Sacramento offers plenty of activities for kids, including those involving animal encounters, interactive museums and amusement parks. Many of the places and activities on our list may be fun for the parents as well and the whole family. Some will physically challenge the kids (and grown ups) while others will challenge their wit and cleverness.
Sacramento Children’s Museum
Address: 2701 Prospect Park | Rancho Cordova
Sacramento Children’s Museum belongs to the Association of Children’s Museum. “They are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them.” The cost is $9.50 per adult and children 12+ for a day visit. However, their one year membership is quite a deal and includes such events as “Dogs on the Job”, taking place in April, “Shamrock Shimmy” which takes place in March and “Batty’s Butterfly Release”.
SeaQuest Folsom
Address: 430 Palladio Parkway #1801 | Folsom
SeaQuest Folsom takes your kids on a journey around the planet to learn about hundreds of incredible species. There are 1,500 species of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds & mammals and kids get to have some interactions with them too. Those animals which kids get to have interactions with include: asian otters, baby sloths, wallaby and crested porcupine. They can also “snorkel with stingrays and exchange kisses with fish”. General admission is $18.99 and annual passes are $39.99.
Sacramento Zoo
Address: 3930 W Land Park Dr | Sacramento
Located in William Land Park, Sacramento Zoo is home to about 120 species of animals, many of which are rare and endangered. Some interesting facts about it: It first opened its gates in 1927 with 40 animals, the first elephant, SUE, Sacramento Union Elephant, was brought in in 1949, “Bruno” the grizzly bear and two orangutans arrived in 1965 and the zoo started charging admission of twenty-five cents.
Ticket prices vary from $20 to $30 from day to day and it’s recommended to plan the visit ahead of time.
William Land Regional Park
Address: 3800 W Land Park Dr | Sacramento
Located just 2.5 miles south of downtown Sacramento, this 207 acre park has plenty to offer the nature-loving families: amphitheater, golf course, basketball court, jogging paths, lakes, a rock garden and more. Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town and Funderland are also located in this park. Annual Shakespeare plays take place at its amphitheater.
Monster Mini Golf
Address: 12401 Folsom Blvd | Rancho Cordova
Located at the intersection of Folsom Blvd and Hazel Ave, Monster Mini Golf has tons of entertaining attractions with comical monster characters. While you play golf with the kids, monsters invade the golf course and interact with the players. There is also laser tag, virtual reality, bowling and atomic rush. Check their website for hours and prices.
SMUD Museum of Science & Curiosity
Address: 400 Jibboom St | Sacramento
MOSAC, opened its doors to the public in November of 2021 and their mission is to “engage and inspire people of all ages to explore the wonders, the possibilities and responsibilities of science”. They have interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and events for all ages. They are located near downtown, just off interstate 5, on Sacramento River.
Pipeworks
Address: 116 North 16th St | Sacramento
Pipeworks is an indoor climbing hall in downtown Sacramento with 14,000 square feet of climbing terrain. They have “first-timers” classes in each field of bouldering, top roping and lead climbing. You may take a class with your kids or enroll your child in one of their after school or summer camps. There are at least two other climbing halls in Sacramento if downtown is too far a drive for you. The Boulder Field and Granite Arch Climbing Center.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Address: 1700 Arden Way | Sacramento
Urban Air was voted as America’s best gym for kids. It’s an indoor playground filled with exciting attractions like “Adventure Hub, DropZone, Runway (Tumble Track), Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Sky Rider and more. They are located on Arden Way, almost across the street from Arden Fair Mall. For hours and prices, it’s best to check their website.
Funderland Amusement Park
Address: 1350 17th Ave | Sacramento
Located in William Land Park, only half block from the main entrance to the Sacramento Zoo, Funderland Amusement Park has been offering exclusively-for-kids rides since 1946. Some rides, like Flying Dragon have minimum height requirements but many are suitable for toddlers as well. Entrance to the park is free but rides do require a ticket.
Ticket prices: Child Admission (34″ tall & up)-$22
Adult Admission (ages 18-59) -$17
Senior Admission (ages 60+) – $10
TreeTop Sac
Address: 1300 Lake Washington Blvd | West Sacramento
What’s TreeTopSac? It’s a unique outdoor experience where visitors are placesd 3-25 feet or more above the forest floor, into the canopy. That is “Heritage Oak Forest”. How it works? Everyone goes through a 5 step class: Gear Introduction, Ground School, Clear to Climb, Traverse the Canopy, and Zip Away (zip lining back to the forest floor.) They also offer summer and spring camps for kids from 8-15 years.
Fishing
Address: Sacramento & American Rivers, local lakes
One can catch rainbow trout, steelhead, salmon, striped bass and American shad in American and Sacramento Rivers. Great time with the young ones. If you have always wanted to give it a try and get the young ones involved too, Kiene’s Fly Shop has classes for all levels, starting at $40.95. A great opportunity to get out, spend some times with the family and maybe bring home some fresh fish for the dinner table.
Fish at a Kids Only Fishing Spot in South Lake Tahoe
Address: Sawmill Pond Picnic Area South Lake Tahoe
Sawmill Picnic Area is a Kids Only pond. It has stocked fish and kids can have a blast. Parents can only help not fish themselves. Here’s a link to the place. The pond is located one mile south of South Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in the summer. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted.
I just learned of this place called Tahoe Trout Farm. It is also a perfect place for spending time with the young ones. Just watch the video below and it will tell you all about it.
