Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento centrally located, has a great view of the Sacramento River, and easily accessible. You can even take an Amtrack train; the station is at 401 I Street, which is adjacent to Old Sacramento. The schedule information can be found here. What better way to come in and take a visit to the train museum!
* For kids, the Sacramento State Railroad Museum is the first place you’ll want to stop. If you do get there by car, parking on the street is only 2 hours max and also pretty hard to find. I recommend the parking structure found on I street (near the T-intersection at Front St). The museum is across the street from the parking structure entrance. Becoming a member of caboose club pays for itself after only two trips, so if you live in the vicinity and might make this your rainy day destination, consider that investment.
To find the museum, which is hard to miss, listen for the clanging bell. This is a fantastic place with lots of restored trains, most of which you can board and explore. On the second floor are a few tables of stationary wooden tracks and a bunch of magnetic wood trains that kids can play with. This in itself often holds the attention of the preschool aged kids for a long time, while parents can rest and watch on the benches nearby. Additionally, though, there is a section further back on this floor that has model trains (behind a plexiglass wall) that start when you push the button for its corresponding track.
* Next hitch a ride on the steam train. Every weekend from April through September you can additionally purchase tickets for a true steam engine that departs a few blocks from the museum. As you exit the museum turn right until the railroad tracks, then on your left will be the wooden walkway where the ticket station is. The train runs every hour and makes a 20 minute ride down the tracks along the river and then a 20 minute train ride back. On holidays the trains are often decorated costumed characters roam the cars greeting the passengers. No food or beverages allowed on the train. Children 5 years and under as well as museum members ride free!
* Continue your stroll down the wooden walkway along Front Street. At the end of your walk is the Schoolhouse Museum. This is a living replica of a one-roomed schoolhouse that were common in the 1800s. It is open M-Sat from 10 – 4pm, and Sunday 12 – 4pm, volunteers permitting.
* Grab a ride in a horse-drawn carraige. You can load six people into a carriage and tour around Old Sac or further, depending on your budget. A 10-15 minute tour of Old Sac costs $10 for up to 6 people.
* For a family-friendly place to eat, try the River City Saloon on 2nd Street. It has an old west feel and some good ole sandwiches. Another thought is Joes’ Crab Shack , which has a river front view and is close to the Schoolhouse Museum. Its a lively place with food for anyone. On 2nd Street is the not-to-be-missed Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. You can watch as they dip fruit into a vat of chocolate right in front of you. It is simply mouth watering!
Special events: http://www.oldsacramento.com/events-and-activities.php
History of Sac: http://www.oldsacramento.com/history.php
