Places to Visit

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

Places to Visit:

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 Wed-Sun 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. Tours are given by appointment only ($3 adult, $1.50 kids). Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and Sat 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 that opens August 22. Don’t forget about the replica of a Maidu Indian summer village! Open daily 9am-5pm. Entrance fee: $4 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 Tues-Sun 9am-3pm. Admission: $4 (ages 13+); $3 (ages 5-12) and seniors (55+); free for ages 4 & under. 351-3527.

Gibson Ranch Park - Elverta
This 300+ 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, at an additional cost (reservations recommended). Open 7am to dusk year-round. Entrance fee: $4 per car. 991-2686.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery - Rancho Cordova
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. Animal talks and encounters at 11am & 1:30pm, except Mondays. Weekday admission: $8.50 general; $7.75 seniors; $6 children (3-12); free for members and children under 3. 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 Fri 1-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm, and Sun 12-4pm. $7 adults; $6 seniors (65 and over); $5 children; free for kids in strollers. 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. Free. (530) 758-1018.

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. The park is open 24 hours, but the main entrance operates approximately from sunrise to sunset. (209) 372-0200.

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 daily 9am-5pm; Sun 10am-5pm. $8 adults; $6 students & seniors; $5 kids (ages 6-12); free for age 5 and under, members and active duty military with ID. 643-3192.

The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts - 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 Dogs With Jobs (through March 2009); ongoing exhibits include California’s Remarkable Women, Latinas: The Spirit of California, and Uprooted: Japanese Americans During World War II. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. $7.50 adults; $6 seniors; $5 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. Admission: $2 adults; free for ages 16 and under when accompanied by an adult. 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. 442-2883.

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. Admission: $8 adults; $3 youths (6-17); free for ages 5 & 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 Mon-Fri 12pm-4pm. Tours are free but require reservations. 773-3003.

Crocker Art Museum - downtown Sacramento
Check out these free gallery packs at the front desk before exploring the exhibits: Art Detective (ages 6-10) which teaches about art, and Totally Tots Museum Safari (ages 3-5) which helps develop sensory awareness and perceptual skills. The Second Saturday of each month features themed workshops for all ages. In addition to its historic permanent collect, Crocker also showcases temporary exhibits—in August you can examine Andy Warhol’s depiction of athletes in American Pop. Museum Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Thurs until 9pm. Admission: $6 adults; $4 for seniors (age 65+); $3 students; free for age 6 & under. Free admission on Sundays from 10am-1pm. 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. Open Tue-Sun, 10am-4:30pm. Admission: $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! Open 10am-4:30pm through September. Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors and youth (13-17); $3 children (4-12) free for members and kids age 3 & under. 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?” The Center is open Tue-Fri 2pm-4:30pm, and Sat-Sun, 11am-4:30pm. General admission $4; free for kids age 3 and under, and teachers (with school ID). Free admission for all on the 4th Sunday of each month. 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 Tues-Sun, 11am-4pm. $3 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 Wed-Sun 11am-4pm. $2 adult, $1 youth, free for age 12 and under. 985-2561, ext. 4589.

Lawrence Hall of Science - UC Berkeley in Berkeley
Roll up your sleeves and get building in summer’s exhibit: Engineer It, where you’ll create structures based on the tried and true method of the “think, build, test, do it again” process. Ongoing exhibits include the Nano Zone (where you’ll have big fun thinking small!) and The Idea Lab (presenting at least three hands-on activities each day). Open daily 10am-5pm. Planetarium shows ($3 adults; $2.50 age 18 and under) and Biology Lab (free with admission) Sat & Sun. Admission: $11 adults; $9 kids age 7-18, students and seniors; $6 under age 6; free for kids under 3. 510-642-5132.

Maidu Interpretive Center - Roseville
The Center offers classes, camps, special events, and guided tours (Tue-Fri at 10am and Sat at 10am & 1pm). 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. Center hours: Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm and 930am-5pm Second Saturdays. $4 adults; $3.75 children; $14 for a family of 4 (includes a special 10am-4pm itinerary each Second Saturday through August). $2 admission Tue-Fri from 2-4pm. 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 open daily 8am-sunset. Museums hours: 10am-3:30pm. 530-622-3470.

Museum of Medical History - 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. Open Mon–Fri 9am-4pm. Free entry. 456-3152.

Roseville Telephone Museum - Roseville
From Magnetos to Mickey Mouse and more, this is an extensive collection of antique telephones and memorabilia. Open by appointment Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Free entry. 786.1621.

