The River Parkway Trust offers weekend program offerings for pre-K through high-school-aged youth as well as family-friendly events throughout the year. All staff and volunteers for weekend youth programs are fingerprinted and background checked. Click the name of the program below or scroll down to find out more.
Family Scavenger Hunts
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. All clues are family-friendly, so everyone will be part of the action!
The first group to finish each hunt will win a 2-hour canoe rental from Sycamore Island (a $30 value; please note if the Scavenger Hunt does not take place at Sycamore Island the regular $9 day pass fee will apply when redeeming the canoe rental).
Age: All Ages Welcome
Price: $20 registration is for one family group of up to 6
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the morning of each event at 9 am. Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
Please note: we will change the scavenger hunt clues/locations every few months.
Please note: we will change the scavenger hunt clues/locations every few months.
River Buddies Weekend Explorers
You and your weekend explorer will embark on an adventure following one of our educational themes (Bug Buddies, Bird Buddies, Nature Neighbors, or Pond Pals) at the River Center (11605 Old Friant Rd).
During the two-hour-long session, your Weekend Explorer will go on a one-hour nature walk, do a craft activity, sing fun songs, listen to a story, and end with a stimulating hands-on activity, all related to the day's educational theme! Your child will leave the River Center with a curious mind wanting to know more about our local environment and its native species.
Trips are run by trained staff and volunteer docents. Parents are required to remain on the property for the duration of the trip and assist with social distancing among youth participants.
During the two-hour-long session, your Weekend Explorer will go on a one-hour nature walk, do a craft activity, sing fun songs, listen to a story, and end with a stimulating hands-on activity, all related to the day's educational theme! Your child will leave the River Center with a curious mind wanting to know more about our local environment and its native species.
Trips are run by trained staff and volunteer docents. Parents are required to remain on the property for the duration of the trip and assist with social distancing among youth participants.
Age: Open to children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 6 years old.
Price: $15 per child and online registration & payment in advance are required.
Time Frame: Each program runs for two hours, with most dates taking place on Saturday afternoons.
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the morning of each event at 9 am.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
Weekend Youth Naturalist
The Weekend Youth Naturalist Program aims to equip the next generation with skills to be natural explorers and stewards of the Earth through fun, exploratory learning activities. Each trip includes a nature hike, scientific exploration activity, game, and sensory or experiential activity at a property along the San Joaquin River Parkway.
Parents are required to stay on site for the duration of the trip, and are encouraged to assist with social distancing and participate in activities with their Youth Naturalists.
Parents are required to stay on site for the duration of the trip, and are encouraged to assist with social distancing and participate in activities with their Youth Naturalists.
Age: Open to children between the ages of 6 and 9 years old.
Price: $15.00 fee per child (please only select the number of CHILD participants when registering).
Time Frame: Each program runs for two and half hours
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the morning of each event at 9 am.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
