Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Sacramento, CA

While generally I suggest preschool storytimes for the educational value and kid-friendly entertainment, today I am giving you an updated round-up for purely selfish and superficial reasons.  As of Thursday of this week, my children are out of preschool and 1^st grade for TEN DAYS!  Translation: I am prisoner and slave to the little beasts for a lot longer than I???m guessing I can handle. 

Seriously though, while I am happy we will have some pre-holiday bonding and relaxing time together, I'm also very aware of the fact that we will all need some diversion.  Storytimes (especially free ones) are a perfect idea in my book.  Kid's get entertained while mom sips a big latte and flips through the current issue of Vogue. 

There are a ton of storytimes available to us Sacramento families.  Big book stores like Barnes and Noble and most Sacramento Public Library branches offer free preschool storytimes and other fun events.  Here's a quick round up of the regular events, for more information and an expanded program list go to www.barnesandnoble.com. 

Barnes and Noble locations:

Citrus Heights: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. preschool storytime.

Roseville: Wednesdays 11 a.m. various themed storytime

Arden Faire: Tuesdays 11 a.m. preschool storytime

Natomas: Tuesdays 11 a.m. preschool storytime

All programs listed below are held Wednesday at various Sacramento Public Library branches.  Call in advance around holidays as schedules are adjusted!  Please note, all attending children must be accompanied by mom, dad, grandma or some other adult!  For more information on these programs and others hosted by the Sacramento public library branches go to www.saclibrary.org or call 264-2920.

Toddler Program at Arden-Dimick Library. 11:15am. Free. 891 Watt Ave., Sacramento.

 Toddler Program at Belle Cooledge Library. 10 am. Free. 5600 S. Land Park Dr., Sacramento.

 Toddler Program at Sylvan Oaks Library. 11 am. Free. 6700 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights.

 Preschool Storytime at Belle Cooledge Library, enjoy a story and crafts geared toward preschool aged children. 11 am. Free. 5600 S. Land Park Dr., Sacramento.

 Preschool Storytime at Ella K. McClatchy Library, enjoy a story and crafts geared toward preschool aged children. 11 am. Free. 2112 22nd St., Sacramento.