Towe Auto Museum - Sacramento
Explore the history, past and present of the automobile through the museum’s collection of over 170 vehicles. Open daily 10am–6pm. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $3 students (K-12); free age 5 and under. Free parking. 442-6802.

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 10am-5pm every day): 440-4263, and Capitol Mall (open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri): 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. Summer hours: Wed-Sun 10:30am-5pm through labor day. $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. Open daily 9am-4pm. $3.75 weekday admission; weekends: $4.25. Free admission for kids under 3 and children with disabilities plus one attendant. (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.) 264-5233.

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 Mon–Fri; $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: Mon-Fri 11am-5pm and Sat-Sun 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 Mon-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm. $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. Open Sun-Thu 1pm-8pm and Fri-Sat 1pm-9pm. $2. 817-2767.

La Sierra Skate Park - Carmichael
Skateboarders are welcome to ride giant half-pipes, ramps—and even more because the park was re-opened June 21 with loads of new equipment. 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. Open Mon-Fri 4-8pm, Sat 12-8pm, Sun 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 (INCLUDE GALLERIES, HISTORIC PARKS)

Blue Line Gallery - downtown Roseville
In February, Roseville Arts celebrated the grand opening of Blue Line Gallery, a vanguard in the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. 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 Tues-Fri 10am-5pm and Sat 1pm-8pm. 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 a Capitol Family Art exhibit through June 15. Be sure to allow extra time for the surrounding park, which includes a memorial rose garden. Building hours are 8am-5pm Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm Sat & Sun. 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.

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. 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 10am-5pm daily. Admission: $3 general; $1 for kids (5-16), free for children under 5. 530-273-8522.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park - Historic Folsom
Over 100 years ago Folsom Powerhouse gave electricity to 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 Wed-Sun 12pm-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. $4 adult, $2 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 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors (62+) $4 children (6-14); free for ages 6 and under. 530-666-9700.

Old Sacramento - Sacramento
Not only home to several points of interest (hello, railroad museum!), the wooden sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and gold rush-era store fronts 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.

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. Cruises depart from Old Sacramento, with boarding time 30 minutes before cruise time. Hour-long Sightseeing Cruises board Fri-Sun at 1:15pm and 2:45pm. $16 adult, $13 senior, $9 kids (age 4-12). Reservations recommended; ticket kiosk open during summer. 552-2933. (Note: After cruising the delta for over a decade, River Otter Water Taxis closed last year. However, Sacramento Yacht Charters plans to deploy Water Trolleys, their heftier “land shark” replacement, soon!)

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 daily 7am-7pm. Check online for the schedule of special tours, like the symbolism and garden tours. 448-0811

Sacramento Walking Tours - downtown or Old 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. Tues-Fri 9-11:30am and 12:30-1:30pm with reservations. Advanced reservations required for tours Sat-Mon. $4; $2 for children, students, and seniors. 442-8575. Or 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. Tours are scheduled every Fri-Sun, and Wednesdays, and private tours are available by appointment. $7; $5 for children, seniors, military personnel, and groups of 10 or more. 264-8142.

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. Open Mon–Fri 8:45am–3pm. 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. Free parking on Sun. 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 Mon-Fri 1pm-6:30pm and Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm. $6 adult weekends, $5 adult weekdays, $3 for seniors and age 3 and under, free age 2 and under. 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: Mon/Wed/Fri-Sun 1pm-5pm, Tue/Thu 1pm-7pm, 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.

Paradise Cove Aquatic & Dive Center - 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. Open 6am to 9pm Mon-Fri, 9am to 6pm Sat, and closed Sun. Drop-in swim $4-$6. 851-0840.

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.

Story Times

We recommend calling ahead before you go. All phone numbers are area code 916 unless otherwise noted. Many libraries have summer reading programs and special book or activity events; call or visit to learn more.

Applegate Library (530) 878-2721
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays 10:30-11am. No story time in August.

Arcade Learning Library 264-2700
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): stories, fingerplays, songs, games, and crafts with a different theme every week; Thursdays 10-11am.

Arden-Dimick Library of Sacramento 264-2893
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): books, songs, fingerplays and more; Thursdays 11:15-11:45am.
Toddler Storytime (age 18 months-3 years): stories, songs and fingerplays; Wednesdays 11:15-11:45am.

Arthur F. Turner Library of West Sacramento 375-6465
Mother Goose on the Loose (age birth-36 months): An early-learning program of play and story time where parents and children engane in active learning through musical instruments, rhymes and more; Wednesdays 2pm and Saturdays 10:30am.
Preschool Storytime (age 3-5): Introduce your little one to reading through books, felt board stories, finger plays, and crafts; Saturdays 11am.
School Age (age 5 and up): Programs include stories, guests, puppets, music, arts and crafts. In addition, the Summer Reading Club is offered during the summer to encourage literacy.

