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

Other Great Savvy Source Things to Do

Add Your Review of:

Find out more about:

Family

Pumpkin Patch kinda weekend...

October 16, 2009

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend with the kiddos, it's the perfect time to hit a local pumpkin patch and have some fun. You'll miss the crazy rush that happens later in the month and it's a great way to kick off this holiday season, which is usually a favorite with the little ones. I found a great list of local pumpkin patches which include hay rides, train rides, corn mazes, haunted houses, jump houses and more. So check out one of these. I highly recommend the Pumpkin Farm in Citrus Heights and Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm in Wilton. My boys and I have gone to the Pumpkin Farm every year since they were toddlers and Fog Willow for many field trips. They are both really wonderful, so check one out and enjoy this amazing season!

Fair Oaks Boulevard Nursery
Address: 4681 Fair Oaks Blvd., Sac.
Phone: (916) 483-1830
Days of operation: Mid-September through Thanksgiving
Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Goblin Gardens Pumpkin Patch
Address: 3845 El Centro Road, Sac.
Phone: (916) 416-1133
Days of operation: September 27 to October 31
Hours of operation: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk
Goblin Gardens, operated by Bastio Farms, is popular with mommies toting babies and toddlers. The little ones can conquer the 1,000 bale straw pyramid or venture into the largest corn maze in Sacramento County (according to Bastio owner Dennis Bastio). There are also hay rides, antique tractors, slide, blow-up inflateables, produce and the ever-so-popular kiddie cars (powered by the kids’ feet). Goblin Gardens also hosts many field trips and may open earlier to accommodate these groups.

CITRUS HEIGHTS

The Pumpkin Farm
Address: 7736 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights
Phone: (916) 726-1137
Days of operation: October 1 to 31
Hours of operation: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free.
The Pumpkin Farm has been serving up pumpkins to the Sacramento area since 1974. Visitors can enjoy the hayrides, pony rides, haunted barn, petting zoo, jumping castle, tower slides and of course the scarecrows. The Pumpkin Farm will again hold its annual Scarecrow Contest, where a creative entry could win a $1,500 prize. The Pumpkin Farm will be featuring giant pumpkins this year, a new attraction. Already, they have one that is more than 800 pounds.

ROSEVILLE

Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch
Address: 210 S. Harding Blvd., Roseville
Phone: (916) 786-7979
Days of operation: October 1 to 31
Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Visitors can find more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and gourds at the Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch, which has been a Roseville mainstay since 1988. The Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch is a one-shop-stop for your fall harvest. Kids can enjoy the train that passes through the haunted mine shaft or get lost in the corn maze or pet animals in the petting zoo. They also ride a ferris wheel, carousel, slide and win prizes. Jim Dandee’s Country Kitchen will satisfy your appetite serving up barbecue sandwiches, corn dogs, cotton candy, candied apples and fresh kettle corn.

WHEATLAND

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm
Address: 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland
Phone: (530) 633-2568 (for info and school field trip reservations)
Days of operation: September 20 to October 31
Hours of operation: Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free. Parking is free opening weekend and on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Corn maze is $3.50. Coyote Mountain admission is $3.50. BPF Railroad tickets is $2.50. Coupons are available online. Field trips is $6 per person from Sept. 24 to 30 and $7 per person from Oct. 1 to 31.
Plan to spend a big chunk of your day at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm. Start by taking a free hayride to the pumpkin fields and pick your ideal gourd right off the vine. After that, why not take a not-so-leisurely stroll in the three-acre corn maze. If getting lost among the corn isn’t your thing, then take a ride on the BPF Railroad where the tracks meander through the jumbo pumpkin patch, through the apple and walnut orchards and by the horse pasture. Before leaving, tackle Coyote Mountains’ 50-foot slide and don’t forget to pan for marbles at the stream below the slide.

WILTON

Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm
Address: 11011 Cecatra Drive, Wilton
Phone: (916) 687-4547
Days of operation: October 1 to 31
Hours of operation: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person, free for kids 2 and younger
Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm is the brainchild of Elk Grove school teacher Stacey Cates. With her family history rooted in farming, Cates felt that students weren’t learning much about agriculture and wanted to do something about it. Hence, Fog Willow was born in 2003. The farm is tucked along the banks of the Consumnes River and is immensely popular with school-aged kids as evidenced by the many school busses making their way to the farm. This is a great location to bring your family as there are lots to do, with a barrel train, hay rides, petting zoo, crafts, picnic area, haystack and barbecue during the weekends. Kids can join the Lil’ Pickers Punkin’ Club ($20) to receive goodies.

