Who needs to go away on a vacation this summer when there are so many fun things to do in our own backyard?

Our area provides ample opportunity for loads of laughs and plenty of exciting ways to spend the area’s bright days and warm nights. To help you kick off the season, we present our annual Summer Fun Guide, including the related mp3 download suggestions for your summer mix-tape you’ve come to know and love. By the end of August, your playlist will be a happy reminder of all your family’s adventures!

WARM UP: Active Fun Around Town

Think fun, think sun, think cool, think pool! On June 4, the Natomas Raquet Club, located at 2450 Natomas Park Drive in 
Sacramento,
is hosting Summer Splash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Geared towards elementary-aged children, Summer Splash is a family-friendly event, sure to beat the heat with swimming, water games, music, arts and crafts, a fitness challenge, a raffle, prizes and even an obstacle course! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Kids under three and adults are free! Call 916-649-0909 or visit summer-splash.com for more details.

Download: “Water” by Beautiful Girls

Might as well jump! One of the most exciting spots in town, Sky High, located at 11327 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 160 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. Complete with a snack bar and a court reserved for “little jumpers,” Sky High provides fun for the whole family. Tickets cost $9 for the first hour, $6 for the second hour Monday-Thursday. Weekends sell out, so patrons are encouraged to book online up to two days in advance. Check out their AIRobics class schedule online for a more structured workout. Call 916-853-5867 or visit sacramento.jumpskyhigh.com.

Download: “Jumpin Jumpin” by Destiny’s Child

Grab a bag of peanuts and head out to the ball field to watch America’s pastime live! Watch the Sacramento River Cats as they rock another season at Raley Field. Tickets start at $7 for general admission lawn seats on Homerun Hill (rivercats.com). Also, check out the community team comprised of the best college players in the Western U.S. The Gold Sox play at Appeal-Democrat Park in Marysville. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online at goldsox.com. And of course, if you’re longing for some major league action, World Series champion San Francisco Giants are just a short drive away. AT&T Park’s box office can be accessed online at sanfranscisco.giants.mlb.com.

Download: “Baseball” by I.R.M. Crew

What’s up with SUP? Stand Up Paddling is gaining popularity out at Folsom Lake, both with kids and grown-ups. Stay cool in the Valley’s sweltering sun this summer by learning how to SUP with the kids. For details, including where to rent equipment, as well as video tutorials, visit supfolsom.com.

Download: “Rowing Song” by Patty Griffin

The Sacramento Capitals World Team Tennis gears up for another big WTT championship season. Setting up shop for three weeks during July in a sectioned off portion of Sunrise Mall’s parking lot, (Yep, they are returning home!) any seat in the Capitals’ stadium is great to watch top American player Mardy Fish take on some of the sports biggest stars. Sac Capitals play high-energy matches against Serena Williams, the Bryan Brothers and Martina Hingis. What’s not to love? For details, visit saccaps.com.

Download: “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar

In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt named Muir Woods the tenth National Monument of the USA. Located just 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can hike your heart out on any one of its 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 1-1/2 mile paved winding trails, lined by the tallest living things on the planet – coastal redwoods. Muir Woods is an incredible sight. Before your trip, Google “Growing is Forever on Vimeo,” for an inspiring short video that will get you in the mindset for beholding the beauty of nature. For details, call 415-388-2596 or visit nps.gov/muwo.

Download: “Gift of the Trees” by Xavier Rudd

What secrets lurk beneath our streets? Get down and dirty and learn about it on an hour-long, guided, underground walking tour of Old Sacramento. Presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation and the Sacramento History Museum, participants will check in at the History Museum, located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento, then descend below old buildings, walk along uneven surfaces, explore enclosed pathways, and learn from the guides many tales dating back nearly 150 years. Advanced tickets are recommended, as the tours have gained much popularity through the years. Tickets ($15 for adults and $10 for children 6-17) are available for purchase online or in person. Children 5 and under are free. For additional information, call 916-808-7059 or visit historicoldsac.org.

