Fiesta Village Family Fun Park on Friday, 27 September 2019

Located just a short drive away from Riverside is the city of Colton where Fiesta Village Family Fun Park is situated. This amusement park is very family-friendly and offers a range of rides and attractions to visitors. Families can enjoy thrilling or mild fun rides, laser tag sessions, mini-golf, arcade games, go-karting, batting cages, a skating rink and a water park. Away from the maddening long queues of major theme parks but offering an equal amount of fun for visitors of all ages, Fiesta Village Family Fun Park is a must-visit near Riverside, California.

Fiesta Village Family Fun Park

Address: 1405 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324, United States

Website: Fiesta Village Family Fun Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 9pm; Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: 13 USD onwards

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3. Disneyland Park

SleepingBeautyCastle
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cd637 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of Southern California’s prime attractions. Disneyland Park, in Anaheim, is a mere half an hour’s drive from Riverside. Visitors can spend a fun-filled day enjoying rides, events, shows, parades, interactive displays, etc. From classic rides like ‘It’s a small world’ and 'Haunted Mansion’ through thrill rides like 'Splash Mountain’ to family-friendly rides like 'Dumbo the Flying Elephant’, there are rides for everyone. Plus, you can meet your favourite Disney characters, admire the Sleeping Beauty Castle, gorge on classic Disney snacks like turkey legs and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, shop for Disney souvenirs or watch the evening parade and fireworks.

Disneyland Park

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States

Website: Disneyland Park

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 10pm; Tue: 9am - 9pm; Wed: 8am - 8pm; Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 8am - 12am

Price: 104 USD onwards

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4. Universal Studios (from USD 109.0)

Another very famous theme park located at a short driving distance from Riverside is Universal Studios Hollywood. There is a mind-boggling array of things to do and rides and attractions to see here. Meet your favourite characters like The Simpsons or Minions, ride thrilling rides like Revenge of The Mummy or King Kong 360 - 3D, dine at world-class restaurants, shop for exciting souvenirs or simply take a studio tour. Visit the various worlds and themed rides located here like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, DreamWorks Theatre, WaterWorld, etc.

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Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket

4531 reviews

5. Knott's Berry Farm (from USD 67.0)

Also known as Southern California’s original theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm is a family theme park that attracts visitors from across the world. From its humble beginnings as a berry farm, this theme park now has dozens of exciting rides, attractions and shows in its four themed areas - Old West Ghost Town, Camp Snoopy, Fiesta Village and The Boardwalk, each paying tribute to one of the region’s history. Visitors here can ride thrilling rollercoasters, watch character performances, admire eye-catchy artwork, meet Peanuts characters, dine at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, enjoy a spot of shopping, etc.

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Skip the Line: Knott's Berry Farm General Admission Ticket

Duration: 1 day

162 reviews

6. Pacific Park

Santa Monica Pier Riesenrad P4060278
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alexander Migl used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is the perfect place to soak up some typical Southern California atmosphere. This ocean-facing amusement park offers a classic boardwalk-style park where visitors of all ages can have an enjoyable time. There are 12 amusing rides, midway games, shopping, dining outlets and of course, spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Ride the first solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel, play classic games like whac-a-mole, nosh on boardwalk fare like funnel cakes or shop for California souvenirs.

Pacific Park

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Pacific Park

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 7pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: 5 USD onwards

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7. Balboa Fun Zone

20140704-0049 Balboa Fun Zone
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nandaro used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in sunny Orange County, California is the decades-old spot perfect for wholesome family entertainment - Balboa Fun Zone. This local attraction is now a popular spot with outside visitors too thanks to its varied options for fun, shopping and dining. Visitors can ride the iconic Ferris Wheel that is open since 1936, try the Coconut Tree Climb or one of the other attractions. Plus, there are over 30 classic arcade games to enjoy, shopping options ranging from beachwear to souvenirs and dining options from corndogs to barbeque. You can also rent a boat, go on a whale-watching or harbour tour, etc.

Balboa Fun Zone

Address: 600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661, United States

Website: Balboa Fun Zone

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 5pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 6pm

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8. Disney California Adventure Park

Disney California Adventure Park
Source: Pixabay

Another Southern California gem, Disney California Adventure Park that is a whole load of fun for the entire family. Divided into several themed concept areas like Card Land, Pixar Pier, Pacific Wharf, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Paradise Gardens Park, etc., this theme park has dozens of rides, attractions, live entertainment, dining and shopping options. Some must-see and must-try things here are Incredicoaster, Animation Academy, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind, etc. Don’t forget to meet your favourite Disney character, catch a live show or let your kids bust some dance moves at the Disney Junior Dance Party.

Disney California Adventure Park

Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, United States

Website: Disney California Adventure Park

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am- 9pm; Wed: 8am - 9pm; Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 8am - 10pm

Price: 104 USD onwards

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Adventures in and near Riverside, California!

The historic city of Riverside and nearby areas have many tourist attractions, including theme and amusement parks. If you are visiting this vibrant city and looking for a good time, remember to consult our list of the top theme parks and amusement parks in Riverside, California.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

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