Busy Bees: Kid-Friendly Activities
Summer break is in full swing, and as you’ve been scratching your head wondering how to keep your kids entertained, we’ve compiled 10 fun activities (you can thank us later) to cure summertime boredom.
1. Get rough and tumble. Kids love nothing more than to run free, climb high, and hang off of things. Which is why Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin is the perfect place to expend some energy for your overactive brood. Check out their specially designed Kidz Cove, meant for kids ages 3-13, that’s filled with over 30 fun and challenging elements. From climbing nets and zip lines to balance beams and mazes, your kids will love the freedom and adventure. quarrypark.com/adventures/kidz-kove/
2. Pan for gold. Dive into our region’s rich history by panning for gold in the same spot that sparked the Gold Rush: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Start with the Gold Discovery Tour, a 45-minute guided walking tour that paints the vivid story of the Gold Rush. After you’ve struck (fool’s) gold in the panning troughs, take a break along the banks of the American River, picnicking under ancient oaks. Before you leave, visit the Gold Discovery Museum to learn about the Native Americans who called this spot home. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484
3. Get starry-eyed. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District is hosting “A Night Under the Stars” on July 29 at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and telescope to Sellwood Field to watch the peak of the Delta Aquarius meteor shower. Free hot chocolate and water will be served until 11 p.m.
4. Nerd out. STEAM On The Square is a carnival-themed celebration for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Head to Vernon Street in Roseville on July 16 from 10 a.m.-noon to participate in games, puzzles, and activities focused on STEAM. facebook.com/rosevilleparks
5. Row your boat. Cool the kiddos down by spending a few hours out on the water. Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma offers kayak rentals seven days a week and calm waters (thanks to the 5-mph speed limit for watercraft). They even have basic kayaking classes. If your little ones are up for a challenge, the aquatic center also rents stand-up paddleboards and canoes. sacstateaquaticcenter.com
6. Splash around. Our region is lucky to have a plethora of parks with water features to keep kids cool through summer’s heat. Whitney Park, Kathy Lund Park, and Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin all boast splash pads. In the Folsom area, visit John Kemp Community Park, Nisean Community Park, or Livermore Community Park and let the kiddos splash around with a variety of water features. You’ll also find splash pads at Vernon Street Town Square, Nela Luken Park at the Village Center, and Harry Crabb Park in Roseville. El Dorado Hills too, has a splash pad at Promontory Community Park.
7. Take a class together. Sign up for a fun activity for you and the kids to bond over. If you like to keep active, Be Well Roseville hosts Fitness in the Park—an outdoor exercise class for the whole family—once a month at various Roseville parks. Or choose to travel the world through art at Maidu Library’s “Culture without Borders” program. During this weekly parent and child art class, you’ll learn about a different culture and leave with a completed art project. roseville.ca.us/events
8. Roast marshmallows. Let the littles experience a quintessential summer tradition: Story time around a fire. Campfires, hosted by the City of Roseville, will be held once a month throughout the summer from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Maidu Museum and Historic Site. As you roast marshmallows in the bonfire, you’ll be regaled by Native American stories and served tasty treats. Admission is $5 for those who register online, $6 at the door, and free for children under two. roseville.ca.us/events
9. Get wild. Let the kids learn about zoology and feed animals at one of our local zoos. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults as well as children two or older (children under two gain free admission). After visiting the dozens of rescued animals, take a ride on the Folsom Valley Railway, a miniature scale steam train. folsomzoofriends.org
10. Frolic among fruit. You might think of Apple Hill as a cold-weather destination, but it’s still brimming with lots to do in the summertime. Pack up the kids and head to a local farm for scrumptious treats and adventures galore. Go flower picking at 24 Carrot Farm, play at Hidden Star Camino’s Kids’ Town, or roam the nature trail at Harris Family Farm. The kids will love it all! (Call before your visit to confirm times and activities.) applehill.com/fun-4-kids
Quarry Park Adventures
2. Pan for gold. Dive into our region’s rich history by panning for gold in the same spot that sparked the Gold Rush: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Start with the Gold Discovery Tour, a 45-minute guided walking tour that paints the vivid story of the Gold Rush. After you’ve struck (fool’s) gold in the panning troughs, take a break along the banks of the American River, picnicking under ancient oaks. Before you leave, visit the Gold Discovery Museum to learn about the Native Americans who called this spot home. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484
3. Get starry-eyed. The El Dorado Hills Community Services District is hosting “A Night Under the Stars” on July 29 at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and telescope to Sellwood Field to watch the peak of the Delta Aquarius meteor shower. Free hot chocolate and water will be served until 11 p.m.
4. Nerd out. STEAM On The Square is a carnival-themed celebration for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Head to Vernon Street in Roseville on July 16 from 10 a.m.-noon to participate in games, puzzles, and activities focused on STEAM. facebook.com/rosevilleparks
STEAM On The Square
5. Row your boat. Cool the kiddos down by spending a few hours out on the water. Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma offers kayak rentals seven days a week and calm waters (thanks to the 5-mph speed limit for watercraft). They even have basic kayaking classes. If your little ones are up for a challenge, the aquatic center also rents stand-up paddleboards and canoes. sacstateaquaticcenter.com
Fitness in the Park
6. Splash around. Our region is lucky to have a plethora of parks with water features to keep kids cool through summer’s heat. Whitney Park, Kathy Lund Park, and Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin all boast splash pads. In the Folsom area, visit John Kemp Community Park, Nisean Community Park, or Livermore Community Park and let the kiddos splash around with a variety of water features. You’ll also find splash pads at Vernon Street Town Square, Nela Luken Park at the Village Center, and Harry Crabb Park in Roseville. El Dorado Hills too, has a splash pad at Promontory Community Park.
Splash around
7. Take a class together. Sign up for a fun activity for you and the kids to bond over. If you like to keep active, Be Well Roseville hosts Fitness in the Park—an outdoor exercise class for the whole family—once a month at various Roseville parks. Or choose to travel the world through art at Maidu Library’s “Culture without Borders” program. During this weekly parent and child art class, you’ll learn about a different culture and leave with a completed art project. roseville.ca.us/events
8. Roast marshmallows. Let the littles experience a quintessential summer tradition: Story time around a fire. Campfires, hosted by the City of Roseville, will be held once a month throughout the summer from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Maidu Museum and Historic Site. As you roast marshmallows in the bonfire, you’ll be regaled by Native American stories and served tasty treats. Admission is $5 for those who register online, $6 at the door, and free for children under two. roseville.ca.us/events
Story time around a fire.
9. Get wild. Let the kids learn about zoology and feed animals at one of our local zoos. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults as well as children two or older (children under two gain free admission). After visiting the dozens of rescued animals, take a ride on the Folsom Valley Railway, a miniature scale steam train. folsomzoofriends.org
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open
10. Frolic among fruit. You might think of Apple Hill as a cold-weather destination, but it’s still brimming with lots to do in the summertime. Pack up the kids and head to a local farm for scrumptious treats and adventures galore. Go flower picking at 24 Carrot Farm, play at Hidden Star Camino’s Kids’ Town, or roam the nature trail at Harris Family Farm. The kids will love it all! (Call before your visit to confirm times and activities.) applehill.com/fun-4-kids
by Nelly Kislyanka
Splash Around photo by Jenna Dawn Photo. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.