Your Go-To Guide from Capitol Park Nannies
Summer in Northern California is a playground waiting to be explored! And guess what? You don’t need to break the bank to make magical memories. Whether you’re a Capitol Park nanny planning a fun-filled week, or a parent looking to make the most of those sunny days, we’ve gathered the best of the best free and budget-friendly activities around NorCal.
Let’s dive into fun, community, nature, and creativity—Capitol Park Nannies style!
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Outdoor Adventures & Nature Escapes
1. Fairytale Town – Sacramento
3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA
️ Admission: $8 for kids & adults; Free on First Wednesdays each month (March–October) from 11AM–4PM.
Step into the pages of your favorite storybooks at this whimsical park. Kids can climb the giant beanstalk, slide down Jack & Jill’s hill, and meet farm animals. A sweet hit for toddlers and younger children.
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2. Sacramento River Parkway Trail
Various Access Points
️ FREE
Ideal for older kids who love biking or scootering. Pack a picnic, bring binoculars for birdwatching, and make it a half-day adventure. Great for stroller walks with littles too!
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3. Explorit Science Center – Davis
3141 5th St, Davis, CA
️ $6–$7 per person | Kids under 2 FREE
A hands-on science museum perfect for curious minds. Interactive exhibits rotate regularly—so it’s always something new.
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4. Effie Yeaw Nature Center – Carmichael
2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA
️ FREE (Parking $5–$6)
Explore native animals, hiking trails, and natural exhibits. Keep an eye out for deer, turkeys, and turtles along the way. They also offer Storytime and Nature Walks!
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5. Sunset or Sunrise Picnic at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Rec Area Info
️ Day Use Fee: $12 per car (Split it with another nanny and make it a playdate!)
Golden hour + water views = instant calm and joy. Great way to wrap up a summer day.
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Creative & Cultural Exploration
6. Crocker Art Museum – Sacramento
216 O St, Sacramento, CA
️ $15 adults, $8 youth (6–17), Free every third Sunday
Kid-friendly galleries, interactive art areas, and family art-making programs. Check out their “Wee Wednesday” sessions for preschoolers!
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7. Public Library Storytimes & Programs
Sacramento Public Library
️ FREE
Your local library is an unsung summer hero. They host everything from puppet shows and coding camps to bilingual storytimes. Bonus: air-conditioning!
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8. Second Saturday Art Walk – Midtown Sacramento
Various Midtown galleries
️ FREE
Held monthly, this neighborhood event combines art, live music, and food trucks. Older kids can sketch what they see, and littles can enjoy the energy and colors.
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Cool Off Without the Cost
9. District Splash Pads
Our top picks:
- Artivio Guerrero Park (North Natomas)
- McClatchy Park (Oak Park)
️ FREE
Perfect for hot days when you need an easy win. Pack towels, snacks, and let the water games begin.
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10. Free Swim Days at Community Pools
City of Sacramento Aquatics
️ FREE days vary by location
Tip: Show up early and check the rules (some pools require a swim test for deep end access). Great for all ages, with shaded areas for toddlers.
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Events & Festivals (That Won’t Empty Your Wallet)
11. Natomas Farmers Market – Saturdays
Inderkum High School, Sacramento
️ FREE entry
Live music, face painting, and fresh snacks. A fun morning outing—plus a great way to sneak in a mini nutrition lesson with the kiddos.
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12. Concerts in the Park – Cesar Chavez Plaza
Downtown Sacramento
️ FREE
While it skews older, this is perfect for family-friendly evenings with tweens and teens. Bring fold-out chairs and some glow sticks!
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13. Movie Nights in the Park
Varies (watch Sacramento365 for listings)
️ FREE
Bring a blanket, popcorn, and get cozy under the stars. Many events have food trucks and bounce houses before showtime.
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DIY Summer Fun Ideas (Zero Cost, Max Joy)
Sometimes, the best memories come from simple joys. Here are a few fun no-cost activity ideas you can do right at home or in your neighborhood:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
Print a list or create your own. Who can find the biggest leaf? The roundest rock? - Backyard Campout
Set up a tent, tell stories, and toast marshmallows (even over the stove!). - Water Balloon Obstacle Course
Nannies—this one’s a HIT! Make it silly, splashy, and safe. - DIY Popsicle Station
Let the kids choose their own fruit blends and freeze the fun. - Craft-a-thon with Recyclables
Robots, animals, treasure chests—the possibilities are endless with cardboard and glitter glue.
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✨ Final Thoughts from Capitol Park Nannies
Summer is a season of sunshine, and at Capitol Park Nannies, we believe that fun should be inclusive, accessible, and memorable. Whether you’re heading to a museum, chasing bubbles at a splash pad, or creating magic with popsicle sticks, there’s joy to be found in every moment.
We’d love to see your adventures!
Tag us on Instagram @capitolparknannies using #SummerWithCPN and show us how YOU make the most of NorCal sunshine!
Bonus Download:
Need help prepping for these adventures?
Grab our Ultimate Nanny Summer Bag Guide Printable (coming soon!) so you’re always ready for whatever the day brings.