AEROSPACE MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
3200 Freedom Park Dr., McClellan, CA 95652
(916) 643-0389
Open Mon. – Sat. 9 – 5, Sun. 10 – 5
Adults $8.00, Youth 13-18 $6.00, Kids 6-12 $5.00, Kids 5 and under FREE
The Aerospace Museum has on display a wide range of aircraft types, both military and civilian. These include fighters, trainers, transport and specialized types flown by the USAF and Navy from 1940 to 2000. Added exhibits include aircraft and rocket engines, original aviation art, interactive displays, and a motion-ride simulator (additional $5.00 per person fee). Most of the 20 plus aircrafts are on display outside so it is suggested to go during good weather. Two to three times a year, they host an open cockpit day when you can climb inside some of the aircrafts. Contact the museum for the current dates.
CALIFORNIA AUTO MUSEUM
2200 Front Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 442-6802
Open Daily 10 – 6
Adults $8.00, Kids 6-17 $4.00, Kids 5 and under FREE
Click here for our experience at the California Auto Museum.
Explore the history of the automobile and its influence on our lives – past, present & future. Enjoy the Towe Auto Museum’s exciting collection of over 160 classic cars, race cars, muscle cars, hot rods and early models displayed throughout 72,000 square feet of museum space. Buy an auto-related souvenir in our gift shop, enjoy a soda in our 50’s style Vic’s Ice Cream vignette and take a few pictures next to your favorite cars!
THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM
1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 653-7524
Open Mon. – Sat. 10 – 5, Sun. 12 – 5
Adults $8.50, Kids 6-13 $6.00, Kids 5 and under FREE
California is an amazing state where options are limitless and dreams become reality. The California Museum fosters this concept as new educational programs are created, exhibits are crafted and cultural events are opened to the public. We fulfill this mission by creating a unique learning space where children, adults, and visitors from around the globe can be inspired by this great state’s rich history and stories of its innovative people. All visitors are encouraged to make their own mark on history.
The California Museum is the ONLY museum that provides insight into California’s legacy by uniquely showcasing the stories of inspirational people and events. These people include Sally Ride, Ronald Reagan, Rita Moreno and Jackie Robinson. These events include the birth of Hollywood, the discovery of gold, the earthquake of 1906 and the table grape boycott.
CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM
Old Sacramento, 111 I Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 445-6645
Open Daily 10 – 5
$8.00 Adults, $3.00 Kids 6-17, Kids 5 and under FREE
Parking tip: 90 minutes at metered parking on the streets of Old Sac or parking garage at entrance to Old Sacramento for nominal fee.
Click here for our experience at The California State Railroad Museum.
The California State Railroad Museum is the largest interpretive railroad museum in North America. The first floor is packed full of a variety of real trains, including a freight train and a postal train that you can climb inside of. The second floor is toy train heaven with running electric train sets and window after window of every old and new train set imaginable.
Steam Train Rides:
Fun 40 minute train rides along the river are offered April through September, every weekend, every hour on the hour. 11 am – 5 pm.
$8.00 Adults, $3.00 Kids 6-17, Kids 5 and under FREE
CAPITOL MUSEUM
1315 10th Street Room B-27, Sacramento
(916) 324-0333
Mon. – Fri. 8 – 5, Sat. – Sun. 9 – 5
FREE for all ages
Click here for our experience at the Capitol Museum.
Public tours are conducted daily, on the hour, from 9-4. Films are shown daily in the Basement Theater from 9-5.
Capitol Park surrounds the building and is comprised of 40 acres and spans twelve city blocks. The park includes hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and flowers and numerous monuments and memorials.
CROCKER ART MUSEUM
216 O Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 264-5423
Tues. and Wed 10 – 7, Thursdays 10 – 9, Fri-sun 10-5
Adults $10.00, Students (w/ID) $5.00), Kids 6 and under FREE
Every 3rd Sunday is “Pay What You Wish” sponsored by Bank of America
Parking tip: On-street parking meters bordering the Museum and Crocker Park require quarters. A parking lot is available on Second Street and costs $3 per two hours. Meters free on Sundays.
Click here for our experience at the Crocker Museum.
Founded in 1885, this is known as the first art museum in the West. The historical building with hand-carved doors, ornate walls and parquet floors, creates a gorgeous backdrop as impressive as the art. The art includes the Californian, European, and Asian artworks and International ceramics. The mission of the museum is to promote and awareness of and enthusiasm for human experience through art. Tours are available 1st and 3rd Thursdays as well as weekends at 12 noon and 1:00.
Wee Wednesday:
Wee Wednesdays are designed for children ages 3-5 and the special adult in their lives. Encourage your early learner’s development through multi-sensory activities inspired by art, storytelling and songs. See the website for an event calendar. Reservations are required.
