Things to Do in Fresno

Since 1955, the Rotary Storyland and Playland have sparked young imaginations and earned a place in the hearts of multiple generations. At Playland, classic amusement-park rides, such as a ferris wheel, tilt-o-whirl, and a historic carousel, induce merriment and occasional regret over eating multiple corn dogs immediately before boarding. In the center of Playland lies Splash Junction, a free place for patrons to cool off on hot days under jets of water. Across the lake, Storyland takes a different approach to fun, populating its grounds with themed playground equipment inspired by classic tales, such as the legend of King Arthur and the lesser-known story of Jack and Jill starting a bottled-water business.

Our Playroom's indoor play and enrichment center entertains sock-clad youngsters below the age of 6 with engaging rides, toys, and classes. Kids can race down the rocket-ship slide, scale the rock-climbing fort, or throw their hands up during drops on the mini roller coaster. Elsewhere they can bounce on trampolines, stock up on plastic food at the grocery stand, and perform the unabridged text of King Lear at the puppet theater.

As the older children play, those younger than 1 can explore the infant corner's soft play mats, while adults use the facility's free WiFi or join their kids for peanut- and nut-free bites at the snack bar. Along with open play, Our Playroom hosts engaging classes ranging from story times and art projects to basic cheerleading instruction and kid-friendly Zumba led by a certified Zumba teacher.

RaceRoom Fresno’s realistic racing simulators transport drivers to famous circuits from around the world, placing them behind the wheel of more than 600 race and production cars. Visitors cradled in comfortable bucket seats wrestle with high-quality steering wheels as immersive audio systems pipe in the sounds of revving engines, screeching tires, and ahoogaing bike horns. More than 50 tracks are painstakingly re-created with eye-catching, high-definition graphics displayed on single monitors or in three-screen panoramas. Detailed leaderboards keep track of best times by car class and track, allowing racers to chart their progress online.

Ambling across a stage in costume, microphone in hand, belting out favorite karaoke tune. Navigating the twists and turns of a jungle gym before tumbling into an adjacent ball pit. Assembling the perfect mound of sweet eats at a candy buffet. Kids 14 and younger can indulge all their performative, energetic, and gastronomical desires at The Jungle Party House's climate-controlled indoor playground. Kids can test out gravity at the facility's bounce house or create a functional abacus at the arts-and-craft stations before heading over to pool, air-hockey, and foosball tables. Professional party planners help shepherd youngsters toward befitting activities during birthday, team, or church soirees, which The Jungle Party House accommodates with a plentitude of packages.