Modesto · Stanislaus County, CA

Family things to do in Modesto

Scout analyzed 62 Modesto places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

62

Matches

24

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Ceres River Bluff Regional Park

Outdoors

Ceres River Bluff Regional Park

This large park is suitable for an active family outing or a solo walk, especially on a weekend morning or afternoon. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the outdoors with no admission cost.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Lucille

Downtown Modesto

Lucille

Lucille is a cafe suitable for a casual bite or coffee, often paired with errands or as a quick stop. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for a visit of under an hour.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
East La Loma Park

Outdoors

East La Loma Park

East La Loma Park is a free city park offering diverse outdoor activities like disc golf, tennis, and a playground. It's suitable for a 1-2 hour family outing or solo stroll, especially on a nice weather weekend, and can be paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Bottoms Up Espresso

Food & Drink

Bottoms Up Espresso

This is a drive-thru coffee shop for a quick caffeine stop, often paired with a commute or errands. Expect to spend under $15 for a drink and be in and out in less than 10 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$12 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Fat Boy Roasted Delights

Food & Drink

Fat Boy Roasted Delights

This is a casual restaurant suitable for a quick meal, likely for lunch or dinner. Expect to spend 45 minutes and $15-30 per person.

FoodRelaxed
$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Roosevelt Park

Outdoors

Roosevelt Park

Roosevelt Park is a free outdoor space suitable for a 1-2 hour casual family or solo outing, best enjoyed on a pleasant day. It's an easy stop for stretching legs or letting kids play.

OutdoorsRelaxedPlayful
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
State Theatre of Modesto Inc

Downtown Modesto

State Theatre of Modesto Inc

The State Theatre of Modesto is good for an evening outing to see a film or concert, costing around $10-$40 per person. It offers a classic venue experience that can pair with a dinner beforehand or drinks after.

ArtsLive musicRelaxed
$10–$40 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Ustach Park

Outdoors

Ustach Park

Ustach Park is suitable for a free family outing, offering playgrounds, a bike loop, and courts. Plan for about 1.5 hours of outdoor play, best enjoyed on a pleasant weather day.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Thousand Oaks Park

Outdoors

Thousand Oaks Park

Thousand Oaks Park is a free outdoor space best for short family outings or solo relaxation, easily accessible by car. Expect to spend an hour or two here.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Downey Community Park

Outdoors

Downey Community Park

Downey Community Park is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor activity with kids, potentially for an hour or two. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a quick stop for fresh air.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Orchard Park

Outdoors

Orchard Park

Orchard Park is a free outdoor space perfect for a casual family outing or a solo walk, easily fitting into an hour or two. It's a low-cost activity suitable for sunny days.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Mary Grogan Community Park

Outdoors

Mary Grogan Community Park

This park offers soccer fields and a jogging track, making it suitable for a free, active outing with family or for a solo workout. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with easy parking available.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Food & Drink

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is a good option for a casual family meal or group gathering, pairing American pub food with house-brewed beers. Plan for a 1.5-hour visit, with typical costs ranging from $20-$50 per person.

FoodCocktailsSports
$20–$50 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Freedom Park

Outdoors

Freedom Park

Freedom Park is ideal for a free family outing, especially for an hour or two in the morning or afternoon. It offers a playground and picnic areas, making it suitable for young children.

OutdoorsRelaxedPlayful
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Mikes Grillhouse

Food & Drink

Mikes Grillhouse

Mikes Grillhouse is a casual spot for American meals and drinks, suitable for an easy dinner or lunch. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for about an hour-long visit.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Dutch Hollow Farms

Outdoors

Dutch Hollow Farms

This farm offers a relaxed outdoor experience, suitable for a family outing or solo visit. Expect to spend 1-2 hours wandering and potentially purchasing farm goods or participating in seasonal activities, costing around $0-$15 per person.

AnimalsOutdoorsViews
$0–$15 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Graceada Park

Outdoors

Graceada Park

Graceada Park is suitable for a free afternoon family outing or a solo walk, especially on weekends for potential live music. Plan for 1.5 hours and minimal cost, possibly pairing with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsLive music
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Pink Pantherz ESPRESSO

Food & Drink

Pink Pantherz ESPRESSO

Pink Pantherz ESPRESSO is a quick coffee stop suitable for grabbing a drink or snack on the go. It's a casual, inexpensive place for a solo stop or a family drive-through, typically taking less than 20 minutes.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Knights Ferry Recreation Area North

Outdoors

Knights Ferry Recreation Area North

Knights Ferry Recreation Area is ideal for a leisurely outdoor visit, offering scenic views and historical elements like the covered bridge. Expect to spend a couple of hours walking or picnicking, with potential costs for parking or simple snacks.

OutdoorsViewsHistory
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Red Hills Recreation Management Area

Outdoors

Red Hills Recreation Management Area

This park is suitable for a 2-3 hour nature walk and bird watching, particularly in winter. It's a free outdoor activity that can be paired with other local attractions or a picnic lunch.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Vintage Faire Mall

Shopping

Vintage Faire Mall

Vintage Faire Mall is suitable for a 2-hour shopping trip or a casual family outing, especially with its indoor play area. Expect to spend $20-$100 per person, primarily on retail purchases or food court meals.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$20–$100 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Gallo Center for the Arts

Downtown Modesto

Gallo Center for the Arts

The Gallo Center for the Arts is an excellent choice for an evening date night or a family outing to see a performance. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets can range from $50 to over $250 per person depending on the show.

Live musicArtsRelaxed
$50–$250 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Brass Tap

Nightlife

The Brass Tap

The Brass Tap is a gastropub ideal for a casual evening out with friends, often featuring live music or sports on TV. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Family

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park ideal for family outings or birthday parties, offering active fun for kids and teens. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-40 per person for jumping time.

SportsOutdoorsPlayful
$25–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Worth the splurge

When the night needs to land.

What Scout found

  • 51 of the 62 analyzed Modesto places fit family.
  • 43% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 78% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Scenic, Adventurous, Upscale.

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