Are you looking for an outdoor escape with the family but don’t want to travel far? Riverside, CA is home to some of the most beautiful open space areas, perfect for a lazy day trip. Here are our top 5 picks in no particular order that you won’t want to miss out on! Whether it’s a beautiful nature trail or a serene lakeside park spot, these spots have something unique and special that’ll leave your entire family feeling refreshed and energized. So come along as we take you through what each location has to offer so that you can make the best decisions while planning this wonderful day out with loved ones!
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5 Open Space Areas In and Near Riverside, CA
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
15 Min Drive From Downtown Riverside
Box Springs Mountain Reserve is a beautiful place to visit with your family. Whether you want to take a day hike or go on a trail run, it’s the perfect place for every family to enjoy.
The Box Springs Mountain Reserve is a hidden gem in Riverside. Nestled within the city, the Reserve provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes from 3000 feet above sea level. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on one of the many trails challenge yourself to some rock climbing! There are plenty of picnic tables available for those who wish to relax and enjoy a nice meal outdoors. The Reserve also has restrooms and plenty of parking so don’t worry about a place to fuel up.
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Hidden Valley Wildlife Area
18 Min Drive From Downtown Riverside
Hidden Valley Wildlife Area is a lesser-known gem. Nestled along the Santa Ana River, its 1,500 acres of pristine coastal California land provide an escape from the city without getting too far away. Whether you’re looking for a quiet picnicking spot, or are ready to embark on a lengthy hike, Hidden Valley is perfect for families or groups looking to get out of the house and into nature.
Picnic areas abound at Hidden Valley, and there are plenty of covered tables available in case it rains (which isn’t often). The park is situated along the Santa Ana River, which runs through the heart of Southern California and provides a beautiful natural setting for those wishing to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Families can also take advantage of the scenic 8-mile stretch of trail that runs alongside the river, which connects Hidden Valley with miles more trails in the San Bernardino Mountains. Bicyclists also have access to this stretch of trail.
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Harford Springs Reserve
22 Min Drive From Downtown Riverside
Harford Springs Reserve is a hidden gem for those in the area looking for a natural escape. It’s about a 22-minute drive from Riverside and offers sandy trails, diverse wildlife, as well as beautiful views. If you’re looking to get out of the city and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this is a great option to take advantage of. It’s just a short drive away from Riverside and Corona, making it easily accessible for locals. It’s perfect for an afternoon hike where you can take your family and also enjoy the beautiful nature around.
There is limited foot traffic here, so you’ll see plenty of animals like lizards, birds, and even deer! The reserve itself is 325 acres, making it large enough to give your family plenty of options on how much time you want to spend on your hike. Visit Harford Springs Reserve for a picnic with family or friends as there are tables available along with BBQ pits.
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Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
43 Min Drive From Downtown Riverside
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve offers endless opportunities to let your children explore the world. The plateau, at an average elevation of 2,000 feet, is located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwestern Riverside County, California.
Located less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, its mild climate is home to a diverse range of habitats and wildlife, including rare bunchgrass prairie and native oak woodlands. The plateau’s rich volcanic soils also make it an ideal location for a cornucopia of plant life, including chaparral shrubs, oak trees, wildflowers, and native grasses. And while it’s easy to spend all day exploring the area’s natural beauty, there are plenty of things to do in this area that are more geared toward kids.
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Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area
44 Min Drive From Downtown Riverside
Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area is a nearly 1,000-acre park that offers a fun and enjoyable hike for the family. The park’s 10-mile trail system takes you past open prairie, shady oak woodland, and chaparral habitats. From the dirt road that was once part of a ranching operation to single-track trails on gentle terrain, the area is perfect for families with kids.
The Multi-Use Area is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. You’ll see everything from band-tailed pigeons, badgers, as well as red-shouldered hawks, great horned owls, red-legged frogs, mule deers, and more!
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Riverside, CA is a great place to take the family for a day trip with plenty of open space areas to explore. The top 5 open space areas perfect for a day out with the family are Box Springs Mountain Reserve, Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, Harford Springs Reserve, Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, and Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area. And when you’re ready to head back home, make sure to hire the best electrician in Riverside, CA – Dash Electric!
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