Spring is my favorite season in Sacramento! Green is popping up everywhere. Flowers are blooming. The sun is shining and it feels amazing. Along with the fall, it is the most comfortable and beautiful time to be outdoors exploring nature in our region. I have a feeling that you and your kids may be feeling what I am right now: It’s time to get out and DO STUFF! So with that in mind, I’ve rounded up a ton of ways to celebrate spring this year!
The 2016 SPRING ACTIVITIES GUIDE includes:
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Easter Egg Hunts & Special Events
Arts & Crafts
The Great Outdoors
Favorite Spring Break Camps
Live Entertainment
Special Events throughout Spring
Big thanks to our sponsors who have made this guide possible:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 12; 1:00pm
Where: Old Sacramento
What: Hundreds of colorful marchers dressed in green, along with Irish and Highland dancers, pipe and drum bands, historic re-enactors and a variety of cultural organizations, join together to be a part of the 20th Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day River Cruise
When: Saturday, March 12; 11:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
Where: Hornblower Cruises, Old Sacramento
What: Enjoy a one hour cruise of the Sacramento River with a Face painter & Balloon Artist for the kids! See where the American and Sacramento Rivers come together to experience the wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty that this historic and important waterway has to offer.
Cost: $20.00 per person
More Info: Visit website
Build a Leprechaun Trap
When: Saturday, March 12; 2-4pm
Where: Rio Linda Library
What: According to Irish lore, if you are smart enough to capture a leprechaun, you may be granted three wishes. But dealing with leprechauns can be tricky, so build your leprechaun trap carefully. We will supply all sorts of recyclable materials for you to use. This program is supported by the Friends of Rio Linda Library.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Seeing Green
When: Sunday, March 13; 1:30pm
Where: Effie Yeaw Nature Center
What: The rain has come and the preserve is green! Hit the trails in this lush landscape in search of all things loving green.
Cost: FREE; $5.00 parking donation
More Info: Visit website
Blarney Buttons
When: Wednesday, March 16; 4-5:30
Where: Rio Linda Library
What: Style your own buttons to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. We’ve got a button maker, button parts, and different design options, you bring the Blarney. Kiss me, I’m Irish! Sponsored by the Friends of Rio Linda Library.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
An Irish Tale with the Puppet Company
When: Thursday, March 17; 4-5pm
Where: Arcade Library
What: Patrick and his brothers each wish to marry the neighbor girl, Meg. But Meg’s family won’t allow her to marry until Liam, the Leprechaun who lives in the family’s well, is caught. It is believed that whoever catches the leprechaun will bring prosperity back to Ireland. The brothers use their wits, strength, kindness and a little trickery to win the leprechaun over. The show is based on several Irish folk tales and features Irish music.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Thursday, March 17; 5:17pm
Where: Old Town Auburn; Starts at 601 Lincoln Way and ends at the California Club in Old Town, 1580 Lincoln Way.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Glow in the Dark Crafts
When: Thursday, March 17; all day & Saturday, March 19; all day
Where: Del Paso Heights Library
What: Show off your St. Patrick’s Day Spirit (in any lighting conditions) and join the Del Paso Heights staff and our resident crafting experts the Krafty Kats in making glow-in-the-dark St. Patrick’s Day decorations. The crafting materials will be available all day on Thursday and Saturday, so come on down and see how easy it is to be green.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Remember to B.Y.O.B. – BRING YOUR OWN BASKET to Easter Egg Hunts!
Funderland Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Friday, March 18; 11am-5pm; Saturday, March 19 & Sunday, March 20; 10am-6pm
Where: Funderland Amusement Park
What: Meet the Easter Bunny and Happy the Squirrel, Egg hunts every 30 minutes, free crafts throughout the park. Join us for our annual Easter celebration with egg hunts, visits from the Easter bunny, free arts & crafts, and FREE ride tickets when you bring in new games or art supplies to donate to River Oak Center for Children.
Cost: $3.00 for Egg Hunt, Ride Ticket prices here. Free ride tickets when you bring in a new game or art supplies for River Oak Center for Children
Info: Visit website
Land Park Egg Hunt & Hat Parade
When: Saturday, March 19; 9:30am- 11:30am. Bring your decorated hat and your own basket.
Where: William Land Regional Park, between 12th & 13th Avenues (West of the playground/wading pool)
What: Featuring live music by Mister Cooper at 9:30am. The Hat Parade follows at 10:00 am and the Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 am. There’s going to be games, face painting, prizes, and a visit from Mr. Cottontail.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit Land Park website and Mister Cooper’s website
Sacramento RiverTrain Easter Egg Express
When: March 19 – April 27
Where: Boarding 400 N. Harbor Blvd., West Sacramento
What: Two and a half hour train ride with children’s entertainment and easter egg hunt.
