# Weekend getaways from Fresno with kids

Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/fresno/weekend-getaways/

> The best trip within about five hours of Fresno for each of the next 6 weekends, chosen for kids under 6. Every event links to the official page we checked it on. After the weekends there are 3 day trips that work any weekend.

Last checked: 2026-10-29.

## Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

Nothing verified within reach is worth the drive this weekend.

## Weekend of Nov 6–8

Nothing verified within reach is worth the drive this weekend.

## Weekend of Nov 13–15

Stay close to home: nothing within a few hours beats what's on in Fresno. Photos with Santa at Fashion Fair (Fri Nov 13, Weekdays 3–7pm in November; longer hours in December, Fashion Fair, Center Court; https://www.fashionfairmall.com/santaphotos)

## Weekend of Nov 20–22

Nothing verified within reach is worth the drive this weekend.

## Weekend of Nov 27–29

Nothing verified within reach is worth the drive this weekend.

## Weekend of Dec 4–6: Los Angeles (about 4 hr)

L.A. Zoo Lights is open all three nights, and kids under 2 are free.

- **L.A. Zoo Lights**, Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, Box office 5:45–8:45pm, Los Angeles Zoo. Adults $29–$35, kids 2–12 $19–$25; under 2 free. Opens 11/20; runs through 01/10. Santa photos cost extra on select nights, and the ice rink is ticketed separately. Dec 8 is a sensory-inclusive night. Parking is free. Closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 14–16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4–7. Official page: https://www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/

## Other family getaways within 5 hours

We don't post event listings for these places. Check the official page for hours and what's on.

- **Railtown 1897 State Historic Park**, Jamestown, CA (about 2 hr 30 min from Fresno). Steam trains and an old roundhouse in Gold Country, open 9:30 to 4:30 daily. The Polar Express train ride runs here November 27 to December 20. Official page: https://www.railtown1897.org/

## Day trips any weekend

- **Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park**, Grant Grove Village (about 1 hr 15 min from Fresno). Giant sequoias, including the General Grant Tree, with services open all year. When it snows, rangers lead free outdoor activities in the groves. Hours: Park open 24 hours, every day; tire chains can be required at any time. Cost: $35 per car, good for 7 days; cards only at the entrance stations. Official page: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/fees.htm
- **Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park**, Sequoia National Park (about 2 hr 15 min from Fresno). Home of the General Sherman Tree, in one of the park areas with services all year. Winter brings quiet, snowy groves, and the foothills on the way up turn green by January. Hours: Park open 24 hours, every day; tire chains can be required at any time. Cost: $35 per car, good for 7 days, shared with Kings Canyon; cards only at the entrance stations. Official page: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/hours.htm
- **Yosemite National Park**, Yosemite Valley (about 2 hr 30 min from Fresno). Yosemite Valley, with El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, through the South Entrance on Highway 41. One car pass covers everyone inside. Hours: All entrances except Hetch Hetchy are open 24 hours. Cost: $35 per car, good for 7 days; cards only, no cash. Official page: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm

## FAQ

**Where can we go for a weekend from Fresno with little kids?**
Over the next 6 weekends our picks from Fresno are Los Angeles. Each one is chosen for what's on that weekend, with the dates, times and prices checked on the official pages.

**What are good day trips from Fresno with kids?**
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park in Grant Grove Village (about 1 hr 15 min), Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park in Sequoia National Park (about 2 hr 15 min), Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley (about 2 hr 30 min). Hours and prices are on each card, checked on the official pages.

**Which cities are within an easy drive of Fresno?**
Bakersfield (about 2 hr), Stockton–Modesto (about 2 hr 30 min), San Francisco Bay Area (about 3 hr 15 min), Sacramento (about 3 hr 15 min), Los Angeles (about 4 hr), Ventura County (about 4 hr 15 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.

**What other family getaways are within 5 hours of Fresno?**
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (about 2 hr 30 min). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.

**Why is the same city picked more than once?**
Sometimes one city really does have the most going on two weekends in a row, like a holiday lights opening followed by a show. We don't rotate cities just for variety.

**Are the times and prices current?**
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.