Places to Go

Want to get out?  We've got you covered.

Many locations are closed on holidays. We always recommend calling before you go. All phone numbers are area code 916 unless otherwise noted.

• Environmental Adventures 
• Museums 
• Parks 
• Skate Parks 
• Places of Interest 
• Water Wonderlands

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVENTURES

American River Nature Center - Marshall Gold Discovery Park in Coloma
The AR Conservancy offers exhibits on the flora and fauna of the American River Watershed, a natural history exhibit, plus educational programs. Admission is free. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-3pm. 530-621-1224.

California Raptor Center - Davis
Dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey (raptors), this education and research facility successfully returns 60% of the over 200 raptors it receives each year. The museum and permanent collection of living, nonreleasable raptors are open to public Mon-Sat. On-site and off-site tours are given by appointment only ($3 adult, $1.50 kids, with a $30 minimum for all guided on-site presentations). Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm. 530-752-6091.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center - Ancil Hoffman County Park in Carmichael
Enjoy free programs and interactive exhibits like Wild About Wetlands which includes a fisheye view of wetland creatures and their habitat, or the Endangered Species exhibit. Don’t forget about the replica of a Maidu Indian summer village! Most weekend family programs are free, but some require pre-registration. Open daily 9am-5pm February-October, 9am-4pm November-January. Park entrance fee: $5 per car. 489-4918.

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary - City Park in Folsom
This special zoo’s goal is to teach responsible behavior to all animals by posting the animal’s individual story as well as information about their species at each exhibit. In fact, this distinguished zoo (which doesn’t breed, sell or trade the animals) is a sanctuary home to animals that are non-releasable, may have been injured, orphaned, or confiscated as a wild pet. (Also, while you’re at Folsom City Park, don’t miss the Folsom Valley Railway, a miniature scale railroad that you can ride for $2—it’s great for small children!) Summer hours are 9am-3pm Tuesday-Sunday (and 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday during September through May). Admission: $4 (ages 13+); $3 (ages 5-12) and seniors (55+); free for ages 4 & under. 351-3527.

Gibson Ranch Park - Elverta
This 345 acre park is a working ranch right in the midst of northern Sacramento County’s urban communities, offering fishing and hiking trails. Horseback riding is also available for adults and children (age 8 and older), at an additional cost (reservations recommended). Open 7am-sunset on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Entrance fee: $5 per car. 991-7592.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery - Gold River
Feed salmon and steelhead trout for just a nickel—watch out: they sometimes jump for their food! Explore the hatchery, visitor's center, nature trail, fish ladder and hatching room. The Nimbus hatchery raises salmon and steelhead trout, returning them to the American River, where the adult fish return every winter to climb the fish ladder. Located on the American River Parkway, you can access this spot via bike trail. Open daily 10am-3pm. Free parking (except during Salmon Festival) and free entry. 358-2884.

Placer Nature Center - Auburn
Devoted to environmental education and stewardship, the Nature Center offers lots of fun activities for families and children. Open house the 2nd Saturday of each month, 11am-2pm. Call to register for classes or events. 530-878-6053.

Sacramento Zoo - Land Park in Sacramento
Discover hundreds of exotic and endangered wild animals from around the world, including lions and tiger cubs and penguins… (oh, my!) Open daily 9am-4pm (10am-4pm November-January). Weekday admission: $10.50 general; $9.75 seniors; $6.50 children (3-12); free for members and children under 2. Weekend admission is 50 cents more. 808-5888. (Note: Fairytale Town is just across the street. If you're planning ahead for a full day of fun, check out the Zoo & Town combo ticket!)

STAR ECO Station - Rocklin
Visitors experience hands-on lessons in ecology and environmentalism and experience breathtaking encounters with tropical birds, exotic reptiles, wildcats and ocean life. Discovery exhibits from organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, US Fish and Wildlife, and Surfrider help this award-winning non-profit wildlife rescue center carry out its mission of “preservation through education.” Tours start every hour on the hour. Open Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. $5 general admission; infants in strollers are free. 632-8347.

