Sacramento offers a fantastic base for exploring California with kids. Beyond the city's attractions, numerous kid-friendly day trips are within easy driving distance. This guide highlights 19 amazing options, ensuring a memorable adventure for the whole family, no matter your children's ages or interests. We'll cover everything from thrilling amusement parks to peaceful nature escapes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Remember to check websites for hours, admission fees, and age restrictions before you go.
Amusement Parks & Thrills
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo): A Wild Day of Fun!
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom isn't just a theme park; it's a zoo, marine park, and amusement park all rolled into one! This makes it a perfect day trip for families with kids of varying ages. Younger children will love the gentler rides, while older kids and teens can tackle the thrill rides. Don't miss the animal shows and exhibits featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other amazing creatures.
- Key Highlights: Thrill rides, animal encounters, marine mammal shows, and a variety of kid-friendly attractions.
- Tip: Arrive early to maximize your time and beat the crowds, especially during peak season.
Raging Waters Sacramento (Sacramento): Beat the Heat with Water Fun!
For a sizzling summer day, Raging Waters Sacramento is the ultimate escape. With a plethora of water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, this water park offers something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. Check their website for age and height restrictions on specific slides.
- Key Highlights: Numerous water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and a dedicated area for younger children.
- Tip: Pack sunscreen, towels, and water shoes for a comfortable and safe experience.
Nature & Outdoor Adventures
Lake Tahoe: Breathtaking Scenery and Outdoor Activities
Lake Tahoe, approximately a two-hour drive from Sacramento, offers stunning scenery and a wide array of outdoor activities. During the summer, you can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, and biking. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are popular choices. The lake itself is breathtaking, and the surrounding mountains offer spectacular views.
- Key Highlights: Stunning lake views, hiking trails for all levels, boating opportunities, and winter sports (seasonally).
- Tip: Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Angel Island State Park (San Francisco Bay): Island Exploration and History
A ferry ride to Angel Island State Park offers a unique and engaging day trip. Kids will love exploring the island's trails, discovering historic buildings, and enjoying panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Rent bikes for a more efficient way to explore.
- Key Highlights: Stunning bay views, historic sites, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Tip: Check the ferry schedule in advance and book your tickets online.
California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento): A Journey Through Time
While technically in Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum deserves a spot on this list. It’s engaging for all ages, with historic locomotives, train cars, and interactive exhibits. Kids can climb aboard some of the trains and imagine themselves as brave conductors.
- Key Highlights: Historic locomotives, train cars, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to learn about railroad history.
- Tip: Check the museum's website for special events and demonstrations.
Farms, Zoos, & Aquariums
Funderland Amusement Park (Sacramento): Classic Amusement Park Fun
Funderland Amusement Park offers a classic amusement park experience with a variety of rides suitable for all ages. It's a more relaxed alternative to larger parks, making it ideal for families with young children. Enjoy the carousel, Ferris wheel and classic carnival games.
- Key Highlights: Classic amusement park rides, carnival games, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Tip: Check the park’s website for special events and operating hours.
Sacramento Zoo: Animal Encounters and Conservation
The Sacramento Zoo offers a fun and educational experience for animal lovers of all ages. You'll encounter a variety of animals from around the world, from playful monkeys to majestic lions. Educational exhibits promote wildlife conservation.
- Key Highlights: A diverse collection of animals, educational exhibits, and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation.
- Tip: Check the zoo's website for special events and feeding times.
World's Largest Ball of Twine (Cawker City, Kansas): A quirky detour (if you are on a cross country road trip)
Okay, this one’s a bit of a wild card and a LONG drive, but for the truly adventurous family, a road trip to Cawker City, Kansas to see the world's largest ball of twine is a unique experience. It's a great conversation starter and a testament to human perseverance.
- Key Highlights: The world's largest ball of twine! (It really is impressively large.)
- Tip: Pack snacks and drinks for the long drive. This is more of a side trip option if you're already traveling further afield.
Other Unique Options
California State Capitol Museum (Sacramento): Learn About Government
While perhaps not the first thing that springs to mind for a kid-friendly trip, the California State Capitol Museum is surprisingly engaging for children. Interactive exhibits bring history to life, making it educational and fun. The building itself is architecturally impressive.
- Key Highlights: Interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and stunning architecture.
- Tip: Check the museum's website for guided tours and special events.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park (Sacramento): Step Back in Time
Old Sacramento offers a glimpse into California's gold rush era. The historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and riverboat tours make for a fun and engaging experience. Kids will love the atmosphere and the opportunity to imagine life in the past.
- Key Highlights: Historic buildings, cobblestone streets, riverboat tours, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Tip: Consider a horse-drawn carriage ride for a unique experience.
The remaining options are suitable for varying ages and interests:
(8) Discovery Park (Sacramento): Explore nature trails, visit the Sacramento River, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
(9) Fairytale Town (Sacramento): A charming storybook-themed park perfect for younger children.
(10) Jedediah Smith Memorial State Park (Northern California): Offers hiking trails with stunning views of the Klamath River. (Longer drive)
(11) Point Reyes National Seashore (Northern California): Stunning coastal views, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. (Longer drive)
(12) Muir Woods National Monument (Northern California): Hike among towering redwood trees. (Longer drive)
(13) California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco): Aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum all in one. (Longer drive)
(14) Exploratorium (San Francisco): Hands-on science museum perfect for inquisitive minds. (Longer drive)
(15) Children's Creativity Museum (San Francisco): A fun and interactive museum for children. (Longer drive)
(16) The Tech Interactive (San Jose): Another hands-on science and technology museum. (Longer drive)
(17) Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (Gilroy): A unique theme park with a focus on gardens and family-friendly rides. (Longer drive)
(18) Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey): World-renowned aquarium with a wide array of marine life. (Longer drive)
(19) Yosemite National Park (Yosemite): Stunning scenery, hiking, and rock climbing. (Very long drive - plan an overnight trip)
Remember to plan your day trip carefully, considering travel time, admission fees, and the age and interests of your children. Have a fantastic adventure!
