# Weekend getaways from Stockton–Modesto with kids

Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/stockton-modesto/weekend-getaways/

> 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.

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

Nothing verified within reach is worth the drive this weekend.

## 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

Stay close to home: nothing within a few hours beats what's on in Stockton–Modesto. Stockton Tree Lighting (Sat Dec 5, 3–7pm; lighting at 5:30, Weber Point Events Center; https://www.stocktonca.gov/community/events/tree_lighting_.php); Modesto Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade (Sat Dec 5, 5:30pm, Downtown Modesto; https://www.modestogov.com/553/Holiday-Parade)

## 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.

- **Yosemite Valley**, Yosemite Valley, CA (about 3 hr 15 min from Stockton–Modesto). 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. Official page: https://www.nps.gov/yose/

## Day trips any weekend

- **Railtown 1897 State Historic Park**, Jamestown (about 1 hr 30 min from Stockton–Modesto). Steam trains and a working roundhouse in Gold Country. The Polar Express ride runs here from November 27 to December 20. Hours: Daily 10am to 3pm November to March; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Cost: Adults $5; ages 6–17 $3; 5 and under free. Official page: https://railtown1897.org/visit/general-information
- **Columbia State Historic Park**, Columbia (about 1 hr 30 min from Stockton–Modesto). A Gold Rush town with car-free streets, old shops and stagecoach rides when the season and weather allow. Hours: Exhibits open daily 10am to 4pm, October through April. Cost: Free entry and parking. Official page: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=552
- **Calaveras Big Trees State Park**, Arnold (about 1 hr 45 min from Stockton–Modesto). Giant sequoias along the easy North Grove trail, with ranger-led walks on some fall weekends. Hours: Sunrise to sunset, holidays included. Cost: $10 per vehicle. Official page: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551

## FAQ

**Where can we go for a weekend from Stockton–Modesto with little kids?**
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).

**Which cities are within an easy drive of Stockton–Modesto?**
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.

**What other family getaways are within 5 hours of Stockton–Modesto?**
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.

**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.