PLAY Modesto

If you’ve got kids under 8 and you’re tired of the Modesto heat, this place is genuinely worth knowing about. The climbing structure and slides keep little ones busy, and the enclosed setup means you’re not chasing anyone into a parking lot every five minutes. Parents can actually sit down — shaded seating, picnic tables, good sightlines throughout. They do character events and birthday parties here too, and the staff actually seem to enjoy their jobs, which isn’t something you can say everywhere. Cleanliness is noticeably good, especially compared to other indoor spots around the Central Valley.