Where Do California State University Sacramento Kids Hang Out for Fun?
Sacramento is not only the capitol of California, but also sits at the roots of the state's rich history. The city offers a wealth of fun things to do with kids that will give the whole family a great lesson in the history of California and the west!
Things to Do with Kids in Sacramento
Located about two hours inland from the San Francisco Bay area, there are many fun and educational things to do with kids in Sacramento. From its roots at Sutter's Fort during the California Gold Rush to its place today as state capitol, Sacramento is a city brimming with history.
Here are some fun ways to learn about California history in Sacramento.
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park
I will start with Sutter's Fort because it is downtown Sacramento's original settlement.
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is what remains of the first non-Native American settlement in California's Central Valley. It was built in 1839, when California was still part of Mexico.
Sutter's Fort has been restored to look as it did in the 1840s. The fort captures the pioneer spirit of families arriving in wagon trains at the dawn of the California Gold Rush.
Fun fact: Did you know that the Donner Party were among those who stayed at the original fort? They arrived in Sacramento after their rescue in 1847!
Families visiting Sutter's Fort can enjoy a self-guided tour with narration describing different areas in the fort. The original stables, carpenter's shop, blacksmith shop, mill and kitchens are all on display.
Sutter's Fort is a great place to visit to give kids a chance to see how people lived in California's early days.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Located in the town of Coloma, just a short drive from Sacramento, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the location where gold was first discovered in 1848. It was discovered by James W. Marshall, an employee working on building a sawmill – Sutter's Mill – on the American River, sparking the California Gold Rush.
Throughout the Gold Rush, Coloma mushroomed into a population of thousands. Many structures went up, including a schoolhouse, general store, post office, and Chinese market. These and other historic buildings are now part of Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which visitors can tour. We enjoyed a fabulous tour with one of the park's volunteers and learned so much about the Gold Rush!
The park also includes a Gold Discovery Museum. Exhibits tell the story of John Sutter and James Marshall, and how the Gold Rush helped shape California. Other exhibits include Native Americans of the area, mining equipment and films about the gold discovery and early mining. Outside, there are mining exhibits and a full-size replica of Sutter's Mill.
Visitors can pan for gold and enjoy hikes and picnics along the American River. We had a great time panning for gold! Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a very popular destination for field trips, so there are almost always groups of students in the park.
Old Sacramento
With its wooden sidewalks and facades, Old Sacramento is straight out of the Old West! Visiting Old Sacramento is one of the most popular things to do with kids in Sacramento.
Sacramento's original business district from the Gold Rush era is now a state historic park, with more than 50 historic buildings. This 28-acre town is located right on the banks of the Sacramento River. There is even an 1800s riverboat (now a restaurant and hotel) at the dock.
Sights not to miss in Old Sacramento include the Wells Fargo History Museum, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse, the Sacramento History Museum and a monument to the Pony Express. Many of these things to do with kids in Sacramento are free!
The Sacramento History Museum offers several tours of Old Sacramento.
We decided to take the Old Sacramento Underground Tour.
This half-mile guided historical walking tour demonstrates how Sacramento literally lifted itself up out of the flood waters during the 1860s and 1870s by jacking up the buildings. The tour lasts approximately one hour.
I will be honest. I imagined we would be traversing Old Sacramento via intriguing underground tunnels, but really you are just descending into what is essentially a basement beneath several buildings. Don't get me wrong – it was interesting to say the least, and our guide was amazing!
But know what you are signing up for. Tours offered by the Sacramento History Museum also include museum admission.
Old Sacramento Underground tours and walking tours depart from the Sacramento History Museum at 101 I Street in Sacramento. The tour is ADA compliant and can accommodate up to 20 people.
California Railroad Museum
Located in Old Sacramento, theCalifornia Railroad Museumprovides a thorough history of how the railroad crossed America to the west and came to California. More than 20 locomotives are on display, from steam engines to freight trains to the 220-mph-bullet train.
Check out a first-class compartment or walk through a dining car (I personally loved looking at all the historic dining car china patterns, and there was a knowledgeable docent on hand to tell us all about them).
There is also a great video shown on the hour in the museum's theater.
The California Railroad Museum is a fantastic way to learn about the history of the railroad in California. Even though my son is a bit older now and past his train-loving toddler prime, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this museum!
California State Capitol
I will end this list with the Capitol, because it is after all what Sacramento is most known for today!
Like most state capitols, the California State Capitol is a working government building that is also open to the public. There is a museum where you can peek into historic rooms, preserved to show what government offices looked like 100 years ago. Exhibits teach kids and adults alike the history of California and its government.
Pick up a map and take a self-guided tour, or join one of the free daily guided tours. The museum showcases rooms with recreations from their time periods. Featured rooms include the Secretary of State's Office in 1902, the Attorney General's Office in 1906, and the State Treasurer Office in 1933.
Be sure to go up to the second floor of the Capitol. If you're lucky you can catch state legislators at work! Afterward, head out onto the grounds and admire the meticulous gardens and trees from around the world.
For more information on visiting the California State Capitol, check out capitolmuseum.ca.gov
Read this article for more fun things to do with kids in Sacramento!
Pin These Sacramento Activities for Later!
Planning a visit to Sacramento with kids? Pin one of the images below for future reference!
Where Do California State University Sacramento Kids Hang Out for Fun?
Source: https://www.californiafamilytravel.com/fun-educational-things-to-do-with-kids-in-sacramento/
0 Response to "Where Do California State University Sacramento Kids Hang Out for Fun?"
Post a Comment