Beyond the gold rush roots and Capitol domes, Sacramento shines with kid-friendly adventures and tasty bites for families on the go. I love how California’s capital mixes outdoor charm, history you can touch, and meals that please even the pickiest eaters.
To me, Sacramento means climbing aboard old locomotives at the California State Railroad Museum, meeting animals and zookeepers at the Sacramento Zoo, and splashing around at Fairytale Town, a storybook-themed park filled with slides, playhouses, and nursery rhyme magic. We ride bikes along the scenic American River Parkway, explore hands-on science exhibits at Powerhouse Science Center, and catch puppet shows or outdoor concerts in local parks. When hunger hits, we grab burgers at Selland’s Market-Café, wood-fired pizza at Hot Italian, or something sweet from Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates. In Old Sacramento, there's always a little extra magic—cobblestone streets, candy shops, river views, and horse-drawn carriages.
Picture this: The kids are digging for gold, spinning on a carousel, and waving to boats from the boardwalk—all in one golden day in Sacramento.
"Trains, treats, and timeless fun? This is Sacramento with kids!"
Best Things to Do in Sacramento, CA with Kids
Sacramento State Railroad Museum with Kids - Explore Sacramento State Railroad Museum’s vintage trains and interactive exhibits with kids.
Sacramento Children's Museum - Visit Sacramento Children’s Museum for fun, hands-on learning experiences with kids.
Explorit Science Center with Kids - Discover Explorit Science Center’s exciting exhibits and science experiments with kids.
Sacramento History Museum - Explore Sacramento History Museum’s fascinating exhibits and Gold Rush artifacts.
Fairytale Town with Kids - Walk through Fairytale Town’s magical playsets and storybook-themed attractions with kids.
Sacramento Zoo with Kids - See exotic animals and engaging exhibits with kids.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center - Admire Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s wildlife and scenic trails on a quiet trip.
Funderland - Enjoy Funderland’s thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions during a weekend visit.
McKinley Park - Walk along McKinley Park’s gardens, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)