Summer is both a magical time of memory making and a daunting time for parents as we try to find ways to keep the kids busy. My mission: to round up all the very best things to do around town in order to ensure you have solutions when you hear “I’m bored” or better yet – avoid ever hearing it!
This guide is one enormous roundup of places to play in the water, fairs and festivals, movies in the park, where to get creative, free things to do, and so much more! I hope it comes in handy as you’re trying to keep the kids busy, getting together with friends, and planning quality family time.
Summer Fun Guide 2017 includes :
Water Fun
Concerts & Movies in the Park
Dollar Movies
Fairs & Festivals
Indoor Play
Nature
Cold Treats
Amusement Parks
Special Events
and more!
Big thanks to our fabulous Gold Sponsors:
Spraygrounds
Aquatic Centers
- Wackford Aquatic Complex
- Folsom Aquatic Center
- Roseville Aquatic Complex
- West Sacramento Aquatic Center
- Antelope Aquatic Complex
City Pools
Water Rides, Splash Pads & Dolphin Shows
Indoor Surfing
Water Sports
Water Parks
Dollar Movies
Free Concerts in the Park
- Friday Night Concerts in the Park – Downtown
- Pops in the Park – East Sacramento
- Summer Concerts in the Park – El Dorado Hills
- Concerts in the Park – Fair Oaks
- Palladio Summer Concert Series – Folsom
- Hot Summer Nights Concert Series – Elk Grove
- Friday Night Concerts – Rancho Cordova
Free Movies in the Park
- Movies in the Park – Fair Oaks
- Screen on the Green – Sacramento
- Moonlight Movies – Rancho Cordova
- Movies in the Park – Roseville
- Free Movie Fridays– Rocklin
- Natomas at Nite – Natomas
Theatre
- Jack in the Beanstalk June 17 – July 9
- Madagascar July 15 – July 30
- Beauty and the Beast June 20 – July 2
- Sacramento County Fair May 25 – 29
- El Dorado County Fair June 15 – 18
- Placer County Fair June 22 – 25
- Folsom Pro Rodeo July 1 – 3
- California State Fair July 14 – 30
- Multicultural Festival August 26
- Gold Rush Days Festival September 1 – 4
- Chalk It Up! Festival September 2 – 4
TRAMPOLINES
- Sky High Sports – Rancho Cordova
- Sky Zone – Rocklin
- Rockin’ Jump – Elk Grove
- Surf Xtreme Trampolines – Elk Grove
BOUNCE HOUSES
- BounceU – Rancho Cordova
- BounceU – Roseville
- The Bounce Spot – West Sacramento
- Laguna’s Awesome Party Palace – Elk Grove
- Party Place – Roseville
INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS
- Wacky Tacky – Roseville
- Climbaroo – Natomas
IMAGINATION
- Busy Kidz – Folsom
- Sacramento Children’s Museum – Rancho Cordova
MALL TOT PLAYGROUNDS
ROLLER SKATING
- Roller King – Roseville
- King’s Skate Country – Elk Grove
- Foothill Skate Inn – Sacramento
- Sunrise Rollerland – Citrus Heights
- The Rink – Sacramento
ICE SKATING
- Skatetown – Roseville
LAZER TAG
- Laser Tag of Carmichael
- Laser X at Country Club Lanes
- Laser Tag of Golfland Sunsplash
- Xtreme Craze in Rocklin
ROCK CLIMBING
- Rocknasium – Davis
- Pipeworks – Sacramento
- Granite Arch Climbing Center – Rancho Cordova
- Alpha Fired Arts – Sacramento
- ArtBeast – Midtown
- Blue Line Arts – Roseville
- Color Me Mine – Elk Grove, Folsom & Roseville
- Firefly Art – Natomas
- Home Depot Kids Workshops – all locations
- Kids Studio of Fine Arts – Roseville
- Lakeshore Learning – Roseville
- Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics – all locations
- Michaels Arts & Crafts Kids Club – all locations
- Black Chasm Cavern & Indian Grinding Rock Park
- Cosumnes River Preserve
- UC Davis Arboretum
- Effie Yeaw Nature Center
- Hidden Falls Regional Park Hike
- Placer Nature Center
- Soil Born Farms
- Stone Lakes Refuge
- WPA Rock Garden
- Aerospace Museum of California
- Bohart Museum of Entomology
- California Agriculture Museum
- California Automobile Museum
- California State Railroad Museum
- California Raptor Center
- Capitol Museum
- Children’s Museum of Stockton
- Crocker Art Museum
- Discovery Science and Space Museum
- Explorit Science Center
- Folsom History Museum
- Leland Stanford Mansion
- Maidu Indian Museum
- Sacramento Children’s Museum
- State Indian Museum