Auburn Library (530) 886-4520
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays Nov 13- Dec 11. (no storytimes Nov 27) 11:00 -11:30 am.
Mother Goose on the Loose (age birth-two years): introducing nursery rhymes and musical rhythms; Tuesdays 10:30-11am through Nov 25.

Barnes and Noble in Citrus Heights 853-1511
Preschool Stories (ages 3-6): Tuesdays 10:30am.

Barnes and Noble in Roseville 788-4320
Dual Stories: Preschoolers (ages 3-6) and beginning readers (ages 5-8) are invited to this weekly-themed story time; Wednesdays at 11am.

Barnes and Noble in Sacramento at Arden Fair 565-0644
Storytime: Stories with Mr. Steve; Wednesdays at 2pm.
Storytime: With Captain Book and his arch nemisis, Doctor Borderz; Tuesdays 11am and Saturdays at 2pm.

Barnes and Noble in Sacramento at Natomas 285-0387
Children’s Stories: Storytime with Ms. Kiki; Saturdays at 11am.

Barnes and Noble in Roseville 788-4320
Storytime with Magic Circle Theatre: Children and pre-schoolers are invited; Saturdays 11am.

Borders in Davis (530) 750-3723
Sunday Story Hour: Read with Mr. Jay, who also delights the children with music and song; Sundays 2pm.

Borders in Folsom 984-5900, Sacramento on Fair Oaks Blvd. 564-0168, Elk Grove 691-1901
Smiling Stories: Tuesdays 10:30am at all three locations.

Borders in Roseville 784-1088
Starting Stories: Wednesdays 4pm.

Borders in Sacramento on Natomas Street 515-1944
Stories: Thursdays 10:30am.

Belle Coolidge Community Library 264-2770
Preschool Stories: Wednesdays 11am.

Carmichael Library 264-2920
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): stories and fun followed by a craft; Thursdays 10:15-10:45am.
Toddler Storytime (age 18 months-3 years): stories, movement and rhymes; Thursdays 11:15-11:45am.

Central Library 264-2845
Toddler Storytime (age 18 months-3 years): Thursdays, 10am.
Baby Lapsit Storytime (6-18 months) encourage early literacy development through reading, songs, games and movement: Fridays (except second) at 10am. Family Storytime: Sundays, 2pm.

Clarksburg Library 744-1755

Colfax Library (530) 346-8211
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Fridays 10:30-11am.

Colonial Heights Library in Sacramento 264-2700
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Saturdays 10-10:45am.

Courtland Library 264-2920

A Dash of Panache in Roseville 788-4386
Café Stories: Relax in the café with other moms while your pre-school tots enjoy free story readings. Reservations required. Thursdays 9-10am.

Del Paso Heights Library 264-2920

E.K. McClatchy Library
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Miss Kati leads fun songs, stories and crafts; Wednesdays 11am.

Elk Grove Library 264-2920
Preschool Storytime: stories, singalongs and more; pre-registration is required. Wednesdays, 10-10:30am.
Reading to a Dog: This school-age (ages 6-12) program provides kids with a patient, attentive friend to read to—a registered service dog, handled by the Delta Society. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite book or pick one at the library, then read out loud with fear of judgment, gaining confidence and improving their reading skills. First come, first served. Wednesdays 3-4pm.

Esparto Library (530) 787-3426

Fair Oaks Library 355-7374 or recorded message 355-7373
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): stories, poems, songs and more; Thursdays 10-11am.
Folsom Library
Toddler Storytime (ages 24-36 mos.): Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 10-10:30am.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Wednesdays or Thursdays 11-11:30am.
School Age Stories (ages 2-6): “Get caught in a story” during this summer reading program; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am and 11am during July.
Family Storytime (all ages): Saturdays, 11-11:30am (There will be no Saturday family story time over summer—it will resume in September.)
All of these storytimes include music, movement, stories, puppets and handouts. Adult must attend with child.

Foresthill Library (530) 367-2785
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays 10:30-11am.

Franklin Community Library of Elk Grove 264-2770
Preschool Storytime: stories, fun and crafts; Thursdays 11-11:45am.

Granite Bay Library 791-5590
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Fridays (no storytimes Nov 28, Dec 26 & Jan 2) 10:30-11:00am.
Mother Goose on the Loose (babies –2): Thursdays Nov 13 & 20, Jan-April. 11:00 -11:30 am.

