Castle Park Riverside: The Complete 2026 Guide (Hours, Tickets & Rides)

Overview

Castle Park is a 25-acre family amusement park in Riverside, California, about an hour east of Los Angeles. Built around a whimsical medieval theme, it packs in more than 25 rides and attractions, four championship mini-golf courses, a modern arcade, midway games, and the seasonal Buccaneer Cove water playground, all in one easy-access location just off the 91 Freeway.

Castle Park has been a go-to Riverside destination for decades, striking a balance between real thrill rides like roller coasters and drop towers and gentler classics like bumper cars, a carousel, and a vintage choo-choo train, which makes it a genuinely good fit for mixed-age families rather than just teens or just toddlers.

History of Castle Park

Castle Park opened in 1976, founded by amusement industry pioneer Bud Hurlbut, and has operated as one of the Riverside area's signature family destinations ever since. Its medieval castle theming and enduring mix of classic and modern rides have made it a multi-generational tradition for many Inland Empire families.

Hours & Ticket Prices

Castle Park is now open daily, generally running 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, though hours shift seasonally, so it's worth checking the park's official hours page before heading over. General admission "Pick Your Day" tickets start as low as $19.99–$24.99 when booked online, with senior (65+) any-day tickets at $34.99. Group tickets for 15 or more guests start at $19.99 per person.

Rides & Attractions

Mini Golf & Arcade

Castle Park's four championship mini-golf courses and modern arcade round out the experience for anyone looking for a lower-key break between rides. The arcade features a mix of classic and newer redemption games, and the mini-golf courses can typically be played with a separate add-on ticket if you're not purchasing full ride-park admission.

Buccaneer Cove Water Playground

Buccaneer Cove is Castle Park's seasonal water play area, opening for summer with five water slides, aquadomes, spray cannons, and splash pads. Cabanas are available to book for an added fee, making it a comfortable option for parents supervising younger kids on hot Southern California days.

Seasonal Events

Castle Park runs themed events throughout the year, including Springfest in spring, the award-winning Castle Dark Halloween event in the fall, and Duke's Very Merry Village during the holiday season. Each event transforms part of the park's look and programming, so it's worth checking the current events calendar if you want to time a visit around one.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekday evenings: Shorter lines and frequent ride-ticket discounts Monday through Thursday.
• Summer: Buccaneer Cove is open, though it's also the busiest season overall.
• Fall: Castle Dark Halloween event adds a seasonal twist to the park.
• Winter holidays: Duke's Very Merry Village brings holiday theming and events.

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Location & Parking

Castle Park is located at 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, California 92505, with easy access from the 91 Freeway, making it a popular pick for locals and a manageable day trip from Los Angeles or Orange County. Standard parking rates apply, and the park accepts credit and debit cards only, since the parking booth no longer takes cash. When the main ride park isn't open, the side entrance on Polk Street is used to access parking for mini-golf and the arcade.

Family & Accessibility

Children under 36 inches tall can enter for free, and the ride mix genuinely spans from toddler-friendly classics to full thrill coasters, making Castle Park workable for multi-generational groups. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, which helps for visitors with mobility needs navigating the 25-acre grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Fairmount Park and Andulka Park are both nearby Riverside green spaces worth a stop if you want a quieter break from the rides. Downtown Riverside, including the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, is a short drive away, and the wider Inland Empire area offers additional shopping and dining for a fuller day trip.

What Visitors Say

Insider Tips & Common Mistakes

• Bring a credit or debit card; the park is cashless, including at the parking booth.
• Check for Monday–Thursday discounts on ride tickets plus free weekday parking.
• Book general admission online in advance for lower pricing than at the gate.
• Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle for a full day in the Southern California sun.
• If you only want mini-golf or the arcade, confirm current pricing directly with the park, since standalone pricing can differ from full ride-park admission.
• Common mistake: showing up without checking seasonal hours. Hours shift throughout the year, so confirm before you go, especially outside summer.

Frequently Asked Questions