Things to Do in Sacramento with Kids & Teens
Last updated on September 14, 2026
Looking for fun things to do in Sacramento with teens and kids?
If so, this list is for you!
From its roots as a supply town for prospectors during the Gold Rush to its place today as California’s political hub, Sacramento is a destination not to be missed. The city offers a wealth of fun things to do with kids that will give the whole family a great lesson in the history of California and the west.
We have spent a lot of time in this city over the years, and there is never a shortage of fun things to do with (or without!) kids. The city has a great number of museums and historic sights (including a number of free museums in Sacramento) and some of the best outdoor adventures in the state.
Top 5 Picks: Things to Do in Sacramento with Kids & Teens
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best family-friendly things to do in Sacramento, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Take a free tour of the California State Capitol and check out the gardens and statues outside
► Climb aboard class trains and learn their history at the California Railroad Museum
► Visit Old Sacramento for a glimpse into what life was like during California’s Gold Rush era
► Pan for gold at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
► Enjoy outdoor adventures along the Sacramento and American Rivers
Keep reading for more details on these top five things to do in Sacramento with kids and teens, plus lots more ideas to help you plan your trip. From fairy tales to freight trains, here are the top activities for kids in Sacramento!
Sacramento Things to Do
1. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
I will start with Sutter’s Fort because it is downtown Sacramento’s original settlement.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is what remains of the first non-Native American settlement in California’s Central Valley. It was built in 1839, when California was still part of Mexico. Today, Sutter’s Fort has been restored to look as it did in the 1840s.
We loved wandering around this historical site; it had a nice mix of indoor and outdoor spaces to check out. The fort captures the pioneer spirit of families arriving in wagon trains at the dawn of the California Gold Rush.
Fun fact: Did you know that the Donner Party were among those who stayed at the original fort? They arrived in Sacramento after their rescue in 1847!
Families visiting Sutter’s Fort can enjoy a self-guided tour with narration describing different areas in the fort. The original stables, carpenter’s shop, blacksmith shop, mill and kitchens are all on display.
Sutter’s Fort is a great place to visit to give kids a chance to see how people lived in California’s early days.
- 2701 L Street, Sacramento
- parks.ca.gov
2. California Capitol
As the mom of a middle schooler, this was #1 on my list of places to visit when we got to Sacramento. I thought it was extremely important for him to see where the political magic happens.
Like most state capitols, the California State Capitol is a working government building that is also open to the public. There is a museum where you can peek into historic rooms, preserved to show what government offices looked like 100 years ago. Exhibits teach kids and adults alike the history of California and its government.
Pick up a map and take a self-guided tour, or join one of the free daily guided tours. The museum showcases rooms with recreations from their time periods. Featured rooms include the Secretary of State’s Office in 1902, the Attorney General’s Office in 1906, and the State Treasurer Office in 1933.
Be sure to go up to the second floor of the Capitol. If you’re lucky you can catch state legislators at work! Afterward, head out onto the grounds and admire the meticulous gardens and trees from around the world.
- 1315 10th Street, Sacramento
- capitolmuseum.ca.gov
3. California Railroad Museum
Before our first trip to Sacramento when my son was very young, we were told that the California Railroad Museum was among the best railroad museums in the country, and we were not disappointed!
Located in Old Sacramento, the California Railroad Museum provides a thorough history of how the railroad came to California. More than 20 locomotives are on display, from steam engines to freight trains to the 220-mph-bullet train.
Check out a first-class compartment or walk through a dining car (I personally loved looking at all the historic dining car china patterns, and there was a knowledgeable docent on hand to tell us all about them).
There is also a great video shown on the hour in the museum’s theater. This is a fantastic way to learn about the history of the railroad in California. Even though my son is a bit older now and past his train-loving toddler prime, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this museum!
- 125 I Street, Sacramento
- csrmf.org
4. Old Sacramento
With its wooden sidewalks and facades, Old Sacramento is straight out of the Old West! Visiting Old Sacramento is one of the most popular things to do with kids in Sacramento.
Sacramento’s original business district from the Gold Rush era is now a state historic park, with more than 50 historic buildings. This 28-acre town is located right on the banks of the Sacramento River. There is even an 1800s riverboat (now a restaurant and hotel) at the dock.
If you are interested in a guided tour, the Sacramento History Museum offers several tours of Old Sacramento.
