Outdoor summer adventures for kids and families in Modesto area; some unique

Kids already getting bored with school out?

As said in a story last week, we’re here to help. There we suggested a variety of places to go in the Modesto region that would appeal to children and families — particularly indoors with air conditioning

This week, we’re following up as promised with a look at outdoor fun at area waterways, as well as Mother Lode adventures.

Some of the Mother Lode locales could be unique enough that many people don’t even know they’re there, such as a variety of caverns.

While certainly not inclusive of all the options the regions have to offer, here are a few:

Waterway adventures

Before we get into details about where to go, an important note of caution: Water activities come with several inherent dangers, and common-sense precautions and awareness must always be at the top of mind. Life vests should be worn by everyone at every age, whether on a boat or in the water. Free life vest loan programs are available at some locales (check their websites). Stanislaus County has a loaner program and details can be found at www.stancountyparks.com/life-jacket-loaner-program-wr.

Woodward Reservoir – One of the more popular bodies of water in Stanislaus County, Woodward is on 26-Mile Road north of Oakdale. Recreation includes swimming, fishing, camping and waterfowl hunting (with permit). Facilities at Woodward also include more than 100 campsites, concessions and picnic shelters. It should be noted that boating currently is closed as a preventive measure due to the spread of the invasive golden mussel. For more on the area, hours and costs for various activities, see www.stancountyparks.com/woodward-reservoir.

Modesto Reservoir – On Reservoir Road off Highway 132 just east of Waterford, Modesto Reservoir provides water for the Modesto Irrigation District. But the park also offers plenty of summer activities including camping, swimming, boating, fishing, picnic areas and an archery range. Note that there are mandatory vessel inspections from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (no additional cost).

For hours and costs for various activities, see www.stancountyparks.com/modesto-reservoir.

Knights Ferry – Just east of Oakdale, Knights Ferry offers an array of activities, not the least of which is rafting on the Stanislaus River.

The Knights Ferry to Orange Blossom route is popular for beginners. It runs 7 miles with class I and II rapids. There are views of volcanic bluffs and the Sierra Nevada foothills, with several public parks to stop for picnicking, according to the knightsferry.com/recreation website.

With safety in mind, there are commercial river rafting companies in the region to guide you, many that also offer kayaking. Sunshine Rafting Adventures is listed on the Knights Ferry recreation website, but others can be found by searching online.

Caswell Memorial State Park – This getaway near Ripon also is on the banks of the Stanislaus River. Caswell provides opportunities for fishing, camping, nature walks, wildlife and bird watching, swimming and more. The oak forest is surrounded by several plant species.

Boating also is available at Caswell. For more details, see www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=557.

Pinecrest Lake – Resting in the Stanislaus National Forest about a mile off Highway 108, the day-use beach offers boating and swimming. The recreation area has restaurants, stores, boat rentals and more. See www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232254.

After a full day on the water, dry off and head to the outdoor movie theater in Pinecrest, where movies are shown under the stars beginning at 8:30 p.m. Featuring family films, tickets are $10, free for children age 2 and under. For more on the outdoor film area and films playing this summer, see summer.dodgeridge.com/pinecrest-theater.

Mother Lode adventures

Columbia State Historic Park – This town features the largest collection of Gold Rush-era structures in the state, according to its website, and offers visitors a chance to travel back in time and experience the 1850s. People can pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, ride ponies, dress up for an old-time photo shoot, see blacksmith demonstrations, bowl in the old-fashioned alley, watch a play and explore the south side of town, where prospectors once mined for gold.

A museum at the corner of State and Main streets features artifacts dating back to the Gold Rush. There’s also a short video about the history of Columbia.

Free town tours are offered daily in summer, now through Labor Day. The roughly 45-minute walking tour begins at 11 a.m. in front of the museum. Parking and admission are free. www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – Excursion trains, programs and activities are offered at this park in Jamestown. Visitors can take a train ride, plan a day at the park for a tour of the historic roundhouse and shops, picnic and stroll the grounds.

Guests on the Sierra Railway ride behind a historic diesel locomotive and take a six-mile, 45-minute round-trip through a portion of California Gold Country.

Rides are Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Wednesdays through Aug. 13, 10:30 a.m. and noon. Cost is $23, $18 ages 6-17, free to age 5 and under.

The park is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October. Admission is $5, $3 ages 6-17, free to age 5 and under. Park admission is included in excursion train tickets. 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown. See railtown1897.org.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park – Check out the natural wonders while strolling through two groves of giant sequoias at this state park. There are campgrounds, picnic areas and miles of hiking trails.

The visitor center includes visual and hands-on exhibits about the park’s history and natural environment, while staff offer summer interpretive programs for all ages.

Summer activities include evening ranger talks, environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and activities for children.

The visitors center and gift shop are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The park is at 1170 CA-4, Arnold. See bigtrees.org.

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park – There’s plenty of adventure to be had within the earth of Calaveras County. According to the Moaning Caverns website, among them is the largest single cave chamber in California, calling the Spiral Tour ideal for families. “With a 20- to 30-foot thick ceiling, the open area inside the chamber is, in fact, tall enough to hold the Statue of Liberty (pedestal excluded).”

Tours go down a 10-story spiral staircase among prehistoric formations to the bottom of the cavern. The year-round, 45-minute tour leaves at the top of each hour daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $18-$24, free to age 2 and under. 5350 Moaning Cave Road, Vallecito

For more and other cave adventures, see moaningcaverns.com/cave-tours.

Black Chasm Cavern – The Black Chasm Cavern offers a view of three chambers in the upper levels of a vertical cave where formations grow. A blue lake is located in the second chamber, about 80 feet below the viewing platform. A cavern naturalist guides groups on a 50-minute tour into the cave and explains its features.

Tour hours vary at Black Chasm, 15701 Pioneer Volcano Road, Volcano. Costs are $22, $14 ages 4-12, free to age 3 and under. See cavetouring.com/about-black-chasm.

California Cavern – The Trail of Lights Tour is offered during summer months. It follows nearly level, lighted passages. Professional guides lead groups as they learn the history of the cavern, formation and geology, as well as about the surrounding area.

Tours begin each hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch. Cost is $23.32, $15 ages 4 to 12, free to age 3 and under. See cavetouring.com/about-ca-cavern.

Mercer Cavern – Mercer Cavern is home to a variety of cave formations. According to the website, “The tour is moderately strenuous, mainly on the way out, due to the steepness of the stairs.” Visitors climb up stairs equivalent to a 16-story building, but with stops along the way.

Tours last about 45 minutes and are offered daily in the summer with the first beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the last at 5 p.m. $16 for adults, $9 children ages 3-12. 1665 Sheep Ranch Road, Murphys. See mercercaverns.com.

Roaring Camp Mining Company – Once a 49ers mining camp, gold still remains because the area was difficult to access. Visitors get a view of an operating gold mine and can mine their own gold by panning, sluicing, metal detecting or dry washing.

In Mokelumne Canyon, three forks of the Mokelumne River join for views of waterfalls and natural rock formations up to 40 feet high. Swimming, fishing and camping are available, along with a playground. See the website for times and costs. 13010 Tabeaud Road, Pine Grove. See roaringcampgold.com.