18 things to do with kids, merged from our Folsom family guide into one canonical list. Every address is a tappable Google Maps link.
Big outdoor family fair in the Palladio piazza with 50+ local booths, kids' games, live performances, and a petting zoo. Come and go whenever — easy to leave for naps.
Why it's worth it: Petting zoo, games made for kids, and lots of space to wander with a stroller.
Walk through thousands of handblown glass pumpkins and fall pieces, watch glassblowing demonstrations, and grab free popcorn. Calm, visual, and not scary — great first "fall festival."
Why it's worth it: Pick-a-favorite pumpkin hunting, bright colors everywhere, short visit if attention fades.
Relaxed park festival with arts & crafts, live music, speakers, vendors, and food trucks — right next to the zoo and playground. Bring a picnic blanket and sunscreen.
Why it's worth it: Craft tables, music to dance to, and the playground is steps away when they need to run.
Kids ages 4+ race in small waves over walls, hay bales, balance beams, tubes — and yes, a mud pit. The Corny Island Festival runs alongside in the morning. Fundraiser for the Adventure Playground.
Why it's worth it: Ages 4–5 start at 10:00am in their own wave. Bring a full change of clothes and shoes!
Thunderbirds and Snowbirds, aerobatics, aircraft on the ground, and STEM exhibits. Gates open at noon; flying starts mid-afternoon. Kids 15 & under are free with an adult ticket.
Why it's worth it: Thrilling to watch but very loud — bring ear protection, shade, and plan around nap time.
Built for kids to learn by doing: pretend-play neighborhood, STEM stations, art studio, and sensory play. An easy 2–3 hour visit that rarely overwhelms.
Why it's worth it: Everything is touchable and made for kids to explore at their own pace.
Sacramento Childrens Museum 2701 Prospect Park Dr Rancho Cordova CA
Small, intimate sanctuary with close to 100 rescued animals — bears, bobcats, monkeys, and more. Right next to Lions Park playground, the Folsom Valley mini train, and the library.
Why it's worth it: Zoo in ~45 minutes, then train ride and playground — done before meltdown.
Aquarium meets petting zoo: touch stingrays, feed animals with tokens, and meet creatures from five continents. Same mall as the Expo — a perfect rainy-day or too-hot backup.
Why it's worth it: Hands-on from the first tank, and you control the pace indoors.
Storybook play sets, farm animals, gardens, and daily story time. Toddler Time (for ages 2–5) adds songs, sensory activities, and up-close animal introductions.
Why it's worth it: If you pick one "destination" outing, this is the region's best for kids.
Jungle-themed indoor playground with a multi-level play structure, slides, tunnels, and a ball pit in about 7,000 sq ft. Open play runs on weekdays; weekends are mostly reserved for birthday parties, so check the calendar before you go.
Why it's worth it: Big energy-burn indoors with lots to climb and slide — a solid rainy-day or heat-escape plan.
Newer farm-themed indoor play space with climbing structures and imaginative play zones. Families call out how clean and air-conditioned it stays, with staff tidying throughout the day — nice on hot NorCal afternoons.
Why it's worth it: Climb, slide, and pretend-play in a space designed for kids, then crash happily in the car.
Free hands-on learning center where kids can crank generators, play with magnets and puzzles, explore how water and energy work, and climb into the play garbage truck. Wednesday mornings often feature a toddler-friendly story and toy setup, and the library and Mahany Park playground are right there.
Why it's worth it: Buttons, cranks, and the garbage truck keep kids busy — and it's an easy library + playground combo.
Roseville Utility Exploration Center 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd Roseville CA
Small museum on an ancient village site with interactive exhibits, plus a shaded half-mile loop trail past petroglyphs and hundreds of bedrock grinding mortars under the oaks. Maidu Regional Park, a library branch, and picnic areas are right nearby for an easy add-on.
Why it's worth it: A short, stroller-friendly trail with real history to spot, then room to picnic and play at the park.
Long-running family fun center: two 18-hole mini golf courses, a big arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, and go-karts year-round. The Sunsplash water park side is seasonal (roughly spring–September) with a kiddie zone, lazy river, and wave pool. In October, look for Spooktacular mini golf as a not-scary Halloween outing.
Why it's worth it: Mini golf is an easy first "big outing," and the arcade gives you a short, contained add-on.
Adventure park built into a historic granite quarry. Older siblings and grown-ups can try zip lines and climbing challenges, while younger kids explore the netted Kidz Kove play area. Reservations are required and hours shift with weather, so book ahead.
Why it's worth it: A real "adventure" backdrop with a dedicated kids' cove — good when one kid wants big thrills and another wants to play.
Hands-on science, solar art, and tours of the historic powerhouse. Kids can tinker, make, and learn how hydropower works — all outdoors by the river.
Why it's worth it: Buttons, experiments, and art they can touch — plus room to roam.
Two costume-friendly options the same day: trick-or-treating at the zoo, and Folsom Police & Fire's free trunk-or-treat with service vehicles to explore.
Why it's worth it: Daytime, not-scary Halloween with animals or fire trucks — pick your kid's obsession.
Moana, Mirabel, Elsa, and more Disney heroes on ice with Mickey and Minnie hosting. Seven showtimes across the run — the 10:30am matinees are ideal for kids.
Why it's worth it: Favorite songs and characters, big spectacle, daytime shows that end before bedtime chaos.