As summer vacation winds down and the calendar closes in on the first day of school, families looking to capture some last-gasp adventure have plenty of opportunities in the region. Here are some ideas.
For Younger Kids (Toddlers–10)
Explore a Storybook World
Visit Fairytale Town in Sacramento’s venerable Land Park, where kids walk the Crooked Mile and climb through nursery-rhyme-themed play sets and gardens (think The Old Woman in a Shoe slide, King Arthur’s Castle, the Pirate Ship, and The Little Engine That Could). Also, they can admire farm animals including the Three Little Pigs and Mary’s Little Lambs.
Ride Every Ride at an Old-Fashioned Amusement Park
Also in Land Park, Funderland Amusement Park, a Sacramento tradition since 1946, features 10 rides specifically for younger children. Ride the gentle Flying Dragon roller coaster, soar on the Squirrelly Whirl, spin on the Crazy Teacups, fly the Red Baron planes and Oscar the Fisher, drive the buggies, and ride the train and the classic carousel. Challenge the kids to try them all!
Splash Around at Peter Bertelsen Memorial Park
El Dorado Hills’ newest splash pad awaits, firefighting-themed with a tall water tower. Kids can run through water features, tackle the playground’s cool slides, and enjoy one last carefree summer afternoon before school routines return.
Spend a Day Being Curious
At Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova, kids from birth through age 8 explore hands-on exhibits, pretend play areas, and interactive learning stations. With 20 exhibits including spaces for creative pursuits in art and theater as well as STEM-based activities (including a wind tunnel), the museum invites imaginations to soar.
Head for the Library
El Dorado County libraries maintain a long list of activities for children. At the EDH branch in August, for babies birth to 24 months: Crawl Space and Mother Goose on the Loose, lap-sit storytime with music, movement, rhyming, and more. For 3- to 5-year-olds, Early Literacy Storytime includes books and rhymes. All ages are welcome to come to Pet Partners to read to therapy dogs.
For Older Kids & Teens (Ages 10–18)
Hike to Waterfalls in Placer County
At Hidden Falls Regional Park, visitors can hike 30-plus miles of pretty trails that run alongside Coon and Deadman’s creeks. At the viewing platform, water tumbles over the cliffside boulders. Meanwhile, at nearby Auburn State Recreation Area, where the Middle and North forks of the American River converge, hit the trail to Lake Clementine; there, the North Fork Dam creates a spectacular cascade.
Stand Above the American River Canyon
Also at the Confluence, Foresthill Bridge treats crossers to the most dramatic views in Northern California. It’s a great photo op! Soaring 730 feet above the river, the bridge has the tallest deck height in California.
Cruise Lake Natoma
With a maximum on-water speed of 5 mph, serene Lake Natoma welcomes paddlers in kayaks and canoes, and on stand-up boards. Off Hazel Avenue, Sacramento State Aquatic Center is the region’s go-to spot for equipment rentals and lessons in sailing, paddling, windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
Walk Where California’s Gold Rush Began
At Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, explore where gold was first found in the American River. With walking tours, gold panning lessons, a working blacksmith shop, and hands-on exhibits and historic sites, the park also includes the El Dorado Trail, with easy sections for biking and walking.
Ride Bikes Along the American River Parkway
Cruise one of Northern California’s most scenic paved bike trails, featuring river views, shaded paths, wildlife sightings, and plenty of spots to stop and explore.
For Everybody
Get Cheap Seats at Regal
Through Aug. 13, Regal El Dorado at Town Center runs its Summer Movie Express—$1 seats at 11 a.m., plus $3 off concession Snack Packs and Dippin’ Dots. Movies in August: “Charlie the Wonderdog,” “Despicable Me 4,” “The Sandlot,” and “Muppets: Treasure Island.”
Discover Trains at California State Railroad Museum
Journey into Old Sac to visit the world-class railroad museum, where exhibits and excursion train rides celebrate our railroads. With trains that kids (and adults) can climb aboard and peek inside and storyboards detailing railroad history and current events, the museum is a full day of entertainment.
Pick Berries at Apple Hill
Check with Apple Hill Growers’ you-pick farms to see if berries are still fruiting—it all depends on summer temps. Typically, August sees raspberries and blackberries. This is a great morning activity and a chance to experience Apple Hill before fall crowds arrive.
Douse the Day at Steve Miklos Aquatic Center
Hit recreational swim afternoons at Folsom’s aquatic center, with its beach-entry play-structure pool for the littles and big slide, diving boards, and inflatables for older kids. (Inflatables are weekends only after Aug. 5.)
Catch the Sunset at Kalithea Park
With views of Folsom Lake and surrounding hills, Kalithea Park tops a pretty neighborhood off Ridgeview Drive. Its grassy ball field, play structures, and a small rocky forest provide plenty of places to watch the sun drop.
Scream for Ice Cream at Leatherby’s
Single, double, triple, split, sundae . . . Leatherby’s Family Creamery in Folsom serves it up. Go for lunch, dinner, or just for dessert. The whole family will be overjoyed.
Foresthill Bridge treats crossers to the most dramatic views in Northern California.
Photo Credits
Thank you to the following that provided photos:
Leatherby’s Family Creamery
Visit Sacramento
Visit El Dorado
Visit Sacramento
PhotoSpirit
Robert Neep