6 Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do in San Joaquin County

Spend a day (or night!) at play with these great activities in Stockton and the surrounding communities.

By Rebecca Treon on December 20, 2023

Great Wolf Lodge

San Joaquin County is a great place for families, with numerous places where both kids and adults can enjoy themselves and spend some quality time. People of all ages will find something to suit their taste, as the area has plenty of venues and attractions to make everyone happy. We asked locals for some of their favorite family-friendly fun things to do in San Joaquin County, and they shared their top six. 

1. Hit the Water

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the largest freshwater estuary on the West Coast. With marinas along its scenic course, the river is the perfect place for a day spent boating, swimming and fishing. 

2. Enjoy Artsy Activities 

Catch a show at the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton, one of the region’s first cinemas, which was built in 1930. There’s also the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, a municipal interdisciplinary arts center that hosts educational classes, gallery exhibits and free events, like art walks and Dia De Los Muertos Family Day. 

3. Go Wild and Wonderful 

The Micke Grove Regional Park in Lodi is where a zoo, museum and Japanese Garden collide to create a fun-filled itinerary. During a visit to the Micke Grove Zoo, families can explore 5 acres of amphibians, mammals, birds, reptiles and other exotic species. 

Nearby, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum displays exhibits on topics like native traditions and modern agriculture. History can also be found at the Japanese Garden, which was created with the guidance of a Japanese American who served during World War II. 

4. Take a Staycation 

The setting for a perfect family getaway can be found at Great Wolf Lodge in Manteca. Not only is it an expansive indoor water park, but the lodge also includes an outdoor pool, an adventure ropes course, a maze, an old-fashioned mining camp and a magical quest game. 

5. Catch a Home Game 

Experience home games at the University of the Pacific, which features national championship-winning contenders that compete in NCAA Division I, or at the Stockton Arena, home of the Stockton Kings basketball team of the NBA G League. The Stockton Ports are also based in the area, playing at Banner Island Ballpark. For younger sports enthusiasts, who are eager to get into the game, the University of the Pacific Athletics offers various camps, clinics and events for students from kindergarten to grade 12. 

6. Get Bowled Over 

And rounding out the list of fun things to do in San Joaquin County is a wonderful indoor activity, if you can spare the time. At the new Ten Pin Fun Center in Manteca, you can go for a strike, but also compete in rounds of laser tag, billiards, darts and arcade games.