Watching the breathtaking waterfall on the Hidden Falls Trail hike.
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. - Lewis Grizzard
The anticipation of spring is more intense this year. With the overabundance of rain we’ve had in Sacramento, I think it is safe to say we are all excited for the sun to come out soon and will be thrilled to get out of the house more often! Gathering all of these fun spring events has me excited to pull out our family’s calendar and start planning. I hope this guide does the same for you!
The SPRING FAMILY FUN GUIDE includes:
Click on the above buttons to go straight to that section of the guide.
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Things to do This Spring in Sacramento
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hidden Falls Trail (see our review here)
Spring is the PERFECT time to get outdoors in Sacramento! Not only is everything blooming and colorful but the weather is nice and cool. Take advantage before the summer heat sets in. This is the time! Go for a hike, a nature walk, horseback riding, boating, and take a picnic to the park.
Enjoy nature, fresh air and sunshine!
Nature Centers & Nature Walks
William B. Pond Recreation Area
Our Favorite Hikes
American River via Bannister Park
Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail
Parks
Playgrounds
Sacramento Adventure Playground
Zoos
Outdoor Museum
Outdoor Day Trips
Farms
Gardens
Horseback Riding
Boating and Rafting
MARCH 2023 EVENTS
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Old Sacramento Waterfront is our favorite way to celebrate this fun holiday!
St. Patrick's Day Activities for Families
St. Patrick’s Day at Fairytale Town
When: Friday, March 17, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Fairytale Town! We’ll have crafts and send you on a scavenger hunt to find a pot of gold! You might even meet a leprechaun along the way. Have your child wear green when you visit Fairytale Town and receive half off one child admission with one paid adult admission!
Cost: The St.Patrick’s Day Celebration is free with paid park admission. Weekday admission is $7 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Members and children ages 1 and under are free.
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023; 12pm – 5pm (Parade 1pm)
Where: Old Sacramento Waterfront
What: If it’s the Luck of the Irish you’re looking for, come find it at Old Sacramento Waterfront in March! A parade, live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens and a chance to find Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district. Parade Time: 1:00pm. ShamROCK Stage featuring local musicians, Beer Garden and Vendor Village: 12:00 pm – 5:00pm. Vendor Village = K and Front Streets will showcase a variety of vendors, from food to local products.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Horseback Riding
When: Friday, March 17 – Sunday, March 19, 2023
Where: Shadow Glen Riding Stables
What: Reserve your trail ride to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, buy one get one 50% off. Plus, get a free green bandana for each trail rider.
Cost: $55 for 1 hour trail ride
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Alive After Five River Cruise 21+ (date night idea)
When: Saturday, March 17; 6:00pm
Where: City Cruises, Old Sacramento Waterfront
What: Celebrate St. Patty’s Day aboard our Alive After Five Cruise. Eat, drink and cruise on this one-and-a-half-hour cruise around the Sacramento River. Our DJs will be spinning the latest tunes while you sit back and relax with a drink in hand. Grab your friends or family and head down to Old Town to board your new favorite happy hour.
Cost: $38.00 per person
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Treats
Leprechaun Shake at Leatherby’s
Mint Oreo Shake at Jack in the Box
Shamrock Shake at McDonalds
St. Patrick’s Day baked goods at Freeport Bakery
Bailey’s Irish Cream at Gunther’s Ice Cream
Lucky Leprechaun gelato shake at Conscious Creamery
MORE MARCH 2023 EVENTS
Barn Tours
When: Saturdays; 10am – 12pm
Where: Hagan Community Barn
What: Join us Saturdays from 10 a.m. – noon (weather permitting) to meet our farm friends. You will be introduced to our farm animals and learn some brief history about each one. You may bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch at nearby picnic tables in the park.
Cost: $1 per person, cash only.
More Info: Visit website
Excursion Train Rides
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am & 1pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30am & 1pm
Where: California Railroad Museums’ Central Pacific Passenger Station – corner of Front and J Streets in Old Sacramento.
What: Now in our 40th year, join us for a 50 minute round trip ride along the scenic Sacramento River, as you experience railroading first hand as it was in the early part of the 20th century. Pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives, this ride is the perfect hands-on compliment to visiting the museum and is sure to entertain the entire family.
