Sm, Md, Lg: Education
Posted on April 22, 2008 – 5:05 PM | by OldManFoster
by Emily Scott
SMALL
Kite Flying—Free
Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height — or at least as high as the Delta breeze will take it! This classic pastime is a great way to spend time with your children. In most cases, you need go no further than a school yard, soccer field, park, or any locale with plenty of open space away from power lines and trees. South Natomas Community Center and Bill Conlin Youth Sports Complex on Freeport Blvd. are two possibilities. Want to know more about kite-flying? Old City Kites on 1017 Front St. will help you make heads or tails of your kite-flying endeavors. They have everything from kites and kite parts to pamphlets on safety tips and flying instructions.
www.oldcitykites.com.
Lemonade Stand for Charity—Free
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But when life gives to you, that is a perfect time to make a lemonade stand with the children in your life and give the profits to charity. To sweeten things up a bit, sell some brownies and cookies, too! What a perfect way to teach children about helping others. To get ideas on what charity to give to, visit www.charitynavigator.org. There is even a feature on the site that enables you to search by region, so if you desire, you can give to members of your own community.
Consumnes River Preserve—Free
Most local children have never seen the Central Valley untouched by farmland and suburban sprawl. The Consumnes River Preserve off Franklin Blvd. lets children and adults alike step back in time and see the Central Valley the way it used to be. The preserve is home to thousands of birds—and even the elusive river otter! To experience this wildlife first-hand, there are two trails open to the public, both of which have numbered markers that correspond with an educational trail brochure that is available at the Visitor Center. The Cosumnes River Preserve is located off Interstate 5 between Sacramento and Stockton.
www.cosumnes.org
MEDIUM
Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge—Adults $9.75, Children $7
Petroglyph, a ceramic lounge on 2030 Douglas Blvd. in Rosevillle, encourages patrons to “treasure the unique.” As it is very important to teach children to be unique and creative, Petroglyph is a perfect place to bring them. Both children and adults can partake in personalizing their own ceramics. Petroglyph offers hundreds of “paint-your-own” pieces to select from such as piggy banks and cappuccino mugs. There is a flat studio fee ($7 for children 12 and under and $9.75 for adults) which covers supplies — there is an additional cost for any pieces purchased. To make reservations, call 772-4ART. www.petroglyph.com
California State Railroad Museum—Adults $8, Children $3
The California State Railroad Museum on 111 I St. is regarded as the finest railroad museum in North America. It boasts beautifully restored trains and a variety of exhibits, such as Small Wonders, the nation’s most complete toy train exhibit. Also, every Saturday and Sunday from April through September, the museum offers a 40-minute train ride that passes through Old Sacramento. All aboard! www.csrmf.org
Discovery Museum Science and Space Center—Adults $5, Children $3-$4
Space, the final frontier! For those of us who do not have the opportunity to actually go into space, The Discovery Museum’s Space and Science Center on 3615 Auburn Blvd. offers the next best thing. At the space exhibit there are interactive activities that put children in the astronaut’s shoes — or boots in this case! There are other exhibits as well on topics a bit closer to home. The exhibits include the Bone Zone where you can learn about bones and how to have a healthy body as well as the Nature Discovery Room, which gives guests an up-close look at wildlife and insects. www.thediscovery.org
Effie Yeaw Nature Center—$4 per car
Take a walk on the wild side at Effie Yeaw Nature Center on 2850 San Lorenzo Way in Carmichael. The Nature Center has a 77-acre preserve where you could possibly see animals such as wild turkeys, hawks, deer, coyotes, and many others. To learn more about the wildlife as well as the natural and cultural history of the Sacramento area, visit the Discovery Room where there are fun, interactive activities and exhibits for children and adults. www.effieyeaw.org
Sutter’s Fort—Adults $4 , Children $3
Sutter’s Fort on 2701 L St. is a gold-mine for California history. John Sutter, constructed the famous fort in 1839 amid his agricultural empire. His fort became a pit-stop for gold-seekers on their way to search for fortune. Today the fort is more than just a pit stop—It has been restored to the state it was in over 150 years ago and is open daily for tours. To really step back in time, visit the fort on a Living History Day. On those days, park docents don authentic 1840s garb and are clueless about cell phones and iPods. They also engage in typical 1840s activities and guests are invited to join in. www.parks.ca.gov/suttersfort
LARGE
Gibson Ranch Guided Trail Rides—$32-$48
Gibson Ranch on 8556 Gibson Ranch Rd. in Elverta is one of the best kept secrets in the Sacramento area. And no wonder — they offer guided trail rides to adults and children over 8 that pass through the very scenic Dry Creek. There couldn’t be a better way to see the park. How much cash do you have to pony up for these trail rides, you may ask? The prices range depending on if the ride is group or private as well as the length of the ride. Reservations are necessary though, so before you saddle up and come on over, make sure to call (916) 991-7592. www.gibson-ranch.com
The Children’s Theatre of CA at The B Street
Theatre—Adults $20, Children $15
Come bring your precocious little one to see another child, perhaps equally precocious. Junie B. Jones is playing at the B Street Theatre on 2711 B St. every Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 4 pm from Sept. 15th through Oct. 28th. It is the theatrical adaptation of the popular children’s series which follows the title character, a spunky and intelligent first-grader, through a variety of adventures. For more information, call the box office at (916) 443-5300. www.bstreettheatre.org
California Canoe and Kayak Rental—$60 per day
Want to make a splash with your children this season? Take them canoeing! No Canoe? No problem! California Canoe and Kayak has got you covered. Their local facility, on 12401 Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova, is open daily. Unless you are looking for a specific type of canoe, there is no need to make reservations. California Canoe and Kayak has a wide selection to chose from. With countless places to launch your canoe including the American River Parkway, Folsom Lake, and Consumnes River Preserve, the Sacramento area is the perfect place for your paddling adventure www.calkayak.com