25 Best Kid Friendly Places To Go In The Central Valley (2024)
Want to know all the best kid friendly places to go in the Central Valley? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Kid Friendly Places To Go In The Central Valley
You may be wondering, where exactly is the Central Valley?
It can sometimes be the forgotten part of California.
It’s the land from about Bakersfield to Redding that is wedged between the Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the West.
It’s the farm land, the historic gold rush towns, and many natural wonders.
“Kid friendly” can be a broad term, so I’ve included plenty of activities that appeal to different age groups.
If you have an infant, there are places on here for you, if you’ve got a van full of elementary aged kids, there are places on here for you, and if you have kids who think they aren’t kids anymore, we even have places on here for you.
Here are the best kid friendly places to go in the Central Valley.
➡️ Kid Friendly Central Valley Zoos and Aquariums
Zoos, animal sanctuaries, and aquariums are popular activities for kids of all ages.
Here are kid friendly zoos and aquariums you can go to that are located in the Central Valley.
1. Applegate Park Zoo
Location: 1045 W 25th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Applegate Park Zoo is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is free for kids under 5, $2 for kids ages 5-15, $3 for adults ages 16-61, and $1.50 for adults ages 62 and older.
This zoo has been in Merced since 1962 and is home to 75 Native California animals.
2. Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Location: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm.
Admission is free for children under 2, $8.95 for children ages 2-11, and $14.95 for anyone 12 years and older.
You can also purchase an upgraded ticket that includes Stingray Bay and the giraffe feeding at Twiga Terrace in addition to zoo admission.
The Total Zoo Experience is free for children under 2, $13.95 for children ages 2-11, and $19.95 for anyone 12 years and older.
3. Micke Grove Zoo
Location: 11793 N Micke Grove Road, Lodi, CA 95240
Micke Grove Zoo is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am – 4:30 pm.
Admission is free for children 2 and under, $3 for children ages 3-13, and $5 for anyone 14 and older.
Located just outside Lodi, this kid-friendly zoo has a variety of species including reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Micke Grove Zoo is part of Micke Grove Park which also features Funtown Amusement Park, San Joaquin Historical Museum, Japanese Garden, Playgrounds, Disc Golf Course, and a Water Play Area.
4. Sacramento Zoo
Location: 3930 W Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
Sacramento Zoo is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm.
Admission prices use a “plan ahead” structure, so prices fluctuate daily, while growing higher the closer you get to your visit date.
Additionally, prices will never be lower on any specific date that you see, they only go up.
So you want to purchase your tickets as early in advance as possible but you can pretty much expect admission prices to be between $18.75 – $23.50, sometimes higher, sometimes lower.
5. Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Location: 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm from September 1st through May 31st.
Then from June 1st through August 31st the zoo is open Thursdays through Sundays from 9 am – 3 pm.
Admission is $7 for everyone ages 2 and older. Under 2 years old, admission is free.
This sanctuary takes in rescued wild and domestic animals that cannot thrive without this safe space and extra care.
6. Seaquest Aquarium
Location: 430 Palladio Parkway, Unit 1801, Folsom, CA 95630
Seaquest Aquarium is open Sunday through Friday from 10 am – 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 7 pm.
Admission is free for children under 2 years old, $13.99 for children ages 2-11, $19.99 for anyone ages 12-54, and $16.99 for anyone 55 and older or military or college.
Being in the Central Valley, you wouldn’t think aquariums would be on your itinerary, since the most iconic and world renowned aquariums are in the coastal towns like Monterey and Long Beach.
But lucky for you, the Central Valley does have this one aquarium up in Folsom!
➡️ Central Valley Children’s Museums
Children’s Museums are a great activity for toddler ages and younger elementary school aged children.
These are the best children’s museums in the Central Valley.
7. Chico Children’s Museum
Location: 325 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928
Chico Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am – 1 pm and Fridays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is $12 per person for everyone over the age of 2. There is a $2 discount though for grandparents, teachers, first responders, and veterans with an ID.
Exhibits include Art in the Park, The Cafe, The Great Outdoors, Dentist Office, Veterinary Hospital, Farmer’s Market, Spaceship, Treehouse, Farm, Sensory Room, Zephyr Wall, Tumble Town, and Interactive Walls.
Essentially each exhibit is a themed playroom where kids are free to use their imaginations with all the different props and toys.
8. Playzeum Yuba Sutter
Location: 1980 S Walton Ave, Yuba City, CA 95993
Playzeum Yuba Sutter is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is $7 for children 1+ years old and $5 for adults.
Exhibits include Pretend City, Art Studio, Stage, Construction Zone, Science Lab, Tot Spot, and Outdoors.
