Being bored in Fresno is more than just a commonality, it’s a pastime.
Many Friday and Saturday nights are rendered moot by the inevitable realization that there’s nothing to do. This is true, unless you know where to look.
Despite the popular conception that Fresno is this infinite abyss of perpetual boredom, this city has some lesser-known charms and entertainment options as long as you have an open mind.
That being said, here’s a list of things everyone should do before saying they’re bored in Fresno. As the composer Drake once said, “YOLO.”
Tac-Ops Laser Tag:
More like the “Call of Duty” video games than the laser tag most Fresno State students grew up with, Tac-Ops bills itself as a “unique tactical laser tag experience featuring high tech realistic simulated weapons.” In short, laser tag for grown-ups.
Tac-Ops guns are meant to replicate the real life fire power of submachine guns, AK-47 sniper rifles complete with simulated reloading, and muzzle flash and sound effect. In their 10,000-square-foot arena, teams compete to complete missions much like those seen in most first-person shooter war video games.
The cost is $12 per person for a 15-minute session. Tac-Ops is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 5581 N. Golden State Blvd.
SkyWalk Trampoline Arena:
For those who skipped cardio day at the gym but still want to go have fun with friends, SkyWalk is the place for you. With a 7,000-square-foot trampoline arena, SkyWalk offers unique opportunities for your entertainment.
In addition to simply allowing patrons to jump around their custom arena, SkyWalk offers high-flying trampoline dodge ball tournaments with a $500 grand prize, state-of-the-art bounce boards that seem like the precursors to futuristic hover boards, and dance parties every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.
SkyWalk charges $9 for the first hour of use with discounts given for additional hours. It is located at 10432 Highway 41 in Madera.
Forestiere Underground Gardens:
Hand excavated between 1906 and 1946 by Sicilian immigrant Baldassare Forestiere, the Underground Garden is a world-renowned spectacle of human creativity and engineering.
Without the use of any motorized machinery, Forestiere, a self-taught artist and architect, created a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and living quarters modeled after the ancient catacombs that he explored as a child in Italy. He also planted fruit trees at different levels of his underground mansion, causing them to bloom at different times to lengthen the growing season.
Public tours are scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Adult tickets are $15. Students can receive a $3 discount with a valid student I.D.
Shakespeare in the Park:
Going to see a play written 400 years ago for leisure may not sound like a good time for some. However, Woodward Shakespeare Festival has continued to enchant theatergoers, free of charge, for nine years. It is currently producing William Shakespeare’s famed play “Julius Caesar,” which runs through Sept. 14.
The plays start at 8 p.m., and the outdoor stage is located inside Woodward Park. Parking is $5 per car.