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Pinball to hands-on science: See 5 local family-friendly activities this spring

Spring is here, and the warm weather provides a great opportunity for families to go out and visit Sacramento’s various attractions — from visiting your favorite storybook characters to hands-on science experiments.

Here’s what to know:

Capital Pin Ball

Capital Pin Ball is Sacramento’s premier destination for pinball enthusiasts of all ages and all skill levels in the heart of Old Sacramento. Families can enjoy a variety of different pinball machines from different eras from the disco 1970s to alien invasions of the 1990s. All for a reasonable price.

Where: 117 J St., Old Sacramento

Price: $5 to $20 depending on the duration of play and whether it is on the weekday or weekends.

The Capital Pinball Parlor at 117 J St. in Sacramento is across the tracks from the Sacramento River waterfront in historic Old Sacramento.
The Capital Pinball Parlor at 117 J St. in Sacramento is across the tracks from the Sacramento River waterfront in historic Old Sacramento. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado valvarado@sacbee.com

Fairytale Town

Bring your family to enjoy a day of fantasy and adventure at Fairytale Town. The children’s park and outdoor museum in Land Park has been making story characters come to life for more than 65 years. During the spring and summer months Fairytale Town is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Where: 3902 Land Park Drive, Sacramento

Price: $10 per person above the age of 2

Children including Edward Foster, 4, right, of North Natomas, play outside of the new Story Center, designed as an enchanted thatched cottage, at Fairytale Town in Land Park during the grand opening ribbon cutting event Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
Children including Edward Foster, 4, right, of North Natomas, play outside of the new Story Center, designed as an enchanted thatched cottage, at Fairytale Town in Land Park during the grand opening ribbon cutting event Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com

Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo has more than 300 native, rare and endangered animals for all to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a quick day trip to the Land Park zoo, behind the scenes tours or an overnight trip the zoo has activities and events to enjoy with the warm weather.

Where: 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento

Price: $20 to $29

Thick-billed parrots share a piece of bamboo while another takes flight below them at the Sacramento Zoo.
Thick-billed parrots share a piece of bamboo while another takes flight below them at the Sacramento Zoo. RENÉE C. BYER rbyer@sacbee.com

The California Museum

Learn about California’s rich and diverse history at the California Museum. Through interactive experiences, the downtown museum inspires visitors to make “a mark on history,” according to the website. Take the time to stroll through the California Hall of Frame highlighting the lives and legacies of the most recent class of inductees.

Where: 1020 O St., Sacramento

Price: Ticket prices range from $10 to free depending on age of patrons

Guests attend a preview of the California Hall of Fame’s inaugural class Dec. 6, 2006, at the California Museum in Sacramento.
Guests attend a preview of the California Hall of Fame’s inaugural class Dec. 6, 2006, at the California Museum in Sacramento. Justin Sullivan Getty Images

SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

Sacramento’s science center in the River District provides interactive, kid-friendly science for all to learn. The SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity’s exhibits include a “multiverse” theater and a design lab for hands-on experiments with cutting edge tools including 3D printers, laser cutter and soldering equipment.

Where: 400 Jibboom St., Sacramento

Price: Tickets range from $19.95 to $16.95 with discounts for educators, youth and veterans.

Shahnaz Van Deventer, right, director of marketing at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, shows a weather exhibit to U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, center, and her husband Roger Sant.
Shahnaz Van Deventer, right, director of marketing at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, shows a weather exhibit to U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, center, and her husband Roger Sant. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
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Profile Image of Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
The Sacramento Bee
279-203-2039
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in journalism.
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