THE DISCOVERY MUSEUM SCIENCE & SPACE CENTER
3615 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA
(916) 575-3942
Winter hours (September – June) Tues. – Fri. 12 noon – 4:30 pm, Sat. – Sun. 10 am – 4:30 pm
Summer hours (July – August) Daily 10 – 5
Weekday admission: Adults $6.00, Teens 13-17 $5.00, Kids 4-12 $4.00, Kids 3 and under FREE
Weekend admission: Adults $8.00, Teens 13-17 $7.00, Kids 4-12 $6.00, Kids 3 and under FREE
Come see the exciting exhibits and participate in fun activities. This Discovery Museum is home to Sacramento’s only public planetarium. You can see the stars every weekend at 1:00 and 3:00pm. They also have animal shows, and free kids crafts every weekend. Every year is a different interactive theme. This year is Bone Zone and Tree Life, the animals that live in them. See the Dr’s office to see bones, and learn about skeletons and your body. See the kitchen and fake food to learn what to eat to stay healthy. This museum also has the Challenger Learning Center where you can come with your school, birthday party or office to learn to succeed. Go outside along the trails and learn about trees, habitats and the outdoor ampitheatre. It is great fun in the fall to rustle through the leaves! Don’t forget to look in the parking lot to see the life size of a whale and other animals! There is Renfree Park next to this museum
Family Craft Time:
The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center offers make-and-take crafts every Saturday and Sunday. While the activities are designed for children ten years old and under, the whole family can enjoy learning and working together. Visit the classroom from 12:30pm to 3:00pm, and see what you can create!
Planetarium:
Learn about the local night sky in Northern California’s only public planetarium. 20-minute star shows introduce you to our celestial neighborhood. All shows feature heavenly bodies locally visible to the unaided eye, and include current celestial events. Planetarium shows are included in your general admission. (Children over 4 years of age only, please.)
All year: 1:00pm and 3:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Additional shows in July and August: 3:00pm Monday-Friday
Wild Life Shows:
Visit live animals in the Nature Discovery Hall. Birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects are here waiting to help you learn about their fascinating lives and habitats. Wildlife shows are included in your general admission.
All year: 12:00pm and 2:00pm on Saturday and Sunday
Additional shows in July and August: 2:00pm Monday-Friday
Discover Nature:
The Space and Science Center is surrounded by 14 beautiful acres of Arcade Creek woodlands. Pick up a guide sheet and take an easy hike around the grounds. You’ll become better acquainted with the local flora and fauna. Inviting benches and wide pathways make this an enjoyable outing for all. Don’t forget to visit the Butterfly Garden! There are also shaded picnic areas if you wish to bring a snack or lunch. Cold beverages are available in the museum store.
Open all year during museum hours.
EXPLORIT SCIENCE CENTER
3141 5th Street, Davis, CA
530-756-0191
Open first full weekend of every month from 1:00pm-5:00pm
Admission $5.00 per person, Kids 2 and under FREE
Challenge your child’s mind at this fascinating science center for all ages. School age children interested in science will enjoy the hands-on activities. Check out their website for a calendar of current exhibits.
SACRAMENTO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
2701 Prospect Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA
(916) 638-7225
Open Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm
General Admission $7.00
Click here for our experience at The Sacramento Children’s Museum.
The Sacramento Children’s Museum offers Hands-on Learning, Exploration, and Play! Each of the fun areas within the museum focuses on different opportunities and they are all geared towards children ages 8 and under.
These areas include: Waterways, Raceways, Airways, World Market, Studio of the Arts, My Neighborhood, and Baby Bloomers.
Leo’s Tales Storytime is every Tuesday from 10:00-10:30.
SACRAMENTO HISTORY MUSEUM
Old Sacramento, 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA
Located next to the Railroad Museum
(916) 264-7057
Winter Hours (September thru June): Tues. – Sun. 10 – 5
Summer Hours (July and August): Daily 10 – 5
Adults $5.00, Youth 13-17 $4.00, Kids 4-12 $3.00, Kids 3 and under FREE
Parking tip: 90 minutes at metered parking on the streets of Old Sac or parking garage at I street entrance to Old Sacramento for between $5.00 and $9.00.
This museum is housed in a replica of the first city hall. Changing exhibits emphasize the city’s commercial, governmental and family history, including relics from the gold-rush era. The hands-on print shop is a hit with children.
The Gold Rush History Museum is about the days when gold was being discovered and became discovered and the impact on the Sacramento region and people. Right in the entrance (after you pay) is a glass floor where you can see treasures excavated from the streets of Sacramento. It is really cool to look down through the floor. Upstairs are articfacts about clothes, rooms, and treasures from people of this time. Don’t forget to try on clothes from this area and take old pictures! Downstairs is agriculture tools and canned food they used in this time period. The 1928 kitchen is really modern (for its time!). Kids will love the puzzles, fake food, and tractor and animal toys here.
