Introduction
A few months ago, my family and I packed up for a mini‑getaway to Fresno, California. I wasn’t sure what to expect—I just knew we needed a place with a mix of outdoor time, kid‑friendly fun, and a relaxed pace. What we found exceeded our hopes: open parks, immersive museums, neat local farms, and easy access to nature and city life. Over our stay, we discovered 12 of the best things to do with family in Fresno that I’d happily recommend—whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay.
12 Things To Do With Family In Fresno, CA (2026)
1. Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo
One of our first stops was the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, located in Roeding Park. This zoo features over 190 species—including giraffes, sea lions, a tropical rainforest exhibit and Stingray Bay where kids can touch rays.
We spent several hours there: the kids loved the interactive zones, I appreciated the shady pathways (important when Fresno is warm), and it felt just the right balance of fun and education.
See Also: 12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Spokane, WA
2. Explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens
On a hot afternoon, we headed underground to the Forestiere Underground Gardens—an extraordinary network of tunnels and courtyards created by one man over decades. According to local guides, it’s a unique Fresno landmark families can enjoy together. It was calm and cool beneath the surface, the kids were intrigued by the “secret passages,” and it gave us a memorable contrast to the zoo visit earlier in the day.
3. Picnic and Play at Woodward Park & Shinzen Friendship Garden
Woodward Park is a sprawling 300‑acre green space in Fresno that offers trails, lakes, playgrounds, and the serene Shinzen Friendship Garden.
We picked a shaded picnic spot, let the kids roam free for a while, and then walked through the Japanese garden area where the koi ponds and small waterfalls felt like an escape. Ideal for relaxed family time.
4. Discover Kearney Park & Mansion
This historic park—once the fruit‑growing estate of M. Theo Kearney—offers picnic areas, playgrounds, open fields and the Kearney Mansion Museum.
For our family, it was a nice half‑day escape: kids played on the fields, I enjoyed a quiet bench under a mature tree, and we explored the mansion briefly. A nice blend of history and family‑friendly outdoor space.
5. Hands‑On Fun at the Discovery Center of Fresno
When we needed a break from the heat, we visited the Discovery Center in Fresno. This interactive science museum features exhibits like a paleontology sand‑pit, optics tunnel, and reptile vivarium.
The kids were engaged, the adults appreciated the interesting displays, and it gave us a built‑in “cool indoor” stop for the afternoon.
6. Visit Storyland/Playland Amusement Complex in Roeding Park
Storyland and Playland, located within Roeding Park, were a highlight for younger kids. Storyland brings fairy‑tale characters to life, Playland offers amusement rides, and together they provide a full family outing.
We rode the little train, let the kids pick a ride or two, and took our time exploring the themed gardens. Great fun, especially if you have smaller children.
7. Farm Visit at Simonian Farms & Old Town
We also visited Simonian Farms, an 80‑acre fruit‑producing farm and family spot in Fresno. The children enjoyed the train ride and exploring the orchard, while we appreciated the down‑to‑earth charm.
It made for a different type of outing—agricultural, relaxed, and meaningful—especially for families wanting something beyond the typical amusement activities.
8. Catch a Show at the Fresno Grizzlies (Baseball) or Another Local Event
Our family trip included a baseball game at the Fresno Grizzlies stadium (or a similar family‑friendly local event). While some activities we found from our sources included local fairs and festivals, making one evening a fun outing.
We enjoyed the relaxed vibe, kids got to run around on the grass sections, and it made for a memorable “family night” without stretching the day too long.
9. Explore the San Joaquin River Parkway or River Walk
For a nature‑filled day, we took bikes and walked parts of the San Joaquin River Parkway—it offered fresh air, scenic views, and even picnic spots. It was a beautiful contrast to the more built‑up family activities.
If your family enjoys outdoor greenery and a slower pace, this is an ideal addition to your Fresno itinerary.
10. Visit the Meux Home Museum (Victorian Era History)
One quieter, but meaningful stop was the Meux Home Museum in Fresno—a restored Victorian house with guided tours that help families step back in time.
Our older kids found the architecture interesting, I appreciated the history, and the visit was a good “wind‑down” experience amid more high‑energy outings.
11. Enjoy Arts & Culture at a Local Center
We also carved out a few hours to engage our creative side, visiting local arts centres and cultural spots that welcomed families. These stops helped balance out the “big fun” with thoughtful time.
Whether a kid’s workshop, an exhibit or a live performance, it added dimension to our Fresno trip.
12. Seasonal & Local Events: Big Fresno Fair and More
Finally, one of the “special extras” in Fresno is participating in seasonal events like the Big Fresno Fair—a mix of rides, shows, food and family‑friendly entertainment.
If your visit happens at the right time, these events can be the memorable highlight of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Our Fresno family trip turned out to be one of those “unexpected treasures” where we discovered more than we anticipated. From animals to underground gardens, from farms to museums, we found a mix of energy, calm, fun and learning. If you’re planning a family breakout to Fresno, here are some tips based on our experience:
- Balance high‑energy and mellow: Combine big visits (zoo, amusement park) with relaxed stops (parks, farm).
- Check weather and timing: Fresno can be hot—mornings or late afternoons were best for outdoor fun.
- Pack picnic or snacks: Many locations offer picnic spots—bringing your own made things easier and more relaxed.
- Choose age‑friendly spots: We found younger kids loved Storyland and the zoo; older ones enjoyed the museum and nature walk.
- Plan for a “wind‑down” day: After two busy days, we recommended a slower morning at the park or farm which refreshed us.
- Seasonal events = bonus: If your trip aligns with a fair or local festival, try to slot it in—it adds memorable fun.
If I had to pick one moment from our trip that stands out: it was sitting on a bench in the Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park, watching koi glide beneath the bridge, the kids playing quietly nearby, and me thinking: “This is what I wanted—a chance for the whole family to slow down and just be together.”
Here’s to your Fresno adventure—may you find laughter, new discoveries, perfect picnic spots, and memories that your family will talk about long after you get home. Happy exploring!