In northeast Fresno, drop in daycare Kidspark is also getting ready for an influx of school-aged kids this week. The center is the only licensed daycare open days, late nights, and weekends in Fresno. While it usually sees mostly preschool aged children during the day, this week the staff tweaked activities to give older children something to do. While parents work, shop, or entertain out of town guests, this is a place where kids can be kids. "If they want to have family time on Thursday and then have an adult evening on Friday night, we'll be here for them," said Kidspark owner Susi Finley.
Back at the Little Gym in northwest Fresno, parents say this fall camp does more than give adults kid-free time. "It's not healthy parent and the child to be on top of each other- no how much close, and how much you love each other. Children need to be around children. Children need to get their energy out. Children need to be in a safe environment where they can explore their personality and grow," said parent Laura Toomey. For those parents who do need a break, the fall camp has an added benefit. After three hours of nonstop action, the kids go home pretty tired.