ADUs approved, anti-Trump protests come to Redlands, Museum of Redlands milestone, and girls flag football primed for second season
In what to this point was the biggest game of the season, Redlands FC settled for a 2-2 draw against
City Council unanimously approved the transfer of the Museum of Redlands, securing public ownership of the long-awaited cultural facility.
Check out these fun local indoor options, ranging from bowling to engaging summer camps in Redlands and surrounding cities
School’s out and summer is in full swing—bringing longer days, more free time, and the perennial question for many families: What are we going to do today? Whether you're looking to encourage creativity, keep kids active or simply enjoy some air-conditioned fun, Redlands and nearby cities offer a variety of programs, camps, and activities for all ages and budgets.
From free story times at Smiley Library and hands-on science exhibits to rock climbing camps, splash pads, and bowling deals, this guide has something for every interest and energy level. Read on for a roundup of ways to make the most of summer—without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat.
📚 The A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands offers free programming for kids and families all summer long. Color Our World Summer Reading Program begins June 10 and the includes programing every Tuesday at 10 am and on Thursdays at 10 am and 2 pm. Read more here. Free lunch for kids and teens (ages 0–18) is provided in Smiley Park at 11 am, courtesy of Redlands Unified Child Nutrition Services.
🍊 San Bernardino County Museum: Special summer programing offers a great option to beat the heat while exploring hands-on exhibits about regional history, animals and natural science. (Regular hours: Tuesdays-Sundays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; 2024 Orange Tree Lane Redlands, CA 92374 )
🔭 Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond inside the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library is an interactive and immersive discovery space for children to explore science and art with hands-on exhibits. (Hours: Wed - Sat 10am - 4pm Tickets required $13-$15; 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739)
🪴 Redlands Pottery Project offers week-long summer camps where kids can explore pottery, sculpture and creativity in a hands-on studio environment. (Hours: Wed-Sun: 11 am - 8 pm; 113 Fifth St. Redlands, CA 92373)
🎨 Creatif Redlands offers DIY drop-in sessions for painting ceramics, rocks and canvas. This is a creative and calm alternative to outdoor play during high-heat days. Full and half day summer camps are also available. (Hours: Tues - Thurs: 12 pm - 6 pm, Fri: 12 pm - 7 pm; Sat-Sun 10 am - 7 pm; 631 Orange St Redlands, CA 92374)
🧗 Flowstone Climbing Gym offers day summer camps designed for ages 5–13. This rock climbing-focused camp encourages teamwork, confidence and physical activity and incorporates other fun activties like crafts, scavenger hunt and floor is lava. More information here (1411 W State St, Redlands, CA 92373)
👶 Lil' Munchkins Indoor Playground is designed for toddlers and preschoolers, offering safe and imaginative play areas specifically for kids under 5. Reservations required.
🪀 LOL Kids Club: This high-energy indoor play center is filled with obstacle courses, slides and more, which is especially great for active kids looking to burn off steam indoors. (Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am-7:00 pm; 12013 Fifth St, Unit B, Yucaipa, CA 92399)
🎳 Empire Bowl: Kids bowl free all summer long! Registered kids (ages 2-15) get two free games of bowling a day, plus a family pass is available so that up to four adults can play for free alongside them. This opportunity is open on Monday - Friday from 11 am until 3 pm and is subject to lane availability. All players must wear bowling shoes, which are not included and are available for rent. To register your child for free bowling at Empire Bowl, use this link. (940 W Colton Ave. in Redlands)
🍊 Redlands Orange Hunt: The Redlands Orange Hunt is a community building scavenger hunt event where participants search local business for a hidden orange. Here's how to play: get a game card from any game locations, find all the hidden oranges (makes sure to get a stamp or sticker), turn in completed card to Paulson Orthodontics by Sept. 2 to be entered to win prizes. The game begins on June 16. Learn more here.
⛳ GLO Mini Golf: With arcades and laser tag to glowing golf and bowling, there's something for everyone at Glo Mini Golf. Locations in San Bernardino and Riverside.
🔫 Lazer Legacy in Yucaipa is an exciting, high-energy activity that puts friends and rivals against each other in an exhilarating game of laser tag. (Open daily, hours vary. 32355 Yucaipa Blvd Suite 11, Yucaipa, CA 92399)
👾 Retrovolt Arcade in Calimesa offers classic and new arcade games in air-conditioned settings. (Hours: Wed-Fri: 5pm - 11pm and Sat-Sun: 11am - 11pm 544 Myrtlewood Dr, Calimesa, CA 92320)
🔎 The Escape Room Game in Rancho Cucamonga's Victoria Gardens is a great option for older kids and teens. These team-based puzzle adventures offer a cool space to think and collaborate. (12549 N Mainstreet #3820, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739)
🏀⚽ Bulldog Youth Sports Camp: The University of Redlands offers a sports summer camp June 9 - 13 and June 16-20. Registration details here.
🔬 Valley Preparatory School – Kids Discovery Summer Camp offers a mix of indoor educational and recreational activities such as art, dance, STEM, cooking and more for various age groups. Two sessions are available with the first running from June 16 to June 27 and the second beginning June 30 through July 11. The cost is $600 per session.
⛺ YMCA of the East Valley hosts a reliable day camp program for ages 5-14 with indoor activities, sports and creative sessions. Registration information here.
If you’re looking to cool off outdoors, nearby communities have plenty of splash pads and pools:
🎶 The FREE Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival runs June 20 - Aug 15: Now in its 102nd season, the beloved concert series brings 20 free performances to Smiley Park on Tuesday and Friday nights through August 15. From mariachi to musicals, and ballet to big band swing, there’s something for every taste—and no tickets required. Full schedule and more details here
Community Forward Redlands
Have a summer activity or camp you'd like to add to our guide? Email: news@communityforwardredlands.com
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