Family Activities Sacramento: 25+ Things to Do with Kids

February 2026 • Family Fun

Traveling with kids to Sacramento? You've picked a fantastic destination. Sacramento is packed with family-friendly attractions that will keep children entertained while parents enjoy the city's laid-back vibe.

As parents ourselves (and hosts of City of Trees House, a vacation rental with a bunk room and game room that kids adore), we've compiled the ultimate guide to family activities in Sacramento. Whether you have toddlers, tweens, or teens, you'll find something here.

Kid-Friendly Sacramento: By Age Group

Toddlers (Ages 1-4)

• 1. Sacramento Zoo — While small, it's perfect for little ones. No massive stroller-punishing distances. Giraffe feeding, petting zoo area, playground.
• 2. Fairytale Town — A must for preschoolers! Fairy tale themed park with play sets based on classic stories. Located in William Land Park.
• 3. Funderland — Another William Land Park gem. Vintage amusement park with kid-sized rides. Pay-per-ride or book a 10-ride pass.
• 4. Discovery Museum — Hands-on science and children's museum in historic Sacramento.
• 5. Midtown Farmers Market — Saturday market with live music, fresh snacks, and often kids' activities. Stroller-friendly.

Young Kids (Ages 5-10)

• 6. Sacramento Zoo — Still great for this age. They'll enjoy the reptile house and giraffe feeding.
• 7. California State Railroad Museum — One of the best railroad museums anywhere. Real locomotives, hands-on exhibits, and the Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train.
• 8. American River Bike Trail — 32 miles of paved trails. Rent bikes and enjoy a family bike ride along the river.
• 9. William Land Park — The park itself is huge with two playgrounds, ponds, picnic areas, and the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town within it.
• 10. Cosumnes River Preserve — Nature walks, wildlife viewing, easy trails good for kids. Free.

Tweens & Teens (Ages 11-17)

• 11. River Cats at Sutter Health Park — Walk from City of Trees House (7 minutes). Concessions, fireworks on Friday nights.
• 12. Golden 1 Center — Sacramento Kings games, major concerts and events. 5-minute drive.
• 13. Virtual Reality Gaming — Check out Sandbox VR or Urban Air Adventure Park for immersive gaming experiences.
• 14. Escape Rooms — Sacramento has several family-friendly escape rooms. Great for ages 12+.
• 15. Rocklin Adventures — Short drive (30 min): indoor climbing, ropes courses, laser tag.

All-Ages Classics

• 16. Old Sacramento — Historic district with cobblestone streets, California State Railroad Museum, riverfront, and shops.
• 17. Crocker Art Museum — Family art studio where kids can create their own art.
• 18. California State Capitol — Free tours. Capitol Park (40 acres) has peacocks, gardens, and open space.
• 19. Sacramento River Cruise — 1-hour narrated cruise. Kids love being on a boat, spotting wildlife.
• 20. Children's Museum — The Discovery Museum has hands-on and engaging exhibits.

Outdoor Adventures (Active Families)

• 21. American River Bike Trail — Rent bikes, bring a picnic, stop at Discovery Park for a playground.
• 22. Folsom Lake — 30-minute drive. Beaches, swimming, kayak rentals.
• 23. Effie Yeaw Nature Center — Nature trails, wildlife viewing, educational center.
• 24. Sacramento River Walk — Walking path along the river in downtown.

Seasonal Family Events

• Spring: Spring Egg Hunts, California State Capitol Easter Egg Hunt
• Summer: California State Fair (July), Movies in the Park, July 4th Fireworks
• Fall: Farm-to-Fork Festival (September), Apple Hill (1 hour drive), State Park ghost tours
• Winter: Parade of Lights, Downtown ice skating, Festival of Lights at Fairytale Town

Indoor Fun (Rainy Days or Extreme Heat)

• 25. Rollerskating — Capital City Roller Derby rink or local ice rinks
• 26. Indoor Play Centers — Enchanted Indoor Playground, Rebounderz trampoline park
• 27. Museums — California Automobile Museum, Sutter's Fort
• 28. Libraries & Bookstores — Sacramento Public Library, Avid Reader
• 29. Bowling & Arcades — Country Club Lanes, Dave & Buster's
• 30. Movie Theaters — Tower Theatre, Century Theaters

Stay at City of Trees House: Designed for Families

Bunk Room

• 2 twin bunk beds — sleeps 4 kids comfortably
• Each bunk has its own reading light, power outlet
• Privacy curtain for each bunk
• Record player with kids' vinyl collection

Game Room

• Neon-lit game room with pool table, ping pong, darts, retro arcade games (Street Fighter II, Simpsons, Mortal Kombat)
• Queen Murphy bed (sleeps 2 more if needed)

Family Amenities

• Full kitchen, washer/dryer, fast WiFi (432 Mbps), private backyard, pet-friendly

Baby & Toddler Gear Available

• 4Moms Pack 'n Play, high chair, baby bath, changing table, baby monitor, toys, books

Safety & Convenience

• Smart lock, Nest thermostat, self check-in, free parking (2-3 cars), quiet neighborhood, no stairs (one level except game room loft)

Sample 3-Day Family Itinerary

• Day 1: Check in, hot tub relaxation, Pizza at Drake's: The Barn or cook at home
• Day 2: Sacramento Zoo morning, backyard/game room afternoon, family dinner at home
• Day 3: California State Railroad Museum + train ride, American River Bike Trail, Old Sacramento stroll + ice cream
• Day 4: Pack up, play in backyard, check out by 10 AM

Family Travel Tips

• 1. Bring the kids' favorite snacks
• 2. Use our baby gear — save luggage space
• 3. Build in downtime — game room and backyard provide on-site entertainment
• 4. Meal planning — grocery stores 5 minutes away
• 5. Early bedtime for kids — hot tub open until 10 PM for adults

FAQs

How many kids can you accommodate?

Up to 10 guests total. Bunk room sleeps 4 kids; master suite king bed; bedroom 2 queen bed; game room Murphy queen. Total comfortable: 2 adults + 4-6 kids.

Is the neighborhood safe for kids?

Very safe. Michigan Blvd has bike lanes, low traffic. Sidewalks both sides.

Do you have toys/books for kids?

Yes! Board games, playing cards, kids' books, children's vinyl records.

Is the hot tub safe for kids?

Yes, with supervision. Kids under 12 with an adult. Hot tub hours 7 AM-10 PM.

Kid-friendly restaurants nearby?

Drake's: The Barn (pizza), Mulvaney's B&L, Sibling (casual), Temple Coffee (pastries).

Ready to plan your family Sacramento vacation? Check availability and book City of Trees House — your kids will thank you.