Cost: Adults $15, Kids $8, under 6 free
More info: Visit website
Sing Along
When: Saturday, March 18, 2023; 10am
Where: Arden Fair Mall Center Court
What: We invite you and your child to join our energetic and engaging sing-along with musical guest, Mr. Elephant! From original songs to well-known favorites, Mr. Elephant will lead us through a musical adventure you won’t want to miss.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Sunday Drive
When: Sunday, March 19, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: California Automobile Museum
What: Come to the museum every third Sunday of the month and enjoy a FREE ride (with paid museum admission) in one of our many beautiful cars. There’s no better way to enjoy history than to experience it firsthand down the streets of downtown Sacramento. Will it be a 1943 army jeep? Or maybe a 1951 ford crestliner? With so many cars to choose from, the possibilities are (almost) endless!
Cost: $10.00 Adults, Kids 6-17 $9.00, Kids 5 and under free
More Info: Visit website
Saturday Kids Adventure in the Garden
When: Saturday, March 25, 2023; 9am
Where: Soil Born Farms
What: Let’s get growing! Youth ages 6-11 will spend the morning with us in the garden as we play, sing, harvest and eat. Learn to be a gardener by getting your hands dirty, planting seeds, and digging around in the compost pile – what could be more fun?! You asked for a fun field trip experience for your kids on Saturdays and we heard you. It’s the same day as our Free Spring Gardening Clinic & Plant Sale. Parents are encouraged to enjoy a relaxing morning on the farm, listen to live music, meet friends for coffee at Phoebe’s, take a walk or class, shop for produce and plants or drop off their kids and have three hours to themselves on Saturday morning. This can be a good option for siblings, play dates or scout troops. This three hour experience requires pre-registration and parents must sign a waiver.
Cost: $30.00; register in advance
More info: Visit website
APRIL 2023 EVENTS
Easter Egg Hunts & Celebrations in Sacramento
Remember to BRING YOUR OWN BASKET to Easter Egg Hunts!
Photos with the Easter Bunny
When: March 25 – April 8, 2023
Where: Palladio, 340 Palladio Parkway, Folsom
What: Photos with the Easter Bunny are back at Palladio. Afterward visit Barnes & Noble, SeaQuest, frozen yogurt place…movie…shop…out to lunch
Cost: Prices vary
More info: Visit website
Sacramento RiverTrain Easter Egg Express
When: Saturday – Sunday, April 1 -2 and 8 – 9, 2023
Where: Boarding 400 N. Harbor Blvd., West Sacramento
What: Celebrate Easter on an unforgettable train ride and visit to our private river-side park and boarding station. Kids can have an incredible Easter experience – bring your own Egg Basket and join in on the Easter Egg hunt! It’s so much fun that your little bunny will be hopping with excitement.
Cost: Ages 3 and up $59.95
More Info: Visit website
Funderland Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday and Sunday, April 1 – 2 & April 8 – 9, 2023; 10am – 6pm
Where: Funderland Amusement Park, Sacramento
What: Meet the Easter Bunny and Happy the Squirrel! Scavenger hunts with prizes, free arts & crafts and of course, rides! Food vendors and amusement park treat favorites at the FunderTreats concession stand.
Cost: TBD
More Info: Visit website
Hoppin’ and Huntin’ at Hagan
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; 10am – 1pm
Where: Hagan Community Park, Rancho Cordova
What: Egg hunts at three time slots for children aged 10 and under and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Attendees will enjoy games, music, face painting, inflatable houses, contests and prizes.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Egg Hunt at the Blueberry Farm
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; 10am – 3pm
Where: Once in a Blue Moon Berries, 1820 Arroyo Vista Way, El Dorado Hills
What: Egg Hunts, food, face painting and petting zoo.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Sammy’s Spring Splash
When: Saturday, April 1, 2023; 1 – 4pm
Where: Wackford Aquatic Complex, 9014 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove
What: Join CSD for this inaugural event as Sammy has hidden eggs all around the Wackford Aquatic Complex! Enjoy the pools and other fun spring-themed activities. Event proceeds will benefit the Cosumnes CSD Making Waves Swim Scholarship Fund.
Cost: $11 per person
More Info: Visit website
Easter Blast
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 11am-1pm
Where: Swanston Community Center, 2350 Northrop Ave., Sacramento
What: Come out to Swanston Community Center for their annual Easter Blast event. There will be age separated egg hunts, pictures with the Easter bunny, and more!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Fairytale Town Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 8 – Sunday, April 9, 2023; 10am – 4pm
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. 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.
