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 Jungle Party House (Clovis; (559) 325-1021) takes the cake for best party place with their indoor fun center. The second place award goes to The Little Gym (Clovis: (559) 663-8594; Fresno: (559) 663-8611). Readers voted A Wish Your Heart Makes (Central California; (559) 784-4064) as the number one kids’ party entertainer. 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). Delivering second place is St. Agnes Medical Center (Fresno; (559) 450-3000).
Palette Pleaser
Color Me Mine (Fresno; (559) 550-2750) was voted the best art studio. Kids can paint, draw, swim, and more at Children’s Art Studio (Fresno; (559) 777-7994) as they paint the way into second place.
Finest Fashions
Parents head to Fairy Godmother’s Closet (Fresno; (559) 207-3767) when they’re looking to dress the kiddos. Old Navy (Central California; (800) 653-6289) comes in a fashionable second!
Finest Footwork
Dolce Dance Studio (Fresno; (559) 322-1171) receives the most accolades for dance classes. America’s Kids in Motion (Fresno; (559) 324-7946) taps into second.
Fantastic Gymnastics
Families flip for The Little Gym (Clovis: (559) 663-8594; Fresno: (559) 663-8611). Offering tumbling, NinjaZone, acrobatics, and more, Gymnastics Beat (Fresno; (559) 271-9400) sticks the landing for second.
Hairdos Done Right
Whether it’s that emotional first haircut or just a trim, the shear favorites are Bumblebee Kids Hair Salon (Fresno; (559) 385-4843) and Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids (Fresno; (559) 457-8588).
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 for their live theater. Good Company Players (Fresno; (559) 266-0211) 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 offering MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate. Following in second is Pacific Martial Arts (Clovis, Fresno; (559) 436-4641).
Must See Museum
Fresno Discovery Center (Fresno; (559) 251-5533) was voted the Valley’s best museum for kids with their camps, events, and year-round fun. Also popular was ImagineU Children’s Museum (Visalia; (559) 733-5975) where kids learn, grow, and celebrate through the power of play!
Most Noteworthy
Fresno School of Music (Fresno; (559) 439-6609) chimes in at first place with classes, recitals, workshops, and activities. Music Together Bloom & Grow (Clovis, Fresno; (559) 314-3400) creates confident music-makers and rings in at second place.
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 Schools (Clovis, Fresno, Madera; (559) 275-1169) comes in second as a family favorite.
Super Swimmers
Amy Morris Swim School (Clovis; (559) 299-8080) was voted best swim school fins down by families. Teaching children the fun of swimming and how to gain confidence in the water is Jamie’s School of Fish (Clovis, Fresno; (559) 944-9909), who 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 (Central California; (800) 222-6284) in first place. College Planning & Tutorial Center (Fresno; (559) 406-8706), comprised of experienced educators dedicated to helping all students succeed, scores high in second place.
Most Amusing
Kids Empire (Clovis: (559) 712-5848; Fresno: (559) 712-7395) comes through as the winner in our Entertainment & Amusement Centers category. Close behind is Inclusive Kids Studio (Clovis; (559) 882-3012) with their giant ball pit, toddler-friendly slides, and climbing structures.
Favorite Family Night Out
Families love Red Robin (Central California; (877) 733-6543) and voted them the top place for a meal. Mad Duck (Clovis: (559) 298-3825; Fresno: (559) 325-3825) 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. Fashion Fair Mall (Fresno; (559) 224-1591) places a fashionable second!
Tummy Yummies
Ampersand (Clovis, Fresno; (559) 264-8000) has treats that kids crave with their rotating flavors! Mickey’s Yogurt (Clovis; (559) 298-9648) swirls its way into second place.
Picture Perfect
Children say, “cheese” most often for Photos by Kendall (Central California; (559) 967-3452). Zooming into second is PhotoJennic Memories (Central California; (559) 213-9607).
Pizza with Pizazz
No matter how you slice it, Me-N-Ed’s (Central California; (559) 432-0399) is the best place for pizza—sweeping the category!
Waterpark Pick
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
Kids Empire (Clovis: (559) 712-5848; Fresno: (559) 712-7395) adventures into first place with lots of indoor fun! No Surrender Laser Tag & Adventure Park (Clovis: (559) 981-2046; Fresno: (559) 551-4386) is a cool second.
Best Braces
Brace yourself—sweeping the category is Nalchajian Orthodontics (Clovis: (559) 299-9561; Fresno: (559) 432-7100) with comprehensive orthodontic services, including braces, Invisalign, bite correction, and more.
Pearly Whites
In first place, flashing big smiles is California KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry (Central California; (559) 439-5200) with six convenient Valley locations. Brushing into second is Powell Pediatric Dentistry (Clovis: (559) 900-7133; Fresno: (559) 299-3949; Visalia: (559) 624-1177).
Pediatrician Perfection
Checkups are best with care at CMP Pediatrics (Fresno; (559) 437-7338) featuring well visits, same-day sick visits, immunizations, and more. Northwest Medical Center (Fresno; (559) 271-6302) takes a close second with personalized care.
Best Beasts
Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Fresno; (559) 498-5910) is the Valley’s favorite place to see animals.
Premier Private School
Kings Christian School (Fresno; (559) 924-8301) made the grade for premier private school in the Valley. Also receiving top marks is St. Anthony’s School (Fresno; (559) 435-0700), earning 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 Habit Burger (Central California; (949) 851-8881).