Sacramento offers fantastic activities for kids, including a series of amusement parks, interactive museums, and animal encounters. Many of the places on our list are enjoyable for parents, and the whole family will have lots of fun together. Some will physically challenge kids and grown-ups, while others will test your wits in an educational setting.

Several of Sacramento’s best family-friendly places are based around William Land Regional Park, and that’s a wonderful spot to start your trip. Whether your kids are itching for a vacation full of thrills or thought-provoking exhibits, Sacramento has more than enough options to give them an exciting time.

  • 1

    Funderland Amusement Park

    Kid-friendly rides and wholesome birthday parties

    Funderland Amusement Park
    • Families

    Funderland Amusement Park has catered to families and offered rides exclusively for kids since 1946. Located in William Land Park, it has 9 child-sized rides, refreshing concessions, and fun-filled options for birthday parties. Season Pass Holders and their guests are treated to entertaining events with delicious treats, exciting games, and wonderful prizes for the youngsters. There’s no admission fee to enter the park, but each ride requires a ticket.

    Some rides have a minimum height requirement, like the Flying Dragon, Squirrelly, and Crazy Cups, but many are suitable for toddlers. The Red Baron, Oscar the Fisher, and Photo-Opp Plane provide lots of merriment for the smallest riders of the family.

    Location: 1350 17th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822, USA

    Phone: +1 916-456-0131

    Map
  • 2

    Fairytale Town

    Transport your children to a world of nursery rhymes and fairy tales

    Fairytale Town
    • Families

    Fairytale Town is where your children’s favourite bedtime stories come alive and their imaginations will be piqued like never before. Dozens of playsets let kids step foot into loveable tales, with an interactive setup that keeps their bodies moving. From the adventures of King Arthur’s Castle to magical journeys in Cinderella’s carriage, your children will feel like they’re in a fantasy world.

    Fairytale Town is inside William Land Park and hosts many events that cater to children throughout the year. The park’s programs educate children on cultural diversity through immersive theatrical performances. Kids have the opportunity to learn about gardening at Mr McGregor’s Garden, the Alphabet Garden, and an authentic Japanese garden.

    Location: 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 916-808-5233

    Map

    photo by David Sanabria (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 3

    Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

    Keep the kids active at this thrilling indoor amusement park

    Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
    • Adventure
    • Families

    The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park treats thrill-seeking families to a day of high-flying action. The indoor playground is filled with exciting activities that give your children plenty of exercise on a rainy day. Urban Air was voted as America’s best gym for kids, and it’s a renowned location for birthday parties and youth events as well.

    Attraction passes available at the front desk determine the number of activities the kids have access to inside the park. The Adventure Hub is a combination of popular attractions like the Ropes Course and Sky Rider coaster. Watch the kids battle it out at the Spin Zone Bumper Cars and Battle Beam or join them in a virtual reality expedition.

    Location: 1700 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA

    Phone: +1 916-930-6822

    Map
  • 4

    Sacramento Children’s Museum

    Open your kids’ imaginations with lots of creative activities

    Sacramento Children’s Museum
    • Families

    The Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova opens children’s minds and helps them develop instrumental skills. The museum hosts numerous weekly events that are included with your admission. Your kids will get their creative juices flowing at events such as Science Sundays, Theater Play, and Tinker Time. Cultural Connections teaches the kids about cultures from around the world, while Yoga Play combines story-time and games to practise proper posture.

    Check out the museum’s special events calendar, which includes fun-filled activities like the Museum Colouring Contest and Dogs with Jobs. The museum caters to families with special needs children through the Discovery Play program to let them explore the interactive exhibits within their comfort level.

    Location: 2701 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +1 916-730-5079

    Map
  • 5

    SeaQuest Folsom

    Teach the kids about animals from every corner of the globe

    SeaQuest Folsom
    • Families

    SeaQuest Folsom takes your children on a journey around the planet to learn about hundreds of incredible species. The facility has rescued over 600 animals, and kids will have the chance to meet around 1,200 creatures. Exhibits feature a variety of mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and insects – you can also learn how they’ve evolved through informative displays.  

    Many of the animals who live at SeaQuest were injured in the wild. After they are rescued, the dedicated staff rehabilitate and provide them with passionate care. Must-sees include sharks, snakes, otters, macaws, and frogs. Your children can take part in interactive activities, such as snorkelling with stingrays and hanging out with sloths. SeaQuest Folsom is roughly a 30-minute drive from downtown Sacramento.

