Welcome To Fresno To Do

  • Fresno Chaffee Zoo: A Wildlife Adventure You Can’t Miss

    Why Fresno Chaffee Zoo is #1 of California’s Best Wildlife Adventures

    Fresno Chaffee Zoo is the ultimate destination for families, educators, and wildlife lovers looking for fun, learning, and conservation in one unforgettable experience. Located at the heart of Roeding Park, this 39‑acre zoo is home to more than 190 animal species and is accredited by both Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) AZA and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

    1. Why Fresno Chaffee Zoo?

    The Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers an immersive experience that blends education, conservation, and entertainment. It’s more than just a walk-through animal park—it’s a pioneer in wildlife preservation, and a vibrant community hub that invites guests to connect with nature at every turn

    fresnochaffeezoo.org.

    2. Ticket Prices & Hours {#hours-tickets}

    Operating Hours:

    • Open daily from 9 AM – 4 PM

    • Seasonal variations for aquatic areas; check updates online.

    Admission (Fresno County residents):

    • Adults (12+): $18.95

    • Children (2–11): $11.95

    • Non-residents: Adults $23.95 / Children $16.95

    Upgrades Available:

    • Admission Plus (includes Stingray Bay & Giraffe Feed): + ~$5

    • Premium (adds Butterflies & Big Bugs): + ~$10 more

    Pro Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip lines and avoid weekend delays .

    3. Top Exhibits to Explore

    🦁 African Adventure

    One of the largest and most immersive zoo exhibits in California’s Central Valley, African Adventure at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo transports guests to a sweeping 13-acre savanna teeming with iconic African wildlife. Designed to reflect the natural environments of Africa’s grasslands, this world-class exhibit offers both breathtaking views and powerful educational moments.

    Walk alongside elevated platforms and shaded pathways as you come face-to-face with:

    • Lions lounging under acacia trees or surveying their territory from rocky outcrops

    • African elephants, gracefully roaming and bathing at the waterhole

    • Cheetahs, sleek and silent in the tall grass

    • Southern white rhinos, one of the largest land mammals alive today

    • Giraffes, who often come right up to the rail for a leafy snack

    • Meerkats, entertaining guests with their playful antics and alert postures

    • Waterbuck, ostriches, wildebeests, and other cohabitants that create a vibrant ecosystem

    Check out their website at fcz.org.

    🦭 Sea Lion Cove

    A 250,000‑gallon saltwater tank lets you see sea lions from surface and underwater viewing windows—up close and playful

    🐠 Stingray Bay & Dino Dig

    Get hands-on in Stingray Bay or hunt dinosaur bones in a fun, educational Dino Dig—perfect for family interaction .

    🐯 Kingdoms of Asia

    New and immersive, this exhibit features Malayan tigers, sloth bears, orangutans, and more in lush forest habitats.

    4. Family-Friendly Features

    • Small Wonders Petting Zoo offers up-close animal interactions.

    • Winged Wonders Bird Show highlights raptors in free-flight.

    • Roeding Park Access: Enjoy playgrounds, Storyland, and train rides right next door.

    • Accessibility: Wheelchairs and strollers are available, with shaded walkways and picnic areas.

    5. Special Events & Programs

    • ZooBoo: Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, costumes, and fall decor fcz.org+1kmph.com+1.

    • IllumiNature: A holiday light festival with nature‑themed lanterns fcz.org.

    • Early Bird Tours, family camps, ZooMobile outreach, and Behind‑the‑Scenes wildlife experiences are offered year-round fresnochaffeezoo.org+1fcz.org+1.

    6. Planning Your Visit

    📍Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728, inside Roeding Park

    Getting There:

    • Off SR‑99 via Belmont Ave exit.

    • Roads may shift; follow current zoo alerts for road construction (e.g., Olive Ave entrance)

    What to Bring:

    • Sunscreen, water bottle (refill stations available).

    • Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire.

