Rowan loves being outside. I try to find activities and outings that satisfy his need for the great outdoors. Keep reading for the next installment of Fresno Family Fun. Today, we are hanging out at the Small Fry Trail at the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery.
We discovered the Small Fry Children’s Trail at the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery a few months ago.
The fish hatchery is located just outside of Fresno in Friant. Open and free to the public, the fish hatchery allows locals and tourists to explore and learn about fish.
The San Joaquin Fish Hatchery
When we arrived at the fish hatchery, the first thing we did was feed the fish. Rowan had so much fun watching the fish jump in the water whenever we dropped food. Bring quarters, just in case. The food was just sitting in the dispenser when we arrived. We didn’t need to pay this time, but just keep in mind you may have to pay for fish food.
Small Fry Children’s Trail
After feeding the fish, we headed out on the Small Fry Children’s Trail. Perfect for tiny legs, the trail is small and path-like and is organized by a fish’s life stages.
When we first arrived, we didn’t know that the trail was organized this way, and we started at the end of a fish’s development: adulthood. Because Rowan is not quite two, he really didn’t care where we started. He just wanted to explore. If you have older kids, you may want to start on the side of the trail that begins with a sign that reads Cobble Creek.
There are interactive activities and play areas scattered throughout the Small Fry Trail, perfect for my active toddler. If I had elementary school children, I would also bring them to the Small Fry Trail. It’s an outing for the whole family. There is also a picnic area perfect for a lunch break.
If you are in Fresno, you should check out the Small Fry Trail at the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery this summer! We had so much fun as a family there. I am considering inviting a couple of Rowan’s friends and their mamas to join us on the trail before it gets too hot in the Valley.
The San Joaquin Fish Hatchery is open from 7:30am – 3pm at 17372 Brook Trout Drive, Friant, CA 93626.
For more Fresno Family Fun, check out these posts:
This looks like such a fun family outing! My son would have loved this if we still lived in CA 😉
This looks like such a fun family trip. Definitely doable with one or two babies
Angela
What a great place for kids to play, learn and explore! I will definitely add this one to my list.
Sounds like such a great place to visit !! The boys would love this !