Great OUTINGS and PLACES for FAMILIES
1.) William Land Park - Take your little ones on a sunny day. Feed the ducks. Have a picnic. There's a really nice, shaded playground, pony rides on Saturdays, and even a mini-amusement Park (Funderland), and Fairytale Town, a local favorite. And of course, there's the Sacramento Zoo. You can get a pass for around $10 that includes entry into the zoo and Fairytale town across the street, and to go on rides at Funderland you just need to buy tickets. The zoo is just big enough to thrill and fascinate a child, but small enough not to overwhelm and irritate the parents (you can see the whole thing in an hour if you want). William Land Park is fabulous; it reminds me of one of the fabulous sprawling parks in Europe. A really great day outing anytime.
2.) Davis Farmer's Market - Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings during the summer, there's a charming farmer's market at Central Park in Davis, which is about 13 miles West of Sacramento. It's absolutely worth the drive. There's a play area, and a fountain for the kids to play in during hot afternoons and evenings. There's music on Wednesday nights, and everybody's out with their blankets, kids and wine. Great local veggies, fruits, breads, flowers and even eggs. Local restaurants come out and serve food; there's a play structure, a merry-go-round and pony rides. Once you go, you'll probably keep going every week for years. We have...it's a great small-town atmosphere, and tons of fun for kids and adults.
3.) Cosumnes Wildlife Preserve - Pack a picnic and head out HWY 5 (South), to Cosumnes Preserve. See some amazing wetland birds. There's a little stream, a wooden walkway through the preserve, and even a science center geared toward little ones. A perfect place for a child (and an adult) to get out and explore preserved, untainted nature, dream and play in a safe and conveniently located place. Look for the turtle off the bridge. He usually hangs out on one of the flat rocks just below the bridge.
4.) Discovery Museum - a great science and history museum for kids. On Saturdays, there have free craft projects. There are also beautiful grounds with trails through giant oak trees. The have fabulous little learning/discovery shows about science and nature throughout the day. A really fun weekend activity. I believe there are also tables for a picnic.
5.) A day in the Sierra foothills - Visit one of the gold-mining towns. Hike. Go down into a mining cave, or just hang out in one of the old villages. (See my upcoming foothills blog entry).
6.) A day in Woodland - Catch a matinee at the Woodland Opera House, eat some amazing ribs at Ludy's, and stroll down Main Street. There are antique shops, a Western shop, a military surplus store, a wonderful local bakery (Timothy's), and the BEST toy store with the most friendly and knowledgeable owners, a bit down Main Street. Don't miss it! Woodland has become a quaint and immensely enjoyable town, please check it out; a lot has changed in the past ten years and you will be pleasantly surprised.
7.) Local Children's Theater - There is a TON of children's theater in the Sacramento vicinity. Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings are generally the shows for younger audiences. My daughter and I have hit each one numerous times, and they are really, really fun. And of course, they engage the child's imagination, are inexpensive, and offer an early taste of art and culture to your little one. Please see my upcoming blog entry regarding children's theater.
