FUN FOR THE FAM

Summer is here and vacation is calling. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a day trip for the whole family, the Stockton-Lodi region is just the ticket. It’s easy to spend a summer Saturday (or two) in these Central Valley cities. Pack up your kids (and your dog) and hit the road for a quick hour’s jaunt, an easy cruise on Interstate 580 toward a summer escape. Here are seven ways to pass the time with the fam, many of them free. And if you want to spend the night, we have a suggestion for that, too, and it involves Yogi Bear and Boo Boo.

1

Stockton Children’s Museum

Police cars and ambulances and fire trucks — oh my! Full-sized emergency vehicles — and other transportation — are just part of the appeal at this popular children’s museum. Kids can climb on a fire truck and take it for a “drive,” before sliding down the indoor play structure. Enjoy some splashy frolic at the water table, shop at the on-site “grocery store” or dabble at one of 40 interactive exhibits.

Each experience, including the rooms dedicated to art and reading, is designed to help kids learn about the world they live in, with hidden lessons on water conservation and wildlife preservation to boot.

DETAILS » Admission is $6 per person, ages 1 and up. Open Wednesday-Sunday at 402 W. Weber Ave.; www. childrensmuseumstockton.org.

2

Movies at the Point

Weber Point is home to many of Stockton’s festivals, concerts and community celebrations, including this free summer movie series. Family-friendly flicks flicker on the big outdoor screen on select Friday evenings. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks, lawn chairs and blankets, and get comfortable at the Weber Point Events Center, where “Captain Underpants” screens larger than life on July 13. It’s all about the Minions — and “Despicable Me 3” — on Aug. 10, and “Jumanji” on Sept. 14.

DETAILS » Gates open at 6:30 p.m. on movie nights at Weber Point, 221 N. Center St., Stockton; bit.ly/ WeberPointMovies.

3

Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple

Stockton’s Wat Dhammararam is too cool to pass up. Better known as the Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple, it features more than 90 colorful, jewel-encrusted statues, including a 50-foot-long recumbent Buddha. Through the artwork, visitors learn more about the life and story of the Cambodian Buddha. And best of all — it’s free to visit.

DETAILS » Open daily during daylight hours at 3732 Carpenter Road, Stockton; www.watdhammararam buddhist.org.

4 Haggin Museum

A $2.5 million refurbishment, completed late last year, modernized the decor and added electronic kiosks and new works to Stockton’s Haggin Museum, further connecting the worlds of local history and 19thand 20th-century art. Now guests not only view the displays, they interact with the materials, enhancing visitor understanding. Kids — and adults — will enjoy browsing the J.C. Leyendecker collection of early 20th-century magazine covers and ad illustrations depicting little Boy Scouts, a 1950 Baby New Year and chubby-cheeked kids enjoying Kellogg’s cereal. It’s the largest collection in the world. Don’t miss the history exhibits downstairs, where Willy the Jeep dwells.

DETAILS » Admission is $5$8, children under age 10 are free. Free admission on the first Saturday of each month. 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton; haggin museum.org

5 World of Wonders

Children of all ages can enjoy this hands-on educational museum in Lodi’s historic downtown. Filled with contraptions that teach kids about energy, electricity, magnetism, optics and other STEM topics, it’s a great way to discover the world in a safe environment that encourages learning. Play with bubbles, learn about sound and solve complex puzzles as a family.

DETAILS » Admission is $5$7. Teachers are free. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi; wowsciencemuseum.org.

6

Smack Pie Pizza

All that fun needs fuel — and there’s no need to fight over toppings with your brood here. At Smack Pie Pizza, everyone makes their own personal-sized dish, and everything is gourmet and organic. Added bonus: It’s walking distance from the W.O.W. so families can take in downtown Lodi while hopping from one location to the next. Mom and Dad, treat yourselves and indulge in the flavors of the region. The Smack Pie menu offers sips from local wineries and breweries.

DETAILS » Open daily at 121 S. School St., Lodi; www. smackpiepizza.com.

7

Corner Scone Bakery

Step in for dessert at a spot where the treats are as clever as the name on the door. Every sweet in the display case is made from scratch — and there’s more here than just scones. Get your hands on freshly baked cupcakes and cookies, or seek out the hidden tea room where a traditional afternoon tea and grand high tea service are served on Saturdays.

DETAILS » Open MondaySaturday at 322 N. California St.; www.cornerscone bakery.com.

VISIT STOCKTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF STOCKTON: Each experience at the museum, where 40 interactive exhibits await, is designed to help kids learn about the world they live in, with hidden lessons on water conservation and wildlife preservation to boot.

JELLYSTONE PARK LODI’S YOGI BEAR JELLYSTONE PARK CAMP RESORT: With its riverside location, guests can play at the beach without an ocean nearby, plus enjoy many other on-site activities.

JACKIE BURRELL — STAFF STOCKTON’S HAGGIN MUSEUM: Explore fascinating historical displays about the city’s entrepreneurial past, including the famous Stephens Bros. boat d esign and building compan y.

DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER WAT DHAMMARARAM BUDDHIST TEMPLE: One of the many large statues depicting the life of Buddha.

JELLYSTONE PARK At Tower Park in Lodi, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort offers a family-friendly overnight experience for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sleeping on the ground.

DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER One of the many large statues depicting the life of Buddha at the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in Stockton. The temple, featuring many large colorful statues, is open daily during daylight hours and admission is free.

DOUG DURAN — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The Haggin Museum in Stockton connects the worlds of local history and 19th- and 20th-century art.