Pretend City includes play areas like a farmer’s market, veterinarian clinic, post office, and more.
The stage has props, costumes, and puppets for the kids to play with.
9. Explorit Science Center
Location: 3141 5th Street, Davis, CA 95618
Explorit Science Center is open Fridays from 1 pm – 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm.
Admission is free for children 2 and younger, and $5 for everyone else.
Explorit offers fun interactive experiences, animals, backyard habitats, and more.
They also now have a Dino Dig Pit that explores paleontology and geology.
10. SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC)
Location: 400 Jibboom Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
MOSAC is open Mondays through Friday from 10 am – 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
Admission is free for children under 2, $14 for children ages 2-17, $17 for adults 18-65, $15 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $15 for educators, college students, and military (active duty and veterans).
Parking at the museum is $6 for the day.
Exhibits include health headlines & innovations, nature detectives, powering change, building Sacramento, design challenge zone, destination space, water challenge, design lab, and the multiverse theater.
11. Sacramento Children’s Museum
Location: 2701 Prospect Park, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Sacramento Children’s Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 am – 2 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is free for children under 1 year old, $9.50 for anyone ages 1-59, and $7.50 for seniors 60+ and active military.
Exhibits include airways, art studio, baby bloomers, camp rancho, cityways, giant lite brite, giant pin screen, imagination playground, leo’s market, manny’s magnet wall, mission: imagination challenge, my neighborhood, observational beehive, pop-up experiences, reptile habitats, sparky’s light zone, story factory stage, and the vet office.
12. Children’s Museum of Stockton
Location: 402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203
Children’s Museum of Stockton is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 9 am – 4 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
Admission is free for children under 1 year old, and $6 for everyone else.
Children’s Museum of Stockton features over 40 exhibits, so they have something to fuel just about any interest any kid might have.
13. Kids Discovery Station
Location: 350 W Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA 95348
Kids Discovery Station is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 am – 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.
Admission is free for children under 1 year old and $7 for everyone else.
Exhibits include Mini Central Valley, Health Center, Train Station, Fire Truck, Digital Frontier, Tinker Town, Illusion Realm, Art Studio, Construction Zone, Little Explorers Lounge, Supply Base, and Training Camp.
14. Children’s Storybook Garden & Museum
Location: 175 E Tenth Street, Hanford, CA 93230
Children’s Storybook Garden & Museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am – 12 pm, Fridays from 1 pm – 4 pm, and Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm during the Winter.
Other seasonal hours have yet to be released.
Admission is free for children 2 and younger, $2 for children, and $5 for adults.
The gardens are interactive with books, plants that can be planted, produce that can be picked, drop-in activities, and more.
15. ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum
Location: 210 N Tipton Street, Visalia, CA 93292
ImagineU is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 am – 1 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 5 pm.
Admission is free for children under 1 year old, $15 for children, $10 for adults, and $7.50 for seniors ages 63+.
Exhibits include a magical enchanted forest, citrus groves, Imaginarium, a water exhibit, an outdoor harmony park with instruments, cattle and cowboys exhibit, a U-Fix-It garage, oak tree clubhouse, building adventure, Angela’s Castle, an outdoor toddler playground, a renewable gas exhibit, electricity exhibit, SHIELD (an exhibit to play fireman, policeman, ambulance driver, and sheriff), and a science lab.
16. The Discovery Center
Location: 1944 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703
The Discovery Center is open Fridays and Mondays from 9 am – 1 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm.
Admission is free for children 2 and younger, and $6 for everyone else. They also offer a military discount.
Exhibits include a dino dig, outdoor playground, a worm farm, a winery barn, a desert tortoise habitat, a large garden with a library, a cactus garden, and a walking trail.
➡️ Kid Friendly Historical Sites In The Central Valley
Contrary to popular belief, visiting historic sites can actually be quite fun for children if they’re entertained and stimulated.
Here are a couple popular kid friendly historical sites to go to in the Central Valley.
17. Forestiere Underground Gardens
Location: 5021 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
Forestiere Underground Gardens is open Thursdays through Mondays from 9 am – 3 pm.
Admission is free for children ages 4 and under, $12 for children ages 5-17, $23 for adults ages 18-59, and $21 for adults ages 60 and older. College students and military get in for $21 with an ID.
This is a guided tour through underground passageways, rooms, and courtyards.
18. Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Location: 56001 California 41, Fish Camp, CA 93623
The railroad is open daily from 10 am – 3:30 pm after April 1st of each year due to Winter weather conditions.
They offer a variety of train rides like the Logger Steam Train which is for all ages, lasts 1 hour, and starts at $28.
Then there’s the Moonlight Special, which is for all ages, lasts 3 hours, and starts at $65.
