Free Things You Should Do in Fresno Before the Year Runs Out

Looking for free and cheap things to do in Fresno? At Fresno, there are a lot of things you can find yourself doing that will actually cost you less. In this article, we’ve taken our time to outline fun things you can’t afford to miss out on.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Fresno is the fifth-largest city in California and sits in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley. The city was formed just after the California Gold Rush in 1856.

It was named after the large number of ash trees that sit along the side of the San Joaquin River.

The city has mild, moist winters and summers that are hot and dry. It attracts a lot of people as it rarely gets below freezing more than a couple of times a year.

10 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Below are 10 free, cheap, and exciting things to do when visiting Fresno.

1. Go Sightseeing at Forestiere Underground Gardens

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

The Forestiere Underground Gardens provide a unique view of ancient Roman architecture as well as a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines.

Forestiere Underground Gardens Ticket prices range from 8 to 17 USD.

With admission, you’re able to walk through underground passages and rooms created in the 1900s by a single Sicilian immigrant.

2. Explore Woodward Park, Fresno, California

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Woodward Park is the third largest in the Fresno area and offers a multitude of activities for visitors.

Simply take a stroll along the San Joaquin River, or venture into the five-acre (2-hectare) Shinzen Japanese Garden.

This includes a tea house and more than 100 bonsai plants.

The park also offers the perfect picnic spot, with six park shelters, one gazebo, and two activity areas.

3. Visit the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Fresno Chaffee Zoo started its life as a home for unwanted pets rather than an official zoo. The history is a little uncertain as no official records have been kept.

As time went by more animals were donated and an amphitheater was built.

In 1929 the zoo became officially recognized and opened its doors as the Roeding Park Zoo.

Recently an ‘African Adventure’ area was created that doubled the size of the zoo and included elephants, cheetahs, and gorillas.

4. Learn at Fresno Art Museum

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Fresno Art Museum was established in 1940 by a group of local artists where they exhibit and critique each other’s work.

Now, it is an active venue for art exhibitions as well as a host of educational programs and artist talks.

Visitors of all ages and skill levels can take part in various art classes throughout the year.

Some of the spectacular exhibits found in the museum’s permanent collection include Kenneth E. Stratton’s Collection of Pre-Columbian Art of Mesoamerican.

5. Awaken Your Spirit at Yosemite National Park

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fresno

Every year more than 3 million people come to visit the Yosemite National Park, and most of these visit the Yosemite Valley which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The National Park covers a huge 747,956 acres and goes all the way across to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Throughout the world, the area is famous for its incredible granite cliffs and beautiful waterfalls.

There are over 800 miles of trails in the park that range from a small easy walk to a multi-day grueling hike over various park mountains.

6. See a Show at Warnors Theatre

Warnors Theatre

The Warnors Theatre is a historic venue located in downtown Fresno, often presenting a variety of musicals and children’s shows.

It is a 2,000-seat venue that originally opened in 1928, and is also well known for its historic pipe organ that was installed with the original structure, also in 1928.

In addition to musicals and plays, the theatre often puts on movie series and comedy shows.

The venue is also available for special events and weddings.

7. Get Drenched at Island Water Park

Island Water Park

If you are looking for a low-cost and fun day out with the family, visit Island Water Park.

This huge water park has enough slides and wave machines to keep even the shortest of attention spans busy.

When you need a rest from all the fun in the water you can eat at one of the 7 authentic food and drink stalls.

The park is not open 24/7 all year round due to weather so always check online before arriving.

8. See a Baseball Game at Chuckchansi Park

Free Things to Do in Fresno

Chuckchansi Park, which opened its gates in 2002, is the home of the Fresno Grizzlies minor league baseball team.

The ballpark is an intricate part of Downtown Fresno. This comes alive in the spring when visitors can enjoy one of the 72 home games played there annually.

Visitors who are not fans of baseball would still enjoy an evening at Chuckchansi Park.

This place offers stunning views of Fresno’s skyline against the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Mountains.

9. Catch a Classic Film at Visalia Fox Theatre

Visalia Fox Theatre

This historic Visalia Fox Theatre is managed by a set of volunteers known as the “Visalian Friends of the Fox Theatre.”

This age-old institution continues to host classic and modern movies to date.

Some of these include classics like the original Miracle on 34th Street (1947), M.A.S.H. (1970), and The Big Lebowski (1998) among many iconic others.

10. Feast at Black Angus, Fresno, CA

Black Angus, Fresno

The Black Angus Steakhouse has been providing quality meals featuring perfectly cooked steak and prime rib since 1964.

The restaurant boasts certified Angus beef and impeccably seasoned 21-day aged, all prepared using their expert flame-grilled methods.

Visitors can relax after a day of exploring Fresno with a few of the famed steakhouse starters.

In conclusion, Fresno has a little bit of something for everyone, whether you’re on vacation with family, traveling solo, or on a quick weekend getaway.

Although Fresno may not get as much buzz as its neighbors, such as L.A. and San Francisco, it’s definitely not a city to take for granted.

A trip to Fresno will give you all the history, entertainment, and culture you desire on a perfect trip.

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