Remember back in the day when every summer seemed to warrant its own new mix-tape? And how even now, some songs instantly transport you back to nostalgic memories gone by? Well, this year, for our Fourth Annual Summer Fun Guide, we thought we’d shake things up a bit and follow that inspiration. In addition to the fun family activities you’ve come to expect, we’ve also included a song to download to put your yet-to-be-created Summer 2008 memories to music. By the end of August, your play list will be a happy reminder of all your family’s adventures. Play the songs in the car on the way to your destination, or as a way to spark anticipation in the kiddies. Whatever you choose, these outings and their rhythmic accompaniments are sure to provide enough fun for the kid in everyone.

Fun for the Family Around Town...
Nothing says summer like baseball! The Sacramento River Cats, the minor league team of the Oakland A’s, provide all the excitement of the majors, not to mention the ballpark hotdogs and fireworks over Raley Field. Tickets start at $7 for general admission lawn seats on Homerun Hill. rivercats.com.
Download: “Centerfield” by John Fogerty.

The Fair Oaks
Theatre Festival is celebrating their 26th year of plays under the stars. This summer’s shows include Alice in Wonderland and the musical Suessical. General admission tickets are $15 and children 12 and under are just $5. For tickets and show times, call 916-966-3683, or visit fairoakstheatrefestival.com.
Download: “Shining Star” by Earth Wind and Fire.

While we’re on the subject of enjoying the arts outside, why not stop by Roseville’s Royer Park for their Roseville Music in the Park series? Live bands will jam the night away every fourth Sunday of the month, June through August, with a special additional show on July 4. Concerts are free to the public (bring a blanket!). 190 Park Drive, Roseville. rosevillemusicinthepark.com.
Download: “Sitting in the Park” by Billy Stewart

For sports fans, the summer is the time to catch 11-year veteran, Ticha Penichiero, and 10-year veteran, Yolanda Griffith, plus the rest of the lovely ladies of the Sacramento Monarchs ball it up. Tickets range from $17.50 to $39.50. wnba.com/monarchs.
Download: “I Wish (I Was a Little Bit Taller)” by Skee-Lo.

Ferris wheels, midway games and cotton candy can only mean one thing: it’s fair season! Visit the Placer County Fair between June 19 and 22. Pet the livestock, win a stuffed bear, and get sick on junk food! Ride tickets are a dollar each or between $25 and $30 for unlimited ride wristbands. placercountyfair.org.
Download: “County Fair” by Bruce Springsteen.

Get the whole family together for some real monkey business. Visit the lions, tigers and bears at the Sacramento Zoo at William Land Park. Every Tuesday night this summer, the zoo features live music to coax the inner animal out of the young and old. saczoo.com.
Download: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens.

Another summer-only spectator sporting event is the Sacramento Capitols World Team Tennis. Setting up shop for three weeks during July in a sectioned-off portion of the Galleria’s parking lot, any seat in the Capitals’ stadium is great to watch Sacramento native Sam Warburg and Sac Capitals vet Lindsey Davenport play in their high-energy matches. What’s not to love? gocaps.net.
Download: “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar.

As temperatures hit triple digits, why not cool down with a leisurely float down the lower American River? Rafting has long been a popular Sacramento summer staple. Fill up a cooler with picnic goodies and float it in a raft with you and your crew. Just make sure to throw your trash away to keep our waterways clean! river-rat.com.
Download: “Rock the Boat” by The Hues Corporation.

Pack a picnic and head out to the Elk Grove Regional Park’s Strauss Island to watch the 22nd Annual Strauss Festival, July 24-27. Enjoy the choreographed story performed by costumed dancers as they waltz to familiar classical renditions of Strauss’s masterpieces played by a 32-piece live orchestra. No doubt, you will be on your feet after the dancers glide to his opus “Blue Danube.” Each night is capped off with a festive fireworks show. The festival is free to the public, and parking is $10 per car. straussfestival.com.
Download: “Do Not Tease the Viennese” by Beethoven’s Wig.

School’s out for summer! But why not learn what it was like for kids in Sacramento in the 1800s? The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse museum, located at 1200 Front Street in historic Old Sacramento offers free admission for the public. What would it be like to have kindergarteners through twelfth graders in one classroom? Here, find out! The Web site offers free downloadable sample lessons for kids. scoe.net/oldsacschoolhouse.
Download: “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper.

One of Sacramento’s oldest attractions is the Crocker Art Museum located at 2nd and O Streets downtown. This summer, check out the visiting exhibits: The Language of the Nude: Four Centuries of Drawing the Human Body and American Pop: Andy Warhol’s Athletes. Enjoy live jazz music every third Thursday through September in neighboring Crocker Park. Admission to the museum is $6 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID, and kids six and under are free. crockerartmuseum.org, 916-808-7000.
Download: “Pictures and Paintings” by Charlie Rich.