Cost: Adults $39.00, Kids $29.00
Info: Visit website
Spring Fling
When: Sunday, March 20; 1-5pm
Where: Palladio, 340 Palladio Parkway, Folsom
What: Spring activities and games, face painting, music, dancing, and community performances. The Easter Bunny will also be hopping by.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Grand Egg Roll
When: Tuesday, March 22; 10am – 12noon
Where: Mission Oaks Community Center, 4701 Gibbon Drive, Carmichael
What: Egg hunt for grandparents and grandchildren. Games, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Egg Hunt and Prizes.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Bunny Bounce
When: Thursday, March 24th & Friday, March 25th; 3:45 – 5:15pm
Where: BounceU Rancho Cordova & Roseville
What: It’s an Easter Egg Hunt with a twist! Lookout for special eggs to win a big prize. Fun Easter craft. Cookies and lemondae. Photo opportunity with Easter Bunny.
Cost: $9.50 per child. Admission must be prepaid.
Info: Click here for Rancho Cordova and here for Roseville
Fairytale Town Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, March 26 & Sunday, March 27; 11am – 3pm
Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
What: Join Fairytale Town for an egg-citing weekend featuring egg hunts, prizes, spring themed arts and crafts and more! Daily egg hunts will be held at 12, 1 and 2 PM, promptly. After each hunt, redeem your eggs for a prize in Mr. McGregor’s Garden. Puppet Theater Art will also be on hand performing Bunny Bootcamp in the Children’s Theater at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 PM. Plus, visit with Peter Cottontail on the Mother Goose Stage. Get a printed photo for $5, or take your own photo. Make spring-themed crafts, including bunny ears.
Cost: $5.50 per person, Kids 1 and under free; Puppet Show Tickets are $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers.
Info: Visit website
Valley Hi North Laguna Library Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 26; 6-7:30pm
Where: Valley Hi North Laguna Library,
What: An after-hours, all ages Egg Hunt inside the library. Search the stacks for eggs. What will you find inside? Temporary tattoos? Candy? Blank slips of paper? You’ll have to come to the library to find out.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Curtis Park Spring Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 26; Pajama Parade at 9:30am, Easter Bunny 10am, Egg Hunt 10:30am
Where: William Curtis Park, 3349 W. Curtis Drive, Sacramento
What: Pajama parade, bag decorating, meet the Easter Bunny, and an Easter Egg Hunt.
Cost: FREE; Photos with Easter Bunny $5
Info: Visit website
Carmichael Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast
When: Saturday, March 26; Pancake breakfast 7-11am, egg hunt begins at 10am
Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael
What: Easter Bunny, arts & crafts, face painting, pancake breakfast, and egg hunt.
Cost: FREE; Pancake Breakfast – Adults $5.00, Kids $3.00
Info: Visit website
Fair Oaks Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, March 26; 9am – 1pm
Where: Fair Oaks Park, 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks
What: Morning breakfast, carnival games, train rides, bounce houses, an egg toss competition, egg hunt and much more.
Cost: FREE egg hunt; Carnival Tickets are $.50, $10 wristband for unlimited games, train ride, face painted, and inflatables
Info: Visit website
Mather Golf Course Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 26; 1pm
Where: Mather Golf Course, 4103 Eagles Nest Road, Mather
What: 3 Egg Hunts for different age groups, Jump Houses, Giant Slide, Crafts, golf stations, Easter Bunny, and costumed weiner dog races.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Folsom Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, March 26; 8am – 11am
Where: Lembi Park, 1328 Riley Street, Folsom
What: Kiddie carnival, exhibits and activities, bounce house, entertainment, and the big egg hunt at 10am.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website or call 916-355-7200
Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, March 26; 8:30am – 2pm
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove
What: Celebrate spring! Pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt and spring activities
Cost: FREE; Some activities have a minimal fee. Food available for purchase.
Info: Visit website
Hoppin’ and Huntin’ at Hagan
When: Saturday, March 26; 8:30am-12pm
Where: Hagan Community Park
What: Egg Hunt for ages 10 and under starts at 10am! Contests and prizes, inflatable houses for kids, games, music, face painting and fun for the whole family.
Cost: FREE; Pancake Breakfast: $1 per adult, children are free
More Info: Visit website
PEEPS Easter Weekend at Six Flags
When: March 26 – 27
Where: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
What: Easter Egg Hunt, music, games, giveaways.