Yolo Wildlife Area - between Davis and Sacramento
Discover the Central Valley’s wetlands with walking trails and views of birds and plant life, plus the occasional glimpse of fish, reptiles and mammals like the river otter. Open daily, sunrise to sunset (except during periods of flooding). 530-757-3780.

Yosemite National Park
Okay, it isn’t exactly in Sacramento (a bit over 3 hours from home), but the 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 800 miles of hiking trails, 350 miles of roads, and spectacular sequoia groves and waterfalls—making it the perfect camping, hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing or backpacking destination. If you’re not the rugged type stay in one of the hotels, enjoy the 19 retail locations, and take a bus tour to enjoy all Yosemite has to offer without getting too grungy. Yosemite is also home to several museums, an Ansel Adams Gallery, a family nature center and historic cemeteries. You don't need reservations to visit or enter Yosemite National Park, but reservations for lodging/camping are essential to spend the night. Entrance fee is $20 per car, which is valid for seven days of unlimited entries and includes all occupants of the car; or $10 per person if arriving on foot, horseback, motorcycle, or on a non-commercial bus (free for those 15-years-old and younger). The park is open 24 hours, but the main entrance operates approximately from sunrise to sunset. 801-559-4884.

MUSEUMS

Aerospace Museum of California - McClellan Park in Sacramento
Explore the Hardie Setzer Aerospace Pavilion, the 4-acre Air Park, and exhibits including rocket engines, interactive displays, a motion-ride simulator and a US Coast Guard exhibit opening in August. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 10am-5pm. $5 general admission. 643-3192.

California Automobile Museum - Sacramento
Explore the history, past and present of the automobile through the museum’s collection of over 170 vehicles. Open daily 10am–6pm. $8 adults; $7 seniors; $4 students (K-12); free for age 5 and under. Free parking. 442-6802.

The California Museum - downtown Sacramento
Home of the California Hall of Fame, this cultural and educational destination is dedicated to telling the rich history of California. Current exhibits include Uprooted: Japanese Americans During World War II, the Minerva Award Exhibit, and the annual California Hall of Fame. Open daily 10am-6pm. $8.50 adults; $7 seniors; $6 kids (ages 6-13); free for age 5 and under. Free parking on weekends. 653-7524.

California State Indian Museum - downtown Sacramento
Exhibits and artifacts illustrate the history and cultural heritage of the state’s prehistoric population. A hands-on area allows visitors to try using Indian tools. Open daily 10am-5pm, on the Sutter’s Fort grounds. $3 adults; $2 youth (ages 6-17); free for children age 5 and younger. 324-0971.

California State Military Museum - Old Sacramento
The multitude of exhibits include Civil War Medicine, Sword Weapons, and galleries on veterans and minorities’ experience in the armed forces—just to name a few. Satellite museums include Camp San Luis Obispo and the National Guard Armory in San Diego. Open Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm and Fri-Sun 10am-6pm. $5 general admission; $3 kids (6-17); free for age 5 and under, and retired or active military personnel. 854-1900.

California State Railroad Museum - Old Sacramento
Your locomotive lover won’t want to miss Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains, a 3,300 square foot toy train exhibit, showcasing approximately 1,000 vintage toy trains, interactive displays, and a dazzling, operating toy train layout to delight all ages. Other exhibits include Women in the Railroad and several photography exhibits. Choo choo! Open daily 10am-5pm. $9 adults; $4 youths (6-17); free for ages 5 and under. 445-6645.

Carnegie Museum - Roseville
The home of Roseville’s first permanent library, this brick building was funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1912 and currently holds special collections that tell the story of Roseville’s history (and it is one of several Carnegie Libraries located across the state). The museum also offers a walking tour of historic old town Roseville. Open Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm. Tours are free but require reservations. 773-3003.

Crocker Art Museum - downtown Sacramento
The New Crocker museum opens with a grand opening art festival featuring multiple performance stages, a community arts block party and much more on Sunday, October 10 10am-10pm. 264-5423.

