Why? She was traveling with a two-year-old. Ah...it all becomes clear to me now.
Once that no doubt frazzled family arrives in Sacramento, what can they do to restore their energy and enjoy their visit...with their two-year-old? There are plenty of fun things to do in Sacramento and many wonderful places for kids. However, there are three must-see attractions that I personally do not let any of my pint-sized visitors go away without experiencing.
Fairytale Town


Admission
Adults: $4/weekdays, $4.50/weekends and holidays
Children: 2-11 $4/weekdays, $4.50/weekends and holidays
Children: 0-1 Free
Sacramento Zoo


Admission
Adults: 10.50/weekdays, $11/weekends
Seniors: $9.75/weekdays, $10.25/weekends
Children: 2-11 $6.50/weekdays, $7/weekends
Children: 0-1 Free
Stop in at the SCVB (1608 I Street) for a coupon worth 50% off general admission for up to 6 people.
California State Railroad Museum

Located in Old Sacramento, this museum is widely known as North America's most popular railroad museum with several classic engines and cars for kids and adults alike to walk through and experience. You don't have to be a train lover to love this place. The kids will love climbing up into the conductor's seat, walking through the posh dining car, seeing how the mail was sorted in the mail car, studying the miniature train exhibit, and playing with the Thomas the Tank Engine railway sets. This is a fabulous place to visit on a rainy day as there is plenty of space for the little ones to run around and work off all their energy. If time allows, sneak into the theater for a brief run-down on the west's railroad history, and don't forget the gift shop. For the child (or grownup) who loves trains, the gift shop is a magical place at which point in your museum tour, money becomes no object.
The absolute best thing about this museum is that children 5 and under are free! (So now you don't have to feel bad about buying a souvenir for your little angel.)

Adults: $9
Youth: 6-17 $4
Children: 0-5 Free
Whether Sacramento is your destination, or you are just traveling through, make sure to take a break and let your kids run around Fairytale Town, the Zoo or the Railroad Museum. You'll have a great time with memories to last a lifetime - and that distant memory of the harrowing road trip with your two-year-old? It will become just that...a distant memory replaced by enchanting ones.
If you're planning to stay overnight in a Sacramento hotel, be sure to ask for your free Sacramento Gold Card when you check in. You'll receive two-for-one add mission to all of these Sacramento attractions.