Right off of Interstate 80 is Roseville Golfland – Sunsplash.  Here there are two 18-hole miniature golf courses, tons of water slides (Open beginning on Memorial Day) and a large arcade all in the confines of a huge castle.  Even if this isn’t your kids’ first experience with mini-golf, the courses offered on this one are well kept and offer interesting obstacles.  My kids are admitedly...

This park is spread out and has lots to offer all ages. At the entrance you are greeted by a full-sized locomotive engine that you can climb on.  I don’t know a kid alive who’s head wouldn’t turn at that! Near the entrance is also the play area for the very young. There is a rock-climbing wall (more of a tall bouldering wall, as there aren’t any ropes.)  A long suspension bridge is...

Monterey Youth Museum http://www.mymuseum.org/ 425 Washington Street This museum is all about hands on, and what could be greater for the younger crowd? There are so many sets to spark imaginative play and exploration, and even areas geared toward the three and under crowd.  They have a restaurant set, tree house, kid-sized house, a theatre stage where storytime sometimes takes place, and lots lots more! Share...

  Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must see when in Monterey. There are things for kids of all ages and enough to keep anyone’s interest for hours at a time. Parking and directions are at here.   Watching humans interact with animals is fascinating, for kids and adults. I recommend going early to catch some of the feeding events. A favorite for us is the penguin feeding at 10:30 am at the Splash Zone (an area...

Grandpa’s Barn: http://www.impossibleacres.com/To get there, take Covell exit off of 113 and head west out of town. You will pass a strawberry patch on the left, a flashing light at the intersection of Covell and County Road 99, then you get to Grandpa’s Barn on the left. This large working barn offers from 9am – noon, a place where kids can help out feeding the animals. The owner is fabulous...

Part of UC Davis, the Raptor Center houses raptors who have been hurt or who can no longer survive in the wild. Those that it can help are nursed to health and set free. Some have become permanent residents and make appearances to help educate the public. At the Center a brief history of the resident and its condition stands at each cage. Groups less than six can drop in M-F 9am – 4pm and Sat. 9am –...

Located at 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova, Hagen Park is home to the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum. There are mini steam engines that you can ride on which take you through trustles, wooded areas, and past miniature town features. The trains are open to the public (donation requested) on two Saturdays a month from noon – 4pm.  The ride takes about 20 minutes, if your kids will let...

An unexpectedly large park surrounded by residential and retail areas, William Land Park is kid central in a way that doesn’t seem overly crowded. It is located on either side of Land Park.  A map of the entire park can be downloaded here: Parking is free and right off of Land Park Drive. It is a large parking lot so depending on the age of your kids you may need a stroller / wagon. These activities...

Memorial Union Bowling Alley: http://campusunions.ucdavis.edu/games_area/ At the Memorial Union, which is a central spot on campus, is a bowling alley and video games area. (Stairs to reach it are near the bookstore.) The bowling area has sixteen lanes so is not often too crowded, especially during the day. They have available 6 lb. balls for kids and you can request lane bumpers to keep the balls from rolling...

UC Davis is a great place to explore both on bike or by foot. Across the street from where you catch the double deckers is the Memorial Union. This is a cluster of activities for students: the bookstore, coffee shop, and bowling alley / video arcade, just to name a few. On the side of the MU nearest the bus station are a few tables and a fun set of huge chimes, but on the other side of the MU are lots of outdoor...