Discovery Museum’s Gold Rush History Center - Old Sacramento
Discover the past, present and future through interactive play stations and exhibits like The Lure of Gold, which explores the history and science of gold and features a mineshaft and interactive kiosks. Also, dig into Sacramento’s Buried Past to see artifacts revealed through a glass floor right beneath your feet. Summer hours: open daily 10am-5pm (July-August). Winter hours: open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday. $5 adults; $4 seniors and youth (13-17); $3 children (4-12); free for members and children age 3 & under. 264-7057.

Discovery Museum’s Science & Space Center - Sacramento
The interactive exhibits rotate about every 6 months. Currently, young minds can explore natural wonders with all their senses in the Got Trees exhibit, or voyage astronaut-style through a series of space challenges in the Space Quest exhibit. Preschoolers can play in the special tot spaceship while their older counterparts don space gear costumes and immerse themselves in the mock space station. All ages will enjoy the impressive display of space toys! Summer hours: open daily 10am-4:30pm (July and August). Winter hours: open 12noon-4:30pm Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4:30pm Saturday-Sunday (closed Mondays for school tours. Weekday admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors and youth (13-17); $3 children (4-12); free for members and kids age 3 & under (add $1 to admission for weekend rate). 575-3941.

Explorit Science Center - Davis
This nonprofit provides hands-on experiences about everyday life sciences. The Move It Science In Action long-term exhibition uses interactive experiments to show you that movement is everywhere and you’ll learn about different types of motion. Puzzling Problems and Scientific Solutions, which opened late June, encourages you to think like a scientist as you solve problems like “how far away are the stars?” Open 11am-5pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm Tuesdays. General admission $4; free for kids age 3 and under, and teachers (with school ID). 530-756-0191.

Folsom History Museum - Historic Folsom
The History Museum houses exhibits about Folsom's native people, the discovery of gold and other historical figures and events that shaped the area’s past and present. The Interpretive Area, across the street from the Museum, lets visitors see period machines and replicas (including a miner's shack and blacksmith shop), and get hands-on with fun, free activities like gold panning. Located on Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, the museum neighbors many eateries/shops (including Snook’s Candy and Ice Cream) and is easy to access from light rail and bike trail. Open 11am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday. $4 adults; $2 youth (12-17); free for kids under 12. 985-2707.

Folsom Prison Museum - Folsom
Located just with in the gates of the prison that Johnny Cash’s blues made famous is a museum containing artifacts (like journals and prison-made contraband items) that tell about California’s second oldest prison’s colorful history. While you can’t take a tour of the prison, this museum offers a look at what life is like behind those big granite walls. Open daily 10am-4pm. $2 adult; free for age 12 and under. 985-2561, ext. 4589.

Lawrence Hall of Science - UC Berkeley in Berkeley
Ongoing exhibits include the Nano Zone (where you’ll have big fun thinking small!), The Idea Lab (presenting at least three hands-on activities each day), Forces that Shape the Bay and KidsLab. Open daily 10am-5pm. Planetarium shows ($3 adults; $2.50 age 18 and under) and Biology Lab (free with admission) Sat & Sun. Admission: $12 adults; $9 kids age 7-18, students and seniors; $6 under age 6; free for kids under 3. 510-642-5132.

Maidu Museum & Historic Site - Roseville
The Center offers classes, camps, special events, and guided tours (10am Monday-Friday). The nature area features a loop trail that takes you past ancient petroglyphs (rock art) and other evidence of the Nisenan (southern Maidu) people. Inside the museum you'll find exhibits portraying the Maidu way of life. 9am-4pm Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm each Second Saturday. $4.50 adults; $4 children; $16 for a family of 4. Weekday afternoon discountL $2 per person 2-4pm Monday-Friday. 774-5934.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park - Coloma
Visit the place where the California Gold Rush began. Check out museum exhibits and historic buildings; try gold panning in the American River; or enjoy a picnic under the trees. Park summer hours: 8am-7pm Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day). Park winter hours: 8am-5pm (Labor Day-beginning of Memorial Day weekend). Museums hours: 10am-3pm November-March, 10am-4pm March-November. 530-622-3470. 

Roseville Telephone Museum - Roseville
From Magnetos to Mickey Mouse and more, this is an extensive collection of antique telephones and memorabilia. Call to schedule a tour. Open by appointment Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Free entry. 786-1621.

