Sacramento, the capitol city of the state of California, owes its existence to Swiss immigrant Captain John Sutter, who helped establish it in 1839. The city became the epicenter of commerce during the California Gold Rush, and many of the attractions in the city reflect this time in history. You and your kids can find things to do in the Sacramento area, including free and inexpensive activities.
Visit Old Sacramento
Take a self-guided tour of this 28-acre area of Sacramento, established in 1849. It is the located on the Sacramento River. This part of the city, considered a National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park, offers free things for you to do with your kids. Constructed during the time of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad, this area has wooden sidewalks and 19th century architecture. You and your kids can ride horse-drawn carriages and see old-fashioned candy shops. Enjoy a reenactment of the Gold Rush or visit the B.F. Hastings Building, which houses part of the Wells Fargo History Museum. See the Big Four Building, named for the four men who played major roles in Western railroading. Take your kids to the Old Sacramento School House. You only pay for any food or souvenirs purchased at shops.
Old Sacramento Visitor Center
1002 Second St.
Sacramento, CA 95814-3204
(916) 442-7644
oldsacramento.com
Old City Cemetery
Visit this historic Sacramento cemetery, which opened in 1849 when Captain John Sutter donated the 10-acre burial site. You and your kids can take a self-guided tour of the graveyard or a guided walking tour on Saturdays. Learn about notable people buried at this site, including more than 600 victims of the 1850 cholera epidemic, the first people interred at the cemetery. City forefathers---such as city founder Captain Sutter, railroad mogul Mark Hopkins, three California governors and former city mayors---have this cemetery as their final resting place. This cemetery now covers 44 acres, and more than 25,000 people have been laid to rest on this historic site. Enjoy the rose garden and plant life that beautifies this final resting place. Tours are free, but you can make a donation to the Old City Cemetery Committee.
Old City Cemetery Committee
1000 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 448-0811
oldcitycemetery.com
Fairytale Town
Kids see fairytale and nursery rhymes come to life at this 2.5-acre Sacramento children's park and outdoor museum. This park opened in 1959 and has play sets that remind kids of their favorite children's stories. Live animals represent different fairytale characters. Meet Peter Rabbit in McGregor's Garden; see Mary's little lamb; visit the three little pigs; or see the cow that jumped over the moon. A fort transports children to a world where Robin Hood resided with his Merry Men. Climb down Jack's beanstalk or ride in Cinderella's carriage. Watch live performances on one of the stages in the park. You and your kids can enjoy playing and walking among characters that entertained children for more than 100 years.
Fairytale Town
3901 Land Park Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 808-7462
fairytaletown.org
Tags: your kids, City Cemetery, Gold Rush, more than, California Gold, California Gold Rush