Fairytale Town gives thanks to the Sacramento community by offering Free Admission to the public on Friday, November 27, 2009 (the day after Thanksgiving) from 10AM to 4PM. This year Fairytale Town is encouraging families to bring canned and packaged goods for the the Sacramento Food Bank. As a special Winter Holiday Gift, Free Admission is offered again on Thursday, December 24, 2009 (Christmas Eve) from 10AM to 2PM. It's a great way to let children run off some steam on what, for many, is the longest day of the year. Read more...

Baking crazy!

October 13, 2009

Fall brings out the baker in me. Both my grandmothers were wonderful bakers and I was lucky enough to have spent time with them in the kitchen creating holiday delicacies that still bring back wonderful, cozy memories. Coincidentally my mom has come to visit for a few days and one of the traditions she has with my boys is to bake cookies together. They were over the moon when they discovered she was coming and checked the pantry five times to make sure we had all the right ingredients. (Which by the way involves sugar, flour and chocolate chips only in their minds). I also had a fortunate discovery at my monthly Kindergarten parent meeting last night when a fellow parent and friend named Jennifer brought in a heaping plate of the most delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies you can imagine. I know it sounds like an odd combination but so many parents asked for the recipe she was generous enough to email it to the whole class today. She makes these with her kiddos - I plan to give the recipe to grandma tomorrow - maybe you can enjoy them too!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 sticks margarine 4 tsp. baking powder

3 cups sugar 1 tsp. salt

4 eggs 2 tsp. ginger

2 tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. lemon extract(or lemon juice works) 1 large (29 oz.) can of pumpkin

6 cups flour 2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix ingredients as listed except alternate two cups flour with 1/3 of the pumpkin, etc., to avoid lumps. Drop on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Makes 6-8 dozen

Spontaneous parenting

October 06, 2009

The other day a friend asked me an interesting question during a discussion about spending quality time with your kids. She said, ‘What do you remember from your childhood?’. I took a few minutes to answer because we had been deep in discussion about soccer practice, homework and lack of sleep. When I thought about my sweetest memories of time with my parents when I was a child it was when we stepped outside the ordinary. Like when my mom let me skip school to see The Empire Strikes Back opening day. Or when my father took me to Fairyland (Oakland’s answer to Fairytale Town) after taking me to the grocery store and letting me pick anything and everything from the Hostess rack. I can still feel that day. Sitting on a picnic bench at about five years old, listening to the warbled mother goose songs and eating all the Ho-ho’s, Ding-dongs, and Twinkies I’d ever dreamt of. This changed the direction of our conversation and inspired me to find creative ways to make memories with my children.

So last week I took my first babystep. Picking up my 2^nd grader from school I asked him how he would feel about skipping soccer practice that day to do something fun. He and the kindergartener were both game so we headed out to IKEA so they could select a new table and chairs for coloring and having snacks on. We then went to the cafeteria where they stuffed themselves with meatballs and mac and cheese (mom didn’t even mention vegetables) and afterward they each selected on small toy and dessert. My younger son chose a huge soft serve cone and my older a cinnamon bun slathered in frosting. Needless to say they were happy as pigs in you-know-what and on the way home when I asked them what their favorite part of the afternoon was my older son looked thoughtful and said, “Um, mom – I think the best thing about today is that we got to be together”. Need I say more?

Fantastic Fairy Fun!

September 28, 2009

There are few things little and big girls alike find more enchanting than fairies. A local family-owned business called Fairy Garden Party is hosting their annual Fall Fairy Festival this Saturday, October 3^rd. Attendees are encouraged to wear their finest fairy duds and go mingle with the fairies at this celebration of all things glittery and tiny. Activities will include learning how to use a wishing stone, a scavenger hunt for fairy items, a fairy ribbon dance, learning your fairy name, see fairy houses and more! The festival runs from 11 am – 5 pm and is for big and little people of all ages. Admission is as follows: General $10; Children 4 – 12 $5; Children 3 & Under Free. There is also a generous ½ price discount for anyone wearing a Fairy costume! Since October is the official month for dressing up, this is a great way to kick off this fall holiday season. The fair will take place at Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse, 7997 California Ave., Fair Oaks. For more info visit www.FairyGardenParty.com

Halloween is a-comin!