    Location: 430 Palladio Pkwy #1801, Folsom, CA 95630, USA

    Phone: +1 916-673-9972

    Map
  • 6

    The Boulder Field

    Burn off energy at a world-class climbing facility

    The Boulder Field
    • Adventure
    • Families

    The Boulder Field is a rock-climbing gym that provides a suitable environment for kids who can’t sit still. A 15-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, the facility has around 10,000 sq ft of bouldering space and climbing areas for the whole family. The indoor gym caters to all fitness levels, so your children will be able to find the terrain for their skillset.

    Climbing coaches promote a welcoming atmosphere for your children and help them achieve their full potential. Staffed by devoted climbers, multi-day youth camps include lots of challenging games. The Boulder Field has a climbing shop to ensure your kids have the proper gear and daily yoga classes for the parents.

    Location: 8425 Belvedere Ave #100, Sacramento, CA 95826, USA

    Open: Monday–Friday from 6 am to 11 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +1 916-329-8994

    Map
  • 7

    Sacramento Zoo

    Learn about endangered animals and explore educational exhibits

    Sacramento Zoo
    • Families
    • Photo

    The Sacramento Zoo first opened its doors in 1927, and the current location inside William Land Park is home to around 500 animals. Over 120 species call the zoo home, many of which are rare and endangered. The staff works tirelessly to provide the animals with proper care and teach your children about natural habitats around the world.

    You get to see all sorts of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and amphibians. as well as animal ambassadors in wildlife shows. Featured animals include armadillos, hedgehogs, owls, parrots, alligators, and snakes. Daily educational shows such as keeper chats and animal encounters let your kids get up close with their favourite creatures. 

    Location: 3930 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 916-808-5888

    Map
  • 8

    Powerhouse Science Center

    Interactive exhibits to unleash the kids’ inner scientist

    Powerhouse Science Center
    • Families

    Adjacent to Del Paso Regional Park, the Powerhouse Science Center introduces children to the world of science and technology. Hands-on exhibits let kids dig for dinosaur fossils, explore the solar system, or test their engineering skills. If your youngsters has an interest in animals, the Nature Discovery Exhibit studies reptiles and invertebrates.

    The facility has Sacramento’s only public planetarium, offering lessons of different grade levels. Kids interested in studying the Earth can participate in interactive experiments within the fields of physical and biological sciences. Throw your kid a science-themed birthday party and decorate their room with outer space or dinosaur décor. Families can study science fiction films together or dissect a squid to learn their bodily functions.

    Location: 3615 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821, USA

    Phone: +1 916-674-5000

    Map
  • 9

    William Land Regional Park

    Take shade beneath the trees and have a family picnic

    William Land Regional Park
    • Adventure
    • Budget
    • Families
    • Photo

    William Land Regional Park is one of Sacramento’s most popular city parks and a wonderful place for nature-loving families. Situated against the Sacramento River, the park has all the needed amenities for a relaxing day in the outdoors. Measuring over 200 acres, it includes a jogging path, lakes, soccer fields, basketball courts, picnic tables, and a golf course. 

    The picnic areas are designated for events, attracting lots of families looking to host cookouts on weekends. The park also includes an amphitheatre that annually performs Shakespeare plays. Many of Sacramento’s kid-friendly attractions are within walking distance of the William Land Regional Park.  

    Location: 3800 W Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, USA

    Open: Daily from 6.30 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +1 916-808-6060

    Map

    photo by Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 10

    Monster Mini Golf

    18 holes of amusing characters and other glow-in-the-dark attractions

    • Families

    Monster Mini Golf, within 1 mile of the peaceful Lake Natoma, has tons of entertaining attractions with comical monster characters. The monsters invade the golf course and interact with players while music blares on the speakers. Every hole is filled with surprises, and you won’t know when a hilarious monster pops out of nowhere. 

    The monstrous gaming arcade has classic games such as Glow Air Hockey and Basketball Hoops, and the family can compete for incredible prizes. Transport yourself into the monsters’ realm inside the Virtual Reality world or team up for an exciting game of Monster Laser Tag. While you’re golfing, look above to see kids on the ropes course or roll a strike at the bowling alley.

    Location: 12401 Folsom Blvd, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 2 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from noon to 10 pm, Sunday from noon to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 916-294-0000

    Map
Daniel Grenier | Contributing Writer