Itching to get out of Modesto for the day? There's a ton to do right here at home in Modesto, of course, but sometimes a road trip is the best kind of family fun!
To make planning easier for you, we've compiled a list of 9 places to explore within a 1-3 hour drive of Modesto. All of the listed locations are outside Modesto.
Is there a spot your family loves within driving distance of Modesto that isn't listed here? Tell us about it by dropping me a line at xochitl@macaronikid.com.
Please note: While we've done our best to keep information current and up to date, please check with attractions before heading out!
Amador County
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Black Chasm Cavern National Natural Landmark
Located a short 1.5 hour drive from Modesto. You can adventure out to see some amazing caves!
The 50-minute guided walking tour departs from the Black Chasm Visitor Center and descends into the cave approximately 100 feet below the surface. A tour consists of no more than 20 people due to space constraints inside the cave and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
PRICING
Adults: $22.00(Adults: 13 and up+)
Children: $14.00(ages 5 to 12).
(4 years and under : Free)
Discounts Offered For Military & Seniors
*Prices may change at any time
Amador Central Railroad
Embark on a journey through time as you explore the Amador Central Railroad. Experience the nostalgia and charm of this iconic railroad. Discover the captivating stories behind the tracks and the people who made it all possible.
Rides depart from Lane’s Station the second Saturday of each month, April through October. We are located 1.5 miles south of Ione on State Highway 104. See map below.
Adults $25 per seat. Children 13 and under are $15 per seat. Parent installed car seats required for young children per California State vehicle regulation.
Amador County Fair
July 25-28 2024
Take the kiddos to as many fairs this summer as possible! Enjoy a day at the fair!
Check website for times of event's and attractions.
Fresno County
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Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Enjoy a day at the zoo with the kids. Make sure to purchase tickets online. Exhibits and attractions change throughout the year so make
sure to check the website.
Fresno County Residents –
$16.95 for adults (12 and up)
$10.95 for children (ages 2-11)
Non-Fresno County Residents –
$19.95 for adults (12 and up)
$13.95 for children (2-11)
Children 1 and under get in free.
Stroller and wheelchair rentals available for a fee.
Parking $5
Fresno Discovery Center
Where science is kid's play!
Fresno Discovery Center is a science center for the mind where visitors of all ages can discover, explore and create.
Friday 9AM-1PM
Saturday & Sunday 9AM-2PM
Monday 9AM-1PM
Closed On Major Holidays
Admission: $6.00
Members: Free
Children 2 and Under: Free
Veterans and Active Military: Free
Castle Air Museum
Just a short 35-45 minute drive from Modesto, Ca, enjoy a day learning history and checking out aircrafts from pre-WWII.
Hours are: Open Daily 9 AM to 4 PM with last admission to the aircraft exhibit area sold at 3:15 PM. During inclement weather please call ahead of your planned visit.
Seniors (65+): $20.00
Adults (18-64): $25.00
Children (6-17): $15.00
Children under 6 (with paid adult): FREE
Active & Retired Military members (with I.D.): $20.00
Visiting Fresno County? Check out our sister site, Macaroni KID North Fresno, for events and fun in the Fresno area!
San Francisco Bay Area
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Legoland Discovery Center
Build and inspire! Fun for the whole family. Join your favorite LEGO characters on action-packed adventures in our 4D Cinema! Train through interactive and build challenge activities to improve your flexibility, agility, ingenuity and LEGO brick building skills to help protect NINJAGO from its marauding enemies. And SO MUCH MORE! Make sure to check their website for summer deals!
Open daily 11am-5pm
Prices Vary: check site for detailsl
CuriOdyssey
Right next to the San Francisco bay, CuriOdyssey is located in San Mateo. Live animal encounters and featuring 15 exhibits. Inspire love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future.
Open Tuesday–Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Closed Mondays
The last entry is at 4:30 PM
Ticket Prices
$25.95 Adults (18–61 years)
$21.95 Children (18 months–17 years)
$21.95 Students (with ID)
$21.95 Seniors (62+ years)
FREE Infants (0–17 months)
$6 Coyote Point Park vehicle entrance fee
Tilden Regional Park
Minutes from downtown Berkeley. Tilden Regional Park is a sprawling 2,079-acre wonderland in the Berkeley hills above the San Francisco Bay’s eastern cusp. There are so many things to enjoy, from hiking, botanic gardens, Tilden Merry-Go-Round, Steam train and so much more! Make sure to bring a picnic!
Open from dawn to dusk.
FREE unless you want to ride the train or the Merry-Go-Round. Check website for time and price.
Visiting the bay area? Check out our sister site, Macaroni KID Fremont-Newark-Union City, for events and fun in the bay area!
