Midtown
Here’s a suggestion for some places that are relatively close together in midtown. I would start with Sutters Fort in the morning, when kids’ attention spans are the most focused. After a little bit of history, you can burn off some creative energy at Artbeast, a great Victorian house that has been converted into an art and play studio. Finally, McKinley Park is also quite close where there is a fantastic playground, a pond/lake with ducks, lots of grassy and picnic areas, a pool, a library, and plenty of benches for the weary adult.
Sutters Fort
According to the California State Parks website, in 1839 a Swiss immigrant named John Sutter received a land grant in the Sacramento Valley from the Mexican government. He used the land to create a flourishing agricultural empire and named it New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) This empire established Sacramento’s earliest settlement and the first non-Indian settlement in California’s Central Valley. Less than a decade after they were established, Sutter’s properties were overrun by gold seekers and the fort is all that remains of New Helvetia. It has been restored to its former state based on an 1847 map published in Germany and is open daily for tours.
Tours are self-guided. You purchase an electronic device which narrates interesting bits of history as you pass from room to room. This is a great opportunity for school-aged kids to learn and see what life was like in the middle eighteen hundreds. Metered parking is available around the Fort. Admission and hours are available on their website.
Indian Museum
About a block from Sutter’s Fort is the State Indian Museum. This is a small museum that contains interesting history, pictures and art. It will not take long to see all the items, but worthwhile for the minimal admission cost.
Artbeast
A few blocks from the Indian Museum is a great Victorian house that has been converted into an all-you-can-create art studio. From the Indian museum just walk down K street about 3-4 blocks. Parking is available on the street, but be aware that it may vary from buy-a-ticket-at-the-machine on one block to 2 hrs. free on the other side of the street.
Once you enter the Artbeast, one room downstairs sparks the imagination with a pretend rocket ship, musical instruments and costumes (and more!). Upstairs you can grab some clay at a table or step up to the easels that always have a fresh sheet of paper and paint ready. Head upstairs once more for a baby play room, dance floor, and more places kids will love to explore. For more details on the Artbeast see my earlier post on our visit.
If, at this point, you are up to grabbing a bite to eat there are a few places within walking distance from the Artbeast. One is Hot Rod’s Burgers at 2007 K Street. The food is tasty and they have very friendly and quick service. If you are continuing to McKinley Park, there aren’t any cafes or eateries directly surrounding the park.
This is a great park for kids of all ages. If you have left your car at Sutter’s Fort, this may be the time to pick it up. The distance between Sutter’s Fort and McKinley Park is not great, but you do have to travel under the freeway. To get to McKinley Park, take J street until Alhambra and turn left. The park is 2-3 blocks away.
The playground is made from wood and is designed by a community collaboration. Looking much like a castle, it has bridges and tons of nooks and crannies to explore. It is large enough to accommodate many kids without feeling too crowded. One of the areas is designed for the younger crowd, but it’s located right next to the main play area. For more details you can check out my earlier post on our trip to this park.
We visited Sutter’s Fort several times when I was younger and one of the things that I remember (probably much to my mom’s dismay!) is this amazing candy store nearby that had barrels and barrels of candy. My sister and I loved wandering up and down with our plastic bag picking out candy!