School is out for the summer. 

And that means that the long vacation that kids have been hankering for since Christmas break ended will be novel for a total of four days before the doldrums set in and complaints about there being “nothing to do” finally set in.

Fortunately that’s not the case. 

If something cheap – or even free – is what you’re looking for, then neighboring communities like Modesto have a plethora of offerings that are a departure from the norm and are sure to be met with great fanfare rather than the same old trips to the same old places. 

While Stockton takes the cake when it comes to cultural offerings like the Haggin and Children’s museums, Modesto has an abundance of quaint neighborhood and community parks that will break up any boredom. 

Here are a few places worth checking out. 

Freedom Park – Located near the intersection of Briggsmore Avenue and Claus Road, Freedom Park – which sits near an elementary and middle school – is at the far eastern edge of Modesto away from the standard places that every kid has visited a million times. Is it quite as cool as laser tag? That all depends on who you talk to. The Red, White and Blue themed park features an immense play area, water features and basketball courts and the covered gazebo makes it a popular destination for people throwing outdoor birthday parties. While it’s popular with those in the surrounding neighborhood, its distance from the freeway make it somewhat of a hidden gem. 

Dry Creek Regional Park – What do kids to love to do during the summer? Ride their bikes. And after two minutes on one of the trails that leads through this popular community spot every single kid will be wishing that they had something this vast and extensive in their own community – be that Ripon, Manteca or somewhere in Stanislaus County. Paved sections make this spot – located along Scenic Drive between Rose and El Vista Avenues – popular with walkers and joggers, but off-road portions are hot with mountain bikers and thrill seekers looking for varied terrain. The park is almost universally appreciated as one of the city’s great recreational destinations and kids old enough to ride bikes on their own will be able to appreciate that.