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| •ADVENTURES IN SPACE At the Challenger Learning Center as well as the Castle Science and Technology Center kids 9 and older can experience the thrill and adventure of simulated space flights, rocket construction and launches, a planetarium, a CSI scenario, Columbus’ voyage and much, much more while learning about and practicing important fundamentals of science, mathematics and technology. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission: adults $6, seniors/students $5, children ages 4-6 $3. Located near the entrance to the former Castle Air Force Base, Merced. (209) 726-0296. •AGRICULTURAL LEARNING CENTER Kids learn about agriculture and have fun too. There are tractors to climb on, a water pump station and even a cow to milk. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: adults $5, children $3. The Agricultural Museum & Learning Center, 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. Donations suggested. 688-1030. •FAIRYTALES & FUN Rotary Storyland and Playland are two small themed amusement parks where families can enjoy a day of fun, fantasy and adventure. Walk into the pages of a storybook at Storyland and see the old lady who lived in a shoe, the three little pigs or King Arthur’s castle. Playland has several amusement rides and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the carousel, roller coaster or the pirate ship pedal boats. Playland is free admission, tickets can be purchased for the rides. All day wristbands are available for both parks. Storyland and Playland are open Wednesday through Sunday 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 890 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno. 486-2124. www.storylandplayland.com. •FUN DISCOVERIES The Discovery Center, the museum of science and natural history, welcomes visitors to tour the grounds which include the beautiful Deutsch Cactus Garden, California desert tortoise enclosure, UC Gardener’s The Garden of the Sun, Gemini Space Capsule, Native American Studies Area, Whisper Dishes, Walden Pond and other outdoor science exhibits. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Special science days occur throughout the year. 1944 N. Winery Ave., Fresno. 251-5533 •GO WILD! At Fresno Chaffee Zoo visitors can see more than 700 mammals, birds, and reptiles as they tour the zoo. This is a great learning and fun experience for children of all ages. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Zoo admission: $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children ages 2-11, under 2 years free. 894 W. Belmont Ave., Fresno. 498-5910 •HEAD FOR THE (FOOT)HILLS! The Children’s Museum of the Sierra in Oakhurst is home to a world of fun hands-on learning explorations for preschoolers and school-age children. Explore exciting careers at the child-size, authentic fire station, doctor’s office, pizza restaurant, bank and stage. Become a scientist and study gravity, natural history, magnetism and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Admission $4; Seniors age 60+ $3; under age 2 free. 49269 Golden Oak Drive. 658-5656 •HIDDEN HOMES TRAIL Do you know what’s inside a mouse nest? Observe wildlife, complete with five life size models of animal “homes” with signs along the way to tell the stories about animals living around the San Joaquin River. Tip toe through a mouse house, climb inside a caddis fly cocoon, be a baby eagle in our giant eagle nest, then picnic and explore the River Center grounds. The Hidden Homes Trail located at the San Joaquin River Parkway River Center is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and is specifically designed for preschool children. Open Saturday and Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno. 248-8480 •IMAGINE U INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM A place where children and families can enjoy a hands-on multicultural learning experience which features the “Imagination Center” where children can dress in costumes and play musical instruments. For the small members of the family there is “Toddler Town” with crawl spaces and other toys. Also there is science and nutritional learning experiences available. Open Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays 12 noon-4 p.m. By appointment for groups and schools. Admission $4. 700 E. Main Street, Visalia. 733-5975 •MEOW! Visit some of the world’s most endangered species of cats, including the Bengal tiger and the clouded leopard in natural habitats at the Project Survival Cat Haven. Visitors learn about the cats and efforts being made to save them from extinction. This wild animal park features guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday. Admission: adults $9, children ages 5-12 $6 and seniors $7.50. Field trips available. Located on Hwy 180, 45 miles east of Fresno and 15 miles west of Kings Canyon National Park. 338-1336 •MINERALS AND GEMS Displays at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum include California’s largest existing Gold Rush specimen of crystallized gold, mineral and gem specimens from around the world, a miniature mining town and stamp mill. Open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: adults $4, children age 12 and under free. Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 5005 Fairgrounds Road. (209) 742-7625 |