The best trip within about five hours of Stockton–Modesto 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.
6 weekends
1 cityLast checked against official pages. How we choose
Each ring is one hour of driving from Stockton–Modesto. Under two hours is an easy day trip; past three, pack the pajamas.
Orange dots are picks on this page. Drive times are normal driving times without traffic.
We don't post event listings for these places, so check the official page for hours and what's on. The numbers match the map.
Granite cliffs, waterfalls and flat valley-floor walks that work with a stroller. The park is open around the clock all year, and entry is $35 per car for seven days.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Stockton–Modesto that's worth the trip this weekend. The day trips below work any weekend, and this week in Stockton–Modesto has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Stockton–Modesto that's worth the trip this weekend. The day trips below work any weekend, and this week in Stockton–Modesto has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Stockton–Modesto that's worth the trip this weekend. The day trips below work any weekend, and this week in Stockton–Modesto has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Stockton–Modesto that's worth the trip this weekend. The day trips below work any weekend, and this week in Stockton–Modesto has the local list.
We couldn't verify a dated event within a few hours of Stockton–Modesto that's worth the trip this weekend. The day trips below work any weekend, and this week in Stockton–Modesto has the local list.
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Nothing within a few hours beats what's already on in Stockton–Modesto this weekend.
The city tree lighting downtown.
Sat Dec 5 · 3–7pm; lighting at 5:30Weber Point Events Center
FreeModesto’s nighttime holiday parade.
Sat Dec 5 · 5:30pmDowntown ModestoFreePlaces outside the city that are worth the drive on any weekend. Hours and prices are what the official pages showed when we checked.
Steam trains and a working roundhouse in Gold Country. The Polar Express ride runs here from November 27 to December 20.
about 1 hr 30 min from Stockton–Modesto · Jamestown
Daily 10am to 3pm November to March; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Adults $5; ages 6–17 $3; 5 and under freeA Gold Rush town with car-free streets, old shops and stagecoach rides when the season and weather allow.
about 1 hr 30 min from Stockton–Modesto · ColumbiaExhibits open daily 10am to 4pm, October through AprilFree entry and parkingGiant sequoias along the easy North Grove trail, with ranger-led walks on some fall weekends.
about 1 hr 45 min from Stockton–Modesto · ArnoldSunrise to sunset, holidays included$10 per vehicle
Car snacksPack more than you think you’ll need.
StrollerZoo paths and light trails are long for little legs.
Time the napLeave right before nap so the drive does double duty.
Overnight bagPast three hours, pajamas beat a 9pm drive home.
Parking cashFree admission days often still charge for parking.
Rain planPick one indoor backup, like a museum, before you leave.None of our other cities are close enough for a weekend pick yet, so start with a day trip: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown (about 1 hr 30 min), Columbia State Historic Park in Columbia (about 1 hr 30 min), Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Arnold (about 1 hr 45 min).
Sacramento (about 1 hr), San Francisco Bay Area (about 1 hr 15 min), Fresno (about 2 hr 30 min), Reno (about 3 hr 30 min), Bakersfield (about 4 hr 15 min). Times are normal driving times without traffic.
Yosemite Valley (about 3 hr 15 min). We don't post event listings for these, so check the official page for what's open before you go.
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.
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap through to the official page before you go.