Although you wouldn’t know it by the raging temps, summer is quickly coming to an end, especially for those with school-aged children.
Before you fight the crowds for those Back to School deals, take a last-minute, end-of-summer day or weekend trip with the family to one of these 10 nearby locations!
(Click the headlines under the photos for details on each location)
1. California Railroad Museum
Located in Sacramento, the California Railroad Museum is a short three-hour drive north (and bonus: you can make it a multi-tasking trip by doing some shopping at Ikea. How do we not have one of those already?). The kids will love the trains and will probably learn a little something about California history whether they want to or not.
2. San Francisco Exploratorium
Speaking of learning, the Exploratorium is chock-full of science facts sure to please both adults and kids. Plus, you can enjoy those milder SF temps and, like, some crab.
Explore the exciting world of science at the San Francisco Exploratorium
3. Avila Beach
Enough with the learning. Sometimes you just want to go relax by the sea, right? Avila Beach is close, and there’s more to do there than you might think! (Plus, you can stay at a really great hotel.)
4. Santa Cruz
Beaches, taffy, boardwalk games and rides? You really can’t beat Santa Cruz for tried-and-true summer fun.
5. Casa de Fruta
Casa de Fruta isn’t usually a destination, more like a stop along the way, but why not make it a fun day trip? Make plans to eat there and do some shopping while the kids ride the carrousel, pan for gold, and chase peacocks.
6. Kingsburg Historical Park
Want to stick a little closer to home? Kingsburg Historical Park offers history and info about local ag, and here’s a fact you might not know: Kingsburg is home to the world’s largest raising box. So …
Kingsburg Historical Park is Home to a Lot of Tractors, and a Lot of Local History
7. Reedley
It might not sound like an obvious choice for a day trip, but have you ever been to Reedley? Its downtown is bursting with so much small town charm, you won’t want to leave.
Take a Drive to Reedley and Discover What Community is All About
8. Monterey Bay Aquarium
The ultimate weekend trip for any Fresnan! Fish, otters, whale sightings off the back deck—it’s amazing we have such a display so close to home, right? And of course, Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf are worth a visit, as well.
9. Sequoia Shuttle to Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
You could drive to one of our nearby National Parks, or you could sit back and let someone do the driving for you. All summer long, the Sequoia Shuttle takes passengers into and out of the parks for $15 round trip.
10. Visit a local museum
Want to get out of the heat and into some AC? Visit a valley museum. Lots to see, lots to learn, lots of that cool, cool air.
Think you’ve seen all the local museums? Here are 6 you may have missed
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