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 (Fresno, Clovis, 559-433-3434, 559-970-9454) takes the cake for best party place. The second place award goes to OH WOW! Nickel Arcade (Fresno, Merced, 559-432-0123, 209-383-1880.) Readers voted Wild Child Adventures (Central California, 559-352-3667) as the number one kids’ party entertainer with their fun bubble play. In a magical second is Silly Dans Magic for Kids (Fresno, 559-313-0012.)
Special Delivery
Birthdays are best at Clovis Community Medical Center (Clovis, 559-324-4000) and Kaiser Permanente (Fresno, 559-448-4500) delivers a strong second!
Palette Pleaser
United Conservatory of Music and Arts Fresno (Fresno, 559-249-2851) was voted the best art studio. Gypsy Jane’s Painted House (Clovis, 559-250-6700) paints its way into second with classes and workshops for all ages!
Finest Fashions
Parents head to The Children’s Place (Fresno, 559-221-1010, 559-440-1019) when they’re looking to dress the kiddos. Fairy Godmother’s Closet (Fresno, 559-207-3767) comes in a fashionable second!
Finest Footwork
Judy’s Dance Studio (Clovis, 559-286-7786) receives the most accolades for dance classes. Dance Studio of Fresno (Fresno, 559-432-0267) waltzes into second.
Fantastic Gymnastics
Families flip for The Little Gym (Clovis, Fresno, 559-433-3434, 559-970-9454) with a variety of gym programs for kids. My Gym (Clovis, 559-797-4243) sticks the landing for second with their inclusive 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 City Cutters Family Hair Salon (Fresno, 559-375-1029.) Great Clips (Clovis, Fresno, Hanford, Visalia, 559-455-0100, 559-231-5883, 559-435-3944, 559-375-1773, 559-292-3500, 559-589-0407, 559-625-3522, 559-625-4247) came in second by a hair.
Standing Ovation
Good Company Players (Fresno, 559-266-9494) receives a standing ovation from Central California families for their live theater. Dedicated to providing excellent, accessible musical theater training and performances to the community, Children’s Musical Theaterworks (Clovis, Fresno, 559-835-6875) also receives rave reviews.
Karate Kudos
American Academy of Martial Arts (Clovis, 559-297-7415) achieves a black belt as the best martial arts studio followed by a tie for second with Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts (Fresno, 559-261-2805) and Moore’s Martial Arts – Elite Team Jiu Jitsu (Fresno, 559-348-1448.)
Must See Museum
Fresno Discovery Center (Fresno, 559-251-5533) and ImagineU Children’s Museum (Visalia, 559-733-5975) tie for first as the Valley’s best museums. Also popular, and coming in second, is Madera County Museum (Madera, 559-673-0291.)
Most Noteworthy
United Conservatory of Music and Arts Fresno (Fresno, 559-249-2851) chimes in at first place with Music Together Fresno-Clovis (Fresno, 559-458-8811) ringing in at second.
Grade A Childcare
Top marks are awarded to Kids Kare (Clovis, Fresno, Madera, 559-275-1169) for their quality care in a nurturing environment. Ebony Faleen Daycare (Fresno, 559-478-3316) comes in second as a family-favorite.
Super Swimmers
Teaching children the fun of swimming and how to gain confidence in the water is paramount at Jamie’s School of Fish (Clovis, Fresno, 559-944-9909), voted best swim school fins down by families. Bullfrog Swim School (Clovis, 559-281-8650) comes in second by a stroke.
Best ABC’s and 1-2-3’s
Voted the valedictorian of tutoring centers is Kumon Math and Reading Center (Clovis, Fresno, Hanford, Visalia, 1-800-222-6284) in first place. Also scoring high in second, is Math Crazy Tutoring Fresno (Fresno, 559-439-6700.)
Most Amusing
Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center (Fresno, 559-292-9000) comes through as the winner in our Entertainment & Amusement Centers category. Close behind in a tie is Xcape Room Fresno (Fresno, 559-492-3367) and OH WOW! Nickel Arcade (Fresno, Merced, 559-432-0123, 209-383-1880.)
Winning Work Out
GB3 (Fresno, Clovis, 559-439-6700, 559-323-4414) has the most muscle when it comes to working up a sweat. Crossing the finish line second is DEFY Clovis (Clovis, 559-345-6410.)
Favorite Family Night Out
Families love Noah’s Ark Restaurant & Bakery (Fresno, 559-225-1045) for yummy slices. El Patio Mexican (Fresno, 559-721-7757) comes in as the second course.
Mall with the Most
Villaggio Shopping Center (Fresno), with its variety of retail stores and eateries, is a hit with families when it’s time to shop or just hang out. Best Plaza Shopping Center (Fresno) places a fashionable second!
Tummy Yummies
Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center (Fresno, 559-292-9000) has treats that kids crave! Corner Bakery Cafe (Fresno, 559-328-5991) bakes its way into second place.
Picture Perfect
Children say, “cheese” most often for Jen Hendryx (Central California, 559-579-8111.) Zooming their way into second is Madison Thomson (Central California, 203-517-7598.)
Pizza with Pizazz
No matter how you slice it Weekend Dreams Pizza & Wings (Fresno, 559-227-5200) is the best place for pizza. 525 Pizza (Fresno, 559-375-1680) is second in slices.
Waterpark Pick
When the mercury soars past 100 degrees, families flee to waterparks! Island Waterpark (Fresno, 559-277-6800) makes the biggest splash with families, followed by Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center (Fresno, 559-292-9000) with their classic water slides!
Ideal Indoor Sport Center
M and M Indoor Playground (Clovis, 559-321-8852) adventures into first place with lots of indoor fun! Just Kiddin Indoor Playground (Fresno, 559-691-6001) is a cool second.
Best Braces
The winner in the first bracket is Costanzo Orthodontics (Fresno, 559-435-5033) with their outstanding service. Brace yourselves—Thurman Orthodontics (Fresno, 559-439-0425) takes second place.
Pearly Whites
Families who want bright smiles head to Jelmini Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics (Fresno, 559-439-2147.) In second is California KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry (Clovis, Fresno, Reedley, 559-439-6600), where they specialize in the treatment and prevention of childhood dental disease.
Pediatrician Perfection
Checkups are best with care at Central Valley Pediatrics (Fresno, 559-431-6600.) Community Medical Providers Medical Group (Auberry, Clovis, Fresno, Kingsburg, Reedley, 559-228-5472) takes a close second with their wide variety of locations.
Best Beasts
Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Fresno, 559-498-5910) is the favorite place to see animals as it inspires wonder of the natural world, provides an engaging learning environment, and creates a passion for conservation. Owl Hollow at San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Inc. (Fresno, 559-248-8480) soars into second.
Premier Private School
Carden School of Fresno (Fresno, 559-323-0126) made the grade for premier private school in the Valley. Also receiving top marks is The Growing Patch Private Preschool (Fresno, 559-435-4934) who takes second place.
Fast Food Find
Families looking for quick-service food head to P.F. Chang’s (Fresno, 559-438-0814) when it’s dinner time. Following in second is Asian Kitchen (Fresno, 559-478-5095.)