September 08, 2009

So I hate to be the one to break the bad news, but the holiday season is indeed upon us. It’s only early September but next month brings with it the excitement of Halloween and we all know that after that it is a landslide of holidays. So every time this year I try to really prepare. Decide which events I’ll take the kids to and what traditions we will squeeze into our schedule. I begin with ordering or making (depending on what they want) Halloween costumes and for the past five years I always make time for the Fairytale Town Halloween festival. It changes every year and this year it has a sixties psychedelic theme. But the best part about this event is that it falls a week before the actual holiday. So when our little ones are counting the days and just itching to put on some costumes and collect some candy, they have a little pre-season fun to tide them over until the 31^st. Here are the details, be sure to put it on your calendar because this is a really fun one.Roll up for a Safe & Super Halloween! Tickets are now on sale for the 23rd annual SAFE & SUPER HALLOWEEN celebration at Fairytale Town. This year's theme is the MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR. Journey back in time to the psychedelic sixties for three consecutive nights of family friendly Trick-or-Treating dedicated to the music and memories of those fabulous four Liverpool lads. You'll visit 17 candy stations scattered along the long and winding road throughout the park. Check out the Octopus' Garden, take a trip down Penny Lane, cross Abbey Road and stop off at Strawberry Fields before you get back to where you once belonged. You can make your very own Walrus Puppet and Spin Art, enter a far out costume parade, have your picture taken on stage with Sgt. Pepper and the Yellow Submarine, get a ticket from Lovely Rita the Meter Maid, and experience plenty of surreal surprises for young and old alike as you sing along--all together now--with all the songs you know and love. The MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR at Fairytale Town is a special ticketed event: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 23, 24, 25, 2009, from 5PM - 9PM. Presale tickets are $7 for members and $10 for non-members. Day-of the event tickets are $9 for members and $12 for nonmembers. For more information please go to our website: www.fairytaletown.org. Puppet Art Theater will also be performing puppet shows in our Children's Theater during the MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR event. Puppet show tickets are $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers (children 2 and under will be admitted to the puppet show free), in addition to event admission. Puppet showtimes are 6 PM, 7 PM & 8 PM.
For more information, please visit www.fairytaletown.org or call Fairytale Town at 916-808-7462. Read more...

Encourage your little ones love of reading!

August 31, 2009

On Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27 Fairytale Town will host their annual Children's Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best part of this event is that it includes free admission and celebrates books and reading.

The two-day Festival is the largest early childhood literacy event in the region. The event features author and illustrator presentations, storytelling performances, celebrity readers, a book swap, and hands-on literacy activities offered by an array of community-based literacy organizations. Another great part of this event is that children can bring in gently used books and trade them at the Festival Book Swap.

"Creating an interest in books during a child's early years not only ignites a lifelong love of reading, it also makes children better prepared for school," said State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board. "Improved literacy equals a stronger future for our state. I'm pleased to be part of this event."

This year's author and illustrator presenters include Francisco Alarcon, author of Laughing Tomatoes and Other Stories; Kenneth Spengler and Margaret Spengler, illustrators of many books including Little Red Hen Gets Help and The Happiest Hippo in the World, and Danna Smith author of Two at the Zoo, as well as authors Annie Bowler, Shirley Parenteau, Carolyn Newcomer, and illustrators Barbara Lyon and Johnny Swager. All author and illustrator presentations take place on the Mother Goose Stage. Fairytale Town favorites Francie Dillon (Saturday) and Sandy Lynne Holman (Sunday) will both perform.

For more info visit www.fairytaletown.org or call Fairytale Town at 916-808-7462.

Take the family out to the ballgame!

July 22, 2009

If you are looking for something fun to do in August before the stress of school begins again, check out a River Cats baseball game! Currently they are offering amazing ‘family pack’ deals that include admission for four people, food, not to mention four tickets to Fairytale Town and another four for the Sacramento Zoo – a huge savings! Here is the list of everything you get starting at the low price of $56.

