Keeping kids outfitted, finding fabulous places for fun, and even knowing where to grab a bite to eat are all in a day’s work for us parents. To make it easier, we decided a little networking was in order. So once again, Central California Parent Magazine polled all you moms and dads out there to tell us what’s worth raving about—and we heard you loud and clear! Thanks to everyone who filled out the Readers’ Choice Award Ballot—we’re sure lots of other families will enjoy checking out your picks.
Party Perfection
The Little Gym (Clovis and Fresno, 970-9454, 433-3434) takes the cake for best party place. The second place award goes to John’s Incredible Pizza (Fresno, 323-1111). Readers voted Fresno Fancy Faces (Central California, 260-4049) and Twinkles the Clown (Central California, 392-4742) as number one kids’ party entertainers.
Special Delivery
Birthdays are best at Kaiser Permanente (Fresno, 448-4500) with advanced technology and the expertise of top-ranked physicians! Adventist Health (Hanford, Reedley, Selma, Tulare, 916-406-0000) delivers a strong second!
Palette Pleaser
AR Workshop Fresno (Fresno, 490-6875) was voted the best art studio where children can experience the intuitive art process. California Arts Academy (Fresno, 222-6539 or 498-3300) paint their way into second place.
Finest Fashions
Parents head to Carter’s (Fresno and Tulare, 432-2963, 275-0120, 687-1244) when they’re looking to dress the kiddos. In a close and stylish second was Fairy Godmother’s Closet (Fresno, 207-3767).
Finest Footwork
Danceworks Unlimited (Fresno, 225-9010) receives the most accolades for dance classes. Dance Studio of Fresno (Fresno, 432-0267) waltzes in a close second.
Fantastic Gymnastics
Families flip for The Little Gym (Clovis and Fresno, 970-9454, 433-3434) with a variety of gym programs for kids. America’s Kids in Motion (Clovis, 324-7946) sticks the landing for second with their fun classes and programs.
Hairdo’s Done Right
Whether it’s that emotional first hair cut, a trim, or a buzz cut, the shear favorite is Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids (Fresno, 457-8588). Corky’s Cuts 4 Kids (Clovis, 434-8000) came in second by a hair.
Standing Ovation
Good Company Players’ Junior Company at Roger Rocka’s (Fresno, 266-0211) receives a standing ovation from Central California families for their live theater. Dedicated to the training of young performers in the area of musical theater and the arts, Children’s Musical Theaterworks (Fresno, 442-3140) also receives rave reviews.
Karate Kudos
Pacific Martial Arts (Clovis and Fresno, 289-2300, 436-4641) achieves a black belt as the best martial arts studio followed by Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts (Fresno, 261-2805) who comes in second.
Must See Museum
The Discovery Center (Fresno, 251-5533) is where science, nature, and regional history adventures await for parents and kids alike. Also popular, and coming in second, is Fresno Art Museum (Fresno, 441-4221) featuring contemporary, modern, and Pre-Columbian art.
Most Noteworthy
United Conservatory of Music (Fresno, 869-8263) hits a high note offering a variety of music lessons for kids. Fresno Music Academy & Arts (Fresno, 222-7464) chimes in at second.
Grade A Preschool
Top marks are awarded to KinderCare (Clovis and Fresno, 297-1888, 433-6630, 438-7740) for their quality care in a nurturing environment. Also praised by parents was second place winner, Little Friends Learning Center (Fresno, 439-2213).
Super Swimmers
The water is great and so is the instruction at Bullfrog Swim School (Clovis, 281-8650) voted best swim school fins down by families. Amy Morris Swim School (Clovis, 299-8080) comes in second by a stroke.
Best ABC’s and 1-2-3’s
Voted the Valedictorian of tutoring centers, LearningRx (Fresno, 399-4196) helps kids make the grade. Also scoring high is Math Crazy (Fresno, 439-6700).
Most Amusing
Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center (Fresno, 292-9000), comes through loud and clear as the winner in our Entertainment & Amusement Centers category. Close behind in a land of exciting make-believe is Storyland (Fresno, 486-2124).
Winning Work Out
GB3 (Fresno and Clovis, 298-2778) has the most muscle when it comes to working up a sweat. Crossing the finish line second is MetalMark (Fresno, 229-7900) featuring an indoor climbing and fitness center.
Favorite Family Night Out
Families flock to Red Robin (Fresno, Clovis, and Visalia, 877-733-6543) for the casual atmosphere, great kid’s menu, and reasonable prices. John’s Incredible Pizza (Fresno, 323-1111) comes in as the second course.
Mall with the Most
River Park Shopping Center (Fresno, 437-4855), with its variety of retail stores and restaurants is a hit with families when it’s time to shop or just hang out. Fashion Fair (Fresno, 224-1591) places a fashionable second place.
Tummy Yummies
Mouthwatering treats that top the list are found at G’s Creamery (Fresno, 515-6782, 515-6765) with all-natural, handcrafted ice cream! Chocolate Wishes and Treats (Clovis, 323-9474) came in a cool second with gourmet caramel apples, truffles, ice-cream, gelato, and more.
Picture Perfect
Children say, “cheese” most often for Fresno Family Photos (Fresno, 301-2378). Zooming their way into second is Milne Photography (Fresno, 431-0681) and Sweet October Photography (Central California, 917-9147).
Pizza with Pizzaz
No matter how you slice it John’s Incredible Pizza (Fresno, 323-1111) is the best place for pizza. Blaze Pizza (Clovis and Fresno, 573-8750, 242-2374), takes a tasty second featuring customizable pies!
Waterpark Pick
When the mercury soars past 100 degrees families flee to waterparks! Wild Water Adventure Park (Clovis, 299-9453) makes the biggest splash with families, followed by Island Waterpark (Fresno, 277-6800) with a lazy river float, racing slides, and more.
Ideal Indoor Sport Center
Aerozone Trampoline Park (Fresno, 225-2955) bounces into first place this year! No Surrender Adventure Park (Clovis and Fresno, 981-2046, 551-4386) land in second for indoor fun.
Best Braces
The winner in the first bracket is Mark Lowe D.D.S. Orthodontics (Fresno, 467-1235) with their outstanding service. Brace yourselves—DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics (Clovis and Fresno, 325-3300) takes second place!
Pearly Whites
Families who want bright smiles head to California KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry (Fresno, Clovis, and Reedley, 439-6600, 439-5200, 439-5300, or 743-7095) where they specialize in the treatment and prevention of childhood dental disease. Smiling in second is Central California Children’s Dentistry (Fresno and Merced, 554-9999, 554-9334, 840-1082, 840-0732, 878-2685, 209-580-4008).
Pediatrician Perfection
Checkups are best with award-winning care at Peachwood Pediatricians (Clovis, 324-6202). Central Valley Pediatrics (Fresno, 431-6600) pediatricians take a close second with their wide variety of services.
Best Beasts
Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Fresno, 498-5910) sweeps the category as the favorite place to see animals with over 200 different species across many different world-class exhibits, including hands-on experiences.
Premier Private School
Fairmont Private School (Fresno, 226-2347) made the grade for premier private school in Central California. Also receiving top marks is Maverick Prep Private School (Fresno, 431-7446).
Fast Food Find
Families looking for quick-service food head to In-N-Out (Central California, 800-786-1000) for their classic menu. Following in second is Chick-fil-A (Fresno, 432-3622, 226-1967) with their kid-friendly options.