Things to do in and around Sacramento, California with children?

1. 89

   stephhicks68posted 13 years ago

   Things to do in and around Sacramento, California with children?
   
   We will be in Sacramento, CA at the beginning of Spring Break for my school aged children - ideas of how to spend a few days?   (links, photos, etc. would be awesome)

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2. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 13 years ago

   Check out blog.discovergold.org for Sacramento tourist destinations.  For the kids, you can drive in a circle and hit all (or most) of the attractions in Downtown Sacramento.  Old Sacramento has the California Railroad Museum, and it is the best in the country.  Down the street is the Crocker Art Museum, the State Capitol and the Leland Stanford Museum for tours.  Outside of this "circle" is the Auto Museum, Sutter's Fort and the Indian Museum, and the Historic Sacramento Cemetery and Rose Garden.  The California Air Museum is minutes away by car.  You didn't mention if you planned on doing a lot of driving, but Sacramento is rich in Gold Rush history.  If you want to get historic with the children, simply drive to the foothill towns of Auburn, Placerville, Amador, and Sutter Creek.  Placerville, Amador and Sutter Creek also has wineries for the grown-ups.  There are landmarks to tour in Gold Country, and most of the downtown areas have remained intact.  I think it's a little too cold to do some rafting on the American River.  The Sacramento River Delta towns of Historic Locke (the only community built for the Chinese in the United States) and Walnut Grove (Japanese and Chinese) are charming, sleepy little river towns to explore.  If there is not enough for your family to do (or if you get bored), Sacramento is two hours to other California cities.  If you are willing to drive, you are only about two hours by vehicle to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Reno, San Jose (and on the way to Monterey and Big Sur).  I could go on and on about my hometown, but I wrote a few Hubs on these places.  Since you have this in Question form and instead of the Forum, feel free to shoot me an email.  Many California tourist destinations have been closed.  Or the hours have been cut because of the shaky economy.  Make sure to check the websites or call before you go.  I hope you and your family enjoy Sacramento.

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3. 89

   stephhicks68posted 13 years ago

   Hi Arlene - thanks!  We are still trying to figure out what we will plan.  Spring Break is a week away, and I'll be running a marathon in Sacramento next weekend.
   
   I will have to go check out your hubs for more information.  Sacramento is about 6 or 7 hours away from our house, so we are definitely willing to drive.  I had read about Placerville and some of the Gold Rush sights in the area.  Maybe will head toward Reno or Lake Tahoe, although our family does not ski and its not yet warm enough for outdoor fun.    Best, Steph

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4. 68

   twosevenposted 13 years ago

   I've heard that the train museum is wonderful. Here's the link: http://www.csrmf.org/
   
   It's also located in Old Town Sacramento which is a nice place to walk around. 
   
   The state capitol is also beautiful, with lots of huge lawns and gardens around it for strolling, picnicking, or playing.
   
   Have fun!

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