Best End Of Summer Family Activities In Sacramento
California Railroad Museum
125 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-7387
www.californiarailroad.museum
From the end of July until late September, the California State Railroad Museum offers train rides along the Sacramento River. The rides are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. if the weather permits. Train rides are 45 minutes long and depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Trains will depart on the hour, every hour and they're on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ticket prices vary on train car and age.
Sacramento Zoo
3930 West Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-5888
www.saczoo.org
Dates: July 30 and August 5
This sounds like the most exciting family activity on our list. Just imagine the entire family camping out overnight at the Sacramento Zoo and experiencing the zoo like never before. The festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. and go until 9 a.m. the next morning. Visitors will get a dinner, zoo activities, set up campsite, visit the animals and then breakfast in the morning and view a feeding of various animals. This will certainly be a memorable experience.
American River Raft Rentals
11257 S Bridge St
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(888) 338-7238
www.raftrentals.com
Rafting down the American River is something that I have done since I was a kid. It's a traditional activity for the region and one that families can participate in. The easiest way to have a successful rafting trip is to rent a raft and lifejackets from the American River Raft Rental, then launch down the river a few hundred yards from the rental place. Take it all the way down to various points where you can catch the shuttle back to the rental place. For those who have their own rafts, you can easily pick your start and end points based on your own preferences. A rafting trip will certainly provide some relaxation, swimming, water activities and the thrill of rapids.
Safetyville USA
3909 Bradshaw Road
Sacramento, CA, 95827
(916) 438-3380
www.safetycenter.org
For the rest of July and all of August, Safetyville USA offers free family bike nights on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The facility is roughly 3 ½ acres and provides a safe environment for parents to teach their kids how to ride a bike, safety rules and tips, riding their bikes together and more. It's a wonderful idea and plenty of fun in a safe and controlled environment.
Maidu Museum & Historic Site
1970 Johnson Ranch Drive
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 774-5934
www.roseville.ca.us
Summertime is famous for camping out under the stars and enjoying all the outdoor nights have to offer. If camping out isn't your thing, but you like the idea of sitting around a campfire, then check out this wonderful event. Roast marshmallows and hear some beautiful, educational Native American stories and legends. This family event takes place ever third Friday in August and September. Storytelling is an important part of Native American cultures and it might just become an important part of your family's summer plans.
