Choosing the right gift for a child can be daunting, especially when they already seem to own every toy, book and gadget they could ever want. That’s where the gift of travel to Visalia comes in. Whether you are ready to travel now, or just want to plan for some excitement in the future, travel to Visalia is safe for those who want to put their California dreaming into action.
Traveling creates so many new opportunities for kids to learn, grow and explore in ways they will cherish into adulthood. While a vacation isn’t necessarily easy to wrap up with a bow, the memories made within a day, weekend, or even a week in Visalia could last a lifetime. Whether you choose an excursion to the nearby and exciting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks or an in-town adventure, Visalia is the perfect (and budget-friendly) experience gift.
Here are three family-oriented experiences in Visalia that will bring delight to children of all ages.
Stop in for a visit with Farmer Bob on his working citrus ranch, McKellar Family Farms. Take a tour of the farm to learn how the fruit is grown, picked and shipped as you take a wagon ride through the orange groves. Educational exhibits help kids and adults understand how these juicy gems get from the field to your kitchen. There is even some hands-on experience picking – and tasting – farm fresh oranges.
Enjoy lunch at fun downtown restaurants like Quesadilla Gorilla or Taylor Brothers Hot Dog Stand. These are kid tested and approved! Spend the afternoon at the family-friendly Go-Kart track, or take a swing at the batting cages at Visalia Adventure Park. You can also enjoy a round of mini-golf, classic fun that all ages and abilities will enjoy. These outdoor activities are sure to please.
California’s first county park, Mooney Grove, is right here in Visalia and makes for a fun excursion. The lagoon is stocked with fish and is a great place to teach kids how to fish. Explore the park to find the park’s log cabin, the statue of the park’s namesake Hugh Mooney and his beloved dog, and the famed “End of the Trail” statue.
Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia National Park is a majestic and exquisitely maintained wonderland for hiking, fishing and outdoor adventure. It is home to the largest living tree in the world, the General Sherman Tree. The park also boasts amazing waterfalls and spectacular views from famous spots like Moro Rock. Take a drive through Tunnel Log to truly understand the size of the giant sequoias. This expedition will feel like it came out of an Indiana Jones movie, one any kid explorer would be sure to remember.
There is so much to do in Sequoia National Park. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also book sightseeing tours for plenty of opportunities to make the journey meaningful to any young traveler.
Why visit one park when you can discover three of California’s most majestic parks? Visalia sits at the entrance to three stunning natural parks, which means you have numerous options for planning a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure gift. The Majestic Mountain Loop is a great way to see three national parks in three unforgettable days.
This self-guided driving tour will take you through Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite national parks and includes five stops in each park. One morning you’ll find yourself meandering through the towering redwood giants of Sequoia National Park, and several hours later you may be basking in the view from a mountain peak. In between you’ll stop at waterfalls, underground caves and one of the world’s largest living trees — which all add up to an over-the-top experience that few gifts can top.
Visalia’s economy is based on agriculture, and you’ll see everything from grapes to olives to cotton growing here. Continue learning about the agricultural industry with a visit to Elkhorn or Rosa Brothers Dairy Farms for tours of their dairy facilities and a chance to see a carousel milking machine or take a ride on the moo-mobile.
The Visalia Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning year round. Here is where you will see the freshest in-season produce. All of our farmers are certified and many offer organic produce and goods. The farmers and artisans are local to our region of California. Nearby the Farmers Market you will find Naturally Nuts. This store is filled with fresh nuts, dried fruits, honeys and other treats. You’ll find the perfect memento of your visit.
Top off your farm discovery tour with a meal at one of Visalia’s many farm-to-table restaurants, where you’ll find the dishes as creative as they are tasty. Whether you’re dining on the Apple & Pecan Salad at Fugazzis Bistro or the Bufala Buffalo Burger at Bistro di Bufala, each menu will give children choices of foods, all made from local ingredients grown just a few miles away from your dinner table.
The perfect gift, the one-size-fits all, the one that will be remembered for years to come. That is what the gift of travel is.