    • Outside food is allowed—perfect for a park picnic

    7. Conservation & Community Impact

    The Fresno Chaffee Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans and global conservation initiatives, emphasizing wildlife education and community outreach
    Funded by Measure Z, it continues expanding exhibits and advocating for local wildlife habitats

    Consider supporting the zoo by donating, purchasing trail tiles, or becoming a member—the impact goes far beyond your visit

    fresnochaffeezoo.org.

  • 7 Reasons to Visit Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno Today

    Discover the Magic of Forestiere Underground Gardens

    If you’re looking for one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Fresno, the Forestiere Underground Gardens is a must-see. Tucked beneath the city’s surface, this historic landmark is a true testament to human creativity, perseverance, and vision.

    What Are the Forestiere Underground Gardens?

    Built over 40 years by Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere, this hand-dug subterranean labyrinth features underground rooms, courtyards, and gardens carved into Fresno’s hardpan soil. Inspired by ancient Roman catacombs and a dream of escaping the valley heat, Forestiere created a cool, livable world under the ground.

    Today, it’s a California State Historic Landmark and one of Fresno’s top-rated attractions for families, tourists, and architecture lovers.

    Alt Text: Forestiere Underground Gardens tour with arches and citrus trees.

    7 Reasons to Visit Forestiere Underground Gardens

    1. A Living Work of Art

    Each tunnel, arch, and room was hand-chiseled using only simple tools. You’ll see stonework, skylights, and water channels that show Forestiere’s engineering genius.

    2. Escape the Summer Heat

    Underground temperatures remain cooler than above-ground Fresno, making it a perfect summer destination.

    3. Citrus Trees Grow Underground

    Yes, really! You’ll find oranges, grapefruits, and more growing in these underground courtyards thanks to clever skylight openings.

    4. An Immigrant’s Dream

    This site tells a story of one man’s faith, vision, and grit—making it not just a tourist spot but a source of local pride and inspiration.

    5. Great for Families and Groups

    Guided tours are educational and fun, offering something for all ages. Children especially enjoy the maze-like passages.

    6. Photography Heaven

    The lighting and natural architecture make it a unique location for photoshoots or Instagram-worthy shots.

    7. A True Fresno Bucket List Experience

    If you’re visiting Fresno or showing off the city to guests, this should be at the top of your itinerary.

    Tips for Your Visit

    • Hours: Open seasonally, usually spring through fall.
    • Tickets: Tours often sell out. Booking online in advance is recommended.
    • Accessibility: Some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
    • Website: Forestiere Underground Gardens Official Site

    What Locals Say

    “Every time I go, I learn something new. It’s magical that one man did all of this by hand!”

    Final Thoughts

    The Forestiere Underground Gardens is more than a quirky stop—it’s a living legacy. With history, ingenuity, and beauty woven into every tunnel, it belongs on every Fresno bucket list.

    Start planning your underground adventure today. You won’t believe what’s been hiding beneath Fresno this whole time.

    Visit Forestiere Underground Gardens

     

  • 🌟 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots for Out-of-Town Visitors in Fresno

    Planning a visit to Fresno? Whether you’re here for a weekend or just passing through, we’ve handpicked the top 5 spots you can’t miss while you’re in town. From nature to local eats, this quick guide will help you discover what makes Fresno unforgettable.

    1. Woodward Park + Shinzen Garden

    Why go: Fresno’s largest park, this 300-acre oasis includes walking trails, birdwatching, and a peaceful Japanese garden.
    Local tip: Go just before sunset for golden hour views over the lake.
    Nearby: River Park Shopping Center and local coffee spots.

    2. Forestiere Underground Gardens

    Why go: A one-of-a-kind underground home hand-dug by a Sicilian immigrant over 40 years. Cool (literally) and fascinating.
    Tours: Guided tours available – book ahead online.
    Photo-worthy? 100%.

    3. Fresno Chaffee Zoo + Roeding Park

    Why go: A beautifully designed zoo in a lush historic park – perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers.
    Bonus: The African Adventure exhibit is world-class.
    Kid-friendly? Absolutely.

    4. Kearney Mansion Museum

    Why go: Step back in time at the historic home of M. Theo Kearney, a raisin industry pioneer.
    Tour tip: Call ahead for a guided tour—great for history lovers!
    Bonus: The surrounding Kearney Park is perfect for a walk or picnic.

