Sacramento is often overlooked when you think of a fun family friendly city in Northern California. Often people think of neighboring San Francisco, or beautiful Lake Tahoe. In fact, Sacramento is full of kid-friendly activities, so much so that creating an itinerary can be quite overwhelming! Luckily, we’re here to help.

Come dive in with us as we explore the top 10 best things to do with kids in Sacramento!

#1 Play With Sea Life At Sea Quest

Why You Should Go

Sea Quest is a family-friendly petting zoo where you can feed and interact with animals, creating an exciting natural experience for you and the little ones. The exhibit has more than 630 species of animal to learn about. We highly recommend signing up for one of the guided tours to make the most of your time there! It’s even the perfect place for birthday parties!

#2 Go Climbing at The Boulder Field

Why You Should Go

The Boulder Field is a kid-friendly rock climbing gym, perfect for an afternoon of fitness and fun! Northern California has about a thousand rock climbing gyms, though this one is our absolute favorite! Older kids can even test their mettle by climbing without ropes or harnesses. While the kids are climbing, you can enjoy a coffee in the adjacent cafe or take a yoga class in the attached studio!

#3 Tour Preston Castle

Why You Should Go

Preston Castle was constructed back in 1890 and has become one of the main historic points in town. You can take a tour of this beautiful castle, looking out each of its 250 windows at the surrounding foothills. Make sure to book one of the historic tours. You can even take a break and go wine-tasting during your visit!

#4 Test Your Skills at Monster Mini Golf

Why You Should Go

Monster Mini Golf is a state-of-the-art facility with tons of games and activities for both kids and adults to enjoy. The unique thing about this facility is that it’s all indoors, allowing you to play an 18-hole round in a climate-controlled environment if the weather isn’t too friendly during your visit. Once done, you can hit the high-tech video arcade for some gaming!

#5  Dive Into Lake Natoma

Why You Should Go

Lake Natoma offers tons of outdoor fun. Spend a leisurely day picnicking on the shores or rent one of the many available watercrafts, including hydro bikes, kayaks, and canoes. You and the little ones can even sign up for sailing or boating lessons to get your sea legs straight! This beautiful and natural experience is one you can’t miss out on.

#6 Get In Touch With Sacramento History

Why You Should Go

Head on over to the Sacramento History Museum to learn all about the history of Old Sacramento. Enjoy the many in-depth exhibits and get a close look at how Sacramento revived itself after the 1860 floods. The guided tours will take your family through neat underground spaces and sloped alleyways, perfect for adventurous spirits.

#7 Enjoy Wildlife at the Sacramento National Wildlife Complex

Why You Should Go

At the Sacramento National Wildlife Complex, you’ll find picturesque wildlife and the perfect environment to study and learn about animals up close. You can rent bikes to travel through the complex or take an auto tour to see the wildlife from a unique perspective. This is the perfect trip for all ages and we have no doubt your kids will be in awe of the surrounding wildlife.

#8 Catch a Flick at the West Wind Drive-In

Why You Should Go

The West Wind Drive-In has been a staple of Sacramento since it first opened up back in 1952. To this day, it offers one of the coolest ways to enjoy movies. Your kids will no doubt enjoy propping up some camping chairs and chowing down on some snacks, all while soaking in the old-school vibes of the drive-in. Plus, with new and updated technology, the movies look better than ever!

#9 Explore the Land of Dreams in Fairytale Town

Why You Should Go

Whether you’re 6 or 60, there is no doubt you’ll feel your dreams come alive in Fairytale Town. There are 26 playsets in this fascinating exhibit, all of which are based on old fairytales and nursery rhymes. Beyond that, you’ll find several gardens and two arts stages to play on. Fairytale Town is great for kids ages 2 and up!

#10 Get Hands-On At The Explorit Science Center

Why You Should Go

The Explorit Science Center offers you and your family a unique and hands-on way to learn about science. Community scientists work at the Explorit Science Center, offering quality lessons and experiences for visitors. Plus, there are programs for all ages, meaning no one will be left out due to their age. Make sure to head over there on the weekends to enjoy the Family Exploration programs.

Map of Things to Do With Kids in Sacramento

Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento

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