Tucked in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley is a charming, vibrant community quickly becoming the ideal place for families big and small. Lathrop has something for everyone: top-notch education to set your kids up for success, lots of places to connect with your community, family-friendly activities, you name it. No matter what your family needs to be comfortable in a new home, you’re sure to find it in this welcoming, family-focused community.
Education You Can Trust
For families with children, the search for a new home extends beyond the house itself. It also extends to what kind of education is available in the surrounding area, so parents can ensure their children are on the right track for a bright future. Luckily, Lathrop offers a wide variety of choices for parents at all levels. Aside from a number of quality elementary and high schools, Lathrop also features a few public charter schools, where children can receive a specialized curriculum focused on college preparedness.
Embrace the Outdoors
Families with a keen sense of adventure should prepare for excitement — Lathrop has plenty of outdoor space to explore and play. Near this thriving community is the San Joaquin River, the longest river in Northern California. The river’s proximity allows for an abundance of outdoor activities both on the water and off.
The San Joaquin River is a premier spot for fishing enthusiasts to cast a line. You can expect to find trout and bass, whether you’re an amateur angler or a seasoned expert. Mossdale Regional Park, for example, is one of a few great places to launch a boat and spend a day on the water. Or, if you’d rather keep to dry land, there are plenty of activities to occupy an afternoon along the shore. Stroll along the water and soak in scenic river views or zip along the trails on a bike ride. Cap off the day with a picnic, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a weekend with your family.
Playgrounds of Possibilities
In addition to a plethora of riverside activities, Lathrop offers a wide variety of venues for play, for both the young and the young at heart. For instance, Leland and Jane Stanford Park has two separate playgrounds, one for younger children and one for older ones. More adventurous kids can also test their athleticism on the parkour course, a unique aspect of this spot you’re unlikely to find in your average public park. There’s plenty of room for your furry friends to run around and explore, so you won’t have to leave any family member at home for an afternoon here. If playgrounds aren’t your thing, you can also enjoy a little friendly competition with your family on the basketball or pickleball courts. For any kids that prefer to spend their playtime on wheels, the skate park here will be sure to keep them occupied and happy for hours on end. There is plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sunshine, if you prefer to spend your afternoon simply unwinding. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the covered picnic area or unwind right there on the grass — either way, you’ve got the recipe for a perfect family hangout.
Create memories to last a lifetime at fun themed parks such as Rotary Park, which offers young buccaneers the chance to conquer a pirate-themed play structure while you supervise from the grassy surrounding areas or covered picnic tables. Your kids can climb to new heights at River Park North, where they can spend hours on a ropes course or on the swing set. Or, head to Lion’s Park, which includes a large play structure, picnic tables and lots of room to roam.
Activities for Everyone
Lathrop’s Generations Center is a cornerstone of this community, providing a range of activities and services for youths, teens and older adults, all under one roof. Your children can head to the Generations Center after school to hang out with other kids their age in the community and take advantage of amenities such as ping pong tables, air hockey and more. The center also offers classes and programs throughout the year for all ages.
You’ll also find plenty to do as a family in and around Lathrop. Year-round, you can head to Go Bananas, an indoor jump park perfect for birthday parties, special events or simply an exciting weekend activity. Nearby in Manteca, which is a short ten-minute drive away, adventurous families can try their hand at horseback riding at California Horse & Pony, a ranch offering riding camps, single lessons and independent riding, depending on your skill level. Also in Manteca, you’ll find the Great Wolf Lodge, a thrilling waterpark and hotel kids and adults alike will love. The best part? The waterpark is fully indoors, so you can escape for a weekend of splashing around any time of the year. Tracy and Stockton are also both easily accessible and offer a wide variety of family-friendly activities, such as the Downtown Tracy Farmer’s Market, the Children’s Museum of Stockton and much more.
Moving Soon? Consider a Move to Lathrop!
As a small city with big impact, Lathrop is the ideal destination for families looking for their next place to settle down. Here, you’ll find a community like nowhere else, as well as family-focused amenities abound, all working together to make your family comfortable, secure and happy. Consider finding your next home with Stanford Crossing, Lathrop’s premier master-planned community, where you’ll have easy access to all the best things in life.