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

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...

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

 Read more...

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

 Read more...

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...

Mark your calendar!

by Kim Mordecai

January 13, 2009

Museums are a great way to get out in the world with your kiddos, big and small, get some walking in, see some sights and learn a little about the world too! So mark your calendars because Saturday, February 7th is the 11th annual Sacramento Museum day when twenty-six greater Sacramento area museums offer FREE (yes totally FREE) admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also offer free shuttle  Read more...

Local Holiday Traditions

by Kim Mordecai

December 08, 2008

We finally got our tree tonight! I know, many people are way ahead of us but we've been doing some redecorating and wanted to get everything settled before we picked the perfect tree. Tomorrow we will decorate and decide on Christmas cookies to bake this year. I have a pile of my grandmother's recipes and this will be my first year baking them with my boys. There are a few other holiday  Read more...

Fairies in the snow

by Kim Mordecai

December 05, 2008

If you are looking for a little cold weather fun with the kids this weekend, Fairytale Town is hosting a Winter Wonderland celebration. This annual festivity includes a park transformed with holiday decorations, extanded hours and plenty of fun. Fairytale Town is a great place to spend quality time with your kids, allow them to get a little outdoor exercise and generally just enjoy the  Read more...

Part 3: 99 Fun Things To Do

by Kim Mordecai

October 17, 2008

Ta-Da! #'s 61 -99 of 99 things to do with your kids in Sacramento ! Read them over, pick one out and have a great weekend! 61. Go garage sale-ing on a Saturday in Midtown 62. Feed baby salmon at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery 63. Take a kid's art class with Monart Roseville or Folsom 64. See 4 th of July fireworks show at Cal Expo 65. Enjoy homemade cake at the Old Time Fiddle  Read more...

99 Things to do with your kids in Sac Part Two

by Kim Mordecai

October 16, 2008

Here are today's next 30 entries all kinds of great things to do in Sacramento with your kids. Plan one for this weekend, put one on the calendar, or just daydream about what a good mom you would be if you could actually fit any of these things into your schedule! 31. Buy fresh raisins, honey and pears at a farmer's market 32. Take a cooking class for families at  Read more...

99 Things to do in Sac with your kiddos

by Kim Mordecai

October 15, 2008

Ive been pondering the idea of doing a list of 99 fun things to do in Sacramento with your kids. While I havent hit 99 yet, Ive worked my way to 33 and come up with some darn fun ideas, if I do say so myself. Ride a pony in Land Park Pick thornless blackberries at Amber Oaks Farm Pan for gold at the Folsom History Museum Go to the Train Museum Eat a  Read more...

Spookomotive!

by Kim Mordecai

October 09, 2008

If you have a kiddo who is obsessed with Halloween, or trains for that matter the Spookomotive is a cant miss this month. A Halloween-themed train decorated in spirit of the season and departing on-the-hour in Old Sacramento brought to you by the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot, the Spookomotive is a ball for kids of all ages. Trains depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays  Read more...

Hard Times for Kids too

by Kim Mordecai

October 07, 2008

It seems that most people these days are strapped financially. It can be difficult to help your preschooler adjust when he or she is used to new goodies and expensive outings on a regular basis. I know some people tred more lightly on these subjects but I tend to be frank with my kids, i.e. "No. Mom is broke." End of discussion. I wonder if I am permanently damaging them when they say  Read more...

October To-Do's...

by Kim Mordecai

October 03, 2008

We are already three days into October and I have decided that a to-do list for the month is in order so that we are sure to schedule in all the fun Halloween activities we love in Sacramento . We are all so fortunate to live in this beautiful valley that affords us lovely warm fall weather to enjoy the outdoors. Here is my current list of must-do fun for the month of October. Apple  Read more...

Fairy Festivities

by Kim Mordecai

September 24, 2008

FREE ADMISSION to Fairytale Town all weekend! FREE ADMISSION to the biggest literacy event in the region! FREE ADMISSION to the biggest Children's Book Party of the year! Let BOOKS TAKE YOU OVER THE RAINBOW to the Target Children's Book Celebration at Fairytale Town September 27 & 28, 2008 Featuring an All-Star line-up of Authors, Illustrators & Celebrity  Read more...

Weekend Family, Fun & Festivals

by Kim Mordecai

September 19, 2008

Well it seems summer is officially coming to a close. The weather is blissfully cooler, school is back in full-swing and what better way to welcome in the fall than with a festival? There are a plethora of festivals this weekend just for families and little ones, so here's a round-up of what, where and when Folsom Family Expo & Wellness Festival . A great festival for kids big  Read more...

Chalk It Up!

by Kim Mordecai

August 28, 2008

Art and children just seem to go together. Kids are born these amazing, imaginative, creative little beings that take to crayons and storytelling and dance and make believe like fish to water. As you may know, our little family fully embraces our creative sides but recently I've been wondering about not just enjoying the many opportunities for artistic pleasure in Sacramento, but also giving  Read more...

Circus Nostalgia

by Kim Mordecai

August 27, 2008

When I think of the circus I remember being at Oakland Coliseum as a little girl, holding one of those swirling red and blue lights and picking cotton candy out of my hair while watching the beautiful ladies ride horseback standing straight up. I think of my father, who worked his fingers to the bone but seemed to have a bottomless wallet for one night each year. I would emerge from the magic  Read more...

Fair Fun & Free!

by Kim Mordecai

August 13, 2008

Ok, I'm just going to come straight out and admit this: my kids have never been to the California State Fair. I know I know we live in the state's capitol and it's an event that people drive hours to attend - but the truth is it's just too darn expensive! And that's not just because money is tight everywhere these days. The last time I went to the fair I ate six pounds of deep fried food,  Read more...

Automobile affection

by Kim Mordecai

July 28, 2008

Among the ruins in our driveway there is a 1963 1/2 Ford Galaxie, a 1965 Ford Fairlane and a 1966 Dodge Dart. We are car guys (well, I'm a car girl) but Pops and our boys are car guys and not unlike most kids from coast to coast of this fine country that we call America. We love our automobiles, from Hot Wheels to monster trucks and we want to race them and polish them and show 'em off. Of  Read more...

Artistic relief

by Kim Mordecai

July 11, 2008

I've officially checked the weather forecast and I'm thrilled to report that this weekend the temp will drop to the blissful mid-90's. Ok, I know that doesn't sound that promising but this week we topped out at 109 ridiculous degrees so in my opinion this is news to celebrate. I'm thinking that since tomorrow is Second Saturday Sac's own monthly arts celebration that while I won't tote my  Read more...