As the capital of California, Sacramento is home to history, culture, and outdoor fun activities, making it an ideal destination for families to come together and enjoy a west coast vacation. From interactive museums to beautiful parks, there is something for everyone in Sacramento.
If you’re new to the city and are looking for family-friendly things to do in Sacramento, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at what makes “SacTown” a hidden gem of Northern California.
Discover the California State Railroad Museum
If you’re looking to explore history, make time to check out the California State Railroad Museum. This historical museum explores the importance of railroads in California and the West over the past few hundred years.
This museum is located in the Old Sacramento neighborhood. Seeing these immaculately maintained locomotives and train cars is likely to pique the interest of both children and adults, making it a perfect family-friendly adventure. Younger children can be entertained by its interactive displays, and there’s even an opportunity to get inside a real train for a fun family photo.
Explore Fairytale Town
Fairytale Town is a magical park where all of the nursery rhymes and fairy tales come to life, making for a perfect all-day adventure for children and families. Almost 25 playsets inspired by well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as Cinderella, Peter Rabbit, and Humpty Dumpty, can be found in this 3.5-acre park within William Land Park.
While parents take in the allure of the location, children can climb and slide across the grounds located throughout this space. The park hosts yearly concerts and events to heighten the enchantment and make it even more family-friendly. Fairytale Town is a great place for creative play and quality family time overall.
Sacramento Zoo
Within William Land Park is also the Sacramento Zoo. With more than 500 animals, including rare and endangered species, it especially appeals to animal lovers. At the zoo, conservation and education are the main priorities.
Families can enjoy walks on the exquisitely verdant grounds, see animals from around the globe, and engage in hands-on activities. The zoo provides entertaining experiences for guests of all ages, such as giraffe feedings and behind-the-scenes excursions of how the zoo operates.
Enjoy the Crocker Art Museum
Not only is the Crocker Art Museum one of the oldest in the nation, but it’s also a great family-friendly attraction to do on a rainy day. The museum’s walls display artwork from European, Asian, African, and Oceanic cultures in addition to local California artists.
The Crocker has a ton of events and programming for families throughout the calendar year. There are interactive exhibits, family tours, and a number of hands-on art classes available for kids, making this incredibly family-first.
Play-focused art activities are offered by Tot Land with an emphasis on entertaining younger children who visit the museum with their families. For any child in Northern California, their introduction to art should begin with a visit to the Crocker Art Museum.
Enjoy Yourself at Funderland Amusement Park
A modest yet charming amusement park, Funderland caters specifically to younger children. Funderland, which is situated in William Land Park near to Fairytale Town, has classic kid-friendly rides like a kiddie train, ferris wheel, and carousel.
The park has a carefree, laid-back vibe, is easy to navigate, and has a manageable size so its not too difficult to walk around. It’s the ideal location for families with kids to spend an exciting and enjoyable day together.
Family-friendly activities abound in Sacramento, with everything from zoos with animals from around the world to enlightening art experiences to entertaining parks and educational museums. There are countless things to do in Sacramento with a family, making it the perfect stop on a family trip to California.