Sacramento Children's Museum - Rancho Cordova
The Museum is designed for ages birth to eight-years-old to allow children to "learn-by-doing"!
Join them during Museum business hours to learn about math, science, art and social learning skills! Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. $7 general admission. 638-7225. 

Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical History Museum - Sacramento
Experience the evolution of medicine from the Gold Rush era to present-day at this unique museum of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Exhibits and collections include an iron lung, patent medicines and pharmacology, antibiotics and infectious diseases, Chinese medicine, and a history of medical quackery. Guided and interpretive tours available on request. Open 9am-4pm Monday-Friday (except holidays). Free entry. 452-2671.

Wells Fargo History Museums - downtown Sacramento
Learn about the early days of our state’s government, the gold rush and the pony express through exhibits of original Concord Coaches, banking and express documents, early photos, gold coins, mining tools, working telegraphs, and western fine art. Two locations: Old Sacramento (open daily 10am-5pm): 440-4263; and Capitol Mall (open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday): 440-4161. Free entry to both.

Western Railway Museum - Suison
Ride historic streetcars around the shaded picnic grounds and interurban electric trains over Sacramento Northern Railway’s restored main line. Over 50 historic cars from California and the Western states are on display. Open 10:30am-5pm Saturday and Sunday (summer hours 10:30am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday). $10 adult, $9 senior, $7 kids (age 2-14). 707-374-2978.

PARKS: CHILDREN

Fairytale Town - Land Park in Sacramento
This 2.5-acre children’s park is your wildest Peter Pan aspiration come to true, bringing nursery rhymes and classic fairytales to life with over 25 play sets. Head to Farmer Brown’s Farm to meet Peter Rabbit or the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Join Robin Hood in the Sherwood Forest fort, run a Crooked Mile marathon, or take a break in Cinderella’s carriage. Spring/summer hours: 9am-4pm daily. Fall/winter hours: 10am-4pm Thursday-Sunday. $4 weekday admission; weekends: $4.50. Free admission for kids age 2 and under. (Don't forget: Sacramento Zoo is right across the street! If you're planning ahead for a full day of fun, a Zoo & Town combo ticket is available.) 808-5233.

Folsom Sports Complex - John Kemp Community Park in Folsom
This facility offers indoor and outdoor basketball and soccer, indoor volleyball, indoor batting cages for sports enthusiasts of all ages, an arcade, sports cafe, meeting rooms, and teen center. If that weren’t enough, they also maintain a full schedule of leagues, camps, clinics and tournaments, in addition to the opportunity for drop-in play. Open daily 10am-10pm. There is no membership fee, however a fee is required for batting cages, drop-in play, and league play. 984-2850.

Funderland Children’s Amusement Park - Land Park in Sacramento
Funderland’s old-fashioned amusement park rides are sized just right for kids. Spend the day (or just an hour or two) watching your little ones enjoy train rides and attractions like the Dragon Coaster, Tea Cups, Carousels and more. Located next to Fairytale Town and near the Zoo in Land Park, Sacramento. Admission is free. Each ride requires 1 ticket per person ($1.50 Monday–Friday; $1.75 weekends and holidays). Unlimited ride wristbands sold until 4pm and good until 5pm on the day of purchase only (not available weekends or holidays). Summer hours: Monday-Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. 456-0115.

McKinley Park - East Sacramento
Meander in the quiet rose garden, feed geese at the shady pond and frolic along the children’s play fort, the bordering path or the basketball and tennis courts—and when it is too hot for frolic, head to the pool or air conditioned library.

Placer County Parks
Information on parks in the Placer area, including a park listing, check out Placer County’s Parks and Ground Department. 530-886-4901.

Sacramento Community Gardens
Information about these gardens, including a listing, check out Sacramento City Park and Rec Deparment. 808-5200.

Sacramento Parks
An alphabetical listing of Sacramento City parks; or for information about parks in the Sacramento area, including a complete park listing, go to SacParks.net or call Sacramento County's Department of Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space: 875-6961.