Four (4) River Cats Game Tickets
Four (4) Regular Hot Dogs
Four (4) Regular Sodas
Four (4) Bags of Chips
Four (4) Desserts
Four (4) Tickets to Fairytale Town
Four (4) Tickets to the Sacramento Zoo

Family packs are available on six (6) dates this season so get one game or get all six, but get them quick before they are going, going, gone! More than FOUR, add ONE or more! Save over $80 when you buy a value pack! Family Pack Dates:
Saturday, August 8 and Saturday, August 29 Packs are on-sale until 5:00 p.m. the day before the game. Family Packs available at the Raley Field Ticket Office, online at rivercats.com, ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets.
For more information call 916-371-HITS Read more...

Hangman and alphabet fun!

July 06, 2009

The days of summer suddenly seem to be numbered. It’s July already and school starts next month! So we are doing our best to enjoy the summertime and and get a little pre-kindergarten learning in as well. One of my first grader’s favorite game is Hangman. While my 5 year-old can’t yet fully participate in figuring out the words, he has grasped enough of the alphabet to guess at the letters that might solve each puzzle. In order to help facilitate this family game, I found a great toy made by my favorite puzzle makers, Melissa and Doug and it’s at Learning Express toy store and called simply, Hangman.

Perfect for home or in the car, this board game is crafted of quality wood and brings new fun and convenience to the game with innovative flipping pieces that won’t get lost. It has a cute little illustration of the man and letters to make any possible word combination and costs a mere $14.99. You can find the game at www.learningexpress.com or at one of their Sacramento locations in Rancho Cordova or Roseville. So if you have a grade-schooler or a preschooler, pick up this game today to work on your ABC’s or reading skills as well!

Weekend Treats

June 17, 2009

Yay - here comes the weekend! While our weekend will be full of gardening, father's day festivities and possibly a trip to the movies, if you have a little spare time there is a ton of fun kid's activities going on in Sacramento. A free family movie in the park, storytime at Effie Yeaw Nature Center and family fun day at the Central Library just to name a few.

If you are looking for a special treat to give dad for father's day, the ultimate gift according to my boys is chocolate cake for breakfast. You could also have a family picnic on the river - a great place to pick up kid-friendly, healthy picnic goodies is Trader Joe's. They have a never-ending supply of treats like peanut butter filled pretzels, crisp pink lady apples and freshly made sandwiches and fruit salads ready to go. Check out www.traderjoes.com for more picnic ideas and check out the list below for a comprehensive list of activities. Have fun!

Saturday the 20th

Steps Therapy Inc is holding a Free Screening Day. Make an appointment if you have concerns about your child’s: sensory motor delays, speech delays, developmental Delays, gross motor difficulties or fine motor difficulties. Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists (Speech Therapists) will be on hand to provide screenings for children ages 6 months to 10 years. Come find out more about the Social Sense^TM social intelligence groups being held this summer. Call to set up your appointment time 916-415-0119. Step Therapy Inc., 6960 Destiny Dr., Ste 117, Rocklin www.StepsTherapyInc.com

FREE family movie in the park at Cresthaven Park (401 Community Dr.,Roseville)sponsored by Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (RCONA). It will begin at sundown on a 30ft. screen! Bring a lawn chair or sleeping bag and your pocket change if you wish. Ice cream, popcorn, and cool drinks will be sold at the park. Surf's Up will be shown.

Physics of Toys: Toys of Summer. The Exploratorium presents Physics of Toys, an interactive laboratory that explores the toys of summer in a one-on-one workshop in which children and adults alike investigate the science of everyday things. Take home what you make! 11 am – 3 pm. Included in the price of admission. General $14; Students 18+ (w/ id) & Seniors $11; Youth 13 – 17 $11; Children 4 – 12 $9; Children 3 & under Free. Tues. – Sun. 10 am – 5 pm. Closed Mon. except for certain holidays. Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St., San Francisco. For more info call 415-561-0360 or visit www.Exploratorium.edu

Summertime Stories – Visit the Effie Yeaw Nature Center to hear some sunny stories told by the Sacramento Storytellers Guild. 1:30 pm. Free. Parking fee $5 or Free to ARNHA members. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. For more info call 916-489-4918 or visit www.EffieYeaw.org

Green Home Workshop - This workshop, taught by a LEED accredited professional, is a whole-home approach to increasing energy efficiency and utilizing alternative energy. Topic’s will be discussed on how to evaluate your home's energy usage and apply strategies like insulation, weatherization, lighting, and solar energy. As well as go over federal, state and utility incentives that you can take advantage of to start living greener. 2:30 – 5:30 pm. Sacramento Natural Food Co-op Community Learning Ctr. & Cooking School, 1914 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento. All ages. $10 donation, benefits Shriner’s Children Hospital. For more info call 916-455-2667 or visit www.SacFoodCoOp.com

Sunday the 21st

Fun Day! at the Central Library. 1 pm. All ages. Free. Central Library, 828 I St., Sacramento. For more info call 916-264-2700 or visit www.SacLibrary.org

Here comes the weekend!