Download: “Underneath it All” by No Doubt

If the heat’s got you beat, chill out by taking a spin on the ice. Try Skatetown in Roseville (1009 Orlando Avenue, 916-783-8550) to help bring out your inner Kristi Yamaguchi or Brian Boitano, or triple lutz your day away at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena (1176 Rufus Allen Boulevard, 530-542-6262). General admission for public skate sessions start at $7.50. For details, visit skatetown-roseville.com or recreationintahoe.com.

Download: “Ice Cold” by Ryan Leslie

STATE OF THE ART: Cultural Happenings

Who needs Broadway, when we have such a rich local theater scene? Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre presents The Kids Left, The Dog Died, Now What? from June 10-July 17 – a musical that follows its baby-boomer characters through mid-life attempts to keep hold of their youth. Tickets are $23 for general admission. The theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street and can be reached at 916-353-1001 or sutterstreettheatre.com. Other theatres to check out: The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, located at 1000 K Street, at the corner of 10th and K in downtown Sacramento (californiamusicaltheatre.com), or change it up and watch this season’s production of Annie under the stars at the Fair Oaks Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheatre located at 7991 California Avenue in Fair Oaks.

Download: “The Show Must Go On” by Queen

Visit El Dorado Hills Town Center (4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 212) for their Live on the Boulevard Concert Series, June through September. Check out eldoradohillstowncenter.com or call 916-933-6699 For details.

This year marks PlacerArts’ 23rd Annual Summer Series free concerts at Auburn’s Library Garden Theatre. Pack your picnic baskets and blankets and listen to local artists as the sun sets. Music starts at 7 p.m. Perfect for the whole family! Call 530-885-5670 for more information or visit placerarts.org. Royer Park in Roseville (190 Park Drive) offers free concerts the third Sunday of the month at 6 p.m.

Download: “No Dues” by Cuesta Drive

Walk, talk, and enjoy the art at one of our areas many Art Walks. Stroll down Folsom’s Sutter Street every second Saturday of the month from 5-9 p.m. for art, wine and snacks. Or jump on the freeway and head to downtown Sacramento’s renowned Second Saturday Art Walk, which features over 35 galleries, street vendors, musicians, food, wine and more. (Galleries map and more information at 2nd-Sat.com.) Roseville holds theirs the third Saturday of every month (visit 3rdSatArtWalk.com for a map of galleries), as does Placerville, along Main Street in Historic Downtown (placerville-downtown.org).

Download: “A Long Walk” by Jill Scott

ALL'S FAIR: Festivals and Fairs Abound

Pack a picnic and head out to Elk Grove Regional Park’s Strauss Island to watch the 24th Annual Strauss Festival, July 28-31. Enjoy the choreographed story line 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 stunning fireworks show. The festival is free to the public, and parking is $10 per car. Souvenirs, beer, wine and food are available for sale. See pictures and listen to some of Strauss’s classic pieces at straussfestival.com.

Download: “Do Not Tease the Viennese”  by Beethoven’s Wig

Ferris wheels, midway games, cotton candy, oh my! Summer means fair season! Pet the livestock, win a stuffed bear, and gorge on junk food at the 2011 Rockin’ and Wranglin’ El Dorado County Fair, held June 16-19. Tickets for those between ages 7-12 and 60+ are $7. Fair-goers ages 13 and older are $9. All the fun happens at the El Dorado County fairgrounds located at 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville (eldoradocountyfair.org, 530-621-5860). Check out the Placer County Fair between June 23 and June 26. Get to the fairgrounds (located at 800 All America City Boulevard in Roseville) before 3 p.m. and admission is free! After 3 p.m., adult admission is $4, kids and seniors (60+) are $2 (placercountyfair.org). And of course, there is the granddaddy of all fairs: The California State Fair! Join in the festivities July 14-31 at Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard in Sacramento) and enjoy funky concerts by the likes of MC Hammer and Three Dog Night, as well as a new dinosaur exhibit. For details, visit bigfun.org.

