Sacramento: 5 Family Favorites
Sacramento is not typically on the top of most people’s “must visit” lists. Most people just drive through on their way to more glamorous locales such as San Francisco or Lake Tahoe. Surprise! There is in fact more to Sacramento than the Kings, agriculture, and the Governator. It actually has its fair share of fun places to bring the kids. Here are a few ways to have a great time in Sactown.
1. Old Sacramento
Take a stroll back in time along wooden sidewalks and cobblestone streets in this charming Gold Rush town replica. Kids love the huge model train displays inside Toy Emporium, admiring over 500 different kites at Old City Kites and selecting their favorite taffy out of the rows of wine barrels at the Candy Barrel.
2. California Railroad Museum
Trainophiles agree that this museum is one of the best. Take time to enjoy the railroad related exhibits, play on the caboose out front, or go for a ride on an authentic Steam Engine Train along the Sacramento River.
3. Discovery Park and the river
The American and Sacramento Rivers meet at Discovery Park, a great place to have fun splashing in the river, picnic under an oak tree or start a bike ride along the gorgeous 32 mile American River Parkway. Don’t worry. If you don’t have your own boat you can still get out on the water by taking a river cruise on the Spirit of Sacramento paddle wheeler. Now how about that for fun?
4. Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town
Spend the morning with tigers, monkeys, and flamingos at the charming Sacramento Zoo and then walk across the street for an afternoon of fun at Fairytale Town. Where else can you slide down the shoe the Little Old Lady lived in, spend time with the Three Little Pigs, and fetch a pail of water on the exact same hill that Jack and Jill did?
5. Sutter’s Fort
Visit the place where it all started. Sutter’s Fort has been restored to its 1847 glory with a museum to pay homage to the pioneers who helped found the Golden State. Check out the Trade Store for replicas of toys that were popular long before the days of batteries.
Want to make a weekend of it? Check out the brand new Embassy Suites Sacramento-Riverfront Promenade—it’s well-located and perfect for families.
July 22nd, 2009 | by Sharlene Earnshaw 6 comments
1. MudslideMama on July 22nd, 2009
I was one of the moms that somehow got snookered into a one -day field trip up to Sac from SoCal, and I was surprised at how much the 4th graders all loved it. Their favorite parts were panning for gold (my kid found one itty bitty flake) and the old-fashioned candy store in Old Sacramento. They came home loaded with salt water taffy. Up to carpool to the airport at 4:30 AM, home after dropping kids off at 11:30 PM. It was quite a day, but really, Sac is a lot of fun for kids. You’re right. :)
2. Jamie Pearson on July 22nd, 2009
@MudslideMama When they asked for volunteer drivers for our 4th grade gold rush thingie, I sort of pretended I didn’t speak English. You’re a good mom!
3. Carolina on July 22nd, 2009
O.K. Guilty as charged. I drive by Sactown at least once a month on my way to the glamour of Donner. But when my guy was younger and I wanted to make it a longer pit stop we would go to the Railroad Museum and it is a mecca for train enthusiasts for sure.
4. debi b on July 23rd, 2009
Great post Sharlene! Looks like a lot of fun & educational things to see & do !
5. Kathy D. on July 24th, 2009
Great write up! We need to take the kids there one of these days.
6. Kristy Grigsby on July 24th, 2009
Nice article, Sharlene! You’ve done a great job of selling Sactown! You’re so good at helping us see familiar places through the eyes of a kid. Loved it.
6 Responses to “Sacramento: 5 Family Favorites”