We decided to take the Old Sacramento Underground Tour.
This half-mile guided historical walking tour demonstrates how Sacramento literally lifted itself up out of the flood waters during the 1860s and 1870s by jacking up the buildings. The tour lasts approximately one hour.
I will be honest. I imagined we would be traversing Old Sacramento via intriguing underground tunnels, but really you are just descending into what is essentially a basement beneath several buildings. Don’t get me wrong – it was interesting to say the least, and our guide was amazing!
But know what you are signing up for. Tours offered by the Sacramento History Museum also include museum admission.
Old Sacramento Underground tours and walking tours depart from the Sacramento History Museum.
- 101 I Street, Sacramento
- sachistorymuseum.org
5. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Located in the town of Coloma, just a short drive from Sacramento, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the location where gold was first discovered in 1848. It was discovered by James W. Marshall, an employee working on building a sawmill – Sutter’s Mill – on the American River, sparking the California Gold Rush.
Throughout the Gold Rush, Coloma mushroomed into a population of thousands. Many structures went up, including a schoolhouse, general store, post office, and Chinese market. These and other historic buildings are now part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which visitors can tour. We enjoyed a fabulous tour with one of the park’s volunteers and learned so much about the Gold Rush!
The park also includes a Gold Discovery Museum. Exhibits tell the story of John Sutter and James Marshall, and how the Gold Rush helped shape California. Other exhibits include Native Americans of the area, mining equipment and films about the gold discovery and early mining. Outside, there are mining exhibits and a full-size replica of Sutter’s Mill.
You can pan for gold and enjoy hikes and picnics along the American River. We had a great time panning for gold! Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a very popular destination for field trips, so there are almost always groups of students in the park.
- 310 Back Street, Coloma
- parks.ca.gov
6. Aerospace Museum of California
Just north of Sacramento you’ll find the Aerospace Museum of California. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum is home to a variety of aircraft, both military and civilian, including a B-14 bi-plane and Russian MIGs.
There is also a ride simulator that creates the effect of piloting everything from a WWII bomber to a more modern jet!
► Click here for San Francisco Museums Kids Will Love.
- 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan
- aerospaceca.org
7. Fairytale Town
Located in William Land Park in Sacramento, Fairytale Town is an amazing, family friendly spot to visit if you have young kids. It has 25 play sets based on nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Kids can run the crooked mile, slide down the Old Woman’s shoe, sit on King Arthur’s throne and pet live farm animals.
- 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
- fairytaletown.org
8. Sacramento Zoo
Just across the street from Fairytale Town is the Sacramento Zoo. It is not as grand as the world-famous San Diego Zoo – or many other zoos you may have visited – but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in Sacramento with kids!
In addition to all of the amazing animals, there is a carousel and a train ride. You can even feed the giraffes. The zoo is on the smaller side, so it is perfect if you are traveling with younger kids!
One of the other cool things to do at the Sacramento Zoo is watch the zoo’s veterinarians at work through a giant window – great for children and teens who love science!
- 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento
- saczoo.org
9. IMAX Theatre
Sacramento is known to have extreme weather – for California! It can get very hot in the summer, and winter days can be cold, windy and rainy. If you find yourselves in Sacramento with less than desirable weather, head over to the Esquire IMAX Theatre!
Located just a few blocks from the Capitol, the Esquire IMAX Theatre brings to life 2D/3D like no other film experience. The newly-remodeled theatre has 382 leather rocker seats, a six-story high 80-foot wide screen and 18,000 watts of digital wraparound sound. Treat your family to an extreme movie experience!
- 1211 K Street, Sacramento
- imax.com
10. Play Along the River
Sacramento has two rivers, the Sacramento River and the American River. There are numerous parks for kid friendly hikes and beach time, and miles of bike trails for exercise and fresh air.
Visit the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, located along the American River. The center is named after a local teacher and environmentalist who began raising awareness about the need to preserve the area’s natural environment. It is a wonderful spot to visit with kids to truly get a taste of Sacramento’s great outdoors!
Save These Sacramento Activities for Later!
Planning a visit to Sacramento and the Central Valley with teens or kids? Pin the image below for future reference.
You missed a good one, The California Auto Museum, fantastic display, interactive displays for kids, great docents, and not expensive! Check it out not far from Old Town on front st.