The Young Explorers Enrichment Program is an extension of our pre-K and K summer camp program, designed to supplement your child’s regular pre-school or classroom learning through nature-based experiences.

Our focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is our teacher. The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants.

The Young Explorers Enrichment Program is open to youth ages 3.5 through those currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date. All participants must be toilet trained. Each session lasts six weeks, and participants meet Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during that session (a total of 12 dates). Most program dates will take place at the River Center (11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno). The River Center features a restored ranch house with educational exhibits, a ¾ mile habitat themed nature trail, event barn, small vineyard and orchard, and plenty of open/green space to explore and play in. Some field trip days to other Parkway properties nearby may be included in the session; participants will receive full information on the session schedule prior to the start date.

Parents/guardians or a family representative are asked to volunteer at/attend one of the 12 session dates with their child, and are welcome (but not required) to stay with their Young Explorer during all other program dates.

Ages: 3.5 through currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date (must be toilet trained)

Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks

Cost: $450/six-week session ($50 non-refundable deposit, $400 session fees); partial scholarships are available and scholarship applications can be accessed through the online registration system during the normal registration process

Upcoming Sessions:
Session 1 (Meets on 1/25, 1/27, 2/1, 2/3, 2/8, 2/10, 2/15, 2/17, 2/22, 2/24, 3/1, 3/3)

Session 2 (Meets on 3/22, 3/24, 3/29, 3/31, 4/5, 4/7, 4/19, 4/21, 4/26, 4/28, 5/3, 5/5) Sessions do not meet the week of Spring Break (4/11-4/15).

To register, click on the name of the session your would like your child to attend above. If the session is full, you will be given the option to join the waitlist. Please note: in Spring 2022, children will only be eligible to register for one of the offered sessions.

Program Highlights:
Children are outdoors for the duration of each session (unless there is severe or dangerous inclement weather); once enrolled, we will provide a list of recommended clothing items to best prepare your child for all seasons and conditions; we will provide a waterproof rain trail suit for each participant to wear on rainy days, but participants are required to provide their own rain boots
Small group size (2 co-instructors and 12 children, 1:6 ratio)
Curriculum and activities are STEM, emergent play and inquiry based to promote inner-directed learning and foster a healthy sense of self
Young Explorers staff collects a portfolio of each participant’s project-based exploration work (writings, drawings, photographs) etc. to document each child’s journey and provide parents/guardians information on progress and achievements

ArtHop occurs every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. It’s one of the most active and successful programs organized by the Fresno Arts Council. Art lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life flock downtown Fresno and the Tower District on the first Thursday of each month, and the rest of ArtHop venues in the Fresno metro areas on third Thursdays, to meet and greet with the artists and enjoy the reception and music. Museums, studios, galleries and other venues open their exhibitions to the public at 5:00 p.m. and run the free event until 8:00 p.m.

ArtHop has received a remarkable response from the Fresno community. Over 50 participating artist studios, galleries, museums, and other venues exhibit art and artists reception during ArtHop, and it has become both a cultural and special event for the community with a great deal of media coverage.

She Rocks Is A Multimedia Tribute To 8 Female Classic Rock Icons of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

It’s Time to come back to live music! You need to check out the hottest new show in California.,She Rocks.

She Rocks is a musical multimedia tribute to 8 great female rock and roll giants of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s who helped shape Rock music..

She rocks features a stunning band of professional musicians and is lead by the very talented Catt John who has shared her vocal talents all over the world.

The show is a multimedia nostalgic extravaganza including great live music, video, a light show and so much more. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Whether you remember the icons of She Rocks from earlier days or just love the music they have given us as a rock and roll legacy you need to see She Rocks.

She Rocks will rock you!

Event cost: $25

fun songs, listen to a story, and end with a stimulating hands-on activity, all related to the day’s educational theme! Your child will leave with a curious mind wanting to know more about our local environment and its native species.

River Buddies Weekend Explorers is open to children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 6 years old. The fee for each program session is $15.00 per child and online registration & payment in advance is required. Parents are required to stay on site for the duration of the trip, and to assist with social distancing and participate in activities with their Young Explorers.

Purchase the 2022 Spring season pass and save 15%! Season pass includes 2/19, 3/19, 4/23, and 5/21 dates.

Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows. Registration closes at 9:00 am on the day of the event.

Event Cost: $15/day $50/season pass

Each Teen Environmental Leadership Program date includes teambuilding games, nature exploration or environmental education activities, and kayaking or canoeing. These adventures require attendees to be in high school to participate and will last approximately 4 hours. Please note that there is a $40.00 fee per participant and advanced registration with online payment is required for participation. Please bring a water bottle, snack, and mask to have on hand. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Dress appropriately for a morning outdoors and wear shoes that can get wet/muddy.

Registration for each program date ends at 9:00 am on the day of the event. Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.

Event Cost: $40

A Brief History of the Hydrology of the San Joaquin Valley with Bart Bohn

This presentation will first describe the natural system of flows in the San Joaquin River and its many tributaries, then explore the changes that have been made with regard to surface storage behind 22 major dams and massive conveyance systems. The resulting system and impacts will be graphically portrayed and discussed as we examine the new hydrology of the San Joaquin River from the Sierras to the Sea. Bart Bohn retired as a Colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers, is a former CalTrans District Director, and served as a County CAO. He holds a Master’s Degree in the Management of Water Resources. Project experience includes flood control and salmon restoration on the Columbia River.

The Living River Speaker Series is an opportunity to expand your knowledge about the San Joaquin River. Grab dinner from Wing Your Bell food truck on site, sip a beverage at cocktail hour, then enjoy the hour-long presentation held in the River Center Barn. Tickets are $10 each and include one drink (wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages available); season passes are available for $30. A simultaneous education/childcare program for youth ages 5 – 12 will be led by River Parkway Trust programs staff on site at each event from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm; advanced registration for childcare option is required.

Cost: $10/ticket

ArtHop occurs every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. It’s one of the most active and successful programs organized by the Fresno Arts Council. Art lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life flock downtown Fresno and the Tower District on the first Thursday of each month, and the rest of ArtHop venues in the Fresno metro areas on third Thursdays, to meet and greet with the artists and enjoy the reception and music. Museums, studios, galleries and other venues open their exhibitions to the public at 5:00 p.m. and run the free event until 8:00 p.m.

ArtHop has received a remarkable response from the Fresno community. Over 50 participating artist studios, galleries, museums, and other venues exhibit art and artists reception during ArtHop, and it has become both a cultural and special event for the community with a great deal of media coverage.

During the two-hour long session, your Weekend Explorer will go on a one hour nature walk, do a craft activity, sing fun songs, listen to a story, and end with a stimulating hands-on activity, all related to the day’s educational theme! Your child will leave with a curious mind wanting to know more about our local environment and its native species.

River Buddies Weekend Explorers is open to children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 6 years old. The fee for each program session is $15.00 per child and online registration & payment in advance is required. Parents are required to stay on site for the duration of the trip, and to assist with social distancing and participate in activities with their Young Explorers.

Purchase the 2022 Spring season pass and save 15%! Season pass includes 2/19, 3/19, 4/23, and 5/21 dates.

Full refunds for cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance; no refunds for late cancellations or no-shows. Registration closes at 9:00 am on the day of the event.

Event Cost: $15/day $50/season pass