Live a Day in the Life of a Yokut at The Discovery Center!

This fall, bring your children to The Discovery Center to learn all about the Native American tribes of the Central Valley. With authentic Native American artifacts and teepees right on our site, kids will get to learn first-hand what life was like for the Native Americans of our very own Valley. Our popular "Day in the Life of a Yokut" class takes students through a typical day for Native Americans of the Yokut Indian tribe, allowing them to learn local history while using their imaginations.

The Yokuts inhabited the Central Valley over 200 years ago. The name Yokut means "the people", and these people lived very differently than we do today. Your children will see just how differently their lives are as they are asked to close their eyes and travel back 200 years to walk through the daily life of a Yokut.

Class begins with a demonstration of the morning hygiene routine of the Yokut people. Students will wake up in Tulle huts, and then learn about the different tools used by the Yokut for grooming. In these days, there was no toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, or shampoo, so the Yokut tribe utilized things such as twigs and licorice root to brush their teeth.


At The Discovery Center, kids can live a day in the life of a Yokut Indian

Students will also learn how the Yokuts assembled tools necessary for their daily tasks, such as making brooms to sweep out their huts, and baskets to cook their food. Just like the Yokuts did, they'll grind acorn meal for a morning meal. After learning about hunting and gathering, students will enjoy a Yokut celebration, clapping and dancing at our campfire site to a traditional Yokut song.

"Yokuts is a great class for your students when you bring them to The Discovery Center," said Executive Director Janet Berry. “It's one thing to read about Native Americans in a book, but it’s quite another to see their authentic tools and baskets. The Discovery Center is also lucky to have several valley oaks, so that children can find their own acorns to grind. With our number of other plants that were used by Native Americans, our park provides an educational experience that you can't get anywhere else within the city limits!"

Every Saturday in December, park guests will have the opportunity to learn all about the Yokuts during "Saturday Science in the park" . You and your child will enter the world of a Yokut Indian right at our park. Our grounds feature an extensive collection of Yokut artifacts, including our special "Yokut basket collection". They will even be able to explore real Indian tepees at our campfire site. Bring the whole family between 12 and 3 pm for this fun venture into the life of a Yokut Indian.


One of the many Yokut baskets you'll see at The Discovery Center

Fall is the perfect time to explore our park. Whether you are looking to bring your class for a fun-filled field trip, or want to bring your own children for a Saturday outing, you'll love learning all about the Yokuts through our fun educational activities. For more information about field trips ,or to schedule a visit to our park, call our office at 559-251-5533, or email us at office@thediscoverycenter.net.