Weekend Programs
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.
Seasonal Family Hikes
Join the River Parkway Trust for family-friendly hikes each month! These events consist of interactive activities aligned with the month's theme, followed by a guided hike along the Parkway. All ages are welcome.
Age: All Ages Welcome
Date/Time/Location:
October 21, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - Halloween Night Hike at Sumner Peck Ranch
November 11, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Family Fall Hike at the River Center
December 16, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Winter Wreath Hike at the River Center
Price: $20/person; free for children under 4 Inspire Charter Funds Accepted. The Registration Code can be found in the Parent Portal.
Advanced registration is required. Registration ends the day of the event.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
For more information contact Gabi Santellano at gsantellano@riverparkway.org or call 559.248.8480 ext. 215
River Buddies Weekend Explorers
Bring your Weekend Explorer out for a morning of exploration! Each River Buddies event will explore different nature themes at the picturesque River Center. Come enjoy a nature walk, create a craft, explore, and participate in a variety of hands-on activities, all related to the nature theme of the day!
Parents are required to remain on the property for the duration of the trip and are are encouraged, but not required, to participate in activities with their Explorers.
Parents are required to remain on the property for the duration of the trip and are are encouraged, but not required, to participate in activities with their Explorers.
Age: Open to children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.
Price: $15/child (please only select the number of CHILD participants when registering).
Dates/Times:
Saturday, October 28, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Saturday, November 18, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Saturday, December 2, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the day of the event.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
For more information contact Landon Reyes at lreyes@riverparkway.org or call 559.248.8480 ext. 213
Little Explorers Toddler Time
Little Explorers is a time for you and your little one to explore the outdoors together and practice fine motor skills, cooperation, and increased social interactions. Bringing parents and kids together during Toddler Time promotes enrichment and entertainment for your little one while also allowing you to channel your inner child. It's a win-win for all! Activities are loosely guided and based on the interests of youth participants.
This program is for youth ages 3-4. Additional information will be sent to registrants approximately 7 days prior to each event.
This program is for youth ages 3-4. Additional information will be sent to registrants approximately 7 days prior to each event.
Age: Open to children between the ages of 3 and 4 years old.
Price: $15/child (please only select the number of CHILD participants when registering).
Dates/Times:
Monday, November 6, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Monday, November 20, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Monday, December 4, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the day of the event.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
For more information, contact Landon Reyes at lreyes@riverparkway.org or call 559.248.8480 ext. 213
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.
Age: Open to children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old.
Price: $20/child (please only select the number of CHILD participants when registering).
Dates/Times/Location:
October 7, 9:00 am to 11:30 am - River Center
November 18, 9:00 am to 11:30 am - River Center
Advanced registration is required. Registration for each program date ends the day of the event.
Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
For more information contact Gabi Santellano at gsantellano@riverparkway.org or call 559.248.8480 ext. 215
Family Scavenger Hunts
Fall 2023 Family Scavenger Hunts will be incorporated into our Youth Parkway Ambassadors Open House Dates. Each open house event host a variety of activities. Click here for the October 28th schedule of events!
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:
October 28th, 2023, 10:30am-2:00pm
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 559-286-9609.
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.
2 Hour Youth Program | 3 Hour Youth Program | 2 1/2 Hour Night Hike | 2 Hour Scavenger Hunt | |
Participants | Up to 15 | Up to 15 | Up to 30 | Up to 5 groups; up to 6/group |
Cost | $15/person | $20/person | $20/person | $25/goup |
Minimum | $100 | $120 | $120 | $75 |