Cost: General admission
More info: Visit website
Hornblower Easter River Cruise
When: Sunday, March 27; noon, 1:30, and 3pm
Where: Old Sacramento, L Street Dock
What: Enjoy a one hour cruise along the River and visit with the Easter Bunny! See where the American and Sacramento Rivers come together to experience the wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty that this historic and important waterway has to offer.
Cost: $19.96 per person
Info: Visit website
Easter Blast
When: Sunday, March 27; 12pm- 2pm
Where: Swanston Park and Community Center
What: 6th annual Easter Blast at Swanston Park and Community Center. There will be a magic show at 12pm and 12:45pm, plus games, crafts, prizes and of course, an Egg Hunt with 3,000 eggs to be found.
Cost: $1 per person. Register online or at Swanston Community Center
More Info: Visit website
Alpha Fired Arts – Paint your own pottery
ArtBeast – Open studio for exploring art is open daily
Color Me Mine, Elk Grove and Color Me Mine, Folsom – Paint your own pottery
Crocker Art Museum’s Tot Land – Living art wall and crafting materials
Home Depot Kids Workshop – Build a craft for free the first Saturday of each month
Lakeshore Learning Crafts for Kids – Create a free craft every Saturday
Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic – Build a craft for free each month
Powerhouse Science Center – Crafting is a part of Discovery Weekend events
Sacramento Children’s Museum’s Studio of the Arts – Glass paint wall and recyclable materials for crafting (tip: in 2016, every Friday night is “$5 Friday”!)
Sacramento Public Library
Local libraries often hold FREE arts & crafts activities and storytimes typically include a craft activity. Visit the library’s Events Calendar for details.
Sutter’s Fort & State Indian Museum
William B. Pond Recreation Area
Blue Line Arts – March 21-25
BounceU – March 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28
Crocker Art Museum – March 21-25
Effie Yeaw Nature Center – March 21-25
Flip2It – March 21-25
International Gymnastics Centre – March 21-25 and March 28-April 1 (see our review here)
Maidu Indian Museum – March 21-25
Sac State Aquatic Center – March 21-24
Sacramento Theatre Company – March 21-25 and March 28-April 1
SPCA – March 22 & 23
The Bounce Spot – March 21-25
Camellia Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
When: Sunday, March 6; 1pm
Where: Tsakopoulos Galleria in the Central Library
What: Instrument petting zoo and concert
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Vellamo Band
When: Tuesday, March 15; 6:30-7:30
Where: Central Library
What: Finnish Music Duo – combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing retro sensibility, creating a modern folk music experience.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Storybook Theatre presents Cinderella
When: Saturdays, March 19, 26, & April 2; 12pm and 2pm
Where: 24th Street Theatre
What: A funny version of the classic story. Great theatre opportunity for young children.
Cost: Kids $6.00, Adults $8.00
More info: Visit website
Frankenstein
When: Playing through March 20; Saturdays & Sundays 1pm and 4pm
Where: B Street Theatre Family Series Stage, 2711 B Street, Sacramento
What: Current Family Series Show – an original adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Cost: Kids $15.00, Adults $20.00
More info: Review
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
When: Saturday, April 2 – Sunday, April 3
Where: Fairytale Town’s Children’s Theatre
What: A zany version of the classic tale performed by the Puppet Art Theater Company.
Cost: $1 for members, $2 for non-members in addition to admission of $5.75 per person
More info: Visit website
Alice in Wonderland
When: April 16 – May 22; Saturdays & Sundays 1pm and 4pm
Where: B Street Theatre Family Series Stage, 2711 B Street, Sacramento
What: Don’t be late for these very important dates! Come down the rabbit hole with Alice.
Cost: Kids $15.00, Adults $20.00
More info: Visit website
Hansel & Gretel at Fairytale Town
When: Saturday, May 7 – Sunday, May 8
Where: Fairytale Town’s Children’s Theatre
What: Puppet Art Theater Company presents the classic tale Hansel & Gretel in the Children’s Theater. In this version, Gretel overhears her stepmother convince her father to lead she and her brother into the forest and leave them there for good. Find out what happens next!
Cost: $1 for members, $2 for non-members in addition to admission of $5.75 per person
More info: Visit website
Garden Fun
When: Wednesday, March 9; 11am-12pm
Where: Rancho Cordova Library
What: Get your hands dirty and have lots of fun in the garden! Learn what to grow and help plant; cultivate vegetables and join in the harvest. Save your seeds to keep organic farming flourishing in our community! Learn all about urban organic farming.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Fun on the Farm
When: Saturday, March 19; 9:30-11:30am
Where: Soil Born Farms American River Ranch, 2140 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
What: Explore the American River Ranch, meet farm animals, create fairy and gnome hideaways. Plan spring flowers and make a farm fresh snack. Suggested ages 3-9.