Cost: Advance Tickets $15.00 per person, Day of Tickets $18.00
More Info: Visit website
Breakfast with the Bunny
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 8am, 9am or 10am
Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael
What: Arts and crafts, pictures with the Bunny and a pancake breakfast.
Cost: $5.00 per person
More Info: Visit website
Fair Oaks Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 9am – 1pm
Where: Fair Oaks Park, 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks
What: Children and their families will have an eggcellent time with free children’s egg hunts (0-12 years of age), craft and activity stations, and pictures with the Bunny! Looking for some eggstra fun? For a nominal fee, enjoy an adult egg hunt and pay to play activities. Vendors and food trucks will also be on site!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Community Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 9am
Where: Promontory Park, 2700 Alexandra Dr., El Dorado Hills
What: Egg hunt for 0-12 years of age and pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Festival of Eggs
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 8am – 11am
Where: Lembi Park, 1328 Riley Street, Folsom
What: This event, formerly known as the Spring Eggstravaganza, includes all of the crowd favorite elements: a pancake breakfast, free kiddie carnival games hosted by the Folsom Teen Council, entertainment, vendor displays, and lots of hands-on activities. Kids ages 6 and under should arrive from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and ages 7 to 10 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Pick up your Bunny Trail Map and begin your journey as you visit vendors along the trail to collect goodies and eggs. Join the bunny at the end of the trail for a special photo op to commemorate your day. Those who complete all of the stops listed on the map will receive a ticket for a special egg hunt and a chance to win a Golden Egg Prize.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Breakfast with the Bunny
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 8am – 11am
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park Pavilion, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove
What: Join the Pride of Laguna Creek Lions Club and the Cosumnes CSD as they celebrate the season with Breakfast with the Bunny. Each table will have the opportunity to visit the Bunny. Cosumnes CSD has partnered with the Pride of Laguna Creek Lions who use this annual fundraiser to support many schools, nonprofits and individuals in need throughout the Elk Grove community.
Cost: $65 per table of 8
More Info: Visit website
Easter Egg Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 8, 2023; 11am – 1pm
Where: Fred Festersen Park 2275 Village Green Drive, Roseville
What: Egg Hunt and Prizes in each age group for finding the special Golden Egg! Bring the entire family and catch up with neighbors while the kids race through the grass in search of the coveted “Golden Egg”!!! In addition to the egg hunt there will be photos with the Easter Bunny, Face Painting and much more
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
MORE APRIL 2023 EVENTS
Barn Tours
When: Saturdays; 10am – 12pm
Where: Hagan Community Barn
What: Join us Saturdays from 10 a.m. – noon (weather permitting) to meet our farm friends. You will be introduced to our farm animals and learn some brief history about each one. You may bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch at nearby picnic tables in the park.
Cost: $1 per person, cash only.
More Info: Visit website
Excursion Train Rides
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am & 1pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am 11:30am 1pm 2:30pm & 4pm
Where: California Railroad Museums’ Central Pacific Passenger Station – corner of Front and J Streets in Old Sacramento.
What: Now in our 40th year, join us for a 50 minute round trip ride along the scenic Sacramento River, as you experience railroading first hand as it was in the early part of the 20th century. Pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives, this ride is the perfect hands-on compliment to visiting the museum and is sure to entertain the entire family.
Cost: Adults $15, Kids $8, under 6 free
More info: Visit website
Miniature Steam Train Ride
When: Saturday – Sunday, April 1 – 2 ; 11am – 3pm
Where: Hagan Park
What: Take a ride through Hagan Park on Sacramento Valley Live Steamers’ miniature steam train.
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
More info: Visit website
Amelia Bearhart’s Storytime and Crafts
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
What: Join Amelia Bearhart and friends for another Storytime and Crafts. This month we will be reading “There was a Black Hole that Swallowed the Universe” by Chris Ferrie. Guests will be invited to create an out-of-this-world craft after.
Cost: Included with General Admission
More Info: Visit website
Family Fun Day
When: Saturday, April 15; 12noon – 4pm
Where: Old Town Plaza, Elk Grove
What: Gather and enjoy an afternoon of fun times at this free event featuring carnival games, music, activities and more!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Dogs with Jobs
When: April 15, 2023; 10am – 11:30am
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: Meet working dogs from around the region! Dogs with Jobs highlights all different types of working dogs and the important roles they play in our community. Join us for this FREE, outdoor event and meet comfort dogs, police k9s, service dogs, and more. All our visiting dogs are excited to meet you!