Isleton Library 777-6638

Kings Beach Library (530) 546-2021
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays 10:30-11am.

Loomis Library 652-7061
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays 10:30-11am.

Ella K. McClatchy Library 264-2920
Preschool Storytime: Wednesday Feb 7, 11am.

Mary L. Stephens Library of Davis (530) 757-5593
Family Storytimes: Held Wednesday July 23 (7pm), Thursdays July 10 & 24 (10:30am), Saturday July 5 & August 2 (10:30am). Check their calendar for updates.

Marian O. Lawrence Library of Galt 264-2770
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): pre-literacy through playful stories, songs, activities and crafts.; Thursdays 11am.
Paws to Read: A school-age program (ages 6-12) that encourages kids, particularly those who do not enjoy reading aloud in school, to participate in this weekly reading experience where they read out loud to friendly and nonjudgmental dogs: Sky, Button or Puddy; Saturdays 10am.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library 264-2770
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-6): an hour-long program filled with stories and activities; Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm and Saturdays 10:30-11:30pm.

McKinley Library of midtown Sacramento 264-2770
Toddler Storytime (age 18 months-3 years): Flannelboard stories, crafts and more; Tuesdays 11am.
Preschool Storytime (age 3-5): Flannelboard stories, songs, crafts and more; Wednesdays 11am.

Meadow Vista Library (530) 878-2647
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Tuesdays 10:30-11am.

Mothers’ Support Network Resource Center 971-4860
Music and Movement Time: Promote self expression and coordination. For parents with babies, toddlers and preschoolers; Tuesdays and Fridays 11:15am. $5 donation per family is appreciated.

North Highlands-Antelope Library in Antelope 264-2770
Preschool program (ages 3-5): Thursdays 11-11:30am.
Toddler program (age 18 months-3 years): Tuesdays 11-11:30am.

North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library 264-2700

North Natomas Library 264-2706
Pajama Stories: Children are invited to put on their pajamas, grab a stuffed friend and hear stories about going to bed. Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30pm.

Orangevale Library 264-2770

Penryn Library 663-3621
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Wednesdays 10:30-11am. None in August.

Pottery Barn Kids 923-1210 or 783-2454
Preschool Stories: Tuesdays 10am at Arden Fair and Roseville Galleria. The stores also hold children's musical events; check the Web site for dates and details.

Rancho Cordova Library 264-2770

The Report Card in Citrus Heights 725-5320
Storytime-Plus: Saturdays 11am.

The Report Card in Elk Grove 685-8181
Super Storytime (ages 2-8): Enjoy crafts and activities the first Saturday of each month at 11am.

Twelve Bridges Library of Lincoln 434-2410
Bedtime Storytime: Jammies and stuffed friends are welcome but not required; held the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm.

Rio Linda Library 264-2920

Rocklin Library 624-3133
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays Nov 13 & 20 - Dec 11. (no storytimes Nov 27) 11:00 - 11:30 am.
Mother Goose on the Loose (babies –2): Wednesdays Nov 12 - Dec 10
Fridays Nov 14 - Dec 12 (no Mother Goose November 28) 10:30-11:00am.

Roseville Public Library
For storytime information call Main Library Youth Services at 774-5225 or the Maidu Branch at 774-5900.

South Natomas Library 566-2133

Southgate Library of Sacramento 264-2700

Sylvan Oaks Library in Citrus Heights 264-2920
Toddler Storytime (age 18 months-3 years): Wednesdays 11-11:30am.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Thursdays 11-11:45am.
Pajama Storytime (for preschoolers age 3-5): Fun storytimes at night! Jammies are welcome but not required. Thursdays 6:30-7:15pm.

Tahoe City Library (530) 583-3382
Preschool Storytimes (ages 3-5): Tuesdays 1-1:30pm and Thursdays 10:30-11am.

Time Tested Books 447-5696
Second Saturday Story: In conjunction with Humane Education Ambassador Reader program of United Animal Nations, Time Tested Books holds a story time the second Saturday of each month at 10:30am. Stories are positive animal-related stories.

Valley Hi-North Laguna Library 264-2700
Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5): Join Miss Beth for fun-filled mornings of stories, songs, dances and rhymes; Thursdays 11-11:30am.

Walnut Grove Library 264-2700

Winters Library (530) 795-4955
Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays 10:30-11am.
Spanish Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays 10:30-11am.

Please submit updates, changes or submissions to melanie@sacramentoparent.com.