June 10, 2009

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend there is a ton of stuff going on for kids! Everything from campouts to art to safety to nature. Check out some of the great events going on Friday through Sunday and have a ball! FridayFabulous Campfires at Maidu Indian Museum. Enjoy an evening with family and friends around a campfire. Listen to Native stories of spring and roast marshmallows for a sweet ending to the perfect family gathering. 7 – 8 pm. All ages. General $5; Family of 4 $14. Maidu Indian Museum, 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr., Roseville. For more info call 916-774-5934 or visit www.Roseville.ca.us Saturday

Annual Family Safety & Health Expo – Come for a day of fun with over 80 safety, health and youth recreation booths, food and so much more. With entertainment from Kovar’s Satori Academy, Magician Trevor Wyatt and Granite Bay Dance Connection. Safetyville USA is also Celebrating it’s 25^th Birthday enjoy cake and party as celebrity guests help introduce the new Safetyville Mascot! 10 am – 3 pm. All ages. Free. 3909 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento. For more info call 916-438-3385 or visit www.SafetyCenter.org Family Camp Out at Fairytale Town- Adventurous families can bring their tents, sleeping bags and a light supper and enjoy a magical night in Sacramento's original Oasis of Enchantment. In addition to a scavenger hunt and hands-on arts & crafts activities, Puppet Art Theater will also be onsite to present a special puppet show for the event. Bedtime stories and a sing-along make for a well rounded evening for one and all. Then it's "lights out" and sweet slumber under the summer stars until 6 am when dawn breaks and a continental breakfast is served. 5:30 pm until 7 am the next morning. All ages. All inclusive fee, Adults $30 / members $25; Children $25 / members $20; Children 2 & under Free. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr., Sacramento. For more info and to register call 916-808-7979 or visit www.FairytaleTown.org Second Saturday for Families: Paint Warm & Cool Colors at Crocker Art Museum. See how artworks in the Museum show all four seasons through the element of color, and paint your own artwork depicting a season of your choice. 12 – 3 pm. Free with admission. All ages. General $6; Seniors $4; Children & Students $3. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento. For more info call 916-808-7000 or visit www.CrockerArtMuseum.orgNative American Stories told by Nisenan Maidu Rick Adams. 11:30 am – 12 pm & 3 – 3:30 pm. All ages. Free with paid admission. Adults $4; Senior & Children $3.75; Family of four $14. Maidu Indian Museum, 1960 Johnson Ranch Dr., Roseville. For more info call 916-774-5934 or visit www.Roseville.ca.us Sunday Country Lane Run & Walk at Quarry Ponds Granite Bay.
Adult 5K and 10K runs and also featuring FREE Kids 1/4 Mile Fun Run. Great food, music, Foothill Farms Farmer’s Market and market-wide activities for everyone! Free Kids ¼ mile begins at 7:45 am; 10K Run/Walk begins at 8 am; 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:10 am. Fees: Pre-race Adults $27; 18 & under $15. Race day Adults $35; 18 & under $20. Quarry Ponds is located at 5550 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay. For race registration, info or volunteer call 916-415-9991 or visit www.QuarryPonds.com

Effie Yeaw Nature Center habitat improvement day. Join Jack and help improve the Nature Area. Call Jack at 916-967-077 if you can help with this project. 8 am. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. www.EffieYeaw.org California Black-tailed Deer tour at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. Take a guided walk to gaze at these gentle woodland animals and learn more about their world with hands on items like pelts, skulls, and antlers. 1:30 pm. Free. Parking fee $5 or Free to ARNHA members. Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. For more info call 916-489-4918 or visit www.EffieYeaw.org Read more...

Dog Gone Fun

June 07, 2009

If your family is anything like ours, it is full of furry and feathered friends that help make life a little more complete. In addition to our fish and kitties, we have two dogs named Bo and Bella who my boys adore. Dogs are a great way to teach kids about compassion, respect and responsibility.

