It’s a new year, which means time to check out new things around town you haven’t seen before! On my Fox40 segment this morning, I’ll share these 5 unusual places to take your kids this month.
Remember, if you have any questions about what to expect, just contact me by emailing keilah@sacramentosidetracks.com.
Happy 2012!
~Keilah
1. Sacramento Executive Airport
When: Open daily 6am-9pm
Where: 6151 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento
What: Small airport where private planes fly in and out and people take flying lessons. Walk right out to the fenced-in patio area in the back where you can view the planes taking off and landing. Kids get such a kick out of this. Bring a snack and sit and wait to catch one or eat breakfast inside the airport at the Aviator Restaurant. You can sit right next to the window and look out.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here
2. Black Chasm Cavern
When: Open daily. Tours run throughout the day. First tour leaves at 10am, last tour leaves at 4pm.
Where: 15701 Pioneer Volcano Road, Volcano, CA
What: Take a day trip and explore a vertical cave on a walking tour that is safe for kids. (Kids must be able to walk up and down stairs on their own.) They also have gemstone mining, gold panning, and a Zen Garden Trail. Just 5 minutes before the cave entrance is Indian Grinding Rock State Park/Museum which makes the trip out there really worth your while.
Cost: $14.75 Adults, $7.50 Kids (ages 3 – 12); Coupon for $2 off Adults and $1 off Kids available on their website
Info: Click here
3. Sierra College Natural History Museum
When: Open during regular college class hours during the week from 8am – 8pm (school starts up again Jan. 23rd).
Where: Sierra Community College, Sewell Hall, 5000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin
What: The museum presents rich history, culture and natural history of the Sierra Nevada. In addition to the Interior Exhibits, the Museum has the following Exhibits Outside: Arboretums, Desert Garden, Mining Equipment, Nature Trail, Rock Walk, Sidewalk Drawings of current and extinct creatures.
Cost: FREE; $2.00 parking
Info: Click here
4. Tractor & Truck Museum
When: Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Where: Heidrick Ag History Center, 1962 Hays Lane, Woodland, California
What: Collection of colorful antique tractors and trucks. Kids love seeing the 1942 Mack fire truck that appeared in the movie, “James and the Giant Peach.” You can take a tour to get all kinds of tidbits of interesting information or just wander on your own. Kids can ride a mini John Deere tractor throughout the museum.
Cost: Adults (13-61) $8.00, Kids (5 – 12) $5.00, Under 5 FREE
Info: Click here
5. WPA Rock Garden
When: Open sunrise to sunset
Where: William Land Park, 15th Ave off of Land Park Dr; Across from Fairytale Town/next to Amphitheater
What: No matter what season there is always something lush or blooming to admire. There are small paths and spots to sit. Walkways are winding, sloping paths sprinkled with decomposed granite and small steps. Many different types of plants and flowers. Great place to organize a hidden treasure pirate game and hide and seek.
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here
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!