PARKS: SKATE/BMX

28th and B Skate Park - Sutter’s Landing Regional Park in Sacramento
Skaters are invited to ollie and grind the indoor street course of quarter pipes, fun boxes and grind rails. All sessions are supervised and participants are required to wear helmet, knee and elbow pads (a limited number are available to rent for $1 per session). The park also offers camps and an art program. Open Monday-Friday 2pm-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 12noon-9pm. $3 admission. 494-8724.

Citrus Heights Skate Park - Rusch Park in Citrus Heights
Although it may not be the biggest Sacramento skate park, it is one of the best in the area. The bowls (around 4-5 feet deep) are the highlight of this park. It is located in Rusch Park, which also has swimming pools, playgrounds, shade trees, picnic tables, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts—almost everything you could want on a summer day. Open daily, from dawn until dusk. Free.

Cummings Family Skate and Bike Park - Folsom
Experience bowls and street courses, rails and half-pipes. The bike and skate parks have separate entries (each fenced separately), but both are located within Cummings Family Park. There is even a small play area where you can amuse the tots while your boarder is shredding up the park, and supervision at all hours means no worries about bullies or other scary teenage behavior. All skaters are required to wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads at all times. Spring hours (April-May): open Monday-Thursday 3:30-7pm, Friday 2-8pm, Saturday 1-8pm, Sunday 1-6pm. Summer Hours (May-August): Monday-Saturday 1-9pm, Sunday 1-8pm. $2 per person per day. 817-2767.

La Sierra Skate Park - Carmichael
Skateboarders and inline skaters are welcome to ride giant half-pipes, ramps, and loads of new equipment at this supervised park. Everyone must wear a helmet and sign a waiver; skaters under 18 must have parent/guardian sign waiver in person (you can download the waiver online beforehand). Free admission. Open Monday-Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 12-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm (weather permitting). 480-0700.

Granite Skate Park - Sacramento
One of the biggest skate parks in California is right here in Capitol City—and it was designed by award-winning designer Wally Hollyday! It offers a combination of street course and eight bowls, which range from beginner to expert. The challenging street course winds through the park and includes a large plaza area. This park is lighted and open 8am-10pm. Free.

Tanzanite Skate Park - Tanzanite Community Park in Sacramento
This skate park features three bowls with depths ranging from 4 feet to 13 feet. Skaters who prefer the challenge of street skating will find that the street course replicates the street environment without the hazards of cars, security guards, and skate stops. Open 8am-dusk. Free.

PLACES OF INTEREST

(including galleries, State Historic Parks, tours, etc.)

Blue Line Gallery - downtown Roseville
The Blue Line Gallery, a vanguard in the city’s downtown revitalization efforts, has been voted "Best Gallery in the Sacramento Region" on KCRA's A-list as well as "Best Art Gallery" by Roseville and Granite Bay Press Tribune readers since its opening in February 2008. Today, the 5,000 square foot gallery serves as the permanent home for Roseville Arts (a non-profit that encourages local artists and supports art education), showcases regional and national artists (including musical performances, lectures and demonstrations), and maintains a special children’s gallery which exhibits artwork by kids age 5-13 while providing a myriad of educational and cultural programs and workshops in a professional gallery setting. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and open until 9pm on 2rd Saturdays. Free entry. 783-4117.

California State Capitol - downtown Sacramento
The very visitor-friendly Capitol offers free guided tours of this beautiful historic building/modern hub of State government (offered daily 9am-4pm, on-the-hour). Free films are shown daily in the Basement Theatre. Located in the Capitol, the museum’s exhibits include Governors’ Portraits, Antiques and Artifacts, and This Means War: California's Role in the Spanish-American War, which is on display through May 31, 2011. Be sure to allow extra time for the surrounding park, which includes a memorial rose garden. Open daily 9am-5pm. Free admission. 324-0333.

California Vietnam Veterans Memorial - downtown Sacramento
Located on the State Capitol grounds, this circular memorial features full relief bronze statues and the 5,822 names of California's dead and missing are engraved on twenty-two black granite panels, arranged by their hometowns. Stop by the neighboring rose garden (also a memorial) and don't forget: the Capitol offers free guided tours and a museum, as well.