While admittedly I pick up most of the poop and pay for the vet appointments, my boys help feed, train and generally care for both of our pooches. The dog park is a great way to reward your furry friend with some much needed social time and it can be a fun opportunity to spend time with your kids, teach them about different dog breeds and spend a little time outdoors to boot. Luckily the Sacramento area is full of many different dog parks for pooches of all sizes, maybe this week is the one that your family spends a little time outdoors with man’s best friend in tow.

If you go to www.dogparkusa.com there is a comprehensive list of all the local dog parks in our area. Don’t forget to wear playclothes, bring water bottles and hand sanitizer – it’s hot out and those pups can be dirty!

All Kids Wanna Hit Sometimes!

May 25, 2009

After having two boys I realize that all boys and most kids at one time or another experiment with hitting. Oftentimes it happens in toddlerhood when kid are experimenting with cause and effect (if I smack Mama she makes a great loud sound!), but it is not uncommon for kids, especially boys to be interested in wrestling, roughhousing and boxing as they get older, it seems it’s just their nature! Anyway, I have managed to keep my boys from acting out in anger for the most part, but I also recognize that they have a lot of natural energy and aggression that needs to be released in a healthy way. I’ve found a couple of great toys that my boys adore and have proven to be boy-life savers again and again.

The first is a toy I didn’t even know they made anymore: Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots Game. Honestly I had never even seen this toy until my kids came across it at Longs Drugs and began to obsess about it until Grandma gave in and bought it for them. It is a very basic toy originally created in 1966 that consists of a plastic ring with two plastic robots. You push both their heads down so that they click into place then you use very simple controls to make the robots ‘box’ until one of their heads pop up. Doesn’t seem like anything thrilling to me, but my kids absolutely love it and I figure if their robots box, they are less likely to box each other. You can find this game for about $20 on Amazon.com, at Toys R Us, Walmart, Longs, etc.

And on the subject of boxing the other great toy I discovered is a kid-sized Punching Bag and Glove Set by Schylling. A friend suggested getting my 7 year-old a set when he was having trouble expressing his frustration. I’m so happy that I took her advice because both my kids love to go outside and knock this light-weight little bag around. I’ve definitely seen a difference in their ability to talk about things when they are agitated or frustrated instead of yelling or throwing something! You can find this set also on Amazon.com for about $20!

Kayaking and Pow Wows in beautiful Sacramento

May 14, 2009

Well temperatures are rising and rumor has it we are going to hit the triple digits in Sac this weekend! My boys are thrilled about the beautiful weather, we’ve spent plenty of time playing outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend I must recommend kayaking at Negro Bar in Folsom. We went last weekend and a company called Outdoor Adventures rents single and double kayaks hourly that you can paddle around the river in. It was Dad’s birthday so he had the luxury of a single kayak while I got a double that fit me and the two boys. They supply you with paddles and life jackets and the price is really reasonable at $10 an hour for a single and $20 an hour for a double. The kid’s looked for fish and snacked on chips and bottled water and it was a really wonderful way to spend the afternoon. If you are looking for a non-water activity this weekend check out Pow Wow Days in Orangevale. A community tradition for nearly fifty years, Pow Wow days offers carnival rides, vendors, live music, parade, fun food and lots of kids’ activities including games and puppet shows. Don’t miss their snow cones – the best ever! Directions to Negro Bar. From Sacramento on Highway 50, take the Folsom Rd exit at the city of Folsom. After the bridge over the river, turn left onto Greenback. The park is immediately on the left. From I80, take Greenback almost to Folsom and turn right into the park. Kayak rental are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends all summer long!Pow Wow Days runs May 14 – 17 for more info go to www.orangevalechamber.com and for a detailed schedule of events go to www.ovview.com/pow_wow_days Read more...

Mama's Day Fun

May 08, 2009

So it's that time again, time to honor all those hardworking, loving, amazing mothers. I know, you are used to prioritizing everything and everyone above yourself - but it's important to give yourself a pat on the back and also to teach the kids that mom is more than a cook and a maid - she's a real person who needs to be appreciated! So schedule a pedicure, have coffee with a friend and then hang out with your kids this weekend and remind them that their mom rocks! Crusing around on the internet I found a bunch of great family activities for Mother's Day on one of my favorite local events calendars - www.parentsmonthlyonline.com. Happy Mother's Day!

