Turlock is a charming small city in Stanislaus County, California, known for its agricultural roots and downtown charm.
John William Mitchell, the founder of the city, declined to name the city after him.
As such, they used the word Turlock, which they believe comes from the Irish word “Turlough,” meaning dry bed.
The city was founded in 1871 and quickly became a hub for farmers, and it became incorporated as a city in February 1908.
Turlock is perched in San Joaquin Valley, about 40 miles away from Stockton.
Its agricultural output led to the city earning the moniker “Heart of the Valley.”
In 1960, California State University began accepting students, which aided the city’s growth during its initial years of expansion.
Today, Turlock is the second-largest city in the county, with plenty of attractions for kids.
Check out the best things to do in Turlock, California, with your kids!
If your kids are active, Gymnastics Unlimited offers classes for toddlers to high schoolers.
Gymnastics classes start with the Tot Class for toddlers until three years old.
The session is very cheerful, enabling the youngster to cultivate a favorable attitude toward the activity.
Gymnastics Unlimited focuses on developing conventional gymnastics skills while emphasizing motor development, parent-child interaction, and training while having a great time.
They also have a Ninja program for kids aged 5 to 11, where your child can learn how to navigate obstacles and train your children’s strength and agility.
In addition to Ninja and Tot Class, Gymnastic Unlimited offers 50-minute Kindergym classes for preschool kids.
They will learn stretching, assuming different body positions, and using gymnastics equipment.
Saeidb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Formerly a Carnegie Library, the Carnegie Arts Center offers a wide range of art exhibitions, classes, and events throughout the year.
The Carnegie Arts Center was initially constructed in 1903 as a library that Andrew Carnegie donated to North Tonawanda.
After its building’s completion in 1904, the facility housed a public library for more than 70 years.
Since 1975, the structure has served as the Carnegie Art Center, offering cultural activities to the local community of North Tonawanda and nearby areas.
Saeidb, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Families can check out the current exhibitions in the Center, such as Carnegie Art Showcase, Yosemite Renaissance 38, Farms & Fields, or the Ferrari Gallery.
Take a guided tour of the building by talking to docents who can help you learn more about the displays and the historic building itself.
The Carnegie Arts Center also offers art classes for all ages, including children’s art camps during the summer and workshops for adults.
Check their calendar for events like poetry readings and live music performances.
Bring your skateboard or scooter for fun at the Brandon Koch Memorial Skate Park.
Formerly located on Starr Avenue, the skate park features 28 skating elements with boxes, grind rails, and quarter pipes.
It was named after a local skater who had died due to cancer.
Street skaters will appreciate skating in the Brandon Koch Memorial Skatepark since it is a neat, small skatepark with various frills and challenges.
This skatepark is made of smooth cement and is excellent for skaters of all ability levels and ages since it has many obstacles.
The variety of transitions and hazards in Brandon Koch Memorial Skatepark will make for an exciting experience for advanced riders.
At the same time, the scale of these obstacles is excellent for those who are still learning to skate.
Beat the summer heat at Broadway Park, one of the city’s water spray parks.
Kids have a lot of space to run into, and they can play with the water that rises from the ground to get them wet.
It also features buckets that spew water to anyone under them, aside from spray nozzles and sprinklers that form a tunnel.
Parents can supervise their children while resting in the tents around the area.
The park also has shade from trees and a covered picnic area with barbeque pits.
This quaint little park is perfect for young kids to cool off while having fun during hot summer days.
Turlock Regional Sports Complex has ten soccer fields available for rental as one of the premier sports complexes in the region.
If your kid is a beginning baseball player, you can rent one of the two softball diamonds for a practice game.
Located near Highway 99, Turlock Regional Sports Complex usually hosts Turlock Youth Association for baseball, soccer, and softball games.
Benches are scattered around the park for spectators, and restrooms are available on-site.
There are also bleachers for those who want to sit and watch the games.
Turlock Regional Sports Complex is a popular spot for tournaments and sporting events, so check the schedule before heading over.
Donnelly Park is surrounded by lush greenery and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing day with your family.
The park has several amenities, including BBQ grills, picnic tables, and playground equipment for kids.
If you want to play sports, the park has open grass fields and basketball courts.
Play with your kids at the August Bates Children Play Park, named after a ten-year-old girl who led the initiative for the city to build the park 20 years ago.
Donnelly Park has a variety of play structures, swings, and slides for children to enjoy.
There are also walking paths where you can take a stroll or jog.
You can also sit on one of the benches, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or read a book while your kids play.
Turlock’s history dates back to its incorporation as a city in 1908.
Its roots date as early as 1871 when a prominent grain farmer founded it.
Learn more about Turlock’s past at the Turlock Historical Society Museum, where you can see artifacts and exhibits from the city’s early days as a farming community to its growth as an agricultural center in California.
The museum features 25 exhibit areas, including a recreated turn-of-the-century kitchen, a blacksmith shop, and a fully restored caboose.
Admire the antique pictures, records, and memorabilia at the Turlock Historical Society Museum to find out with your kids how Turlock became a thriving community.
The Turlock Historical Society Museum has become a destination for history buffs since it opened in August 2003.
