It's springtime in Sacramento, and there's no better city to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with your family than California's Capital. Sacramento is known for its excellent food, its two rivers and plenty of museums and attractions, and there's a whole host of activities that are great for the whole family.
A Day at the Park
Tried-and-true attractions awaits in William Land Park. At Fairytale Town, young ones climb, slide and let their imaginations run wild amid storybook-themed amusements. With its vintage carousel, miniature train and spinning cups, old-school rides rule at Funderland.
Two Zoos
Sacramento Zoo has drawn crowds for generations. Lions and lemurs and okapi—all there. Don’t miss Gizmo, the adorable young red panda. Also, in the burgeoning city of Folsom, 20 miles east of downtown Sac, Folsom Zoo Sanctuary provides a haven for injured and orphaned wild animals, and Folsom Valley Railway offers rides on a rare 12-inch gauge railroad.
Batter Up!
Catch a Sacramento River Cats game at Sutter Health Park. This Triple-A affiliate for the San Francisco Giants is a popular draw for families that relish baseball, ballpark fare and between-innings frivolity.
Sacramento Republic FC soccer
Soccer, Anyone?
The Sacramento Republic Football Club is about to go bigtime as the 29th MLS franchise in the nation. Catch a match while you’re in town at Papa Murphy’s Park.
Water Play
Hit the water! Float down the American River with River Rat Raft & Bike Rentals, or rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards from Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma. If water parks are more your thing, Raging Waters’ 20 water slides, wave pool and lazy river open in late spring.
Gunther's Ice Cream
All Scream For . . .
Gunther’s and Vic’s ice cream parlors serve plenty of fresh, creamy deliciousness. At R Street’s Milk Money, artisanal ice cream sandwich flavors rotate regularly, but you can usually find something with Oreos.
For more spring activities, visit our guide to spring in Sacramento.
