Family Activities in Sacramento

California State Railroad Museum

• The California State Railroad Museum is the most popular railroad museum in all of North America. The exhibits are rotated out seasonally, but generally address different aspects of California's rich rail history from the social history of women working in rail to exhibitions of art used to advertise California as a rail destination. Between April and September on weekends families can take a ride together on an old-fashioned steam-powered locomotive at a price of $8 for adults and $3 for kids over five, while kids under five ride free. The California State Railroad Museum is open every day (with the exception of Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for kids between six and 17, with kids five and under admitted free as of 2010.

  California State Railroad Museum
  111 I Street
  Sacramento, CA 95814-2265
  (916) 324-4950
  csrmf.org

Discovery Museum of Sacramento

• The Discovery Museum of Sacramento is two distinct but interrelated experiences in the same building. The first, the Discovery Museum Science and Space Center is a collection of science and scientific history exhibits geared toward children and adults alike. The exhibits rotate frequently, so it is recommended to call ahead, but the emphasis always on the interactive and hands-on. The other segment of the museum (The Challenger Learning Center) is the chance to embark upon a realistic simulation of a space mission. This part of the museum is mostly for organized outing, but is open on selected Friday evenings. Adults pay $5, seniors and teens ages 13 to 17 pay $4, kids between four and 12 pay $3, and kids under three are free on weekdays as of 2010, with prices increasing a dollar on weekends. September through June the museum is open from noon until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. During summer months, the museum is open every day 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.

  Discovery Museum of Sacramento
  3615 Auburn Blvd.
  Sacramento, CA 95821
  (916) 575-3941
  thediscovery.org

Raging Waters, Sacramento

• If a family is looking for action and excitement, and the weather is nice enough, Sacramento has a Raging Waters location. The park features 10 different rides, eight of which are restricted to patrons 4 feet tall and over. However, if you have a large party of small children, don't worry. There's also a section specifically for children with nine different slides. Hours vary, but the park is open every day in July, most days in June and August, the last three weekends of May, and the first two weekends of September. Everyone over 48 inches tall pays $29.99, exception seniors who pay $23.99. Shorties cost $20.99, as of 2010.

  Raging Waters, Sacramento
  1600 Exposition Blvd.
  Sacramento, CA 95815
  (916) 924-3747
  rwsac.com