Cost: $15 (Registration is for kids only, accompanying adults are free.)
More info: Visit website
Earth Fest
When: Saturday, April 2; 9am-4pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: Celebrate the world through environmental conservation and cultural appreciation. Cultural dance performances, hands-on activities, and animal stage shows.
Cost: General admission – Adults $11.75, Kids 2-11 $7.75, 1 and under Free
More info: Visit website
Babies & Bumps
When: Saturday, April 9; 9am-2pm
Where: Citrus Heights Community Center
What: Entertainment, crafts marketplace, more vendors than ever before, and it is the home of the annual Cover Kid Search. Featured entertainer, Mister Cooper.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Festival for Kids at Cal Expo
When: Saturday, April 9 & Sunday, April 10; 10am-5pm
Where: Cal Expo
What: Live entertainment. Special guests include The Science Wizard, Safari Sadie, and Something Ridiculous.
Cost: Adults $9, Kids $5, Under 1 Free
More Info: Visit website
Teddy Bear Tea Party
When: April 15; 4pm-6:30pm
Where: Flip2It
What: Cookie & Tea, Arts & Craft, bring your teddy bear.
Cost: $35
More Info: Visit website
Celebrate the Earth Festival
When: Saturday, April 16; 10am-3pm
Where: Mahany Regional Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville
What: Live music, food trucks, face painting, animals shows, and more.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Sutter Children’s Wellness Festival
When: Saturday, April 23; 11am-3pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Celebrate active and healthy living at the Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival! Enjoy free play, games, healthy fun and more.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Earthfest
When: Saturday, April 23; 8am-12pm
Where: Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 5th St., Rocklin
What: Community garage sale where you can shop for treasures, vintage, and handmade goods. Enjoy demonstrations, hands-on activities, and entertainment.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Kids Day in the Park Hagan Park
When: Saturday, April 30; 11am-3pm
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
What: A fun day of activities for small children and their families. Kids stage, inflatable fun, hay ride tractors, craftss & games.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Star Wars Day: May the Forest Be With You
When: Saturday, April 30; 9am-4pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: Meet your favorite Star Wars characters and get photos with them between noon and 2pm. Stage shows, crafts and other activities.
Cost: General admission
More info: Visit website
Yomen: A Spring Celebration Maidu
When: Saturday, April 30; 10am-2pm
Where: Maidu Museum, Roseville
What: California Indian traditionalists provide dancing, storytelling and singing to celebrate the coming of spring, a welcome time of new growth and the guarantee of fresh foods and warmer weather.
Explore the Historic Site with guided tours, every hour. Petroglyphs, hundreds of bedrock mortars and a large midden area accentuate the story of the Nisenan People who thrived on this land for thousands of years.
Other activities make it a great event for the whole family. Children’s activities include bracelet making, petroglyph rubbings, a scavenger hunt, and acorn pounding. The Museum itself provides a glimpse into the cultural and material life of the Maiduan people with dozens of exhibits and interactive displays.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Dinosaur Day Science Fest
When: Sunday, May 1; 9am-4pm
Where: Sierra College Rocklin Campus, 5000 Rocklin Rd., Rocklin
What: Watch real paleontologists prepare real fossils and then try to uncover some yourself in the Dino Pit. Decorate a dino cookie. Gon on a treasre hunt and see a planetarium show.
Cost: Kids 4 and under FREE, Kids 5-12 $7.00, Adults $10.00
More Info: Visit website
Familypalooza
When: Sunday, May 29: 11am – 3pm (Museum open until 5pm)
Where: Crocker Art Museum
What: Inspired this year by Dr. Seuss’ Whoville, the Museum will become an enchanting, colorful land designed to excite and delight. Enjoy games of skill and games for thrill! Vegetable Circus will get you to dance and sing while Mad Science will show you the how and why of things. Featured entertainer Mister Cooper.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit Crocker website and Mister Cooper’s website
Thanks again to our sponsors. Their support makes it possible to provide you with free content!
Memories by Michelle Photography
Fairytale Town
Funderland Amusement Park
Mister Cooper
DISCLAIMER: This guide will be updated frequently throughout the spring but please verify information before attending any of these activities. Website links and phone numbers have been provided when available.
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!
