Stockton, California

Stockton Free (and Low Cost) Activities

Looking for things to do on the cheap? Stockton, California is full of free, and almost free, activities and events. Here are just a few ideas (submit your suggestion here):

The Haggin Museum - First Saturday of the Month is FREE - Enjoy classic art and local history and what has been called the "gem" of Stockton! Victory Park, where the museum is located is also a great place for walking and a picnic! When its not free the museum is still a bargain at $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth and seniors.

Wat Dharmararam -Stockton Cambodian Buddhist Temple - FREE- You will be amazed at the larger than life statues that were hand made by members of the temple. Be sure to bring your camera!

Weber Point - Downtown Stockton - FREE - This park like setting on the waterfront is the well known home to many of Stockton's favorite events. Enjoy the facility's interactive water feature, colorful children's play area, a shady picnic or simply stroll the promenade and enjoy the panoramic Delta view.

Downtown Art Walk - FREE - One Friday a month through the Summer, downtown turns into an outdoor art gallery as local artists share their work at a variety of downtown venues.

Lincoln Center Live - FREE - One Friday each month in the Summer, Lincoln Center has a family friendly event that offer live music and the ever popular kids zone. For the grown ups, wine tasting is also available. August is the car show, always a local favorite.

Port of Stockton - FREE - View ships as they come in and out of this inland seaport. Access to the Port is restricted, but the ships and operations of the Port can be viewed from many parts of the channels north side. A favorite spot is near the Turning Basin off of Fremont Street, near I-5 (See Map).

Stockton Constructed Wetlands - FREE - Access after sign-in. A birdwatchers heaven. See how the city of Stockton has turned part of the wastewater treatment plant into a wetland and birdwatching mecca. Over 55 bird species visit the wetlands year round.

Magnolia Historic Neighborhood - FREE - The tree-lined streets contain samples of virtually all the architectural styles of California's most formative period. he Magnolia Historic District area in Midtown Stockton is located within the borders of Harding Way on the North, Park Street on the South, California Street on the East, and El Dorado Street on the West. Download a Map/Guide of the area.

Downtown Stockton Self Guided Walking Tour - FREE -This tour includes historical architecture, public art and points of interest in Downtown Stockton. Download the guide here.

View Locally Made Art - FREE - Stockton's many art gallery's offer the opportunity to view various mediums of art created by local talent. From our Downtown and Miracle Mile galleries to those of our colleges, visits should be made frequently as exhibit change regularly.

Concerts in the Park - FREE - This summer music concert series takes place at Victory Park in Stockton. Spend an evening in the park with your favorite person, a picnic supper, and some great music as the series continues for the 56th year! Concerts each Wednesday evening through August.

Farmer's Markets - FREE - Local farmers display and sell a mouth watering and eye-pleasing selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and floral plants at one of the many Stockton Farmers Markets. Enjoy these open-air markets to leisurely stroll, take in the colorful, glorious sights.

BARGAIN - Stockton Ports Baseball - Home Run Hill $5 - Take in a professional baseball game right on the downtown waterfront. Home Run Hill is truly a unique experience. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and wait for that ball to come your way!

Visit History at the Rural Cemetery - FREE - Visit the final resting place of many of Stockton's founding fathers. See the tomb of Caterpillar inventor Benjamin Holt and the monument to Reuel Colt Gridley, famous Civil war fundraiser. The monuments of the past are beautifully hand carved. Be sure to check out "millionaires row."

Evenings on the Plaza - FREE - A free, family-friendly event series held every Friday, February through October and every Saturday, May through September. Performances on the Janet Leigh (cinema) Plaza and DeCarli Square (Final Fridays, May - September) include professional and community theatre, classical and cultural dance, spoken word, community service events and a variety of live music, featuring jazz, country, rock, pop, soul and traditional mariachi.

BARGAIN - Take in a game at the Stockton Arena where you will find Stockton Thunder Hockey tickets starting at $7, Stockton Lightning Arena Football Tickets starting at $8, and Stockton Cougars Indoor Soocer tickets starting at $10. Pick your season and pick your team, you are already a winner!

Ride Your Bike - FREE - Take your bike out for a spin on one of Stockton's Bike and Jogging trails.

BARGAIN - For Families with Children - Stockton's Children's Museum and Pixie Woods are fantastic places to take your young ones. Admission to each is less than $5, and will provide hours of fun and activities.

Visit any one of the five Stockton Library branches - FREE - Stockton library's are not only a great place to find a book, but our library's offer much more. Weekly classes, guest speakers, visiting authors, reading programs, children's activities, and more - all for FREE! Are you a local history buff? The Downtown Stockton Library (Cesar Chavez Central Library) has archives of local newspapers and other historical documents to aid in your research! We are the place to be - for FREE! Check out the Library's online calendar for events and programs taking place this week at www.stockton.lib.ca.us.

BARGAIN - Go Swimming! Enjoy one of Stockton's public swimming holes (pools) to cool off on those warmer days. $4 a person per day. Rates are even better if you by a package.

BARGAIN - Explore Oak Grove Regional Park - Parking is $3 on weekdays. Once inside enjoy this 180-acre park situated in a beautiful oak-forest setting with nature trails and a nature center, a stocked lake with paddle boats for rent, and a frisbee golf course.

BARGAIN - Go Bowling! - Stockton is home to two great bowling alleys. Pacific Avenue Bowl and West Lane Bowl have both been home to many State Championships. Lane and shoe rental is typically under $7, and is a great way to be active and burn a couple of hours. Both also offer great places to eat and get a cool beverage.

Barkleyville Dog Park - FREE - Take Fido Out for Some Exercise! Barkleyville is Stockton's first off leash dog park! This four acre public park is designated and built specifically for your dog to socialize and exercise safely and off-leash. Barkleyville features three areas: one for big dogs (over 20 lbs.), one for small dogs (20 lbs. and under) and a separate play/agility course. Park amenities include benches, doggie water fountains and waste bags.

BARGAIN - Visit Micke Grove Park & Zoo - With parking only $3 a car on weekdays, Micke Grove Park is a beautiful location for a picnic! Pack a lunch and enjoy the shade of the oak trees and take a walk through the Japanese Garden. Looking for more? Entrance to the Micke Grove Zoo is $3 for adults and $2 for kids in the Summer. The park also features the San Joaquin County Historic Society and Museum.