By Alyssa Green
Summer vacation is nearly upon us…what are you going to do with the kids?! Well, Sacramento is a great place to be during the summertime. There is a lot to do and see. However, keeping your kids entertained throughout the summer can often get expensive. That’s why we have come up with a list of 25 activities that won’t break the bank. Take a look at our list of FREE (or nearly free) activities that will keep your kids busy this summer. Have a good one!
FREE
JUNE
1 –
Mad Science Summer Kickoff – Kickoff summer vacation with the mad scientists launching rockets, making green slime and more. June 9th 11am-3pm. Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled.
2 – Pops in the Park, East Sacramento -Family-friendly outdoor concerts, every Friday evening in June.
3 – Juneteenth Festival – 2-day festival celebrating freedom, parade, talent show, fishing derby, food and music, June 16th.
4 – Luis Palau Sacramento Festival – Family friendly Christian festival with live music, food, children’s area, professional skate boarding demos and more. June 16-17
JULY
5 – Wells Fargo Wednesdays at the Sacramento Zoo – up to 4 children receive free entrance into the zoo with 1 paying adult, plus free train and carousel rides. July 11, 18 and 25.
6 – Free kid’s day at the State Fair – Kids receive free entrance into the California State Fair each Tuesday, July12-29th.
AUGUST
7 – Screen on the Green, Outside family movies, various parks – August 4th & 18th.
8 – Kikkoman Factory Tour – starting up again this month after a hiatus, reservations required.
9 – Gold Rush Days – The past comes to life at this 4-day event in Old Sacramento, August 31-September 3rd.
10 – Banana Festival – Celebrate the banana at William Land Park with food, shopping, entertainment and family fun, August 10th.
11 – Crocker Holiday Monday – Target sponsors free entrance into the Crocker Art Museum on 4 holiday Mondays throughout the year, the last being Labor Day.
ALL SUMMER LONG
12 – Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum – open all year long, your kids will love experiencing school as it was during the gold rush.
13 – Wells Fargo History Museum – learn the history of the company that offered banking services to gold rush pioneers.
14 – Old Sacramento Scavenger Hunt – download the form and help your kids learn about Sacramento’s gold rush history.
15 – State Capitol Tour – Learn the history and procedure of California law, free tours available every day on the hour.
16 – Sacramento Public Art Walk – these self-guided walking tours will help introduce art to your kiddos.
17 – City Water Intake Facility – a boat shaped structure offering spectacular views of the Sacramento River and also a way to cool off in the intermittent water fountain the kids can run through. Turns out the fountain doesn’t run anymore, boo hoo. Still a fantastic place to visit and get a good look at the river and it’s beautiful surroundings.
18 – Bike the American River Parkway – one of the most scenic parkways in the nation, you’ll see fabulous views of the river and it’s surrounding wildlife.
19 – California Raptor Center – this UC Davis education and research facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned birds of prey is open to the public on weekdays and Saturdays.
20 – Bohart Museum of Entomology – UC Davis Entomology lab is open to the public and boasts an amazing collection of insects.
21 – UC Davis Arboretum – 100 acres of beautiful gardens, open 7 days a week, tours available.
22 – CSUS Aquatic Center – While the summer camps, classes and equipment rentals have fees, parking and use of the beach and picnic area doesn’t.
23– Big Spoon Yogurt Story Time – On the 3rd Thursday of each month, kids enjoy story time and a free yogurt creation.
NEARLY FREE
24 – Regal Summer Movie – Kids and family movies just $1, Tuesdays and Wednesdays @ 10am.
25 – Funderland Amusement Park –Small scale, old fashioned amusement park for kids 2-12 years. Free entrance, rides $1.75 each.
26 – Effie Yeaw Nature Center – Wildlife presentations and nature walks along the American River Parkway, free entrance, parking $5.
Also, kids under 5 years old are always FREE at the California Automobile Museum (just a 10 min walk from Front Street). Calautomuseum.org