21 fun, free and affordable things to do with your family this summer
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Keilah Woodard is a local mom of three who has a passion for tracking down inexpensive and fun local adventures with kids. You can find her reviews of the best places to go on her website, www.sacramentosidetracks.com.
Sacramento Sidetracks is a member of The Sacramento Bee's blog and community news network, Sacramento Connect. Find more great family bloggers at www.sacramentoconnect.com.
1. Family Fridays at Crocker Art Museum
What: Keep your kids creatively engaged on an outing to the Crocker Art Museum. Enjoy art and music in Crocker's Courtyard. Afterward, take Story Trail, a journey through the museum that ends in Tot Land for craft and play time.
Where: Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento
When: Fridays, July and August, 11 a.m.-noon How much: Free with general admission: adults $10; youths 7-17 $5; kids 6 and under free
More info: www.crockerartmuseum.org -
2. Wackford Aquatic Complex
What: All the excitement of a water park for a fraction of the price. The complex features a competition lap pool, a "beach entry" recreation pool, a 146-foot serpentine water slide, and a splash pool with an interactive water playground.
Where: 9014 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove
When: Weekday hours noon-5 p.m. through August 10; weekend hours noon-5 p.m. through Sept. 3
How much: Adults and kids 5 and over $5; kids 2-4 $3, kids under 2 free
More info: www.yourcsd.com -
3. Screen on the Green
What: Bring popcorn, lawnchairs and your favorite people to sit out under the stars for a movie night in the park. Enjoy family favorites "Madagascar" on Aug. 4 and "The Wizard of Oz" on Aug. 18.
Where: South Natomas Park, 2901 Truxel Road, Sacramento, and Glenn Hall Park, 5415 Sandburg Drive, Sacramento When: South Natomas Park, Aug. 4, 8 p.m.; Glenn Hall Park, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.sacscreenonthegreen.com -
4. River Cats Family Value Nights
What: A great way to save money seeing a River Cats game with the kids. Get tickets for lawn seats on "Home Run Hill" and watch the game while eating hot dogs and dessert. Where: Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento
When: Friday night games
How much: Home Run Hill tickets $8; $1 hot dogs and $1 desserts
More info: www.rivercats.com -
5. Fire station open houses
What: Sacramento-area fire stations host open houses each Saturday through October. Meet firefighters, climb on firetrucks and take a tour.
Where: Various Sacramento fire stations see the 2012 Fire Station Open House Schedule on the website [PDF]
When: Saturdays 2-5 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.sacfire.org -
6. Beal's Point and Granite Bay at Folsom Lake
What: Bring your water toys and splash, swim and picnic at the best beach area on beautiful Folsom Lake. It is safe for kids and a fantastic way to cool off while enjoying nature.
Where: 7806 Folsom Auburn Road, Folsom
When: Daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
How much: $10 parking fee
More info: www.parks.ca.gov -
7. Twilight Thursdays at the Zoo
What: Wander the Sacramento Zoo as the sun goes down and visit your favorite animals. The zoo will stay open late Thursdays so you can dance to live music and enjoy good food.
Where: Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento
When: Thursdays through July 26; 5:30-8 p.m.
How much: Adults $11.25; kids 2-11 $7.25; kids 1 and under free
More info: www.saczoo.org -
8. Family Night at Sky High Sports
What: The entire family can get exercise while having a blast at this trampoline center. For a really sweet deal, take everyone out on Monday night.
Where: Sky High Sports, 11327 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova
When: Mondays all summer 5-10 p.m.
How much: $45 for four hours of jumping, four large sodas, and one large pizza
More info: www.jumpskyhigh.com -
9. Dollar movies
What: Stay cool and treat the kids to the big screen. The Summer Movie Express offers a great selection of fun films.
Where: Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theaters
When: 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout July and August
How much: All ages $1
More info: www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress -
10. Roseville Downtown Tuesday Nights
What: Adults will enjoy shopping the farmers market, checking out arts and crafts and seeing a free concert. The kids will have a fun zone area.
Where: Vernon Street in downtown Roseville
When: Tuesdays through July 31; 5-9 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.2025events.com -
11. Summer Concerts in the Park
What: Finish up the weekend right by hanging out with your family in this favorite neighborhood park while enjoying a top-notch concert at the outdoor amphitheater.
Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael
When: Sundays, July and August; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.carmichaelpark.com -
12. Clunie Pool in McKinley Park
What: This is an affordable way for the whole family to swim. Dive into the Olympic size pool or splash around in the wading pool. Make a whole day of McKinley Park by feeding the ducks, playing on the wooden playground, visiting the library and walking through the rose garden.
Where: Clunie Pool & Wading Pool, 601 Alhambra Blvd. in McKinley Park
When: Tuesday through Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1-6 p.m.
How much: Adults $2, kids $1
More info: www.cityofsacramento.org -
13. Fairytale Town Children's Concert Series
What: Join Fairytale Town and local performing artists for rockin' matinee concerts on the Mother Goose Stage. The series' last day is a National Kids Day celebration to recognize the importance of play.
Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
When: July 28, 29 and Aug. 4, 5; 2 p.m.
How much: Adults and kids $5; 1 and under free
More info: www.fairytaletown.org -
14. Kids Days at California State Fair
What: The best times to hit the State Fair with a family are on Kids Days, when 12 and under get free admission and rides are $1 for all ages. See living exhibits in The Farm area, take your brave ones into the Insect Pavilion, and head to the Kids Park, with more than a dozen rides.
Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento When: July 17 and July 24, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
How much: Kids free
More info: www.bigfun.org -
15. Library Summer Reading Program events
What: Fill your summer calendar with free library events. The theme this year is "Dream Big Read!" and you'll find magicians, puppet shows, dancers, musicians, art activities and more.
Where: Sacramento Libraries When: See events page on website
How much: Free
More info: www.saclibrary.org -
16. Aerospace Museum Story Time, Freedom Park
What: For families with kids 5 and younger, Story Time at the Aerospace Museum is a treat. Freedom Park next to the museum has an amazing space shuttle playground.
Where: 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan
When: Storytime Fridays 10-10:30 a.m.; Museum hours Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How much: Adults $8; kids 6-12 $5; kids 5 and under free
More info: www.aerospacemuseumofcalifornia.org -
17. Hagan Park Petting Barn
What: Children can have hands-on experiences with rabbits, sheep, goats, chickens and birds at this "storybook" red barn. Visit the animals, pet them and feed them snacks.
Where: Hagan Community Park Petting Barn, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
When: Saturdays and Sundays noon-4 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.crpd.com -
18. Effie Yeaw Nature Center Weekend Activities
What: Feel like you're far from the city at these activities offered each weekend. Learn from the naturalists, meet resident animals and take guided nature walks.
Where: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael
When: Saturdays 10:30 a.m. and Sundays 1:30 p.m.
How much: Free; parking $5 donation.
More info: www.sacnaturecenter.net -
19. Tour STAR Eco Station
What: This exotic wildlife rescue center is a hidden treasure in Rocklin. Encounter tropical birds, exotic reptiles and ocean life in a jungle setting with a knowledgeable tour guide.
Where: 4465 Granite Drive, Rocklin
When: Fridays 1-4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. Extra summer hours through Aug. 15 include Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
How much: Adults $6; kids $5; 2 and under free
More info: www.stareco.starsacramento.org -
20. Black Chasm Cavern Day Trip
What: This is an exhilarating adventure that the entire family will remember. Black Chasm Cavern is an amazing vertical cave with a walking tour appropriate for kids. Right before you arrive at the cave you'll see Indian Grinding Rock State Park so make a stop and be sure to experience the Zen Garden Trail afterwards.
Where: Black Chasm Cavern, 15701 Pioneer Volcano Road, Volcano
When: Open daily. Tours run throughout the day on the hour. First tour leaves at 10am, last tour leaves at 4 p.m.
How much: Adults $14.75; kids $7.50; kids under 3 free; coupon for $2 off adults and $1 off kids available on website.
How much: www.caverntours.com -
21. Bridgeway Lakes Park Spray Ground
What: For a relaxing ambience while the kids play, check out this beautiful park on the lake. The modern spray ground has water features for kids of all ages, from toddlers to 12-year-olds. The kids love to cool off with the moving water guns, dumping cones and the red spraying log.
Where: 3650 Southport Parkway, West Sacramento
When: Open daily though August 31, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
How much: Free
More info: www.cityofwestsacramento.org
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