Family Fun During the Almond Blossom Cruise
Make this spring your time for family adventure! Embark on our Almond Blossom Cruise and enjoy activities for kids and adults alike, ensuring excitement for everyone in the family. We’ve curated both outdoor activities, for our more adventurous families, and indoor activities, for families who crave fun with a side of comfort. Read through some of our favorite places for families below and start to plan the Cruise that fits your family best.
Whether you’ve purchased our Family Fun Package, or you’re embarking on your own Almond Blossom Cruise adventures, stop by our Welcome Center to get more local expertise on the best places to take your family!
The Great Outdoors
The annual Almond Blossom Cruise is fun for all ages! Explore the great outdoors of Modesto during your cruise – whether it’s in Knights Ferry, along the Stanislaus River, or at an orchard walk, and then explore any of the below spots to keep the adventure going.
Modesto Children’s Garden
Discover the magic of growing your own food at the Modesto Children’s Garden! Drop in to see what fresh produce and gardening can do for your family’s mind, body, and soul.
Modesto Certified Farmer’s Market
Spend a morning exploring Modesto’s local vendors and farms at the Farmers Market on Saturdays! Some of our favorite local coffee, salsa, and fruit comes from this weekly tradition.
Modesto Rotary Music Garden
Let your imagination sore in the Modesto Rotary Music Garden at Gallo Center for the Arts!
Graceada Park
Pickle ball courts, a playground, beautiful trees and picnic tables all await you at Graceada Park.
Rancho Azul U-Pick Farm
Blueberries are one of the first fruits that ripen in Stanislaus County – a sign that spring is close and farm stands will be opening back up! Rancho Azul is one of our favorite u-pick farms for an unforgettable experience.
Lion’s Junction Park
Stop by one of the local favorite parks for kiddos, featuring Leo the Lion, a beloved local water fountain that was restored and relocated. Lion’s Junction Park is right off of the Virginia Corridor Trailway, a popular path for walking and biking.
The (Also) Great Indoors
Maybe you and your family are all worn out from the outdoors and would prefer the sanctuary that four walls provide – we don’t judge! Check out any of the spots below, some designed to spark creativity and some designed for kids to get their wiggles out while the adults relax, to continue the family fun after your cruise.
Modesto Children’s Museum
Make a reservation with your ticket purchase ahead of time and go prepared to watch your kiddos delight in exploration and learning at the Modesto Children’s Museum!
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Let the young or young at heart get their energy out before or after your Almond Blossom Cruise by jumping, catapulting, or flopping to their hearts’ content at Sky Zone.
Oakdale Cowboy Museum
Learn the history behind why Oakdale is considered the “Cowboy Capital of the World” – yes, you read that right – at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum. This is an especially exciting trip for any small cowboys or cowgirls!
The State Theatre
The State, our local historic arthouse theater, has live shows and movies scheduled almost every day, with their Donuts, Coffee and Cartoons being a local favorite for families with themed cookies and activities. Spend a Saturday morning bringing back memories of animated movies from days gone by with your own kids now.
Dragonfly Tea Room
With themed afternoon teas that change monthly, Dragonfly Tea Room is an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend making reservations ahead of time if an afternoon tea party is something that sounds like your type of fun.
Make Studio
The crafty members of the family will love Make Studio – with workshops, open studio time and endless crafting supplies, and a retail section with locally handmade products.
Boomers Modesto
Let the kids get the wiggles out at Boomers with arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, go karts, and more! Let the little ones run wild while you sit back with a snack and a drink.
The Ice Cream Co.
Fun flavors, classic toppings, and specialty sundaes all await at The Ice Cream Co. If you have a larger group, don’t miss out on the fantastical La Palooza Sundae – a 10 pound mountain of ice cream and toppings!
Stanislaus County Library – Modesto
Our local library in Downtown Modesto has an incredible kids section, complete with an indoor tree and cozy spaces for reading.
Yogurt Mill
A local institution, Yogurt Mill is our favorite place to get a froyo treat! Not only do their flavors change daily (it’s worth saying a prayer that they have the salted caramel froyo when you get there), they also have Extreme Shakes and Outrageous Cups if you really feel like indulging.
John’s Incredible Pizza
A pizza buffet with a side of arcade games and fun? John’s Incredible Pizza is a paradise for kids (and there’s even beer for the adults)!
McHenry Bowl
Bowling is a classic family activity for a reason! Head to McHenry Bowl and get in some family bonding time in the lanes.
Funworks Modesto
Arcade games, outdoor attractions, and a teddy bear factory – stop by Funworks for fun for the whole family!
Vintage Faire Mall
Shopping isn’t the only activity at our local Vintage Faire Mall! There’s an indoor play structure, Dave & Buster’s (for the kids and the adults!), and a kid’s club every 3rd Thursday of the month.