Families in Lathrop won’t have to wonder about what to do to keep the family entertained this weekend.

The carnival is in town.

On Thursday, Butler Amusements opened the doors to the Lathrop Lion’s Club Carnival in River Islands – a four-day event aimed at providing fun, family-friendly entertainment for residents to enjoy without having to leave Lathrop’s city limits.

The carnival, which is located at the River Islands Sports Complex accessible by both River Islands and Somerston Parkways, runs today from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

In order to ensure that the event stays family friendly the Lathrop City Council approved spending money to have uniformed Lathrop Police officers onsite during peak hours.

Law enforcement has also implemented a traffic plan to alleviate congestion on River Islands Parkway by creating an entry and exit point to the carnival. According to the Lathrop Police Department, those driving to the carnival can access the parking area from River Islands Parkway, and all traffic leaving the site will be sent out onto Somerston Parkway – something that they believe will alleviate bottlenecks and ensure that more people will be able to access the site in a timely manner.

And the weather is expected to be perfect for a fun weekend of being outdoors.

According to Accuweather, the temperature today and on Saturday is supposed to reach 82 degrees before slightly dropping off to 76 degrees on Sunday.

The cost for admission for those purchase unlimited ride wristbands or individual ride or game tickets will be free, while those who just wish to attend the carnival will be charged at $5 admission fee – according to Butler Amusements’ website. Children 6 and under will be admitted free. Individual game and ride tickets are available to purchase for $1 each with most rides requiring between 3 and 5 tickets and most games requiring 10 tickets or more.

Tickets can be purchased by downloading the “Magic Money” app from the Apple or Android App Stores on your mobile phone.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.