Delta King - Old Sacramento
This finely restored, historic floating riverboat contains a gourmet restaurant, two dinner theatres, and a hotel with over 40 rooms aboard its 285 foot length. Take a tour of the Delta King’s decks and interior. 444-5464.

Downtown Walking Tours - downtown Sacramento
Take a trip back in time with one of two historical walking tours. Take the K Street tour to learn how Sacramento wrangled the distinction of State Capital, why downtown sidewalks are hollow, and why the Crest Theatre is said to be haunted. Make a reservation: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 442-8575. All tours are guided and last about an hour; check Web site for various available tours.

Pence Gallery - Davis
Home of KidsCREATE and the Art Smart children’s education program, the Pence Gallery offers contemporary exhibits, enrichment workshops for adults, families and kids, and support for university students and arts in the community. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:30am-5pm and 2nd Fridays 7-9pm. 530-758-3370.

Empire Mine State Historic Park - Grass Valley
On weekends, volunteers dress in 1905 period costumes and entertain park visitors at the Cottage through the end of October. Explore hiking trails, a mine yard and expansive garden (tours offered for $1.50 per adult). Open July-September 5th: 10am-6pm. Open September 6th-December 31st: 10am-5pm. Admission: $5 ages 16 and older; $3 children ages 6-16; free for children age 5 and younger. 530-273-8522.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park - Historic Folsom
Over 100 years ago Folsom Powerhouse gave electricity to a town called Sacramento, a mere 22 miles downstream. Today you can see the original generators, control switchboard, transformers and more in the Powerhouse museum. Located in historic Folsom (right off light rail and bike trail), a Gold Rush-era town setting, complete with a restored 1850s railroad turntable. Powerhouse has recently gone under extensive seismic retrofit and now has a new visitors center and parking lot. Tours available by arrangement: 985-4843. Open Wednesday-Sunday 12noon-4pm. Free entry. 988-0205.

Governor’s Mansion - downtown Sacramento
Take a tour of the house that has been called “home” for 13 California governors, including 14th Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren (plus his wife and six kids) and President Ronald Reagan (plus his wife and two kids). This museum is not a replica, nor has it been restored—in fact, it stands at it did when vacated by the Reagans in 1967, complete with personal tokens of resident families. You’ll see exquisite Victorian era details, trees dating back to 1877 in the garden, and even Governor Brown’s 1959-built swimming pool. Grounds open daily 10am-5pm with tours on the hour until 4pm. $5 adult; $3 kids (age 6-17); free age 5 and under. 323-3047.

The Heidrick Ag History Center - Woodland
Visit the world's largest collection of antique agricultural equipment and trucks, plus interactive computer exhibits. The 130,000 sq. ft. History Center is home to the Fred C. Heidrick Sr. Antique Ag Collection and the Hays Antique Truck Museum. Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors (62+) $4 children (5-14); free for ages 4 and younger. 530-666-9700. 

Old Sacramento - Old Sacramento
Not only home to several points of interest (hello, Railroad Museum!), the wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and gold rush-era store fronts also offer a great Western experience (you can even take an old time photo). Check online for various events and activities, like Jazz Jubilee or Pacific Rim Festival. 442-7644.

Old Sacramento Living History Tours - Old Sacramento
Stroll through Old Sacramento with a living history docent offering colorful stories of Sacramento’s past. Tours begin at 11am and start at the Old Sacramento Visitor Center. Summer tours are available each Saturday at 11am thorugh August 28th. Private and school tours cab be scheduled year round. $7 adults, $3 children. 808-4980 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Old Sacramento Underground Tours - Old Sacramento
Costumed docents take you on a unique tour under the streets of Sacramento. In the 1860s, Sacramento was one of the very first cities in the nation to raise its streets (in an effort to protect against devastating floods). View disappearing windows and doors, exposed retaining walls, hollow sidewalks, dipping alleys and tour historic buildings. You’ll never look at Sacramento the same again! Register in advance online or via phone. Hourly tours 10am-5pm Thursday-Sunday through October 31. $15 adults, $10 children. 808-7973 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Riverboat Cruises - delta by Old Sacramento
Explore the beauty of the Sacramento River aboard a magnificent Victorian Paddlewheelers: the Spirit of Sacramento or the Matthew McKinley. Hour-long cruises depart from Old Sacramento, with boarding time 30 minutes before cruise time. Reservations recommended; ticket kiosk open during summer. 552-2933.

