Top 7 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rancho Cordova

Find out about our top budget-friendly activities and events.

You don’t have to break the bank to have fun in Rancho Cordova, CA. There are plenty of free and low-cost activities and events for your family to enjoy. Here are the top budget-friendly things to do in the area:

  1. Hagan Community Park
  2. Folsom Historic District
  3. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
  4. Local Farms & Farmer's Markets
  5. Free Friday Nights in Summer
  6. Third Sundays at Crocker Art Museum
  7. California State Capitol Museum

Learn more about each of these free things to do below:

1. Play in Hagan Community Park

Enjoy the fresh air at this 80-acre oasis situated right on the American River. Hagan Community Park's many amenities will keep your group entertained for hours. Bring your pup along to run and play in the dog park or tote your fishing gear and drop a line in the lagoon. Use the park's grills and picnic tables for dining al fresco, and don't forget to explore the playgrounds and winding trails too.

2. Head to Folsom Historic District

Learn about the Gold Rush and pioneer history at the Folsom Historic District, just Northeast of Rancho Cordova. Folsom’s picturesque streets will transport you to a bygone era. Be sure to take your little ones to Pioneer Village to see how miners and pioneers lived. Kids can explore a real Southern Pacific Railroad caboose and try their hands at panning for gold! Look for seasonal events, including a Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

3. Wander on The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail

Experience the beauty of The American River by walking, running, or biking along this paved pathway. The trail system runs for 32 miles and connects from Folsom to Sacramento. Runners and walkers who prefer a softer surface will appreciate the trail's gravel shoulder. The course meets up with other walking and biking paths and connects with many parks, too, for a day of adventurous possibilities!

4. Visit With Local Farmers

Head to Soil Born Farms to learn about where food comes from in a beautiful outdoor setting. This fantastic community resource hosts plenty of events and hands-on demonstrations throughout the year. Rancho Cordova is also home to several ongoing farmers' markets. Visit a local market to meet regional growers and makers, hear live music, and connect with the community.

5. Free Friday Nights in the Summer

The free, family-friendly fun heats up in the summer months. Every Friday evening in June, head to Rancho Cordova's Village Green Park for free moonlight movies. Bring your chairs or blankets and relax with a family-friendly flick. Every Friday night in August, Village Green Park hosts free live concerts plus food trucks and family-friendly activities.

6. Feast Your Eyes at The Crocker Art Museum

Get inspired by the fantastic painting, sculptures, and artifacts at Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. Children under 5 are always free, and every third Sunday is a pay what you wish day. Housed in a beautiful space, the Crocker Art Museum offers a stunning permanent collection and plenty of rotating exhibits and events.

7. Tour The California State Capitol Museum

Get a behind-the-scenes look at California's seat of government, with a visit to the State Capitol Museum. Take a guided tour or move through at your own pace and be sure to visit the 40-acre park, which includes a World Peace Rose Garden and many memorials and monuments.

Looking for more fun things to do while you're here? See the top things to do, find family fun, and explore inspiring travel itineraries.

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