This one operates at 6:30 pm from May through July, 6 pm in August, 5:30 pm in September, and 5 pm in October.
Next is the Yosemite Jazz Train, which is for all ages, lasts 3 hours, and starts at $125. It runs at 3 pm on select Sundays.
Last is the Moonlight Melodrama, which is for all ages, lasts 3 hours, and starts at $75. It includes dinner, a train ride, and a show.
➡️ Kid Friendly Hiking & Outdoor Destinations In The Central Valley
You don’t want to be traveling with kids and be cooped up inside all day.
Here are some great outdoor activities to do with kids in the Central Valley.
19. Hidden Homes Nature Trail
Location: 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, CA 93730
Located at the River Center, this is a free walking trail that is stroller friendly and great for kids.
Human sized animal homes have been constructed along the half mile trail, as well as picnic tables, beaches, and restrooms.
20. Splash-N-Dash
Location: 9090 Lake McClure Road, Snelling, CA 95369
Splash-N-Dash is North America’s floating inflatable water park!
It is located inside the day-use picnic area of Lake McSwain Recreation Area, which has an $8 per vehicle entrance fee.
On weekends, an all day splash pass ranges from $37.99 – $42.99 and a 1 hour splash pass ranges from $27.99 – $32.99.
On weekdays, an all day splash pass ranges from $32.99 – $37.99 and a 1 hour splash pass ranges from $22.99 – $27.99.
You can also purchase season passes for individuals for $109.99 or families of 4 for $319.96.
If you purchase season passes early in the season or before each season begins, the price will be discounted!
You can rent just about anything you’ll need there if you’re not able to bring your own like water shoes, life jackets, paddle boards, kayaks, and more.
21. Storyland & Playland at Roeding Park
Location: 890 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
Storyland is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm.
Playland is currently closed, but will open some time in 2023 with a train and new rides.
Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children, and $5 for seniors.
Train tickets are $2 with Storyland admission and $3 without admission.
You must have a child with you to visit Storyland and Playland.
Storyland consists of a castle, cottages, a pirate ship, the three little pigs, and other fairytale stories where kids can play.
➡️ Kid Friendly Highway 49 Road Trip Through The Central Valley
Highway 49 connects a lot of the historic gold rush towns from just West of Lake Tahoe down to about the area West of Yosemite National Park.
These road trip itineraries can all be paired together for one seamless trip, or you can just hit the areas that interest you the most.
They each can be done in about 2 1/2 hours, but you can always extend each one out longer with overnight stays and stopping to visit each place that interests your group.
22. Auburn To Placerville Road Trip
This self guided audio tour covers 45 miles from Auburn to Placerville.
What’s great about this itinerary is that you can pick and choose which stops appeal to you and you can go through the tour at your own pace.
You can do the entire tour in as little as 2 ½ hours or you can take all day.
Highlights include the Gold Rush Museum in Auburn, the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead, Hart 2 Hart Vineyards & Winery, the Gerle Loop Trail at Magnolia Ranch Trailhead, driving along the American River, Sutter’s Mill at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, James Marshall Monument, Gold Bug Mine, and more.
👉 Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Audio Tour From Auburn To Placerville Today!
23. Placerville To Jackson Road Trip
This self guided audio tour covers about 35 miles from Placerville to Jackson.
Again, with this tour, you can go at your own pace, stop at whichever stops interest you, and take as long as you want.
This tour can be completed in as little as 2 ½ hours, or you can take all day.
Highlights of this portion of the driving tour include Plymouth, Shenandoah Valley, Villa Toscano Winery, Amador Flower Farm, La Mesa Vineyards & Winery, Drytown, the Gold Rush towns of Fiddletown, Amador City, Sutter Creek, and Jackson, Treasure Mine, Kennedy Mine, Bunker Hill, Miners’ Bend Park, and more.
👉 Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Audio Tour From Placerville To Jackson Today!
24. Jackson To Angels Camp Road Trip
This self guided audio tour covers about 30 miles from Jackson to Angels Camp.
Go at your own pace, and stop at the places that interest you.
This tour can be completed in as little as 2 ½ hours, but you can take as much time as you want.
Highlights of this portion of the driving tour include Jackson, Amador County Museum, Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, Pine Grove, Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, gold rush towns like Volcano, San Andreas, Mokelumne Hill, and Angels Camp, Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark, Mokelumne River, Red Barn Museum, and more.
👉 Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Audio Tour From Jackson To Angels Camp Today!
25. Angels Camp To Jamestown Road Trip
This self guided driving tour covers over 60 miles between Angels Camp and Jamestown.
The tour can be completed in as little as 2 ½ hours, but you can take as much time as you’d like to see the sites that interest you.