Download: “County Fair” by Beach Boys

Now through the end of July, Vernon Street in downtown Roseville closes four blocks for their Downtown Tuesday Nights street fair. A kids’ fun zone and pony rides provide entertainment for the little ones, while a classic car show, a beer and margarita garden and farmers’ market allows the big kids some fun too! Call 916-787-0101 for more information. The Fountains at Roseville 2011 Summer Concert Series, Friday Fun Nights and First Friday street fairs are in full swing from now until September. Enjoy live music Wednesdays (7-9 p.m.) and Saturdays (8-10 p.m.). Friday Fun Nights include music by AllStar DJ Group, dance lessons, plus games and prizes! For more details, visit thefountainsatroseville.com.

Download: “My Hometown” by Bruce Springsteen

Celebrate the Independence Day holiday a couple days early at Cameron Park’s 12th Annual Summer Spectacular and Fireworks Show. Last year, an estimated 10,000 people took part in the festivities, which, like this year include live music, delicious food, and, of course, a world-class fireworks show produced by the same pyrotechnic company that lit up the skies at Superbowls, several Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, and the 100th anniversary celebration of the Statue of Liberty. The 2011 program expands this year to include a hot dog eating contest, a fireman’s bucket brigade, all sorts of art and craft vendors, as well as music by Steelin' Dan and Late For Dinner. Join in the fun on July 2 at Cameron Park Lake (2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park). For details, visit cpfireworks.com.

Download: “Firework” by Katy Perry

What could be more peachy-keen than the 11th annual Marysville Peach Festival? An event free to the public, the festival offers live music, tons of stuff for the kids including carnival rides, a 5K run-walk, and obviously, lots of delicious peach goodies to taste. The festival is scheduled for July 15 and 16. To learn more, visit marysvillepeachfest.com or call 530-749-3954.

Download: “Peaches and Cream” (edited version) by 112

Dust your boots off and put on your favorite wrangler wear. The Folsom Pro Rodeo is back, July 1-3! Not only will there be wild rodeo action and nightly mutton-busting, but the spectacular fireworks show will blow your mind. See freestyle motocross talent Jesse Jolson perform, and after the rodeo...the action heats up in Mike's Golden Spike Saloon where The Brodie Stewart Band provides foot-stomping energy. For details, visit folsomprorodeo.com.

Download: “Rodeo You've Cast a Spell" by Chris LeDoux

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CAMPS…

Sharks in the Dark may sound scary at first, but at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, that phrase takes on a whole new meaning. Participants bring their sleeping bags for a slumber party in the Shark Experience exhibit. The $129.99 per person fee gets you dinner, a hot breakfast, a squid dissection, activities, an educational lecture with one of the park’s shark aquarists, a T-shirt and park admission the following day. Overnight dates for the 2011 season are June 24, July 23, and August 19 from 6 p.m.- 9 a.m. Children must be at least seven years old to attend and all participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent (one chaperone per every 10 kids). To book your overnight stay, call 707-556-5274 or visit sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/entertainment/AllEntertainment.aspx.

Download: “Shark’s Tooth” by Archie Bronson Outfit

The Sierra Mountain Music Camp gears up for their 17th season providing campers a unique musical experience at their facilities at Diamond Arrow, just six miles from historic Nevada City .  Because of the lack of state and federal funding, school orchestras and choirs have been cut, the SMMC seeks to supplement their campers’ education by offering an overnight, weeklong, co-ed camp both for singers and instrumental musicians this summer from June 19-25, commencing in a concert on June 26 at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church. And like any summer camp, SMMC still has its campers participate in traditional activities like campfire sing-a-longs, talent shows, swimming, sports, a ropes course, arts and crafts and rock climbing. Tuition is $550 per camper. Register online at sierramountainmusiccamp.org.

Download:  “Listen to the Music” by Doobie Brothers

Giddyap! Just for the animal-loving kids who need to be challenged, Cavallo Stables in nearby Penryn offers their annual Summer Horse Camp. This hands-on camp is a great way for children to learn the various elements of horsemanship, including safety. Each camper will have an opportunity to ride each day, learn new skills, get comfortable on a horse, and even win prizes for the many learning games. Camp is open to boys and girls ages 6-12, and no experience is necessary. Each session is Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sessions begin June 13 and additional sessions may be added upon request. To get saddled up, visit cavallostables.com.