Cost: FREE, advanced registration is recommended
More Info: Visit website
Sacramento Reptile Show
When: Saturday April 15 – Sunday, April 16, 2023
Where: Cal Expo
What: The Sacramento Reptile Show is back for our 24th annual event and is bigger than ever! The reptile show and sale includes 120+ booths and is a great way to educate both adults and children on the world of reptiles. This is your opportunity to come face to face with reptiles from across the world!
Cost: Kids 3-12 $10.00, 13+, Adults $15.00
More Info: Visit website
Sunday Drive
When: Sunday, April 16, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: California Automobile Museum
What: Come to the museum every third Sunday of the month and enjoy a FREE ride (with paid museum admission) in one of our many beautiful cars. There’s no better way to enjoy history than to experience it firsthand down the streets of downtown Sacramento. Will it be a 1943 army jeep? Or maybe a 1951 ford crestliner? With so many cars to choose from, the possibilities are (almost) endless!
Cost: $10.00 Adults, Kids 6-17 $9.00, Kids 5 and under free
More Info: Visit website
Earth Day Celebration
When: Saturday, April 22nd, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
What: Celebrate Earth Day with Amelia Bearhart and friends! Join us for hands-on STEM activities and crafts that will inspire you to protect our home planet. Learn which of our historical aircraft played an important role in mapping oil spills during Operation Desert Storm, fighting forest fires, and conducting oceanographic research to better predict cyclones and monsoons. Don’t forget to visit the world’s largest energy producing kite, Makani’s M600!
Cost: Included with general admission
More Info: Visit website
Films with Friends – Earth Day Celebration
When: Saturday, April 22, 2023; 7 – 10pm
Where: Sutter’s Fort
What: In celebration of Earth Day, we will be showing the 1993 hit Free Willy. This hit movie tells the story of a young boy’s touching friendship with an Orca whale who is the star attraction at a local aquatic park. He hatches a plan to help his new whale friend escape and return to the sea.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
World Book Day Celebration
When: Saturday, April 23, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Join Fairytale Town for World Book Day Celebration, the largest early childhood literacy event in the Sacramento region! Enjoy back-to-back readings and presentations from featured authors and illustrators on the Mother Goose Stage, then shop at our Scholastic Book Fair in the Story Center to purchase your favorite story. The festival also features storytelling performances, hands-on literacy activities, and more!
Cost: $8.00 per person
More Info: Visit website
Kids’ Concert with Dear Darling Trio
When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023; 5:15pm – 6:30pm
Where: Dante Club lawn
What: Come celebrate the bright, spring evenings in community with Dear Darling! Ticket includes a festive, non-alcoholic beverage by Pina Provisions.
Cost: $65 – $70 per household/family
Info: Visit website
Kids Day in the Park Hagan Park
When: Saturday, April 29, 2023; 11am-3pm
Where: Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
What: Kids Day is a festival geared to families of small children. A fun day of activities for small children and their families, it is also a health and resources fair with providers on hand to engage parents and provide information. Target group is children 12 and younger and their parents. Kids Day has been a favorite Rancho Cordova special event for more than three decades. We’ve been workin’ on the railroad and are calling “All Aboard” for this fun, train-themed kid-friendly ride!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Elk Grove Fitfest
When: Saturday, April 29; 9am – 4pm
Where: Laguna Community Park
What: Join the movement toward a healthy, active lifestyle at Elk Grove’s FREE fitness festival! Stroll through the park to find vendors and food trucks, let the kids play in the free kids zone, watch adult athletes battle it out in Warrior Z’s BattleGrounds competition, and cheer on young athletes as they make their way through the Kid’s Warrior Challenge obstacle course.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
MAY 2023 EVENTS
Excursion Train Rides
When: Fridays, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm
Where: California Railroad Museums’ Central Pacific Passenger Station – corner of Front and J Streets in Old Sacramento.
What: Now in our 40th year, join us for a 50 minute round trip ride along the scenic Sacramento River, as you experience railroading first hand as it was in the early part of the 20th century. Pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives, this ride is the perfect hands-on compliment to visiting the museum and is sure to entertain the entire family.
Cost: Adults $15, Kids $8, under 6 free
More info: Visit website
Barn Tours
When: Saturdays; 10am – 12pm
Where: Hagan Community Barn
What: Join us Saturdays from 10 a.m. – noon (weather permitting) to meet our farm friends. You will be introduced to our farm animals and learn some brief history about each one. You may bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch at nearby picnic tables in the park.
