A trip to California’s capital city of Sacramento can be exceptionally educational, but the city and surrounding area also offer plenty of exciting activities. Between parks, museums, and outdoor events, adults and kids of all ages will easily find exciting points of interests. Book a stay at a cozy Sacramento vacation rental that gives your family plenty of room to relax. Check out the top 10 family-friendly activities in Sacramento.
1. Sacramento Zoo
Zoos are always fun and educational for adults and kids of all ages. The Sacramento Zoo is particularly exciting, as it’s home to dozens of rare, exotic, and endangered animals. Enjoy a tour of the facility, and then check out overnight safaris that let kids spend the night at the zoo. Adults can stay well into the evening to enjoy a jazz concert under the stars before heading back to the vacation rental.
2. California State Railroad Museum
The train lovers in your family wouldn’t want to miss a visit to the California State Railroad Museum, where they can view model trains and explore full-sized historical trains. As an added bonus, take each train lover for a ride on the Sacramento Southern Excursion Train, which takes a trip along the Sacramento River each Saturday.
3. Play at the Park
Head to William Land Park for an afternoon of beauty. Bring swimsuits along for the kids, and pack a picnic lunch and snacks. Let your kids spend as long as they want playing in the William Land Park Play Pool with local children while you relax and enjoy the lush green surroundings.
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4. Enjoy a Ball Game
Sometimes, a minor league ball game can be even more exciting than watching a team from the Major Leagues play. Head over to Raley Field to root, root, root for the home team, the Sacramento River Cats. Peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and hot dogs —are all here waiting for you, and on some nights, you can enjoy fireworks, too. Take along your own mitts to catch fly balls, and pull the balls out later for a game of catch in the backyard of your vacation rental.
5. Aerospace Museum of California
Sacramento is home to the Aerospace Museum of California, a big draw for all the aircraft lovers passing through. People of all ages enjoy the exhibits at this popular museum. Check the museum’s online calendar for special events. Be on the lookout for the event that actually allows kids to climb into the cockpits of the airplanes.
6. Sacramento History Museum
If you hit a day that’s too rainy or too hot to spend outdoors but you’re still itching to get out of your vacation rental, head for the Sacramento History Museum. Costumed tour guides will tell you about the history of the region, and fascinating exhibits give you a peek into what life used to be like. Sign up for an underground tour of the city to beat the heat and have fun.
7. California Automobile Museum
Most kids get excited when they see a unique car, so a trip to the California Automobile Museum won’t disappoint. Enjoy viewing more than 150 classic cars, and add to the fun by checking out the hands-on exhibits that let your kids learn just how an internal combustion engine works. You can reminisce about your own first car or a relative’s collection of classic cars as you head back to your vacation rental.
8. Rafting on the American River
Excitement awaits when you head to the American River for a day of river rafting. Tour companies in town will provide all the safety equipment you need, so you don’t have to worry about bringing these items from home. There are a variety of rapids for you to choose from. Choose calm rapids if you want to enjoy a day on the water with your little ones, and let your partner and teenagers enjoy the thrilling experience of rafting on the fast or roaring rapids.
9. Kayak or Canoe on Lake Natoma
Sacramento is surrounded by lakes and rivers, and one of the more popular spots is Lake Natoma, just south of Folsom. Local outfitters within close proximity to the lake will rent canoes and kayaks to you for an hourly rate, so you don’t have to make a full-day commitment. The company provides all the gear you need, including life jackets for your littlest kids. Consider renting a hydro bike for an unusual experience your family will never forget.
10. Hit the Farmers Market —Or Is It a Swap Meet?
Denio’s open-air market in Roseville, near Sacramento, offers a little bit of everything. It’s one of the most complete farmers markets in the world. It’s also a bazaar, an open-air auction, and a swap meet. This market has hundreds of vendors on any given day. Pay your kids their allowance in advance, and let them shop for something fantastic that they’d never find at home. Keep an eye out for special events, such as Toy Mania, which features hard-to-find toys. While there, pick up fresh produce for dinner and snacks to enjoy back at your vacation rental.
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