Farms, Friends and Fairytales at Fairytale Town - "This event is a fun way for children to learn how important agriculture is to our every day lives," says program manager Sharlene Lal. "It's one thing to hear about how ice cream or butter is made, or how wool is spun into yarn it's another thing to see it happen in front of your very eyes!" Families can also visit with a variety of people and organizations who bring agricultural products to market. While you wander the grounds learning all about agriculture, you can listen to live bluegrass music provided by Loose Acoustic Trio. 11 am – 3 pm. All ages. General $4.50; Children 2 & under Free. Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr., Sacramento. For more info call 916-808-8886 or visit www.FairytaleTown.org

Fountains Kids Club – Enjoy an entertainment filled morning at The Fountains in Roseville. 10 am- 11 am: Mother’s Day Craft (for the first 100 children); 11 am – 12 am: Special flower for Mom and Mimo’s Balloon Sculpturing. All ages. Free. Events takes place at the stage on the second Saturday of each month. The Fountains located at Roseville PKWY & Galleria Blvd, Roseville. For more info call 916-786-2679 or visit www.TheFountainsAtRoseville.com

Mommy and Me: Mother’s Day Brunch - Celebrate mother's day in this fun and interactive cooking class for both mommy and child. Learn to make a simple and delicious brunch of fruit smoothies, baked eggs with roasted vegetables, vegetarian sausages, and honey cornbread muffins. At the Sacramento Natural Food Co-Op. 10 am – 12:30 pm. All ages. $55; $45 for Co-Op owners, admission is good for one child and adult. Located at Community Learning Ctr. & Cooking School, 1914 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento. For reservations and more info call 916-455-2667 or visit www.SacFoodCoop.com

Second Saturday for Families: Draw Fairytales at Crocker Art Museum. Storytellers will spark your imagination with thrilling fairytales and epic adventures. 12 – 3 pm. Free with admission. All ages. Join a family tour of Maxfield Parrish and the Art of the Print at 2 pm. General $6; Seniors $4; Children & Students $3. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St., Sacramento. For more info call 916-808-7000 or visit www.CrockerArtMuseum.org

Birds n the bees

April 28, 2009

I’ve been searching for a book that will help me teach my kids about the facts of life, once the big question is posed. I’m talkin about the birds and the bees here, how babies are made, the big sex talk. The funny thing is my boys have yet to ask me because they have the whole thing figured out for themselves. They know when women are pregnant that they are growing babies inside them. And the one time the topic came up my six year-old said, “Oh, I know how mamas get babies mom,” rolling his eyes and sighing like I was a complete idiot. “Dads just give them a little piece of themselves and the moms use it to make the baby - easy.” Well, I couldn’t disagree. However, this milestone is something I’ve worried about. Kids are learning about sex younger and younger these days and I didn’t want my preschooler or my first grader to hear something at school before it came from me. So I’m working up the courage, but in the meantime I’ve found an amazing book to help with the process. It’s called So That’s How I Was Born! By Dr. Robert Brooks and is illustrated by Susan Perl. Originally published in 1984, this book takes a lovely straightforward approach to teaching kids about the facts of life without anything shocking or graphic involved. It tells the story of a mother, father and son who have a discussion about making babies. It is full of really lovely illustrations which show how boys and girls bodies develop and also how babies develop in their mother’s wombs. Any moms out there who are interested in a great book to help teach kids about sex, or might need one in the future should check this book out. Sadly, it seems to be out of print, but can be found on www.amazon.com used from $.97 and new starting at about $35. Read more...

Join Now \| Password Reminder			Or
	Keep me logged in on this computer

Savvy Search

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

Other Great Savvy Source Things to Do

Add Your Review of:

Find out more about:

Archives

Family

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in sacramento

Creatures & Critters: Our Urban Jungle

Room to Run: Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

Rainy & Quiet Days: Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

A Sense of History: Our City's Stories

Tot's Science Fair: Science & Nature Sites

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy sacramento: Kim Mordecai

Read more Being Savvy for:

Recent Posts

Favorite sacramento Lists

Review Your Preschool

View Preschools and Daycare Centers in Other Cities

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

The Voice of Being Savvy sacramento:
Kim Mordecai