4 ways to have fun and stay cool in Fresno

 

Right now, the great outdoors is like an oven that has recently burned the Thanksgiving turkey and a large portion of California. Basically, the air is hot and smokey. However, this post isn’t about how much I hate wildfires (I hate them a lot), it’s about what to do with your kids when you can’t send them outside to play.

We still have a smidge more of summer vacation left and it’s getting harder to keep them entertained. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of indoor things to do with your family.

1. Go to an Ani-Me Convention at the Fresno Fairgrounds

Sure, video games are always an option when summer gets boring, but it’s time to take it to the next level. You can check out Ani-Con this weekend and hang out with other video game and anime fans. There will be cosplay contests, video gaming tournaments, LARPing, and more at this event. It’s the largest anime/gaming convention in the Valley, and kids 9 and under are free with an accompanying adult ticket.

For more information, check out the Ani-Me Convention website or follow the event on Facebook.

2. Enjoy free bowling at Kids Fest 

The only thing better than bowling is free bowling, and this weekend you can do just that. The Clovis Bowlero location is hosting Kids Fest on Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Not only do kids get one hour of free bowling and shoe rentals, there are specials like $1 hot dogs and soft drinks.

For more information, you can check out the Facebook event page here or visit their website. If you haven’t heard of Bowlero and want to learn more, check out this FresYes article reviewing the Fresno location.

3. Bounce into August 

When it comes to trampoline parks, you’re probably aware of the bouncy options available in the Fresno area. Aerozone, 2xtreme, and Skywalk are all great options when the air is unhealthy outside but you still want to run around.

This Sunday, Aug. 5, Skywalk is having a Special Needs Morning for those who usually have to opt out of the chaos. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be limited jumpers and quiet music. The cost is $10 per jumper for two hours, plus Skywalk Grip Socks ($3). You must save a spot for this event because there will be limits on jumpers. To RSVP, call (559) 326-2022. You can find out more about this event on Skywalk’s Facebook page here.

4. Get yourself downtown for Art Hop and Geek Night!

Guess what? There’s a ton of cool art just waiting to be discovered indoors all around downtown Fresno tonight (Thursday, Aug. 2). With food trucks all over the place and happy crowds of art patrons, it’s a hit with kids (especially if you buy them a churro). It’s also free. Check out the FresYes Beginner’s Guide to Art Hop to get started.

Downtown Fresno keeps the fun going on Friday, Aug. 3, when Bitwise hosts another Geek Night at Bitwise South Stadium. This month, Geek Night will be hosted by March of Dimes, and it’s a carnival theme. So if you want to help babies, entertain your kids with a ping pong toss, cool off in a refreshing dunk tank, and drink a free beer, this is the place to do it. Literally. I can’t think of another location where you can do all those things at the same time.

For details, check out the event Facebook page here. You can read about my previous Geek Night experience here. 

Finally, I know it’s hot and I spend a lot of energy incessantly complaining about the weather, but you can always read this take on summer in Fresno if you want a less grouchy perspective.

No matter what side you’re on with this heat, try to stay cool!