Sacramento Historic State Cemetery - Sacramento
Old City Cemetery Committee docents lead regular walking tours through the beautiful gardens of Sacramento's oldest existing cemetery, which was established in 1849. Visitors will discover the burial sites of Sacramento mayors and California governors as well as memorials to Civil War Veterans, Volunteer Firemen and the victims of the 1850 Cholera Epidemic. Open Friday-Tuesday 7am-7pm. Check online for the schedule of special tours, like the symbolism and garden tours. 448-0811. 

Safetyville USA - Sacramento
The Children's Safety Program provides life-saving safety education through this 1/3 scale town, complete with real sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights, a police, fire and sheriff station, and businesses that can be found in any city. With the goal to help reduce injury and preventable accidents of children, a trained volunteer tour guide leads children through the town teaching them a variety of safety skills, including: fire, bicycle, pedestrian, electrical, stranger danger, and railroad safety. Tours are $2 per person. 366-7233.

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park - downtown Sacramento
Founded in 1839, Sutter’s Fort was the Sacramento Valley’s earliest European settlement. Self-guided tours take visitors back in time through living history exhibits, including carpenter and blacksmith shops, a bakery, and living quarters—all featuring artifacts that once belonging to John Sutter, James Marshall and the Donner Party. Special events let visitors travel back in time with costumed docents and interactive activities. Open daily 10am-5pm. $5 adults, $3 youth (ages 6-17), free for children age 5 and younger. Free parking on Sunday. 445-4422.

WATER WONDERLANDS

Aquatic Center - Lembi Park in Folsom
To meet the swimming needs of your entire family, this aquatic center has 3 pools: a 50 meter competition pool with 4 diving boards, a 3.5 foot deep instruction pool and an activity pool, complete with two play structures including a water slide and water cannons. The pool also offers swim classes, lifeguard training, aquacise and kayaking. Recreational swim hours are Monday-Saturday 1pm-6:30pm, Sunday and holidays 1pm-6pm. $6 ages 4-54, $4 ages 55 and older. 355-8318.

Bridgeway Lakes Park Sprayground - West Sacramento
Literally the coolest place to hang out this summer! This large concrete area has water spraying up out of the ground and raining down from above—and water guns! You’ll especially like it if you have little kids who are not quite water safe yet (no need to pack life jackets or water wings). There are restrooms, a BBQ area and walking paths to enjoy. Open from 10am-8pm daily. Free.

Glenn Hall Park - River Park in Sacramento
This park features a pool that opens early June and closes late August. The park also offers two lighted tennis courts, a baseball field, two full size soccer fields, volleyball, picnic tables, restrooms, fenced children's playground, and access to the American River, Paradise Beach and bike trail. Park open sunrise to sunset. Recreational Swim Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friay 3-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, with Lap Swim hour immediately preceding recreational swim times. Park entry is free. Recreation swim is $2 adult, $1 age 17 and under. 277-6071.

Lone Tree Park - Rocklin
A 30-acre park boasting a huge playground for children ages 5-12 with an adjacent water play area. You could easily watch your little tadpole splash around in the spray pools without losing track of your little climber on the play structure. Picnic tables and restrooms facilities are easy to access. The park opens at dawn and closes an hour after sunset. Free. 

Sacramento Public Pools
Information and listings of Sacramento city public pools, including wading and play pools. All charge $2 adult, $1 age 17 and under for recreational swim time and most have specific recreational swim time slots. 808-5200.

The Swimstitute - Rancho Cordova
Offering drop-in swim, swim lessons and scuba certification. They also host a Parents’ Night Out on the last Saturday of each month. Pool hours: Monday-Thursday 6am-8pm, Friday 6am-7pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-12noon. 851-0840.