The best things to do in Modesto

“Family fare with farm animals, carnival rides, food vendors, and shows such as concerts.”

“San Jose Municipal Golf Course is a classic William P. Bell 18 that blends rolling fairways with sneaky-fast greens, plus a driving range for tune-ups. Play a round, take a lesson if your slice needs therapy, then refuel on the patio at Muni Bar & Grill...”

From the Fremont newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Stockton Golf & Country Club pairs a championship course with a 44,000-square-foot clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, member dining, and a sparkling pool, all built for family time and community. Established in 1914, it’s a classic spot to play, dine, or plan that event you keep putting off.”

From the Lodi newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Stockton 99 Speedway packs blazing fast family fun onto a quarter-mile paved oval, from Speed Tour super modifieds to tire-shredding Outlaw Drift and the gloriously chaotic Night of Destruction. Go catch the action this week, especially after Bobby Dalton just reset the all-time track record.”

From the Lodi newsletter, August 5, 2026

“When cabin fever hits, Funworks Modesto delivers with Putt-Putt Golf, The Batting Cages, bumper boats in season, Freddy's Lightning Raceway, Freddy's GameZone arcade and Hologate VRcade, plus Highway 66 Bowling. Grab the kids, team, or your inner child and make an easy, high-energy afternoon actually happen this week.”

From the Manteca newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Between league nights with friends and low-stakes gutter therapy, Lucky Strike Manteca nails it with 48 slick lanes, a lively arcade, billiards, and a legit sports bar. Round up the crew this week, bowl a few, then refuel with solid eats and cocktails while the games glow.”

“Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.”

From the San Jose newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Public 18-hole golf course with a shop & a casual, traditional grill restaurant.”

“Amusement chain featuring mini golf courses & arcades, some branches with water slides & laser tag.”

“Family-friendly country club with a restaurant offering lunch and hosting brunch, meetings, and events.”

“National amusement center chain featuring mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats & arcade games.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Puzzle-filled, themed rooms where teams solve mysteries to escape for fun.”

“Well-maintained 18-hole golf course featuring multiple tees, plus a driving range and sand traps.”

“Golf and dining venue featuring a challenging course with fast greens, along with a pro shop.”

“Restored 1927 motion picture house turned performing-arts venue, also offers private event options.”

“Indoor trampoline center featuring an open jump arena, a foam cube pit, dodgeball & basketball.”

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

“Friendly-staffed, clean venue featuring minor-league baseball games, food, beer and fireworks.”

“Country club with a restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, and an outdoor patio, plus facilities for weddings.”

“Golf club offering a driving range and a 9-hole course, plus lessons.”

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“This retro drive-in movie theater screens the latest releases & pipes sound into cars via FM radio.”

“Long-running chain of recreation centers for mini-golf; some feature arcades & other attractions.”

“Circular arena on the water with a modern glass facade hosting sporting events & live performances.”

“Nonprofit organization offering guided tours of this historic home.”

“Golf academy and course featuring a restaurant with outdoor seating, plus a 27-hole golf club with a restaurant and a pro shop.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Recreational and championship golf course featuring a driving range and cafe.”

“Relaxed, tree-lined public course with well-maintained greens, plus a driving range.”

“Adventure game where players must work together to escape a themed room with a 60-minute time limit.”

“Family-friendly amusement center featuring bowling, karaoke, arcade games and a bar.”

“Familiar theatre with roomy seating, craft beer and wine, as well as burgers and sliders.”

“Golf course featuring an 18-hole course, driving range, well-stocked pro shop & restaurant.”

“5-acre garden with a fountain.”

“Movie theater with arcade games and reclining seats, plus a bar serving beer and cocktails.”

“Casual public golf course, with a driving range and putting green, offering disc golf.”

“UFO-themed mini-golf venue, with cocktails and San Jose-inspired pizza.”

“Classic theater showing old, foreign & independent films also hosts concerts & events.”