The River Parkway Trust offers weekend programs for pre-K through elementary-aged youth, as well as family-friendly events throughout the year. Private programs are available upon request. All staff and volunteers for weekend youth programs are fingerprinted and background-checked.
Inspire Charter Funds Accepted. The Registration Code for each program can be found in the Parent Portal.
Second Saturdays on the San Joaquin River
Join River Parkway Trust Staff and special guest presenters on the second Saturday of each month for a morning of events for all ages! Each program date includes multiple programs following the same daily theme that take place simultaneously at a Parkway Property, followed by a hands-on workshop that the whole family can enjoy.
Each Second Saturday will include:
9:00 am - 11:00 amRiver Buddies Weekend Explorers (Ages 18 months - 5 years) River Buddies Weekend Explorers programs include developmentally appropriate activities for little ones, focusing on socio-emotional learning, motor skills, healthy risk taking, creativity, and exploration in the natural environment. Each program date will include a song, story, craft, sensory activity, and exploration activity following the day’s theme. A parent or guardian must stay with River Buddies for the duration of each program date.
Weekend Youth Naturalist (Ages 6-10) Weekend Youth Naturalist programs aim to equip the next generation with skills and knowledge to be natural explorers and stewards of the Earth through fun, exploratory learning activities and games. Each program date includes a nature hike, STEM activity, game, and experiential component following the day’s theme. Parents/guardians are not required to stay with Youth Naturalists during the program, but must remain on site.
Nature Walk & Talks (Ages 10+) Nature Walks invite participants ages 10+ to explore the wild and wonderful natural world of the San Joaquin River Parkway through engaging guest presentations, educational hikes, and reflective activities following the day’s theme. Hikes may be up to 2 miles in length and require walking on uneven terrain. If you require special accessibility accommodations, please contact River Parkway Trust staff prior to the walk to discuss arrangements.
11:30 am - 12:30 pmFamily Workshops (All ages; includes a craft or take home element) Workshops bring the whole family together to further explore the daily theme through a hands-on craft or DIY project that is yours to keep! Family workshops are approximately 1 hour in length; registrations are per project, not per person. Please see the notes on each workshop for recommendations on registering as a family or as individuals for that session.
Advanced registration required for program events. Price per event may vary based on included activities. Spring 2024 Second Saturdays have ended for the season. Check back in August for the fall 2024 lineup!
9:00 am - 11:00 amRiver Buddies Weekend Explorers (Ages 18 months - 5 years) River Buddies Weekend Explorers programs include developmentally appropriate activities for little ones, focusing on socio-emotional learning, motor skills, healthy risk taking, creativity, and exploration in the natural environment. Each program date will include a song, story, craft, sensory activity, and exploration activity following the day’s theme. A parent or guardian must stay with River Buddies for the duration of each program date.
Weekend Youth Naturalist (Ages 6-10) Weekend Youth Naturalist programs aim to equip the next generation with skills and knowledge to be natural explorers and stewards of the Earth through fun, exploratory learning activities and games. Each program date includes a nature hike, STEM activity, game, and experiential component following the day’s theme. Parents/guardians are not required to stay with Youth Naturalists during the program, but must remain on site.
Nature Walk & Talks (Ages 10+) Nature Walks invite participants ages 10+ to explore the wild and wonderful natural world of the San Joaquin River Parkway through engaging guest presentations, educational hikes, and reflective activities following the day’s theme. Hikes may be up to 2 miles in length and require walking on uneven terrain. If you require special accessibility accommodations, please contact River Parkway Trust staff prior to the walk to discuss arrangements.
11:30 am - 12:30 pmFamily Workshops (All ages; includes a craft or take home element) Workshops bring the whole family together to further explore the daily theme through a hands-on craft or DIY project that is yours to keep! Family workshops are approximately 1 hour in length; registrations are per project, not per person. Please see the notes on each workshop for recommendations on registering as a family or as individuals for that session.
Advanced registration required for program events. Price per event may vary based on included activities. Spring 2024 Second Saturdays have ended for the season. Check back in August for the fall 2024 lineup!
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Family Scavenger Hunts
Spring 2024 Family Scavenger Hunts will be incorporated into our Youth Parkway Ambassadors Open House Dates. Each open house event host a variety of activities. Spring 2024 Open House date will be: April 6th.
If your little ones enjoy being outdoors, solving clues, and searching for hidden items, then this is perfect for you. Compete in a scavenger hunt race where you will look for six different tokens hidden at one of our properties along the San Joaquin River. The first group to finish each hunt will win a 2-hour canoe rental from Sycamore Island (a $30 value).
Age: All Ages Welcome; groups of 2-6 participants
Price: Free
Dates/Times: April 6th.
No registration needed.
If your group arrives after the start time, you will still be able to participate, but will not have as much time as the other participants. This event is design to be fun for the whole family; all ages are welcome. Please plan to complete the activity as a team.
Please bring a water bottle and snack, dress appropriately for a day outdoors and wear shoes that can get dirty.
For more information, contact Carina Damian at cdamian@riverparkway.org or call 559-248-8480 ext. 218.
Private Booking
Book a private weekend program for your group. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, team outtings, and more. Activities can be customized for your group.
Private programs cannot be booked with less than 14 days' notice and must be paid at least 7 days in advance. Contact the River Parkway Trust at (559) 248-8480 ext. 215 or gsantellano@riverparkway.org for more information or to schedule your program today.