Highlights of this tour include Angels Camp, Murphys, Mercer Caverns, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Moaning Caverns Adventure Park, Natural Bridges Trailhead, Stanislaus River, Columbia State Historic Park, Sonora, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown, and more.
👉 Click Here To Download Your Self Guided Audio Tour From Angels Camp To Jamestown Today!
Best Kid Friendly Places To Stay In The Central Valley
Traveling with kids can be hard.
Maybe you’re a family of 5 or more and it’s hard to find a room occupancy high enough for the whole family.
Or maybe you need certain amenities to meet all your needs.
Here are the best places to stay when traveling with kids in the Central Valley.
✅ Great Wolf Lodge Manteca
Location: 2500 Daniels Street, Manteca, CA 95337
Great Wolf Lodge is a popular indoor water park resort that kids and families always enjoy.
Luckily there’s one right in the Central Valley, just outside of Stockton.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Great Wolf Lodge Manteca Today!
✅ Hotel Mission De Oro
Location: 13070 South Highway 33, Santa Nella, CA 95322
Hotel Mission De Oro is designed in the Spanish Mission architectural style.
Rooms are large and spacious, easily accommodating larger families.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Stay At Hotel Mission De Oro Today!
✅ KOA Campgrounds
KOA Campgrounds are well-known all around the US.
They all usually have all the amenities you need whether you’re tent camping, RV camping, or renting a cabin.
Most KOA’s have showers, laundry, and recreation facilities.
Some even have unique accommodations like teepees and covered wagons.
Here are the KOA’s in the Central Valley:
Bakersfield KOA Journey
Lost Hills KOA
Visalia/Sequoia National Park KOA Journey
Placerville KOA Journey
Oroville/Feather Falls Casino KOA Journey
Red Bluff KOA Journey
What To Pack When You Travel With Kids To The Central Valley
When traveling with kids to the Central Valley, it’s important to pack the right items.
Here’s what you should consider bringing:
☑️ Sunscreen and Hats
Protect your children from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
☑️ Comfortable Clothing
Pack lightweight layers that can be easily removed or added depending on the temperature outside.
☑️ A Fully Stocked First Aid Kit
Include band-aids, antibiotic ointment, fever reducers, pain relievers, antacids, and any other medication your child may need.
☑️ Reusable Water Bottles
Make sure everyone has a full water bottle each day to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
☑️ Stroller/Backpack Carrier
If you’ll be going on long hikes or exploring busy areas, a stroller or backpack carrier is essential for carrying younger children and extra supplies.
☑️ Snacks/Lunchbox
Bring easy-to-eat snacks that your kids can enjoy during the day. A lunchbox or cooler will help keep food and drinks cold while you’re out and about.
☑️ Entertainment Items
Don’t forget to pack books, coloring supplies, handheld games, cards, and other items to keep the kids entertained during downtime.
By following these packing tips, you can ensure that your family has a fun and safe trip to the Central Valley!
Best Kid Friendly Times To Visit The Central Valley
The Central Valley is the perfect destination for families looking to explore California’s great outdoors.
The best time to visit the Central Valley with kids will depend on your family’s interests and preferences, as there are plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions that can be enjoyed year-round.
Springtime in the Central Valley offers mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and plenty of outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking.
During summer months, you can cool off at local water parks.
When fall arrives in the Central Valley, take advantage of pumpkin patches and other fun seasonal activities available throughout the region.
Winter is a great time to bundle up and explore the snow-covered Sierra Nevada Mountains.
No matter when you decide to visit, there’s something for everyone in the Central Valley!
With so much to do in the Central Valley, it’s no wonder why it’s one of California’s top family destinations.
Make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of all that this diverse region has to offer!
What Is The Weather Like In The Central Valley?
The Central Valley experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100° F (37° C) in some areas of the valley.
High temperatures typically occur from May through September.
In winter months, when most of California experiences rain and cooler temperatures, the Central Valley usually stays dry and warm with occasional light snowfall in the mountain regions.
Temperatures during this time range from 40-60° F (4-16° C).
Since many parts of the Central Valley are located near high elevations, it’s important to pack appropriately for your trip no matter what season you visit!
Be sure to check the forecast before heading out so that you can plan ahead and enjoy your time in the valley.
The Central Valley is a great place to visit for families looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Its mild climate, diverse activities, and breathtaking landscapes are sure to create lasting family memories!
Conclusion: Kid Friendly Places To Go In The Central Valley
Whether you’re looking for a fun park to visit, an interesting museum, or a zoo to explore, there are so many kid friendly places to go in the Central Valley.
With so many kid friendly places to go, your family is sure to have a great time.
