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Family-Friendly Fun in Lodi

Looking for something fun for the family to do? Whether it’s wet and rainy or sizzling sunny, Lodi offers a bevy of places to take children of all ages. Got active ones? We’ve got that. Have creative or curious ones? Got those, too! Here is a list of local families’ favorites:

1.The Serpentarium: A Living Reptile Museum

Known as California’s “Best Kept Secrets,” this 3,000 square foot, two-story museum claims it has the largest display of reptiles in Northern California. Exhibits include an 11-foot Albino Burmese Python and “Crayola,” a colorful Panther Chameleon with a tongue twice as long as his body. What you need to know: The museum is located at 2379 Maggio Circle, Suite C, Lodi. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, ages 13-17, $3 for children, ages 3-12. For an extra cost, you can feed and take photos with some of the reptiles. For more information, call (209) 369-7737.

2. Mud Mill and Pottery Painting Place

Artists of all ages make everything from platters to coffee mugs. The process is simple, come into the store, choose a piece of already molded pottery, pick from 70 colors and paint ‘til your heart’s content! The Mud Mill will fire and glaze your creation, and after a couple days of drying, you come pick it up! What you need to know: The Mud Mill is located at 115 S. School St., Suite 1, Lodi. For more information, pricing and special classes, call (209) 365-9900.

3. World of Wonders Science Museum

Who needs to travel to San Francisco’s Exploratorium when Lodi has its own discovery-style museum? The World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum offers dozens of hands-on exhibits for all ages that make concepts such as gravity, friction and electricity interesting. What you need to know: The museum is located at 2 N. Sacramento Street, Lodi. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students 19 and older (ID is required) and $4 for children ages 2-17. Teachers with ID are free. For more information, visit the website www.wowsciencemuseum.com or call (209) 368-0969.

4. Lodi Lake Park and Nature Trail

Often referred to as Lodi’s “crown jewel,” Lodi Lake offers a peaceful setting for hiking, boating or picnicking. At the back of the property, a 58-acre riparian forest area winds its way to the Mokelumne River, welcoming nature lovers who might catch a glimpse of a wild animal if they’re quiet. Environmental education tours that showcase the region’s plants and animals are offered, by appointment, by the Lodi Lake Nature Area Docents. Tours run March through November. Open Daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, Lodi Lake Beach features a large sandy beach area. Usage fees are $3 adults, $1.50 ages 3-7 and ages 2 and under, free. Flotation devices and diapers are prohibited. What you need to know: Lodi Lake is located at 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi. A vehicle entry fee of $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents is collected whether or not a gate attendant is present. A self-serve pay station is available directly north of the entry gate. For more information, call (209) 368-5624.

5. San Joaquin Historical Museum

Learn about the region’s roots and the development of modern agriculture as you walk through eight buildings that house dioramas, photos and hand tool collections, amongst other things. Four of those buildings are historical, including the 1866 Calaveras School. Among the museum’s prized possessions is a restored 1919 Holt 75 Caterpillar. What you need to know: The museum is located inside Micke Grove Park at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi. Park admission fee is $5 per car on the weekdays, $6 per vehicle on the weekends, and $10 on special holiday weekends. Vehicles with California exempt license plates are not charged a parking fee. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and older, and for teens, ages 13-17, and $2 for children, ages 6-12. Museum members are free. For more information, call (209) 331-2055.

6. Micke Grove Zoo and Fun Town

Micke Grove Zoo houses more than 130 animal specimens representing over 50 different species including monkeys, lemurs and birds. It is part of the park, maintained by the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Department, which that includes several playgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course and Fun Town, a small amusement park which makes for a fun-filled all-day outing. In the Summer months, Micke Grove Park opens its water play feature where children can frolic in cooling sprays of water while their parents watch from the dry grass. What you need to know: Micke Grove Park is located at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi. Park admission fee is $5 per car on the weekdays, $6 per vehicle on the weekends, and $10 on special holiday weekends. Vehicles with California exempt license plates are not charged a parking fee. Zoo admission is $5 for guests ages 14 and up, $3 for children 3-13, and free for children under the age of 2 and for members of the Micke Grove Zoological Society. For more information, call (209) 331-2010. Article written by Jennifer Bonnett

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