Kid Friendly Road Trip Activities in Rancho Cordova, CA

The American River Parkway offers a paved two-lane path and a dirt path that follows the American River for 32 miles. Perfect for cyclists, walkers, and runners of all ages and experience levels, the trail includes mile markers, maps, water fountains, and restrooms. You can also find white water rafting tours along the American River.

Sacramento State Aquatic Center on gorgeous Lake Natoma is home to watersport rentals galore in the warmer months, a great fit for the family who loves peaceful paddles or the thrill of an inflatable obstacle course. Water safety trainings, summer camps, and all-age classes are available!

Explore the many local parks in and around Rancho Cordova for more outdoor fun. White Rock Splash Park is one of the largest splash parks in Northern California and Village Green Park includes a splash pad plaza. Hagan Community Park is our largest park at 80 acres boasting dozens of family-friendly amenities including an educational barn.

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center in nearby Carmichael is an award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within a 100-acre nature preserve on the beautiful American River Parkway. Explore on your own, enjoy a guided wildlife walk, tour the replica Maidu Indian summer village, see rescued animals inside the visitor center, explore interactive exhibits in the museum, and browse the discovery shop for books, toys, and unique gifts.

Sacramento Children's Museum is a welcoming, inclusive learning space for elementary aged children and younger. You'll find lots of hands-on play, artsy creation stations, guest performances, and exciting year-round events here!

Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (The MACC) engages your child's sense of creativity and awakens their thoughtfulness with free rotating art exhibits, performances, and workshops. This hidden gem has even hosted a traveling Smithsonian exhibit! This stop is best for middle school aged kids and older.

Sac Town Family Fun is the very definition of variety, offering glow-in-the-dark mini golf, an exhilarating arcade, and the latest and greatest virtual reality gaming experiences for the whole family. Pro tip: wear white so everyone can glow under the blacklights!

Granite Arch Climbing Center is a great choice for adventurous kids and teens who beg for active road trip pit stops. Offering a wide variety of indoor climbing experiences for all ages and experience levels, the climbing center features 20,000 square feet of wall area. You can boulder, top rope climb, or lead climb.

The California Mermaid Convention is a swim-ply amazing annual event that happens every May. Most convention events take place at Cordova Community Pool in Hagan Community Park. The convention features underwater mixers, exciting vendors, photo shoot opportunities, and interesting workshops for mermaid enthusiasts of all ages. It’s always a flipping good time! This event includes kids and adult programming for safety purposes.

Hangtown Motocross Classic is the perfect choice for adrenaline lovers in early June of each year. At this 3-day national motocross series, amateurs take to the track for a few days to rev up audience excitement before traveling professionals sling some mud for the televised event.

Pride Month activities occur every June in and around Rancho Cordova, a region that is proud to be welcoming and accepting of all kinds of families. Sacramento Children's Museum puts on some of the only family-friendly Pride events in Northern California. Older kids and their families can head just 15 minutes west to Sacramento to enjoy a stellar Pride festival with performers, vendors, and merch.

California Capital Airshow attendees are fascinated year after year watching talented jet teams soar across the skies performing dangerous aerial stunts. Climb through aircraft displays on the ground, meet real pilots, enjoy tasty food trucks, and cover your ears with some strong headphones... The fun is simply explosive! This event is held on a different weekend each year, so check our event calendar for upcoming dates. This event is noisy, so it's best for kids who can handle some volume.

Murieta Equestrian Center is the place to be for those who love horse shows, expos, dressage, and dog agility! Animals and their handlers travel from all over to compete in this nearby location. You'll also find plenty of shopping and great food to make your weekend of competition viewing complete. These events happen year round, from January through December.

Getting out on the river is fun, but it's important to be prepared! Strong currents, cold water, uneven river bottoms, changing water levels, and possible debris can impact your splash session in and around Rancho Cordova. Buckle up and don't forget to wear a life jacket. Kids under 13 MUST wear a life preserver according to local ordinance SCO 13.08.301 (a).

For more water safety rules, regulations, and recommendations, read the Regional Parks Water Guide for Sacramento County.