Sacramento Weekend with Kids

There's much to see and do in California's state capitol! Sacramento has a rich vein of Wild West and pioneering history kids love; parents love the laid-back atmosphere. Spend a weekend exploring this California valley city!

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Embassy Suites Sacramento - Riverfront Promenade
Embassy Suites is one of our top picks for family accommodations, and this location at Riverfront Promenade is no exception. The rooms are spacious with an extra sleeping area for kids, their breakfast goes far beyond the 'free buffet norm', and their location is perfect for families wanting to see Sacramento at its best.
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Old Sacramento Historic Founda
This pocket of Old West in the center of urban Sacramento sits on the banks of the river and covers several city blocks. Check out the western frontier architecture, tour an old school house, browse the shops, and walk the old-fashioned boardwalks.
Stop by before or after visiting the railroad museum, then head to Sacramento Sweets (also in Old Sacramento) for their famous waffle cone sundaes!
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California State Railroad Museum
This is by far one of the best historical museums we've ever seen. Cavernous and extensive, it covers the entirety of California's railroad history. Kids can tour railroad cars that actually shake as though moving, see an IMAX presentation, and step inside a mock-up of early railroad building days. Young kids will love the huge Thomas ... More >
This is by far one of the best historical museums we've ever seen. Cavernous and extensive, it covers the entirety of California's railroad history. Kids can tour railroad cars that actually shake as though moving, see an IMAX presentation, and step inside a mock-up of early railroad building days. Young kids will love the huge Thomas the Tank Engine set up upstairs (hands on, of course!). Museum entrance is approximately $5 per person.
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Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
This wonderful historic preservation site is both fun and educational. Located near the Capitol, you could easily spend an entire afternoon touring the fort (we recommend the listening devices available for rent for older kids). Learn about early gold discovery, the Donner Party, and picnic on the grounds. Try to avoid Sacramento's hot... More >
This wonderful historic preservation site is both fun and educational. Located near the Capitol, you could easily spend an entire afternoon touring the fort (we recommend the listening devices available for rent for older kids). Learn about early gold discovery, the Donner Party, and picnic on the grounds. Try to avoid Sacramento's hottest summer days, however!
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State Capitol Museum
The grounds of the Capitol Museum are a nice place to relax or extend energy (which ever is needed!) after a day of sightseeing. There are lovely memorials throughout, and the area is shaded. Tours of the capitol building itself are offered, and are good for older kids (CA residents will especially appreciate it).
Kids can tour railroad cars that actually shake as though moving, see an IMAX presentation, and step inside a mock-up of early railroad building days.
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River City Saloon
This Old West 'Saloon' in Old Sacramento has a shooting gallery, wait staff in period costume (during the day), and fun ambiance for kids. Stop by before or after visiting the railroad museum, then head to Sacramento Sweets (also in Old Sacramento) for their famous waffle cone sundaes! More
This Old West 'Saloon' in Old Sacramento has a shooting gallery, wait staff in period costume (during the day), and fun ambiance for kids. Stop by before or after visiting the railroad museum, then head to Sacramento Sweets (also in Old Sacramento) for their famous waffle cone sundaes!
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About the Author

Amy Hagstrom Whitley
Amy Hagstrom Whitley
If you're looking for the professional me instead of the personal me, visit http://www.pitstopsforkids.com for travel writing, and http://www.nevertruetales.com for updates on novels, essays, and day-to-day tales.
Websitefacebook.com/amy.h.whitley.3
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