Looking for fun things to do in Temecula, California that are family-friendly, too? I’ve got you covered!
Temecula is known for its rolling vineyards, hot air balloon rides, championship golf courses, and charming Old Town district. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a day trip from San Diego, or a family vacation, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Temecula Valley.
We live in Southern California and have visited Temecula countless times. Below, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Temecula, from exploring Old Town to visiting wineries, museums, and fun kid-friendly spots. I am excited to share this list to help you plan a fun day!
Best Temecula Things to Do
1. Explore Temecula Old Town
Temecula sprang to life in the 1880s, when the California Railroad made its way through the area from San Diego. Along with the railroad tracks came businesses and buildings.
While the trains no longer run through Temecula, Old Town Temecula has held on to its Wild West roots, with many original buildings and historic hotels still standing. Beyond strolling down the streets of Old Town Temecula with their wooden boardwalks, enjoying great food and browsing specialty shops, there are lots of fun things to do.
Downtown Temecula is home to nearly a dozen historic buildings marked with plaques, and numerous other historic sites and residences dating back to the late 1800s. You can find a map several locations around town or download the Temecula Historical Society’s Old Town Temecula Tour Guide.
But you don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy visiting Old Town Temecula. In fact, the town is filled with plenty of modern ways to spend the day – great restaurants, boutiques, galleries, breweries, wine tasting and coffee houses.
2. Visit the Temecula Valley Museum
If you want to learn about Temecula’s history, there really is no better place to do it than at the Temecula Valley Museum.
We love museums and always place checking one out high on the list of things to do when visiting a new town or city. There really is no better way to capture a snapshot of what the destination is all about, especially if you are history buffs like us!
The Temecula Valley Museum in downtown Temecula did not disappoint. The museum features a variety of exhibits tracing Temecula’s roots as home to the Luiseno Indians, through the establishment of farms and ranches, to the arrival of the California Railroad.
On the second floor of the museum you’ll find a craft room and interactive area for kids. One of the cool things they can do here is play inside an old-fashioned general store. If you have young kids, you’ll love this area!
Admission is only a suggested donation of $5 (though technically you can get in free if you want to) so visiting this museum is budget-friendly, too!
After you’re done, be sure to take a peek at the “They Passed This Way” Monument in Sam Hicks Monument Park, located adjacent to the museum.
► Travel Insight
Sam Hicks Monument Park is a great spot to visit to enjoy the outdoors and let the kids run around a bit. It has a fantastic playground.
This park is named after Sam Hicks, a Temecula local who helped design and build the 150-ton granite monument named “They Passed This Way.” The monument pays tribute to pioneers who came through Temecula, another nod to the town’s western roots.
- 28314 Mercedes Street, Temecula
- temeculavalleymuseum.org
3. Enjoy Old Town Temecula Restaurants
It would be very easy to dedicate an entire article to Old Town Temecula restaurants – and in fact many people have! But truth be told, dining is one of the best things to do in Temecula. There are numerous wonderful restaurants, craft breweries, and even wine tasting spots in town.
When it comes to finding a great place to dine, there is no shortage of options. Old Town Temecula is lined with unique restaurants. Many offer outside seating so you can enjoy the lively ambience while you enjoy your meal.
One of our absolute favorites is Small Barn, a modern bistro build on a historic site in Old Town Temecula. Small Barn is a family-friendly gathering place with a beautiful indoor/outdoor atmosphere and wonderful food.
Small Barn is relatively new addition to Old Town’s dining scene. What we love about this place is the expansive patio that offers both traditional tables and comfy nooks comprised of outdoor living room furniture. The food is fresh and delicious.
Old Town Temecula has tons of other dining options. Grab an ice cream cone, chill with a cold beer at Craft Brewing Company, or enjoy lunch outside at any number of cafes with patio seating.
When you’re ready to explore beyond Old Town, you’ll find even more great dining at Temecula’s wineries — many have on-site restaurants with vineyard views and open-air patios.
4. Visit Pennypickle’s Workshop
If you are looking for something fun to do with kids in downtown Temecula, stop by Pennypickle’s Workshop.
Though called a workshop, this adorable and quirky spot is a children’s museum and science lab, designed to look like a scientist’s playhouse. There are all sorts of hands-on activities and exhibits for kids to experience and learn about.
Admission is only $10 for adults and kids.
- 42081 Main Street, Temecula
- pennypickles.org
5. Go Wine Tasting in Temecula Valley Wine Country
Just a few miles from Old Town, Temecula Valley Wine Country offers over 40 wineries set among scenic rolling hills. Many are surprisingly family-friendly, with picnic areas, live music, and open lawns where kids can play.
Some favorites include:
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Wilson Creek Winery – known for its almond sparkling wine
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Callaway Vineyard & Winery – stunning views and great restaurant
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Lorimar Vineyards – relaxed vibe and weekend concerts
If you’d rather skip the drive, you can enjoy urban tasting rooms in Old Town Temecula instead — a perfect option if you’re short on time.
► Looking for a more immersive wine tasting experience? Consider staying at one of these Amazing Temecula Winery Hotels for a resort-style experience among the vines.
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
One of the most iconic things to do in Temecula is watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon over the vineyards. Companies like California Dreamin’ and A Grape Escape Hot Air Balloon Adventure offer early morning flights that end with a glass of champagne or juice for kids.
Even if you don’t go up yourself, seeing dozens of colorful balloons floating over the valley is a magical sight.
7. Hunt for Ghosts in Old Town Temecula
There are not a lot of kid-friendly things to do in Old Town Temecula at night, but you might be surprised to learn that there is a very cool ghost tour the whole family can enjoy!