Might as well jump! One of the new hotspots in town, Sky High, in Rancho Cordova will have you jumping for joy. The all-trampoline floors and all-trampoline walls not only keep things hopping, but also provide for a great aerobic workout. $9 for the first hour, $6 for the second hour Monday through Thursday (call for weekend rates). 916-853-5867, jumpskyhigh.com.
Download: “Jump” by Van Halen.

Family Day Trips and Overnights...
The Exploratorium is a fascinating science adventure for the curious kid in everyone. Hands-on experiments help teach the wonders of motion, space, nature, the mind and many other realms of science. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for children 13-17, $9 for children ages four to 12, and free for children three and under. Located at 3601 Lyon Street in San Francisco, the museum is right next to the Palace of Fine Arts, with exquisite architecture perfect for picture and picnic backdrops. 415-563-7337, exploratorium.edu.
Download: “Why Does the Sun Shine?” by They Might Be Giants.

After the Exploratorium, hit up the famous Ghirardelli Square, only about one mile away. With shopping, restaurants, and a chill atmosphere to sit and hang out, this SF mainstay is almost always bustling. But the main reason to come to Ghirardelli Square? The chocolate, of course! Watch the chocolate stir in its drums and indulge in a delicious hot fudge sundae, the way only Ghirardelli can make them. With views of the bay, on the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli is just one block away from the cable car turnaround on Beach and Hyde Streets. ghirardellisq.com.
Download: “The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis Jr.

Kong. Medusa. Roar. We’re not talking monsters here. Actually, they’re heart-pounding roller coasters at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. Even if zipping through the sky upside down isn’t your thing, seeing the whales, dolphins, giraffes, elephants, and other wildlife, is definitely worth the trip. General admission is $49.99, but if you buy online, it’s only $34.99, $29.99 for kids less than 48” in height and kids two and under are free. Visit the park on June 13 for Safari Discovery Day to interact with trainers and animals one-on-one. sixflags.com/discoverykingdom.
Download: “Rollercoaster of Love” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Tahoe will be a welcome respite once the sun starts baking the valley. The Village at Squaw Valley USA is the perfect solution for active families seeking to get outdoors together. Within walking distance of lodging at the Village, families can enjoy a number of exciting activities, such as horseback riding, meteor shower campouts, mini-golf, indoor rock climbing, and a ropes course. Rates begin at $159/night. thevillageatsquaw.com.
Download: “Nature Anthem” by Granddaddy.

Get a taste of the bayou this summer at the 22nd Annual Isleton Crawdad Festival, June 13-15. As you delight in the delicacies of Southern fare, like jambalaya, gumbo, and of course, crawdads, listen to the music that put New Orleans on the map. The festival will feature blue grass, zydeco, jazz and blues bands, plus three days worth of fun in this charming Delta town. Tickets are just $5. crawdadfestival.org.
Download: “Jambalaya” by Zydeco Hounds.

For a sensual, relaxing couple’s retreat, head over to the Rocklin Park Hotel, where both you and your sweetie can enjoy a couple’s massage outside on a secluded plateau with a view from their Spa LaLé. Choose from a menu of services starting at $60 per person. To book, call 916-760-1299, or visit rocklinpark.com.
Download: “Smooth it Out” by Cuesta Drive.

Maybe the night on the town calls for a little more lingering. You don’t have to go too far to experience a romantic bed and breakfast setting. The elegant Vizcaya Mansion, located at 21st Street between T and U Streets in Sacramento, is a romantic getaway in your own backyard. This B&B has nine sleeping rooms complete with Italian marble Jacuzzi tubs and offers a full service breakfast in luxurious surroundings. Rooms start at $159 per night. For reservations call 800-456-2019, or click on sterlinghotel.com/vizcaya. sterlinghotel.com/vizcaya.
Download: “Breakfast in Bed” by Nicole Kea.

Catch an indie flick at the historic Tower Theatre on Land Park Drive in Sacramento and nosh next door at the hip and eclectic Tower Café. Known for their character and charm, these Sacramento landmarks emanate the nostalgia of time past and are ideal for a fun night on the town. Check their websites for movie times and menus. thetowertheatre.com, towercafe.com.
Download: “Dinner and a Movie” by Phish.

After your celebration of patriotism on the 4th of July, head up to Nevada City’s Red White and Blues Night on July 5. Couples pack picnics to be shared at Pilot Peak Winery. The Winery provides the red wine, the white candles and a night of sassy blues music. The event is from 7-10 p.m. Email [email protected] for RSVP information and ticket prices. ncgold.com/events.
Download: “Blues and Wine” by the Bis-quits.