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.

Maxx Putt Fun Zone takes the rigors of an outdoor ground game and translates them into a phosphorescent indoor experience that's fun for all ages. The 18-hole course travels the glowing, blacklit globe with holes in Venice, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China. Once 36 hallucinogenic holes have been successfully sunk in stellar style, you and up to seven friends and/or samurai currently protecting your village can enter a four-vs.-four war in the Balladium stadium. The Balladium ball blaster system is a fast-paced shooting battle, as well as a legally acceptable method for settling intellectual property disputes in Australia's Thunderdome-based judicial system. During each five-minute game, each player uses a cannon to launch foam balls toward targets, plus any opposing players, in order to score points and win the game.

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.