Family outings in Sacramento County: 35 picks from the Sacramento County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
✓ Every listing links to its source · Updated
Outings near you
Families in Sacramento County can explore the Lower American River Parkway at Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, which has welcomed visitors for more than 50 years. Ice skating, shows and museum days across the county are listed here as well. Source: effieyeawnature.org
Family outings in Sacramento County
Family-friendly events and outings everyone can enjoy together.
The final Music of Nature morning of the fall: little ones 0-5 and their caregivers wiggle, stomp, sing and shake along to Ms. Liz's ukulele in the outdoor amphitheater.
Every other Sunday, Amazing Dogs Rescue brings lovable pups, from cuddly puppies to wise old souls, to meet potential forever families. Reserve a dog online or walk up.
Dates
Sundays, November 8 and 22, December 6 and 20, 2026
The 49th annual Jewish Food Faire, a celebration of culture, community, and culinary delights: traditional Jewish foods served fresh, a Best Bagel contest, live music, family activities, a wine garden and a vendor market. No pets (service animals welcome); bags are searched at the entrance.
Toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-5 learn through play, creativity and outdoor discovery with a caregiver at Effie Yeaw. Parking passes provided at check-in.
The evening starts with Polar Express characters in the passenger station, then a one-hour train ride to the North Pole with hot chocolate and a treat, carols, and Santa handing every passenger a silver sleigh bell. Santa visits afterward in the Eagle Theater.
Dates
Nov 13, 2026 – Dec 21, 2026
Hours
Wed-Mon (select days in November): 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8pm; Dec 21 no 8pm train
Cost
Coach $80-$85; first class $100-$110 (fees included); under 2 free on a lap
28,000 square feet of model railroads: operating layouts in Z, N, HO and G scales, club displays, vendors, a children's layout kids can run and full-size railroad motorcars.
Dates
Nov 14, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026
Hours
Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Cost
Sat $12 (13+, good both days), Sun $10, kids 12 and under free; parking $10
Fall camp for ages 4-9 with hands-on learning, stories and activities. Morning session 9am-12pm, with optional Afternoon Adventures to 4pm; early drop-off $15 per child per day.
Dates
Nov 23-25, 2026
Hours
Morning Session (9 AM to 12 PM); Afternoon Adventures (12 PM to 4 PM)
Kick off the season at the nature center: stroll vendor booths of handmade, nature-inspired gifts, sip something warm, and support the American River Natural History Association.
B Street's family holiday hit returns as a best-of, with sketches and scenes from four seasons: global holiday traditions, folktales and fables, and hometown celebrations. Run time 1 hour 15 minutes.
Celebrating 57 years of handmade holiday tradition: juried artisan booths stretch along Sutter Street to the Historic Folsom Plaza, with twinkling lights, festive storefronts and a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere.
Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens breathe fantastic new life into Dickens' story in this spectacular musical adaptation. Children under four aren't admitted.
Dates
December 11 - 20, 2026
Hours
Evenings 7:30pm; matinees 1:30pm on Dec 12, 13, 16, 17, 19 and 20
Ages
Children under four (including infants) will not be admitted
Sacramento Ballet's holiday Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky's score performed live, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. About two hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
Sacramento's original certified farmers' market, running since 1980, with the region's biggest selection of produce, flowers, nuts, breads, eggs and honey. Open rain or shine; closed Christmas Day.
The interpretive heart of the Lower American River Parkway for more than 50 years, inside Ancil Hoffman Park, with nature trails. The center stays open during a remodel whose first phase begins in October 2026. Enter by car from Tarshes Drive and California Avenue (the San Lorenzo entrance is locked). Dogs are not allowed in the Nature Center.
A five-block Saturday market in Midtown's Lavender Heights with over 200 vendors: local agriculture, prepared foods, artisans and live music every Saturday. Dog-friendly, on a leash.
Hours
8am-1pm
Cost
No entry fee listed
Dogs
Yes! The Midtown Farmers Market is a dog-friendly events. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times and pick-up their waste. Dogs must also be kept at least 20 feet away from all agricultural producer and food vendor booths.
Museum of Sacramento history in Old Sacramento and home of the Old Sacramento Underground Tours. The Play Ball! baseball exhibit runs through Jan 24, 2027.
Hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last tickets 4:30pm)
Cost
Adults $12; seniors 65+ and college students $10; ages 6-17 $6; 5 and under free
Free and low-cost museum, zoo and science center passes for cardholders 16 and older in the library's service area; up to two reservations. Government-issued ID required; the person named on the reservation must be present.
Section: Family outingsevent
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