By Chris Murphy
There are so many things to do this spring now that it has sprung. As a grandparent with an almost 3-year old, I’m working on my list of things to do around town, and there are a lot! Most of these are free and the rest are really affordable. With spring and summer coming up, there should be time to do a lot of these. Thanks to Chelsea Foy from the Modesto Children’s Museum and Julie Shearer from Lakewood Neighborhood for the great contributions and ideas. Be careful along the rivers and creeks as there has been so much rain. Please share your other things to do with kids at info@modestoview.com<mailto:info@modestoview.com> so we can spread the word.
1. Tour downtown with a camera/phone and film a scavenger hunt of subjects.
2. The Great Valley Museum at MJC West
3. Create pottery art at the Chartreuse Muse.
4. Take a picture under the Modesto Arch.
5. Observe the stars at the MJC Observatory.
6. Play a game at the newly created pickleball courts in Graceada Park
7. Take some books or coloring to a local coffee shop like Lucille’s or Culture Coffee
8. Spend a day browsing books at the one of the Stanislaus County Libraries.
9. See a matinee at the Brenden Theatre.
10. Check out the statues in Downtown. Paper Boy, Chief Estanislao, Lucas Plaza
11. Collect flowers and press them in a book to make a special card for mom for Mother’s Day
12. Take a tour of the tree varieties in Graceada Park
13. Ride bikes or scooters (non-motorized) on the Virginia Corridor or the Mensinger Trail along Dry Creek
14. Check out the alpine rock walls in Ripon
15. Take a ride to Knights Ferry and walk on the covered bridge
16. Pick a family-friendly project at Love Modesto on April 29.
17. Order a Root Beer and Coney Dog at A & W on Friday night with Elvis (summer)
18. Enjoy Earth Day at Graceada Park on April 22
19. Visit the McHenry Museum
20. Walk the Modesto Historic Cruise Route tour.
21. Enjoy fresh local offerings at the Modesto Farmer’s Market
22. Take some chalk over to your neighborhood park/playground and beautify the sidewalks
23. Start planting a kids garden with their favorite things to eat (now is the time to start planting!)
24. Make a picnic and enjoy at a park or even your own front yard
25. Follow drum Love on social media for opportunities to participate in drum circles and learn music and rhythm – great for all ages!