Cost: $1 per person, cash only.
More Info: Visit website
Miniature Steam Train Ride
When: Saturday – Sunday, May 6 – 7, 2023 ; 11am – 3pm
Where: Hagan Park
What: Take a ride through Hagan Park on Sacramento Valley Live Steamers’ miniature steam train.
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
More info: Visit website
Fridays in the Grove: Silent Disco Party
When: Friday, May 5, 2023; 7pm
Where: Old Town Plaza
What: Friday nights just got a little more fun in Elk Grove! Dance the night away at a silent disco party on May 5th beginning at Old Town Plaza.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Star Wars Open Cockpit Day
When: Saturday, May 6, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
What: Calling all Star Wars fans! Get your light sabers ready because you are invited to view our fleet of open cockpits, hang out with cosplayers, and have fun with our galactic-themed crafts, music, and activities.
Cost: $15.00 Adults, $12.00 Youth 5 -17
More Info: Visit website
Mother’s Day Celebration at Kids Music in the Park
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Where: William Land Park
What: Celebrate Mother’s Day at the annual Kids Music in the Park concert. More details to come as it gets closer.
Cost: TBD
More info: Visit website
Party on the Palms Teen Festival
When: Saturday, May 13, 2023; 6pm – 9pm
Where: 8401 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove
What: Check out this free teens-only party! Dance with a live DJ, hang out in the social media lounge or foam dance party, play carnival games and more at this #noadultsallowed event!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Mother’s Day Sights and Sips Cruise
When: Sunday, May 14, 2023
Where: City Cruises, Old Sacramento Waterfront
What: This Mother’s Day, create family memories that will be treasured forever with an amazing day on the water! Treat the mom in your life to a special Mother’s Day along the Sacramento River. Start a new tradition the whole family will enjoy and celebrate Mother’s Day on the water!
Cost: Adults $33.00, Kids $24.50
More info: Visit website
Big Truck Day
When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023; 10am – 3pm
Where: District56 Aquatics Parking Lot
What: Celebrate National Public Works Week with the City of Elk Grove at Big Truck Day! Geared towards kids 2-6 and full of tons of BIG TRUCKS to see, feel and honk the horns!
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Fridays in the Grove: Movie Night
When: Friday, May 19, 2023; 7pm
Where: TBD
What: Friday nights just got a little more fun in Elk Grove! Bring your blankets and low-back chairs for a free movie night at District56.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Sunday Drive
When: Sunday, May 21, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: California Automobile Museum
What: Come to the museum every third Sunday of the month and enjoy a FREE ride (with paid museum admission) in one of our many beautiful cars. There’s no better way to enjoy history than to experience it firsthand down the streets of downtown Sacramento. Will it be a 1943 army jeep? Or maybe a 1951 ford crestliner? With so many cars to choose from, the possibilities are (almost) endless!
Cost: $10.00 Adults, Kids 6-17 $9.00, Kids 5 and under free
More Info: Visit website
Sacramento County Fair
When: May 25-29, 2023 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento
What: “Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow” theme this year. Midway of Fun carnival rides, free live Concerts, exhibits, fair food, and livestock & horse shows.
Cost: Adults $12.00, Kids 12 – 17 $10.00, Kids under 12 Free, Parking $10.00
More info: Visit website
Bubble Bonanza
When: Saturday, May 27, 2023; 10am – 2pm
Where: Aerospace Museum of California
What: Bubble Bonanza is back! Join Amelia Bearhart and friends for a fun-filled day of bubble science, activities, and crafts. We hope that you will “pop” on by the Air Park!
Cost: Included with general admission
More Info: Visit website
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THIS SPRING
Intermission at a B Street Theatre Family Production.
The Pirates of Penzance
When: March 3 – 26, 2023
Where: Davis Musical Theatre Company
What: Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. The wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic score is suffused with a modern sensibility in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, a swashbuckling musical journey!
Cost: $18.00 Adults, $16.00 Students
More info: Visit website
Corduroy
When: March 17 – 26, 2023
Where: Woodland Opera House
What: An expansion of the beloved picture book that follows Corduroy throughout the department store in search of his missing button while pursued by an increasingly exasperated Night Watchman. Little Lisa, in the meantime, searches for a way to win over Mom so she can give the bear a loving home. The tender, enduring story about true friendship stirs up the stage with a rumpus of action, joy, and pathos.
