Monday is often resented because it marks the beginning of the week; back to school, back to work. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have no real feel, but Friday is a joyous day meant for celebration. Friday is the day when anything and everything is possible. But with so many Fridays in a year, one might ask, “What is there to do in Fresno without spending all my dough?” Well, for less than 10 bucks the list of fun has no limit in Fresno, one simply needs to know where to look.”
First up on the list is Woodward Park. Don’t be shy, go ahead and feed the ducks, or if you’re feeling really energetic, climb a tree; just do something. Why not? Depending on when you go, park authorities charge three dollars per car, but with an expired handicapped placard, admission if free.
Next up on the list is Lollicup. What is Lollicup? I’m glad you asked. It’s a great spot to chill with friends if you like real fruit slushies, great food, and Wii. Drinks, the main attraction here on Bullard and First, go for around four dollars. Starbucks and Jamba Juice stand as no competition for this rising star.
Similar to Loillicup is Teazer. Located in the heart of the Tower District, it sells an assortment of fine imported teas. The price stands at about four dollars per drink and is worth every penny.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is an ideal spot for anyone; whether you’re going by yourself or in groups. Who doesn’t like checking out monkeys? How many people can say they’ve fed a giraffe? Daily admission is about seven dollars, but students may receive a discounted membership that lets one come and go as one pleases. A student membership costs twenty-five dollars.
And you can’t forget about the Oh Wow Nickel Arcade; it serves as a Mecca for inexpensive entertainment. When you only have the change that’s in your center console, Oh Wow still welcomes you with open arms. Try your luck on Pac-Man or race your way to the finish on a virtual jet ski.
Next is my personal favorite. Bike rides across town are virtually free. Certain key spots are inevitable stops like 7-11 for a Slurpie or any liquor store for a 99 cent Arizona Iced Tea. A bike ride is at its best when the journey leads you by a couple yards sales.
Only minutes away from Fresno’s border, Lost Lake is a perfect spot for bonfires. Invite a few friends and bring a guitar and you’re set. Just don’t forget to buy some marshmallows on the way up for making smores. Like other parks, an entry fee may be demanded depending on what time you go.
Thrift store hopping in downtown is always fun with five shops located on Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno; it makes life convenient for those who pay for gas. In most cases, there’s usually something that intrigues the customer like a pair of rainbow suspenders or an antique lamp.
A good time can also be something as simple as getting some Thrifty ice cream at Rite Aid and going to the local park to laugh at little kids on the playground. Those tiny tikes say some pretty funny things. It’s even better when they know you’re watching them because then they start doing elaborate things to try to impress you.
Lastly, and probably the most appealing is the Triple AAA Burger. Located on Fresno St. off of Highway 99, it offers delicious burgers grilled to perfection. The menu is slightly expensive for a typical “happy meal”, but for what you get, the price is well worth it. Their claim to fame is the Westside Burger. It sits, because its legs cannot support its weight, at eight inches and weighs a whopping 1.4 pounds. Its contents include an egg, a hot link, and an all American beef patty that set your soul on fire like a holy revival.
So there you have it folks, ten things to do for under ten bucks that can be done all year long.
