Kid-Friendly Sacramento
meticulously restored aircraft like a B-14 bi-plane and a MIG-17PF
Haven’t taken a family trip to Sactown yet? What are you waiting for? With a large number of museums perfect for kids, the state’s capitol charms extend beyond Old Town. (Though strolling through the riverfront shops, bag of taffy in hand, never gets old.) In fact, people come here for what’s new and cool, as much as what’s classic.
Stay:
Located in a historic building near the capitol plaza, the Citizen hotel is Sactown’s chicest new arrival. With décor that’s a colorful tongue-in-cheek salute to politics with a twist of Art Deco, this Joie de Vivre property isn’t too high-style to welcome kids with open arms. In fact, they recently launched a “Family Values” package with huge savings for parents. With rates starting at $169 a night, you can book a room at Citizen with valet parking, and receive free tickets to the Crocker Art Museum, Sutter’s Fort, the California State Railroad Museum, and many other attractions. You’ll also get discounts on rafting adventures on the American River, as well as the Sacramento Zoo.
Play:
In Old Sacramento, you can wander amongst restored buildings from the 1840s that now house art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, and other attractions. These are the buildings first built by John Sutter during the early days of the Gold Rush—they’ve survived several floods and are now the city’s biggest tourist attraction.
Climb aboard the Delta King, the big steam paddleboat that used to ferry guests from San Francisco up this way. Now transformed into a hotel on the river in Old Town, it’s a piece of history right in the middle of the city.
You’ll want to take advantage of those Railroad Museum tickets—it’s a must-visit for any child with an interest in trains. They can ogle huge engines, check out representations of what life was like for the folks who built the railroads, and walk through beautifully restored cars.
For more history, as well as a bit of home state pride, take them to the California Museum to check out the Hall of Fame of notable state residents. Nobel winners and other innovators share space with politicians, entertainers, and much more.
Little ones more interested in planes than trains will get a kick out of the Aerospace Museum of California, just a short drive northeast of downtown. It houses meticulously restored aircraft like a B-14 bi-plane and a MIG-17PF, as well as a ride simulator that creates the effect of piloting everything from a WWII bomber to a more modern jet.
Of course, it’s not just all about museums. The Sacramento River Walk winds along the west bank of the river running through town, and is a great place to stroll and discuss your child’s favorite attractions.
EAT:
Closer to midtown, a casual, kid-friendly scene is found at Zocalo. Shorties flip for the taquitos and churros, and moms and dads love the freshly-muddled blackberry margaritas.
For a hearty, British-style breakfast, arrive early to Fox & Goose Public House, and watch your little foodie’s eyes light up at their first taste of scones with real Devonshire cream.
p.s. If you want to make a theme weekend out of it, try taking the train to Sacramento. You can hop on Amtrak at the Richmond BART or in Emeryville, then hop off in Sacramento and head straight to the Railroad Museum.
