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
John’s Incredible Pizza (Fresno, 559-323-1111) takes the cake for best party place. The second place award goes to The Jungle Party House (Clovis, 559-325-1021). Readers voted Reptile Ron Animal Presentations (Central Valley, 559-970-4881) as the number one kids’ party entertainer with their reptile fun. In a bubbly second is Wild Child Adventures (Central California, 559-352-3667).
Special Delivery
Birth days are best at Clovis Community Medical Center (Clovis, 559-324-4000) and Community Regional Medical Center (Fresno, 559-459-6000)!
Palette Pleaser
United Conservatory of Music & Arts Fresno (Fresno, 559-249-2851) was voted the best art studio. Color Me Mine (Fresno, 559-550-2750) and The Artist in Me (Central California, 559-367-2084) paints the way into a second place tie!
Finest Fashions
Parents head to Target (Central California, 800-440-0680) when they’re looking to dress the kiddos. Old Navy (Central California, 1-800-653-6289) comes in a fashionable second!
Finest Footwork
The Little Gym (Fresno, Clovis, 559-663-8611, 559-663-8594) receives the most accolades for dance classes. The Dance Studio of Fresno (Fresno, 559-432-0267) and The Dance Studio 2 (Fresno, 559-323-5047) both waltz into second.
Fantastic Gymnastics
Families flip for The Little Gym (Fresno, Clovis, 559-663-8611, 559-663-8594) with a variety of gym programs. America’s Kids in Motion (Clovis, 559-324-7946) sticks the landing for second.
Hairdos Done Right
Whether it’s that emotional first hair cut or just a trim, the shear favorite is Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids (Fresno, 559-457-8588). Supercuts (Central California, 800-345-7811) came in second by a hair.
Standing Ovation
Dedicated to providing excellent, accessible musical theater training and performances to the community, Children’s Musical Theaterworks (Fresno, 559-835-6875) receives a standing ovation from Central California families for their live theater. Good Company Players (Fresno, 559-266-9494) also receives rave reviews in second place.
Karate Kudos
Guido’s Martial Arts Academy (Clovis, 559-477-2053) achieves a black belt as the best martial arts studio followed by Fresno Ultimate Martial Arts (Fresno, 559-261-2805) in second.
Must See Museum
Fresno Discovery Center (Fresno, 559-251-5533) was voted the Valley’s best museum for kids. Also popular, was ImagineU Children’s Museum (Visalia, 559-733-5975).
Most Noteworthy
Fresno Music Academy & Arts (Fresno, 559-207-3833, 559-222-7464) chimes in at first place with Music Together Fresno-Clovis* (Fresno, 559-458-8811) and United Conservatory of Music and Arts Fresno (Fresno, 559-249-2851) ringing in at second place tie.
Grade A Childcare
Top marks are awarded to Brighten Academy Preschool (Clovis, Fresno, 559-900-4352) for their quality care, nurturing environment, and multiple locations. Kids Kare (Clovis, Fresno, Madera, 559-332-5584) 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 Bullfrog Swim School (Clovis, 559-281-8650), voted best swim school fins down by families. Amy Morris Swim School (Clovis, 559-299-8080) comes in second by a stroke.
Best A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s
Voted the valedictorian of tutoring centers is Kumon Math & Reading Center (Clovis, Fresno, Hanford, Visalia, 1-800-222-6284) in first place. Also scoring high in second, is Mathnasium (Fresno, 559-449-0104).
Most Amusing
Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center (Fresno, 559-292-9000) comes through as the winner in our Entertainment & Amusement Centers category. Close behind is Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Clovis, Merced, Visalia, 559-345-6410, 209-500-1355,
209-500-1355).
Winning Work Out
Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Clovis, Merced, Visalia, 559-345-6410, 209-500-1355, 209-500-1355) has the most muscle when it comes to working up a sweat. Crossing the finish line second is GB3 (Fresno, Clovis, 559-298-2778).
Favorite Family Night Out
Families love Red Robin (Clovis, Fresno, Visalia, 1-877-733-6543) and voted them the top place for a meal. Lazy Dog (Fresno, 559-691-5300) comes in as the second course.
Mall with the Most
River Park Shopping Center (Fresno, 559-437-4855), with its variety of retail stores and eateries, is a hit with families when it’s time to shop or just hang out. Sierra Vista Mall (Clovis, 559-299-0660) places a fashionable second!
Tummy Yummies
Ampersand (Fresno, 559-264-8000, 559-797-4471, 559-478-5858) has treats that kids crave with their rotating flavors! Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (Clovis, Fresno, 559-412-2444) swirls its way into second place.
Picture Perfect
Children say, “cheese” most often for JCPenney’s (Central California, 800-322-1189). Zooming into second is Sierra Kopinski Photography (Central California, 559-908-1147).
Pizza with Pizazz
No matter how you slice it Me-N-Ed’s (Central California, (559-432-0399) is the best place for pizza. John’s Incredible Pizza (Fresno, 323-1111) is second in slices.
Waterpark Pick
When the mercury soars past 100 degrees, families flee to waterparks! Wild Water Adventure Park (Clovis, 559-299-9453) makes the biggest splash with families, followed by Island Waterpark (Fresno, 559-277-6800) with water fun galore!
Ideal Indoor Sport Center
No Surrender Laser Tag & Adventure Park (Clovis, Fresno, 559-981-2046, 559-551-4386) adventures into first place with lots of indoor fun! Kids Play Cafe (Fresno, 559-475-0899) is a cool second.
Best Braces
The winner in the first bracket is Thurman Orthodontics (Fresno, 559-439-0425) with their outstanding service. Brace yourselves—Nalchajian Orthodontics (Clovis, Fresno, 559-299-9561, 559-432-7100) takes second place.
Pearly Whites
In first place, flashing big smiles is California KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry (Clovis, Fresno, Merced, Reedley, 559-439-6600) with six convenient Valley locations. Brushing into second is Powell Pediatric Dentistry (Clovis, Fresno, Visalia,
599-431-9701).
Pediatrician Perfection
Checkups are best with care at Peachwood Pediatrics (Clovis, 559-324-6202). Dr. Nidhi Mehrotra (Fresno, 559-325-2400) takes a close second with personalized care.
Best Beasts
Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Fresno, 559-498-5910) is the favorite place to see animals. Project Survival Cat Haven (Dunlap, 559-338-3216) pounces into second.
Premier Private School
Fairmont Private School (Fresno, 559-226-2347) made the grade for premier private school in the Valley. Also receiving top marks is Fresno Christian Schools (Fresno, 559-299-1695) who takes second place.
Fast Food Find
Families looking for quick-service food head to In-N-Out (Central California, 800-786-1000), with convenient locations all over the Valley. Following in second for quick bites is Chick-fil-A (Fresno, 559-432-3622, 559-226-1967).
*After 10 harmonious years, Music Together Fresno-Clovis will be taking its final bow and closing its doors.