Staycationing with your children?Don't let the state offices, courthouses and business offices that dominate the downtown landscape fool you - there are plenty of things to do with kids in the central city.
To prove it, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership is hosting its first annual Downtown Kid's Week, a week-long event that starts Saturday.
"We have a lot of stuff downtown that is family friendly and you can truly make a day of it," said Jennifer Snyder, the partnership's marketing manager.
The event is intended to spur families to spend time at state and local museums, some of which have been hard hit by the economy.
Participating venues include the Crocker Art Museum, California Museum, Governor's Mansion State Historic Park and Sacramento History Museum.
Esquire Imax Theatre is offering eight free screenings of "Wild California" Saturday. For details, see my earlier blog post.
Also available for exploration are farmers' markets and downtown walking tours.
Several downtown eateries also are offering specials for families during Kid's Week.
California Pizza Kitchen and 4th Street Grille are offering free kids meals with an adult purchase, while at The Melting Pot, children 12 years old and under can have an entrée and a child's portion of cheese and chocolate fondue (the cheese and chocolate are separate - unless your kid likes that odd flavor combination) for $15.
Morgan's Central Valley Bistro at The Sheraton Grand is offering kids a 3-course menu and a free toy and is hosting entertainment from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Don't worry kids - Bee restaurant critic Blair Anthony Robertson likely won't be anywhere near the Morgan's dining room during Kid's Week, so you're free to have thumb fights and giggle all you want (check out Robertson's review if you don't get my snarky reference).
Organizers hope to repeat the event next year.
For more details about Kid's Week, go to the partnership's Web site.