You can buy souvenirs at the Museum’s Gift Shop to commemorate your visit.
Let your kids and pets play and socialize at the Swanson-Centennial Dog Park, where they can run and play leash-free in the designated areas for dogs.
Originally named Centennial Park, it was renamed to honor the Swanson family, who, together with Pet Extreme, donated $35,000 for the park’s construction and ongoing maintenance.
In addition to an open field for dogs to run around, there is also a walking path, shade trees, and water fountains.
The dog park also has benches where you can sit and watch your pets play.
Teach your dog to socialize, as the park becomes full of dogs at night and on weekends.
Make sure to clean up after your pets and follow the park rules for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Let your child discover their athletic potential at the Turlock Crush Volleyball, offering training and competitive volleyball play for boys and girls of all ages.
In 2010, Turlock Crush Volleyball taught fundamentals, skills, and sportsmanship in a positive environment to help young athletes reach their fullest potential.
They offer various programs for all levels, from beginners to elite players looking for college volleyball opportunities.
Through the years, Turlock Crush Volleyball has produced many successful student-athletes who have competed in high school and college volleyball teams.
To learn more about their programs, schedule a tour and try-out session at the Turlock Crush Volleyball to see if it fits your child’s athletic interests.
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Join the thousands of people who visit the Turlock Farmers Market every Saturday morning from May to October to enjoy the fresh produce.
Besides fresh produce, you and your kids can buy hand-made goods from local farmers and vendors in the Turlock Farmers Market.
This place is a perfect opportunity for them to see and support local businesses.
The Turlock Farmers Market also features contests such as vendors’ raffles, pumpkin decorating contests, or academic biathlon.
Aside from fresh vegetables and fruits, you can also buy unique products like honey, flowers, bread, and jams.
There are also food vendors who sell ready-to-eat breakfast items and snacks like breakfast sandwiches and sausages.
Artisanal soaps, clothes, baby accessories, and handcrafted cutting boards are also available at the market on Main Street.
Bring your bags or purchase their reusable shopping bags to shop for the freshest fruits, vegetables, handcrafted goods, and other products from local farmers.
Located on Lombardy Avenue, Cruzin’ Critters is a mobile petting zoo where you can bring animals to your parties and events.
The creatures from Cruzin’ Critters provide an unsurpassed engaging learning experience, as it offers actual encounters with the animals.
They have a variety of exotic animals, including snakes, birds, and lizards.
Cruzin’ Critters travels around the Central Valley and California to promote animal education, conservation, and appreciation.
Your kids will get up close and personal with exotic animals, making it a more memorable experience.
You’ll get to know Zuri, an African Serval who is one of the newest ambassadors of Cruzin’ Critters.
Book a visit from Cruzin’ Critters for a unique and fun experience for your child’s next party or event.
Located at North Golden State Boulevard, Get Air Turlock offers a unique and fun way for kids to release their excess energy through jumping, bouncing, and flipping on the trampolines.
They have various attractions, such as dodgeball courts, foam pits, basketball hoops, and a climbing wall.
Get Air Turlock offers open jump sessions for walk-ins, or you can also book special events for larger groups.
They have safety measures to ensure that everyone has a fun and injury-free experience.
Get Air Turlock lets its visitors book parties, and you can choose from three different party packages with various amenities, such as food, drinks, and even a private room.
Take your child to Get Air Turlock for healthy exercise and an enjoyable time jumping around.
Spanning about 180,000 square feet, Monte Vista Crossing offers an array of stores and restaurants for your kids’ shopping and dining needs.
Some of their popular retail spots include Target, The Home Depot, Ross Dress for Less, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Look for the perfect outfit or home decor at TJ Maxx and Old Navy.
Grab a bite to eat with your kids at restaurants such as Red Robin, Olive Garden, Panda Express, or Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Located near Route 99, Monte Vista Crossing, Monte Vista Crossing also offers promos and deals to save on your shopping spree.
Take the kids to Monte Vista Crossing for some family-friendly shopping and dining.
At Bradbury Road, Rosewood Stables offers horseback riding lessons and day camps for children of all levels.
They have a team of experienced instructors who will teach your child proper equestrian skills, horsemanship, and safety while riding.
Rosewood Stables also offers summer camps where kids can learn about saddling and riding while having fun with their peers.
You can even celebrate your kid’s birthday in Rosewood Stables so that they can have a unique and exciting experience with the horses.
Let your child discover their love for horses and join them in Rosewood Stables’ day camp or lessons.
Located at Geer Road, Michaels Arts & Crafts Store offers a wide selection of arts and crafts materials.
Here, you can find supplies for various art projects such as painting, drawing, and sculpting.
Browse the selection of well-liked art supplies in textiles, linen, hardwood, and stitching at Michael’s Arts & Crafts Store.
Peruse their wedding and birthday materials or use their storage options to organize your everyday needs.
The Michaels Arts & Crafts Store also offers rewards and membership programs.
This store has everything you need to unleash your child’s creativity and encourage their artistic interests.
So, take your kid to Michaels for a fun and artsy day.
Turlock offers various activities for families to enjoy and bond over.
From trampoline parks to horseback riding camps, there’s something for everyone in the family.
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