Between LA And Palm Springs Is California's Family-Friendly City Filled With Endless Outdoor Fun

The rugged Jurupa Mountains in Southern California aren't very high, but they're striking nonetheless. The rocky range straddles the western edge of the Riverside and San Bernardino counties, stretching for about eight miles from end to end. The range's tallest peak, Mount Jurupa — which only stands about 2,200 feet above sea level – is right at the county line bordering the city of Jurupa Valley. With all the craggy mountain views and a slew of scenic parks close by, the family-oriented community makes a pretty good jumping-off point for exploring the Inland Empire's great outdoors. The Santa Ana River winds right across the southern end of town, so there's plenty of water adventures to be had, too.

If you're not familiar with the area, Jurupa Valley sits roughly halfway in between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, both of which have bustling international airports that are about 65 miles from this Riverside suburb. The Ontario International Airport is much closer, though, situated just a short 10-minute drive away, with no traffic. Jurupa Valley is technically a new city, having been incorporated in 2011, but its roots stretch back hundreds of years. Native American tribes lived on the land long before Europeans settled in the area in the 1870s. Whether you come to soak up the region's history, its natural beauty, or all the family-friendly fun, you won't have a hard time finding something interesting to do around town.

Jurupa Valley is largely residential, but you can still find pockets of rural farmland throughout. The city is especially popular among equestrians, and the strong horseback riding culture and slew of ranches give it a bit of a Western flair. Well over 100,000 residents live in the city, but don't let the size fool you: The sprawling suburban community is still full of small-town, old-fashioned charm. The calm, tight-knit atmosphere makes the place appealing to families, too. As one resident shared on Niche: "Jurupa Valley is a great town to settle down and create a family. The town is quiet and peaceful for the most part, and police activity is quite rare."

If you're visiting with your brood, the city hosts a variety of fun events throughout the year that both you and your kiddos can enjoy, from an autumnal harvest parade in October to a festive tree-lighting celebration in December. There's no shortage of kid-friendly attractions, either. Your youngsters can make a splash at The Cove Waterpark, complete with waterslides, a lazy river, surfing, and a pool. In a Google review, one visitor said the lifeguards were "top tier," adding that the park made for "a fantastic family day out."

If your little ones are fans of dinosaurs, don't miss the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center. It's easily one of the best things to do in Southern California for families, especially if you want to avoid all the usual tourist traps. Tour the earth science museum, see prehistoric fossils up close, collect cool rocks, or enjoy one of the picnic tables in the gardens surrounded by  dinosaur sculptures and native wildlife. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to see the center's collection of reptiles and other critters, too. "So much to learn and see that I enjoyed it as much as the children," one visitor shared on Tripadvisor.

Jurupa Valley is home to dozens of public parks. Rancho Jurupa Park is among the most popular in town, boasting a 4.5-star rating on Google, as of the time of writing. The park stretches for 200 acres near the Santa Ana River on the southeast side of town. Kids can tackle the splash pad and rock climbing playground. There's also mini golf and a disc golf course, plus two lovely lakes to enjoy. You can even camp out on the grounds at one of the two campgrounds, so be sure to bring along all the best camp accessories for spending a night under the stars.

Shadow Rock Park sits in the northeast corner of town, just a couple of miles away from the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center. It's rated the No. 1 park in the city on Yelp and has various sports fields and dog parks if you have your pups in tow. Hit the greens nearby at the Oak Quarry Golf Club as you take in views of the mountains. The award-winning 18-hole, 72-par championship course snakes through the historic Jensen Quarry, which opened during World War I and was a bustling marble mine before eventually being shuttered, similar to other once-thriving US quarries that are now abandoned.

More historical treasures can be found at the Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum – one of the top-rated attractions in Jurupa Valley on Tripadvisor. Tour the storied ranch house, built in the 1870s, and explore the 30 acres of surrounding farmland. Along the way, you can feed some of the farm animals or stroll through the fruit orchards. Just be sure to make an appointment before heading over.