Fresno, CA is a beautiful city that offers its residents a lot. There are many great restaurants, stunning hiking trails, and attractions. Today, we’re focusing on some of the greatest outdoor activities you can drive to in the Fresno area.

1. Exploring Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Exploring Fresno Chaffee Zoo at 894 W Belmont Ave is one fantastic outdoor activity you can enjoy in Fresno. You can visit between 8 and 2 any day of the week, and if you love it, you can get a membership for as little as $75. There are several exhibits and attractions you can find here, including the African Adventure exhibit, Sea Lion Cove, and a bird show.

You can also find Stingray Bay at this zoo. You can touch cow-nose rays and southern stingrays for just $5 if you are a non-member or enjoy this hands-on exhibit for free if you are a member. Also, for a mere $3, you can feed the stingrays.

2. Soaking Up the Sun at Island Waterpark

During the summer, you can soak up the sun at Island Waterpark at 6099 W Barstow Ave. There are several cabanas throughout the waterpark that you can rent that hold eight to 60 people. There are also lots of rides and attractions that will calm or thrill you. If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, take a leisurely ride around Waimea River or play in ‘Ohana Bay. For a thrill, try:

  • Thrills of Fiji
  • Nature’s Furies
  • Tsunami

Besides the variety of rides and thrill levels, we love how many food options there are at this waterpark. If you don’t want to eat a heavy meal before sliding down thrilling slides, you can grab a snack at Sharky’s. The hot dogs and chicken strips at Aloha Cafe are always a hit with kids, and you can’t go wrong with a burger from the cafe. You can even end your day with ice cream and funnel cakes.

3. Reflecting at Shinzen Friendship Garden

We all feel overwhelmed by all of our responsibilities every once in a while. If you feel like your life is too hectic, we strongly recommend reflecting at Shinzen Friendship Garden at 114 W. Audubon Dr. If you want to enjoy the peaceful garden at your leisure, you can take a self-guided tour or wander wherever you feel like exploring. We recommend checking out the Koi Pond.

The Fresno area has lots to offer people who want to spend an enjoyable day outdoors. However, to get to these great places, you need a reliable vehicle, such as a 2023 Toyota Corolla. Contact us today at Own a Car Fresno for help getting into a better vehicle.