Parents in Modesto are preparing for the upcoming winter break, which will leave many without regular childcare as schools close for the holidays. To help families navigate this period, The Modesto Bee has compiled a list of local activities and resources.
The Modesto Children’s Museum is offering Camp MoChiMu during winter break. The camp operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 22-23, 29-30, and January 2 at a daily rate of $69. A weeklong session is also available from January 5-9 for $325.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Modesto on Ice provides an ice-skating experience at the Modesto Centre Plaza parking lot. The rink is open weekdays from 4 to 10 p.m., extending to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and weekends. Admission costs $19 for adults and $15 for children. Special events include a New Year’s Eve party for kids and a Mascots on Ice event scheduled for January 6.
Families can also visit the Hughson Arboretum and Gardens, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset with no admission fee. The site offers trails suitable for all ages and opportunities to learn about local plant life.
Pottery Magic Modesto at 3501 McHenry Ave. offers pottery painting sessions with a studio fee of $5; this fee is waived on Mondays. Pottery pieces start at $5.
Contentment Brewing Co. welcomes families with handcrafted root beer options for children and alcoholic beverages for adults, along with entertainment such as pinball machines and pool tables.
Museum options include the Great Valley Museum at Modesto Junior College’s West Campus, where adult tickets are $8 and children under 18 pay $5. Exhibits cover various habitats and feature live animals; the planetarium opens on Fridays and Saturdays after the first week of January.
The Be Anything Museum, opened in September 2024, features over 350 Barbie dolls alongside related exhibits that highlight diverse careers. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $8 for children, with free entry for those aged five or younger.
Entertainment centers such as Funworks, Boomers, and Dave & Buster’s offer rides, arcade games, mini golf, bumper cars, and more family-friendly activities. Dave & Buster’s will also host a New Year’s Eve party geared toward families.
“As you navigate the holidays, work, childcare, vacations and chores, we hope these ideas at least ease your children’s bores,” said The Modesto Bee in its message to parents.
“From the Modesto Bee, dear parents, we hope your holidays are bright. Good luck with winter break and to all a good night.”