    5. Clovis Botanical Garden

    Why go: A peaceful, water-wise garden full of Central Valley native plants and pollinators.
    Vibe: Quiet, meditative, educational.
    Accessibility: Fully walkable paths and plenty of shaded benches.

  • National Hardware Supply

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    🛠 Take a Walk Back in Time at National Hardware Supply
    National Hardware Supply – It’s local. It’s a living museum. Shop the old-fashioned way.
    In a world of fast clicks, next-day shipping, and AI checkouts, there’s still a place where customer service means something, and every aisle has a story to tell.
    Welcome to National Hardware Supply, where stepping through the door feels like stepping back in time.
    🕰 A Piece of Fresno History Since 1982
    Founded in 1982, National Hardware Supply has been proudly serving the Central Valley for over 40 years. It started as a simple neighborhood hardware store—just folks helping folks—with shelves stocked the old-fashioned way and parts you can’t find anywhere else.
    Before big-box stores dominated the scene, this was the go-to place for tools, hinges, paint, gardening gear, and good advice from someone who actually knows your name.
    And it still is.
    👩‍🔧 A Family Legacy Built on Love
    Lisa Guzman, owner of National Hardware, tells the story behind the store with pride and heart.
    “Enter a living museum and get that old-timey feeling,” she says.
    As one of the last true Mom and Pop hardware stores in Fresno, National Hardware was built on love—and that love is still felt the moment you walk in the door. Friendly service, loyal customers, and decades of relationships have shaped this local gem.
    Come join the National Hardware family and experience the difference.
    🧰 A Living Museum
    This isn’t a cookie-cutter chain. It’s filled with retro labels, wooden shelves, hand-written signs, and real inventory from days gone by. The kind of place where nostalgia lives next to nuts and bolts.
    There’s a special kind of charm in a store where you can still find:
    Heavy-duty tools built to last
    Screws, bolts, and fasteners sold by the pound
    Advice from people who actually use the tools they sell
    A checkout counter that feels more like a conversation than a transaction
    This is hardware with heart.
    🛒 Shop the Old-Fashioned Way
    At National Hardware Supply, we believe in eye contact, handshakes, and helping neighbors.
    Need help figuring out what size drill bit you need?
    Looking for a part no one else stocks?
    Trying to fix it instead of toss it?
    We’ve got you covered—no apps, no bots, just real help from real people.
    📍 Visit Us
    Located in the heart of Fresno, National Hardware Supply isn’t just a store—it’s a local tradition. Take a walk back in time and experience what shopping used to feel like: personal, honest, and full of care.
    Take a walk back in time. Rediscover what shopping used to be.
    We’ll be here—just like always.

    Watch the video

  • 🎬 Valley Deaf Festival 2025: “Lights…Camera…ASL!” 

    🎬 Valley Deaf Festival 2025: “Lights…Camera…ASL!”

    Mark your calendars! One of the most inspiring events in Fresno is back — the Valley Deaf Festival 2025, happening Saturday, November 15 at the Fresno Fairgrounds Jr. Exhibit Building.

    This year’s theme is “Lights…Camera…ASL!”, and it’s all about celebrating Deaf culture, American Sign Language, and the creative voices in our community. From ASL storytelling to interactive booths, this festival is designed for families, friends, and everyone who wants to connect, learn, and have fun.

    👐 Hosted by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center (DHHSC), this event is organized by a local nonprofit that provides crucial services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. All proceeds go toward continuing their mission — so your ticket helps make a difference.

    🎟️ Event Details:

    • 📅 Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

    • 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    • 📍 Location: Fresno Fairgrounds Jr. Exhibit Building

    • 🎫 Tickets:

      • Ages 0–3: Free

      • Ages 4–12: $5

      • Ages 13+: $8 advance / $10 at the door

    👉 Get tickets and info here:
    https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/dhhsc1984/valley-deaf-festival-2025-lights-camera-asl

    Whether you’re part of the Deaf community or just want to support an amazing cause, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

    💛 Let’s celebrate together — with hands waving and hearts open.