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Reading about history is one way to familiarize yourself with the past's most significant moments, but being a part of it will make even more of a lasting impression. That's what you'll experience when you visit the Jensen Alvarado Ranch just outside of Riverside. Upon your arrival, you will encounter costumed interpreters who will guide you through vivid demonstrations of what life was like on a ranch in the late 19th century. You will be a part of the action as you find yourself helping out with such daily farm duties as churning butter or feeding the animals. You can also learn about how much of a challenge farming was back then when you visit the ranch museum that is also located here. This is where you will have a chance to see attractions like antique farm equipment as well as artifacts from the ranch's past.

There's nothing like a good read, and you can find plenty of items to explore when you visit the Downtowne Bookstore in Riverside. This charming establishment has been a favorite of local bookworms since 1979. Among the many stacks and shelves, you'll find everything from children's books to first-edition collectibles to tomes on politics and history. If you don't find exactly what you're after, the helpful staff can special order it for you.

Give your kids the chance to really rev it up and go when you take them to Riverside's popular Adams Kart Track. This is an attraction where your kids can safely put the pedal to the metal as they navigate their go karts around the various race tracks that can be found here. Plus, Adams also features sales and service of a variety of go karts that will surely give your kids the power to move to the head of the pack. And, if you are really feeling daring, you can even consult with the pros here to devise a way to custom build a go kart that will leave all of the other competitors in the dust.