Free Ballet Class Turlock and Modesto
Put on by Amber Hunt of The Little Luminaries! Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen. Parents must attend with your child. Class is structured for ages 2-6 but all ages are welcome. (If you would rather beat the heat, check out this class in an air conditioned building instead-at the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Turlock on Thursdays 3pm-5pm for $10 a class. Email thelittleluminaries@gmail.com to sign up.)
Sunflower Maze-Kids under 2 are Free!
The Old Tim Bell Farms at 1313 Old Tim Bell Rd, Waterford is hosting a really cool sunflower maze this summer. Admission is just $8, but kiddos 2 and under are FREE! The little ones covered with FREE kids activities and play area too! Fresh-cut sunflowers will be available for just $1 a stem, or pick up one of our cute specialty bouquets for just $8. For more info email Oldtimbellfarms@yahoo.com.
City of Modesto and Surrounding Areas
If you have youngins 1-6 and you are looking for things to do this summer that are FREE check out these events happening in Modesto! (There are tons of low-cost events as well as events for older kiddos, too, Check out the activity guide link here.)
To register for any of these above events please visit https://www.modestogov.com/483/Activity-Guide
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Zinc House Farms
For kids five and older, check out a Kids Day at Zinc House Farms! Located on Highway 120 in Escalon, offers a kids program designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for the earth in children of all ages. It allows your littles to dive into the world of sustainable farming and experience the joy of learning, growing, and connecting with nature through hands-on activities and immersive experiences. With this farm introduction, it is hoped children will develop an understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them. They’ll be eggs to gather from the chicken coop, vegetables to harvest and eat, and flowers to pick and paint! Tickets can be purchased here. It is $5 for kids and FREE for parents. You can read our full article on them here.
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Weekly Children’s Farmers Market (behind Valley Children’s Hospital)
From May – October on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday from 3pm-7pm.
During the week you can come help on the farm or take your class on a field trip, but Tuesday nights are for selling what you’ve grown or handmade and for people to come hang out! This public event has face painting by @BlackSheepsInk Kristy Moore, and crafts by various artists like rock & flower pot painting. There is often live music and a food truck. And a tire mountain for your kids to play on! There’s also great photo opps with all the animal statues. The farm also offers you-pick flower bouquets. It’s off the street, ample parking, and the area is fenced. It’s a great, safe place to let your kids roam and run around to get their energy out! (There’s also picnic tables and canopies for shade.) For more information visit: https://modestochildrensgarden.com/
3525 Pelandale Ave. Modesto
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Ripon Farmer’s Market
Yes, there are MANY local farmers markets, but this one gets a special mention due to the weekly kids programs. Throughout the summer your kiddos will get to try a free outdoors Ju Jit Su class, hear a few storytimes, paint some rocks, play in the sandbox, play soccer or football on the grass, all while you sit in the shade at picnic tables drinking your beer or cider and eating delicious food from food trucks. This is hands down the best farmers market for your kids. 
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Happy Artists Create Open Studio or Art Camp
Happy Artists Create is owned by Alicia Johnson. Alicia has been an educator for twenty-five years, both as an elementary classroom teacher and educational specialist. She graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with a degree in Liberal Studies and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Inspiring creativity in children is her passion. It is her mission to ignite a passion for making things, and give each little artist the courage to use their creative gifts. Her motto is “YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH HAPPY!” Try out an art themed summer camp (like mermaids or outer space!) OR just make some art on a Saturday during Open Studio. For more info visit https://www.happyartistscreate.com/summer-art-camp-2024.