Download: “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” by Brooks and Dunn with Reba McEntire

On June 24-25, Fairytale Town invites you to come sleep under the stars at their Family Camp Out. The event includes a special theatre performance, hands-on activities, a fairytale-themed scavenger hunt, a group sing-a-long and a bedtime story. Tickets range in price from $20-$30, and include all activities, an evening snack and light breakfast in the morning.

Other exciting day camps are offered all summer long at Fairytale Town for children of kindergarten age and older.  Kids 4-6 can learn about barn owls, how to garden, how to become rock stars, ignite their inner artist, or make puppets and create their own puppet shows. Kids 6-12 can expand their learning in the areas of comic book basics, mixed media art projects, singing, musical instruments, drama and kitchen chemistry. Each FunCamp fee is $130 per camp, per camper. All registrations are done online at fairytaletown.org. Call 916-808-8444 for more information or email them at [email protected].

Download: “Jungle Gym” by Jack Johnson and G. Love

InternalDrive (ID) Tech Camps is offering a Computer Camp course for the second summer in a row at California State University, Sacramento. Kids ages 7-17 are invited to attend this weeklong, co-ed, overnight camp, which averages six students per highly trained, adult instructor.  Among the menu of options for kids and teens: video game design, Web design, flash animation and video editing, utilizing some of the most state-of-the-art computer products available, like Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Microsoft and more. Campers leave with measurable skills that will serve them long after school starts up again in the fall. Camps are offered from the last week of June through the first week of August and begin at $799 per camper. Check availability online at internaldrive.com or call 888-709-8324 to request a brochure and additional information.

Download: “Computer Love” by Zapp

For your budding artist ages 14-16, Oxbow Summer Art Camp (whose slogan is “no lanyards made here”) is the place to be this summer. Located in scenic Napa, campers spend a week gaining top instruction in project-based art in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, digital and black and white darkroom photography, fabrication and installation and media/computer arts. Participants are exposed to a wide range of aesthetics and styles, learn about engaging in the artistic process from inspiration to creation, give and receive peer feedback, and reflect through writing. And though the camp is art focused, it’s still a summer camp!  Artists have ample time to get out of the studio and swim, hike and enjoy the outdoors. Each camp runs 15 days and tuition is $3,200 per session; a $750 deposit will reserve your camper’s space. Visit oxbowsummercamp.org to register online and see pictures of the incredible art created at the camp. 

Download: “When I Paint My Masterpiece” by The Band

MORE COOL WAYS FOR CAMPERS TO ENJOY SUMMER…

If you want to spend some time away from the summer heat, then go to Camp Cool Summer Day Camp at Skatetown in Roseville. Daily activities include on-ice games such as Monster Basketball and broomball as well as off-ice such as art projects and board games. A 30-minute clinic is included. By the end of the week, campers have the chance to show off their new skating skills at the Camp Cool Ice Show. Campers must be ages 6-12 and no skating experience is needed. Three sessions are offered each month for a week. The start dates of each session are June 20, July 5, and August 1. Camp hours are from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuition per session is $225 full week and $50 daily drop-in fee. For more information call 916-783-8550 ext.115 or visit skatetown-roseville.com/summer/summer.html.

Star Eco Station in Rocklin is offering eight weeks of camp with each week focusing on a theme. Each day goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first week starts on June 13. The last week’s theme is “Best of Eco” starting on August 8-August 12. Each day campers are doing something different; one day could be learning about geckos and the next day could be spending time with the exotic birds. This experience is for campers that love all that is offered and have the chance to learn about various creatures. The camp is opened to incoming 1st-7th graders. The fee is $190 per week + $25 one time registration fee. Call 916-632-8347, or to register and for more information visit ecostation.org.