- Sutter’s Fort
- The California Museum
- WOW Science Museum
- Sacramento Zoo
- Fairytale Town
- Folsom Zoo
- Serpentarium
- Powerhouse Science Center’s Nature Discovery Room
- Sacramento Public Library
- Folsom Public Library
- Roseville Public Library
- Aerospace Museum of California
- Barnes & Noble
- California State Railroad Museum
- Sacramento Children’s Museum
- Sacramento Library Events
- Folsom Library Events
- Roseville Library Events
- Placer County Library Events
- Yolo County Library Events
- Baskin Robbins
- Big Spoon Yogurt
- Cafe Roma
- Coldstone Creamery
- Dairy Queen
- Fahrenheit 8
- Fosters Freeze
- Gunther’s Ice Cream Shop
- Leatherby’s
- Vampire Penguin
- Vic’s Ice cream
Big thanks to our Silver Sponsor:
FUN EVENTS FOR YOUR SUMMER CALENDAR
When: Saturday, June 3; 10am-5pm
What: Danny’s Mini Donuts will be on-hand making fresh donuts and serving them up hot. Donuts are available for purchase at special prices. Enjoy a tasty donut, explore the Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion exhibit, and visit our air park.
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
Cost: Discount admission $5.00; age 5 and under FREE
Rainbow Families Pre-Parade Party
When: Saturday, June 3; 9:30 – 10:30am
What: The Crocker Art Museum invites ALL families to come “rainbow up” for the Sacramento Pride Parade, which kicks off nearby at 11 AM. Streamers, bells, crowns, face paints, and a variety of supplies will be available to decorate babies, kids, mommies, mamas, daddies, papas, allies, and friends—not to mention strollers, bikes, and wagons.
Walk in the parade with our group, or just be a colorful spectator! Light refreshments provided to help fuel the fun. Meet at Crocker Park, across the street from the Crocker Art Museum.
Where: Crocker Art Museum
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, June 3; 8:30am
What: Dog walkers and their 4-legged buddies will take the 1.4 mile stroll around Elk Grove Regional Park where they will encounter pawstops along the way like the VCA hydration station, Pet Club bone bar and other dog-related booths. The walk will culminate at the Dog Days of Summer festival hosted by Elk Grove Animal Control that includes booths, demonstrations, food and more.
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove
Cost: Registration $15 and includes t-shirt for you and special gift for Fido
When: Saturday, June 3; 4-8pm
What: Come laugh, splash, and play with your family. The Aqua Café will be open serving up refreshments, snacks, hot food, and more as you enjoy riding Typhoon Tower, a 160-foot long waterslide and playing in Adventure Bay filled with interactive water attractions. For the little ones, enjoy Splash Island, a 1½ foot swimming pool with an
in-water playground.
Where: Wackford Aquatic Complex, Elk Grove
Cost: $6.00 ages 5 and up, $3 ages 2-4
When: Saturday, June 3 – Sunday, June 4; 11am – 3pm
What: Ride a miniature steam train through the trees of Hagan Community Park.
Where: Hagan Community Park behind the Petting Barn.
Cost: FREE; donations appreciate
Community Day at the Sacramento Adventure Playground
When: Saturday, June 10; 11am – 3pm
What: Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play. Community Days also feature special activities and craft projects.
Where: Sacramento Adventure Playground
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, June 10; 10am – 3pm
What: Over 80 booths with Health, Safety & Recreational Resources for families, live entertainment, safety demonstrations, raffles, free giveaways, and more.
Where: Safetyville USA, 3909 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, June 17; 9am-4pm
What: Come party in style as we celebrate the Sacramento Zoo’s 90th birthday! We’re throwing ourselves a party complete with games, crafts, activities and bounce houses. Enjoy free party hats, sno-cones, birthday-themed animal enrichments, face painting and more! Don’t miss the Wildlife Stage Show where you may just meet Herkimer, the Zoo’s oldest resident who is also turning 90 this year!
