5 things to do for free in the Fresno area — from farmers market to yoga classes

Looking for fun, free activities in the Fresno area?

The region is home to plenty of no-cost attractions, from lush parks and gardens to farmers markets and museums.

Here are five things you can do in and around Fresno while leaving your wallet at home.

Hike, walk and bike at Woodward Park

Woodward Park is the largest park in Fresno, covering a total of 300 acres.

Whether you are hiking, walking, biking or just want to curl up with a good book on one of the multiple benches, the park at 7775 N Friant Road , has something for everyone.

The park boasts “native plants, chaparral shrubland, riparian woodland, wetlands, grasslands and oak woodlands,” in addition to a large lake and ponds, according to the park’s website.

The park’s BMX course is designed for mountain bikers of all levels — as is the Woodward Mountain Bike Skills progression park, a 10-acre park for jumps and tricks.

There are two cross country tracks — measuring 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, respectively — and the Woodward Legacy disc course with 18 holes.

A dog park is conveniently located at the entrance of the park on Friant and Fort Washington roads, and there are a couple of picnic and barbecue areas.

The park also has three family-friendly playgrounds.

Although it costs up to $5 per vehicle to park at Woodward Park, you can find nearby street parking for free.

The park is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, April through October, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. November through March.

Smell the flowers at Clovis Botanical Garden

Clovis Botanical Garden first opened its gates to the public in April 2004.

Inspired by Clovis resident Gordon Russell. The volunteer-run garden at 945 North Clovis Ave. serves as an educational outlet and community attraction, with an emphasis on water conservation and horticulture appropriate to the Central Valley climate.

The Children’s Garden offers kids the opportunity to learn plants, animals, insects and “how they interact,” the Clovis Botanical Garden website said, while other sections of the garden focus on water-wise landscaping.

For instance, the Cactus Garden features cacti and succulents that boast “interesting shapes, low maintenance, and drought resistance,” the website said, while the Sensory Garden provides a “stimulating journey through the senses to heighten awareness or achieve calmness.”

The botanical garden recently opened its visitor center and unveiled a new ornamental glass display.

It’s free to visit the garden, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Yoga, dance and more at Fresno County Public Library

Libraries may have reputations as dull places, but there’s nothing boring about the Fresno County Public Library , 2420 Mariposa St. in Fresno.

In addition to an impressive collection of books in both English and Spanish, the library hosts a variety of activities — from yoga and crochet classes to folk dancing lessons.

The library also offers a homework help service for kids and teens.

The Fresno County library is home to the San Joaquin Valley Heritage & Genealogy Center, home to a vast collection of books, newspaper clippings, photographs and other research materials focusing on Fresno County history and American genealogy.

The library is open to the public for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, it opens at noon and closes at 5 p.m.

What’s for sale at Clovis Farmers Market?

You can shop for fresh, local produce, baked goods and more at the Clovis Farmers Market in Old Town Clovis.

Although the Friday night market, held on Pollasky Avenue between Third and Seventh streets, is a seasonal affair, the Saturday morning market on the same street between Fifth Street and Bullard Avenue is held all year round.

At the market, shoppers can stop by booths operated by vendors such as Ferrer Farm in Madera for seasonal fruits and vegetables, or Wake Me Up Farms in Fresnofor award-winning blueberries pies, Bundt cakes, breads, cinnamon rolls and other treats.

Other options include Hinkle’s Honey in Fresno, which has natural raw honey and Let’s Get Mini, a locally owned Fresno business that specializes in miniature desserts such as mini donuts and mini funnel cakes.

Admission is free, and you can enjoy live music on Fridays.

The Clovis Farmers Market takes place on 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, through Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Where is veterans memorial museum in Fresno?

Veterans Memorial Museum , 2425 Fresno Street in Fresno,honors all military veterans and is dedicated to “Americanism and education,” according to the museum’s website.

Housed at the Fresno Veterans Memorial Auditorium, the museum “grew out of the efforts of several dedicated Legion of Valor members and their wives,” the website said.

On display are “numerous framed citations, photographs and exhibits that tell the story of America’s wars as seen by individual soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen,” the website said, as well as military uniforms and equipment from different eras.

The museum is staffed by volunteers and admission is always free. It’s open 10 am. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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