Experience a thrilling journey into the past with The Haunt, a family-friendly ghost tour. You’ll uncover fascinating local lore, crimes and ghosts while using paranormal investigation tools like EMF meters and dowsing rods. The tour is designed to be safe and engage kids and adults alike, making it an unforgettable family outing in the heart of this historic Wild West town.
Another cool option if you are into ghosts is the Haunted Old Town Temecula Boos and Brews Tour. (Keep in mind, this one is only open to adults!)
This 2-hour, after-dark activity combines a guided ghost tour and a pub crawl through Old Town Temecula. Experience this historic frontier town on a walking tour filled with stories of robberies, public hangings, murder, massacres, saloon brawls and a few spirits.
A costumed guide shares haunted tales as you walk along the one-mile route and stop at bars and breweries along the way. If you love a good ghost story, history, and a cold adult beverage, then this tour is a fun and unique experience not to be missed.
8. Wine (and Olive Oil!) Tasting in Old Town Temecula
Even if you don’t visit one of the many wineries in Temecula, you can still enjoy some wine tasting right in Old Town Temecula. There are several great wine tasting rooms right in town and you can usually just pop in and enjoy.
One of Temecula’s most unexpected hidden gems is its olive oil. The Temecula Olive Oil Company offers free tasting of their 100% California cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils & small batch balsamic vinegars.
Located in the heart of Old Town, you can stop in to browse their charming shop and enjoy a free tasting in their tasting room. Sourced from their nearby ranch, the Temecula Olive Oil Company promises quality with each product they serve.
9. Shop and Snack at the Old Town Temecula Farmer’s Market
If you find yourself in Temecula on a Saturday morning, be sure to swing by the Old Town Temecula Farmer’s Market.
More than 70 vendors come together in Temecula to sell local fresh produce, vegetables, plants, flowers, cheese and even artisan gifts. The market is located in the heart of Temecula Old Town district, so after browsing the stalls you can easily wander through town and enjoy the sights or grab breakfast.
The Old Town Temecula Farmer’s Market is held year-round on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Old Town Temecula.
- 6th Street between Front & Mercedes Streets, Temecula
10. Have Some Fun at the Coin-Op Game Room
Enjoy a craft cocktail, draft beer, pizza and sharable snacks while playing retro arcade games at the Coin-Op Game Room in Old Town Temecula.
You’ll have a blast playing classic games including Frogger, Ms. Pac-Man and pinball. Coin-Op Game Room is a fun way to spend a few hours in a relaxed, fun environment.
Families are welcome until 5 p.m. on weekends, and then it becomes 21 and up in the evening.
- 28588 Old Town Front Street, Temecula
- coinopgameroom.com
11. Catch a Show at Old Town Temecula Community Theater
Old Town Temecula Community Theater presents everything musical theater to live music. This quaint theater only seats 500 people, so it will always be an intimate experience.
Performance acts of varying genres are performed here, bringing patrons a fresh experience every time.
- 42051 Main Street, Temecula
- temeculatheater.org
12. Go to the Temecula Stampede
What’s an Old West town without some western nightlife? Temecula Stampede is the West Coast’s biggest country and western music venue and it is where to go for some fun after dark in Temecula.
On Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights enjoy food, live music, line dancing, mechanical bull rides, and karaoke until 2 a.m.
They also offer free line dance lessons every Friday at 6:30 p.m.
- 28721 Old Town Front Street, Temecula
- thetemeculastampede.com
13. Go Horseback Riding Through the Vineyards
Explore Temecula’s scenic backroads and vineyards on horseback! Embark on a scenic 90-minute guided tour led by a season tour guides. This is a truly unique and fun way to experience wine country.
Local companies like Wine Country Trails by Horseback offer guided trail rides suitable for beginners and families.
14. Join a Wine or Food Tour of Temecula
One of the best ways to experience Temecula is on a guided wine or food tour. With so many wineries spread across the valley, a tour lets you sit back, relax, and sample without worrying about driving.
Popular options include:
- Temecula Cable Car Wine Tours – Hop aboard a vintage cable car for a scenic ride through wine country with stops at three local wineries.
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Temecula Valley Wine Tour with Tastings & Lunch – A group tour with lunch exploring three of Temecula’s best wineries.
- Temecula Wine Tour – California’s Ultimate Day Drinking Experience as you visit different wineries on a fun VW Bus Wine Tour.
15. Visit Lake Skinner or Vail Lake for Outdoor Fun
If you’re looking for fresh air and open space, check out Lake Skinner or Vail Lake, both located just outside of town. These recreation areas offer fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating, and are popular for camping too.
Lake Skinner is also home to Temecula’s Balloon & Wine Festival each June — a must-see event that combines wine tasting, music, and hot air balloon launches.
Seasonal Events in Temecula
Temecula hosts fun annual events year-round. Some local favorites include:
- Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival (June) – combines hot air balloons, live music, and wine tasting at Lake Skinner.
- Temecula Valley Bluegrass Festival (March) – family-friendly weekend of live bluegrass and food trucks.
- Old Town Temecula Christmas Parade (December) – charming small-town holiday celebration.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Downtown Temecula & Beyond
Temecula is one of the best day trips from San Diego – it located just an hour away and it’s a very easy drive up the freeway.
If you are trying to decide what to do in Temecula, you’ve got a lot of options. While the nearby wineries are more popular with adults, wandering around downtown Temecula and exploring the shops, museums, and family-friendly activities makes for a great day trip if you are visiting with kids!
Weekends – especially in the fall and spring – tend to get very crowded, so if you can swing a midweek visit during those times you’ll find parking much easier and tables a little easier to find at local restaurants without a long wait.
Whether you’re wandering Old Town, visiting wineries, or floating above the vineyards in a hot air balloon, Temecula offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and family fun.
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