Cost: $7.00 – $20.00
More info: Visit website
Seussical The Musical in Concert
When: March 31 – April 2, 2023
Where: Sacramento Theatre Company, 1419 H Street, Sacramento
What: A musical for the whole family, Seussical takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, and JoJo. Through this musical journey, Seussical teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs, where despite all odds, the characters band together to save the Whos, free Horton, and restore peace and unity to the Jungle of Nool. These classic Seuss stories come to life on stage in this colorful and tuneful tale.
Cost: $28.00 – $43.00
More Info: Visit website
Young Frankenstein
When: April 14 – May 7, 2023
Where: Woodland Opera House
What: It’s alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, he finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors as he brings to life a creature that eventually escapes, and hilarity abounds.
Cost: $9.00 – $30.00
More info: Visit website
Winnie-the-Pooh
When: April 15 – May 6, 2023
Where: B Street Theatre, Family Series Stage
What: Christopher Robin has just moved into a new neighborhood and he isn’t happy. Despite kids constantly knocking on his door and asking him to play, Christopher Robin would much prefer to stay inside and play with his favorite stuffed animals. To bring him out of his shell, his father A.A. Milne tells him wondrous tales of his beloved toys and their many adventures. Adapted from A.A. Milne’s original story, WINNIE-THE-POOH brings your favorite characters to the stage and shows audiences of all ages the importance of friendship.
Cost: Adults $24.00, Kids $19.00
More info: Visit website
Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical
When: April 28 – May 21, 2023
Where: Davis Musical Theatre Company
What: Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action.
Cost: $18.00 Adults, $16.00 Students
More info: Visit website
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
When: April 22 – May 21, 2023
Where: Sutter Street Theatre
What: This family musical contains a zany, wisecracking Mirror who will only answer if spoken to in rhyme, as well as a whole court full of funny and bubbling characters. It hums with 14 lively songs, including a scary forest ballet. Snow White runs away from the evil Queen and seeks refuge with seven little miners. But the Queen and her sister, a once-powerful witch, need “a locket from the pocket of a princess that is pure.”
Cost: $16.00 – $22.00
More info: Visit website
Productions Featuring Youth Performers
These are affordable opportunities for introducing your young kids to theatre and teaching them how to behave in an audience. It is also a chance for them to see if they’d be interested in performing themselves.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
When: March 24 – April 2, 2023
Where: Natomas High School Auditorium, 3301 Fong Ranch Rd, Sacramento
What: Performed by the talented students of River City Theatre Company. “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Cost: $12.00 – $15.00
More Info: Visit website
Disney’s Newsies Jr.
When: May 5 – May 7, 2023
Where: Rosemont High School Performing Arts Center
What: Performed by the talented students from NorCal SOTA. When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.
Cost: $15.00 – $18.00
More Info: Visit website
ARTS & CRAFTS FOR FAMILIES
Crafting at the Sacramento Children’s Museum.
Alpha Fired Arts – paint your own pottery
Blue Line Arts – 1st Saturday Drop in Activity Day for Families
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 – kids can build a craft for free the first Saturday of each month
ReCreate’s Creative Maker Studio – design and create with recyclable materials
Sacramento Children’s Museum’s Art Studio – “Community Canvas” glass paint wall and recyclable materials for crafting
The Art Box – art focused creative play space for kids
WHERE TO VISIT ANIMALS IN AND AROUND SACRAMENTO
Feeding the cows at Tilden Little Farm in East Bay (review coming soon).
Spring just feels like the perfect time to get your animal fix. For one thing, you might be able to see some new babies and for another, it is great weather to be outdoors while visiting. Here are some ideas that include both resident and wild animals.
Local:
Effie Yeaw Nature Center – resident animals inside nature center, wild animals outside such as deer and turkeys
Fairytale Town – resident animals include pigs, sheep, cows
Hagan Community Barn – farm animals
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – resident fish and mammals housed between rides throughout the park
SeaQuest – stingrays, sharks, turtles, snakes, lizards & birds
Day Trips:
HAPPY SPRING!
This guide will be updated frequently throughout the spring,
so bookmark it and check back so you don’t miss a thing!
I have done my best to make sure all details are accurate but please verify information such as dates, times and locations before attending any of these activities.
For more things to do with your family in Sacramento, be sure to subscribe to the WEEKEND TOP 10 email that goes out each Thursday. It includes our carefully curated picks for the best events and places to go each weekend…to make your planning easy!