Where: Sacramento Zoo
Cost: General admission – Adults Kids
When: Friday, June 16 – Saturday, June 17
What: Families set up camp all over Fairytale Town’s 2.5 acres. Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, chairs and picnic dinners. Scavenger hunts, a theater performance, sing-alongs, arts and crafts, bedtime stories and more.
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: $30 adults, $25 kids, 1 and under free
When: Friday, June 16; 7-8:30pm
What: Storytelling has been an important part of Native American culture for thousands of years. Sit under the stars at our outdoor amphitheater to enjoy native stories around the campfire. We’ll provide roasting sticks and marshmallows for a sweet program’s end to this fun family event.
Where: Maidu Museum, 1970 Johnson Ranch Drive, Roseville
Cost: $5/person, $16/family of four, Under 2 are free
When: Friday, June 16; 5pm
What: Live bands, kid zone, crafts, food court.
Where: Auburn Regional Park
Cost: FREE
When: Sunday, June 18; 10am-5pm
What: Climb aboard our many airplanes and pilot your own adventure.
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
Cost: FREE admission for dads
A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy
When: Saturday, June 24; 5-9pm
What: A magical midsummer’s eve featuring multiple ice cream tasting stations, live entertainment, hands-on activities, an enchanted marketplace and more!
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: Advance tickets $15.00 Adults and $7.00 Kids
When: Saturday, June 24
What: Camp-out with your family under the stars just yards away from slumbering lions, and wake to the call of flamingos – and of course a tasty breakfast.
Where: Sacramento Zoo
Cost: $65 per person
When: Saturday, June 24; 4-8pm
What: Come laugh, splash, and play with your family. The Aqua Café will be open serving up refreshments, snacks, hot food, and more as you enjoy riding Typhoon Tower, a 160-foot long waterslide and playing in Adventure Bay filled with interactive water attractions. For the little ones, enjoy Splash Island, a 1½ foot swimming pool with an
in-water playground.
Where: Wackford Aquatic Complex, Elk Grove
Cost: $6.00 ages 5 and up, $3 ages 2-4
Mister Cooper at Music in the Park
When: Sunday, June 25; 6-8pm
What: Local musician and music educator, Mister Cooper, will be kicking off the 2017 Music in the Park concert series again this year at the beautiful Curtis Park. His sets start at 6pm and 7pm. Held the last Sunday of June, July and August, Music in the Park is a free summer concert series at the north end of Curtis Park. This annual event is the perfect time to relax with your family, friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the music.
Where: Curtis Park
Cost: FREE
When: Friday, June 30; Public swim from 7-8:30, Movie begins at dusk.
What: Come for an evening dip in the pool, then picnic with your family while watching a fun Summer flick!
Where: Cottage Pool, 3097 Cottage Way
Cost: $3.00 per person for swim, movie FREE
Free Fishing & Instructional Clinic
When: Saturday, July 1; 8:30am-12pm
What: FEC and Fishing in the City are excited about Catfish Season! Offered at the Howe Park Pond, Fishing in the City is providing FREE loan of rods, bait, and tackle for up to 50 people and FREE instructional clinics.
Where: Howe Park, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento
Cost: FREE
When: Sunday, July 2; 11am – 3pm
What: Join us for a day of international music, dance and fun on the Mother Goose Stage! Enjoy back-to-back performances from local artists as they showcase unique dances from around the world. Bring blankets or chairs to relax on the lawn. Puppet Art Theater Company will be performing Hansel and Gretel at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 PM. Puppet show tickets are a $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers.
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: Free with park admission – $5.75 adults and kids 2 and over
Community Day at the Sacramento Adventure Playground
When: Saturday, July 8; 11am – 3pm
What: Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play. Community Days also feature special activities and craft projects.
Where: Sacramento Adventure Playground
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, July 22 – Sunday, July 23
What: Families set up camp all over Fairytale Town’s 2.5 acres. Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, chairs and picnic dinners. Scavenger hunts, a theater performance, sing-alongs, arts and crafts, bedtime stories and more.
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: $30 adults, $25 kids, 1 and under free
When: July 7th, 15th, 22nd, 28th
What: Camp-out with your family (2 or more people) under the stars just yards away from slumbering lions , and wake to the call of flamingos – and of course a tasty breakfast.
