Things to Do in Riverside

Helmed by Kevin and Carolyn Craig, the boutique winery imports grape juices from all over the world, fermenting and transforming each into wine on-site. Peer into the mysterious bottling process during the tour to work up a thirst and follow it up with a tasting that includes five different vintages per person. Afterward, you can adopt one of The Winery's bottled specialties, including Vidal diamond ice wine ($22 per bottle), a sensual sip exploding with fruit flavors derived from grapes that were frozen on the vine, and the Eagle Rock Italian Amarone ($15 per bottle), a blend of varietals that aptly accompanies pizza, steak, or reading Jamie Farr's biography. Wine labels are available for customization, allowing you to personalize a pour to hand out at celebrations for having a baby, getting married, or successfully performing your own dental work.

Baseball in San Bernardino dates back to 1899. More than a century's worth of history includes such team names as the Kittens and the Pioneers. It also includes a drought from 1950–1987, during which the city lacked enough dirt to build a baseball field. That drought ended when the San Bernardino Spirit began play as part of the California League. In 1996, the Spirit became the Stampede, and in 2003, the Stampede became the 66ers, a name chosen in honor of the historic U.S. Route 66 that is famous for its hitchhiking umpires. Over the years, the 66ers organization has spent time as the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Mariners, Dodgers, and most recently, the Angels. The team has brought honor to each of its MLB partners, as it has won five California League championships since 1995.

In 2005, Jason Williams and Ken Faught assembled a team of experienced racers and designers to create the driving experience at Pole Position Raceway. Williams, a motocross racer since 1984, and Faught, a three-time land-speed record holder at the Bonneville Salt Flats, recruited professional drivers Kurt Busch and Jeremy McGrath to help their engineers. They reimagined every detail of the track from the ground up, creating indoor courses that balance the grip of asphalt with the swervy fun of polished, concrete slick tracks. Pole Position’s Formula EK20 Pro Karts rumble over the track powered by 18-horsepower motors (nearly triple that of average gas karts), which reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour without filling the temperature-controlled arenas with fumes.

After the first Pole Position Raceway opened in Corona, California, it soon spawned eight locations stretching to the Atlantic. Technicians maintain the fleet via handheld computers, and top drivers are regularly sent out to evaluate karts’ handling and reading comprehension. During races, up to 12 guests compete in contests that last about 10 minutes.

The twists and turns of SB Raceway's indoor track challenge drivers seated behind the wheel of speedy Sodikarts. After garbing their brain-cages with Snell-approved helmets and liners, adrenaline-seekers age 8 and older can gain speed on straightaways and hug corners like a lonely carpenter. Each 17-lap experience features up to 15 karts whizzing around the track at the same time, and concludes with a post-race printout with individual lap-times and the right to chug a gallon of milk. Patrons over the age of 16 can come in on Saturdays for cosmic karting, which remixes classic races with black and neon lights and live, DJ-spun tunes.

GameWorks, a gigantic entertainment destination constructed with flashy Vegas panache, ensures both children and adults have a delightful time fighting pixelated zombies. Choose from a windmill-factory’s worth of 200-plus video games, including crowd favorites such as Razing Storm and Midnight Max Tune 3, or pay a nostalgic visit to the old school with games such as Pac-Man and Mario Kart. Your card is also valid for virtual dance stations and shooting games like Rambo.

Whether soaring in a hot air balloon or freefalling on a skydive, you’re guaranteed picturesque aerial views at Above the Rest Hot Air Ballooning & Skydiving. On 45–60 minute hot-air-balloon rides, an experienced pilot and up to 10 passengers glide above the earth in a wicker basket, propelled by wind and an occasional flock of friendly geese.