Animal Art Exploration is one of the camps at El Dorado Hills Community Services District for ages 5-7. Students learn how and why animals excite the human imagination. They explore the animal kingdom with drawings of animals such as toucans, lizards, insects and more. Each day consists of a warm up exercise, a material/technique lesson, and a drawing or clay sculpture. All projects will be passed out on the last day. It is Monday through Friday and starts on June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. The fee is $155. For more information and to register visit edhcsd.org/classes_and_activities_youth_camps.html.

The Placer Nature Center is offering Sunlight, Starlight & Orbs! for ages 8-12. Campers explore the day and night sky through experiments with plants, prisms, and solar cooking. They learn about asteroids, galaxies, constellations, phases of the moon, sun and the lifecycle of a star. Games such as “Catch a Falling Star” where campers have the chance to look for real meteorites are played. Also, included is building a sundial, making a constellation booklet and building a solar system mobile. Starting on June 27 and ending on July 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $85. To register and for more information visit placernaturecenter.org/summercamp/.

If your child is curious about the job of a zookeeper, then Junior Zookeeper Camp is the place to be. Located at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary for ages 7-10, campers will learn hands-on what it’s like to be a zookeeper. They help prepare animal diets, make toys for the animals, participate in animal handling and clean exhibits. Campers also help groom and walk miniature donkeys and horses. Another day includes cleaning the large animal exhibits such as bears, tigers, and cougars. Each session runs Monday through Friday. The session start dates are June 13, June 27, July 11 and August 1. Each day begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. The fee is $330 and $289 resident discount. Register online at webtrac.folsom.ca.us.

Stardust Pony Dreams in Lincoln introduces Sizzling Summer Horse Camp. Children learn basic to advanced horsemanship depending on their experience. They learn how to catch a pony from pasture, how to halter their pony, how to lead, groom, saddle, bridle, ride, and proper care and maintenance. There is course riding/ instruction daily as well as games on horseback and introduction to jumping. There are four sessions each for one week; two day sessions with the option of half day 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for $250 or full 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for $520 starting on June 27 and also on July 18. The afternoon sessions start at 4 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. for $250. The first session starts on July 25 and the second starts on August 1. To register online and for more information visit stardustponydreams.com/summercamp.

Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova is giving the opportunity to students entering 2nd-12th grades to attend a day camp. Children have the hands-on experience of growing and harvesting, cooking and eating fresh fruits from the garden and habitat restoration projects. They also go on nature explorations, make nature crafts, participate in community service projects, meet the farmers and animals while making new friends. Participants get the opportunity to make a connection between food, health, and the environment as well as learning about what it takes to bring food from the farm to the table. There are six sessions, Monday through Friday and each is divided between grade levels. The first session starts on June 13. To register and for more information visit soilborn.org or call 916-363-9685.

MovieWorkz! Animation Camp, just for the kids who are interested in animation. Located at the Folsom Sports Complex, participants
are able to experience the animation production process from story idea to drawing. They also learn to capture frames and edit the final work. Kids ages 7-10 explore the fundamentals of art and video production and apply those to class projects. There are many opportunities for creative and artistic expression. The class is Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and starts on July 25. The fee is $157 and $150 resident discount; $20 materials fee due to instructor at first class. Cameras and computer equipment are provided. Register online at webtrac.folsom.ca.us.

McLaughlin Studio Theatre in Loomis is introducing Summer Hip-Hop Dance Camp for ages 12+. This is designed for the junior high and high school dancer. Students go more in depth with hip-hop training, including the latest trends and dance moves. Great for the student who wants to improve or who has no previous experience. It starts on July 11 and goes to August 5 Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $240. For more information call 916-652-6377 or visit mclaughlinstudios.com.

The Spanish Summer Camp is offered through the Spanish Immersion Program in Sacramento for ages 3-5 and 6-11. The classes will be separated by age. There are three sessions each for one week with the first starting June 27 and goes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is an interactive hands-on language learning camp and features crafts, songs, music, games, conversational and written activities. They are taught in themed units and the activities are based on them. Some of the themes are cooking and art. Students will go home with completed projects and supplemental materials to help them practice at home. To register and for more information visit thespanishimmersion.com, email [email protected] or call 916-486-8276.