Where: Sacramento Zoo
Cost: $65 per perso
Mister Cooper at Music in the Park
When: Sunday, July 30; 6-8pm
What: Local musician and music educator, Mister Cooper, will be performing at the 2017 Music in the Park concert series again this year in the beautiful Curtis Park. His sets start at 6pm and 7pm. Held the last Sunday of June, July and August, Music in the Park is a free summer concert series at the north end of Curtis Park. This annual event is the perfect time to relax with your family, friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the music.
Where: Curtis Park
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, July 29 – Sunday, July 30; 11am – 2:15pm
What: Hey diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle are at Fairytale Town this summer! Families will be over the moon listening to rockin’ daytime concerts on the Mother Goose stage. Concerts are free with paid park admission.
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: $5.75 per person, age 1 and under free
When: Friday, August 4; Public swim from 7-8:30, Movie begins at dusk.
What: Come for an evening dip in the pool, then picnic with your family while watching a fun Summer flick!
Where: Cottage Pool, 3097 Cottage Way
Cost: $3.00 per person for swim, movie FREE
When: Friday, August 4th
What: Camp-out with your family (2 or more people) under the stars just yards away from slumbering lions , and wake to the call of flamingos – and of course a tasty breakfast.
Where: Sacramento Zoo
Cost: $65 per person
When: Friday, August 11 – Saturday, August 12
What: Families set up camp all over Fairytale Town’s 2.5 acres. Tents, sleeping bags, blankets, chairs and picnic dinners. Scavenger hunts, a theater performance, sing-alongs, arts and crafts, bedtime stories and more.
Where: Fairytale Town
Cost: $30 adults, $25 kids, 1 and under free
Community Day at the Sacramento Adventure Playground
When: Saturday, August 12; 11am – 3pm
What: Children get to create their own play structures and spaces by re-purposing everyday items such as cardboard boxes, plus household wares, natural elements and unexpected items. The Playground is a fun and safe environment where children can use their imagination and creativity to direct their own play. Community Days also feature special activities and craft projects.
Where: Sacramento Adventure Playground
Cost: FREE
When: Saturday, August 26; 10am-5pm
What: Join the City of Elk Grove and the Multicultural Committee as you learn about other cultures through music, art, food, entertainment and much more. FREE admission and parking. Celebrate our diversity and travel the world without leaving Elk Grove!
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove
Cost: FREE
Mister Cooper at Music in the Park
When: Sunday, August 27; 6-8pm
What: Local musician and music educator, Mister Cooper, will be performing at the 2017 Music in the Park concert series again this year at the beautiful Curtis Park. His sets start at 6pm and 7pm. Held the last Sunday of June, July and August, Music in the Park is a free summer concert series at the north end of Curtis Park. This annual event is the perfect time to relax with your family, friends and neighbors. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the music.
Where: Curtis Park
Cost: FREE
When: Fridays; June 23 – July 28; 11am-12:30pm
What: Explore a different artistic material each week, with interactive artist demonstrations, exciting performances, and creations you can take home. Designed for a range of abilities and learning styles, Family Fridays take place in the E. Kendall Davis courtyard and includes multisensory activities, picnic areas, and a Double Digit Clubhouse just for kids 10 and older. Make your reservations in advance at Crockerart.org.
Where: Crocker Art Museum
Cost: General admission
When: Fridays; 9am-5pm
What: Every Friday is $5 admission.
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
Cost: $5.00 per person
When: Every Thursday & Friday Night; 5:30 – 8pm
What: Ride and play throughout the miniature town. Safety Clinic, bike vendors for Q&A, and food court.
Where: Safetyville USA, 3909 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento
Cost: FREE
When: Saturdays, 2-4pm through October 21
What: Meet firefighters, tour the fire station, check out fire trucks up close, and more.
Where: Fire Stations throughout Sacramento – see schedule
Cost: FREE
If you’re searching for summer camps, head over to our Summer Camp Guide where you can explore a vast variety of half-day, full-day and overnight camps offered in the greater Sacramento area.
Big thanks to our Platinum Sponsor – Dream Enrichment Classes & Camps!
Dream Enrichment is a local business bringing the most exciting themes, passionate teachers, and engaging camp curriculum to our Sacramento community. They specialize in STEAM camps that line up perfectly with your child’s passions, to keep them creating, inventing, and discovering – all summer long!
Be sure to check out the five amazing summer camps they are offering throughout Sacramento:
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
