13 Exciting Things To Do In Fresno Anytime of the Year

Sitting in the center of the Golden State, Fresno is the largest city in the Central Valley with its small town charm. As one of the best and most affordable cities to live in within California, Fresno always had families settling down inside the safety of its borders. It’s also always been a tourist attraction, especially for people who value the mix between retro and modern vibes in the most beautiful agricultural setting. Regardless of your preferences, there are always fun things to do and see in Fresno year round.

Fun Things To Do in Fresno With Friends

1. Get Lost at Forestiere Underground Gardens

Forestiere Underground Gardens is a top Fresno Attraction for tourists and locals alike. One man’s untutored imagination brought to life a creation that is celebrated today as pure genius. Baldassare Forestiere, a Cicilian immigrant who arrived in California in 1901, bought a 70-acre land to build a house and plant citrus trees, only to realize the land was useless. He then started digging deep into the ground creating a series of gardens, rooms, and tunnels which are heat defiant. On your next trip to Fresno make sure to tour this unique Central California attraction and check out the old trees that still bear fruits.

2. Visit the Woodward National Park 

Sitting alongside the San Joaquin River is the largest park in Fresno---the spectacular Woodward National Park. Everything awesome is either situated or takes place in the park. Here you can find the beautiful Shinzen Friendship Garden with its cherry blossom trees and ornamental Japanese structures as well as the Rotary Amphitheater, which seats up to 2,500 people. The park also hosts the annual Woodward Shakespeare Festival and the CIF Cross Country State Championship. Whether you’re just looking for a stroll in the park or want to attend a special event, a visit to Woodward National Park is essential.

3. Raft through the San Joaquin River

Rafting through the waters of the longest river in Central California is what every adventure lover seeks. A trip with Fresno Rafting Co. ensures that your trip to the city and to the San Joaquin River are both scenic, challenging and fun. Whether you’d like kayaking or rafting in the river is a personal choice, but not experiencing the thrill and the adventure of the trip would be a loss.

4. Cheer for the Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park

A Minor League Baseball fan or not, every Fresno visitor is advised to attend a game at the Chukchansi Park. Watching the Fresno Grizzlies play at home is one of the most exciting experiences you can have, as the locals are crazy about their team. More importantly though is the fact that the stadium that seats over 10,000 viewers has stunning views of Downtown Fresno and a backdrop of the magnificent Sierra Mountains. Cheering for the Grizzlies is sort of a requirement when in Fresno.

5. Enjoy a Movie at Warnors

Looking for a fun thing to do in Fresno? An evening at Warnors Center for the Performing Arts with your friends is the answer. Built in 1928 under the name Pantages Theater, the place was later bought by Warner brothers in 1929 and went with the name Warnos starting 1960 because of trademark issues. Next time you're in the city, stop by the theater and enjoy classic movies, comedy shows, and live music— the place is a mood shifter.

Things To Do In Fresno, California Solo

6. Stroll Through Downtown Fresno

No trip to Fresno is complete without a stroll through the streets of the Downtown district. Everything you’d hope to find in a city is located here. The Fresno County Superior Court building, the architecturally imposing Fresno City Hall, and the historic Old Fresno Water Tower are all located here. So are the best restaurants and retail shops. It’s time to go on a shopping spree and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the city.

7. Drive the Fresno Blossom Trail

The true color of any city show during the spring months and Fresno’s no different. The city’s Blossom Trail is for sure one of the top places to visit in Fresno, especially during spring. The trail is a 62-mile stretch of the best apricot, apple, and peach trees in the Central Valley. If you happen to be in the city between February and March, drive through the trail and enjoy the nature it’s been blessed with. 

8. Shop at Riverpark Shopping Center

On the north side of Fresno shopaholics can find the premium destination for their shopping sprees---the Riverpark Shopping Center. Everything from clothing, appliances, furniture, and sporting goods are sold in the center.  We’re talking Target, REI, Macy’s---you got the point. Over 30 restaurants are scattered across the center as well, some of which make for unique date night spots. If you feel like you need to spend some cash, you know where to go.

9. Watch a Show at the Tower Theatre

If you’re looking for a unique place to go in Fresno, you should go directly to the Tower District, where you can find the Tower Theatre for Performing Arts. The theatre was built in 1939 as a 20th Century Fox Movies House and still has the 40s vibes with its authentic art deco theme. Shows here are always special and only run for a few nights. Want to catch one of the distinctive shows? Book your ticket fast, as the 761 seats get fully booked real quick. Attending a show at the Tower Theatre is surely one of the best things to do in the Central Valley.

Things To Do In Fresno With Kids

10. Meet the Animals at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

You’re kids are entitled to know what cuteness actually looks like---accordingly, a trip to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is mandatory. This family-friendly Central Valley attraction is not your average zoo. Here, animals are not just scattered around, they are properly introduced during meet-and-greets.  It also features several exhibits, like African Adventure and Wilderness Falls, among many others. Treat your kids to a trip of a lifetime, where they get to visit one of the best zoos in Northern California and meet interesting animals, like tigers and warthogs. 

11. Get Soaked at Island Waterpark

There’s no way you’ll ever run out of things to do in Fresno with the kids. The city is home to Island Waterpark, arguably one of the most fun places in Fresno. With over a dozen slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and rentable cabanas, the waterpark is sure to drain the energy out of you and  your kids. Visit the park on Friday nights and enjoy extra fun after-dark swims with the family.

12. Have a Picnic at the Roeding Park

A top place to go in Fresno with the family is Roeding Park. At this 90-acre park, you’ll find more than just green space and swing sets. On its premises you can find tennis courts, pavilions, picnic spots, as well as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Rotary Storyland. In short you’ll find everything that’ll keep your kids busy for hours. Next time you’re not sure where to take the kids, drive straight to Roeding Park. 

13. Pick the Freshest produce at Two Sisters U-Pick Apricots

There are certain things to do in Fresno, California that you can’t go without, and U-pick farms are one of them. The Central Valley has some of the best U-pick farms in the state and Fresno has its share of fresh goodness. Two Sisters U-Pick Apricots was the vision of two sisters who got sick and stuck at home for a long time. The U-pick farm was their way to introduce their yummy apricot’s to the world and interact with their customers at the same time. Next time your kids crave sweets, take them to the Two Sisters U-Pick Farm, and have them handpick their healthy candy substitutes.