Big Trucks Summer in Roseville: What to Know Before You Go
Big Trucks Summer in Roseville is one of the most popular free events in the Sacramento area for kids. This annual event takes place each June in Mahany Park in Roseville and is full of vehicle-themed fun. If kids love touch-a-truck events, they will really enjoy Big Trucks Summer, where they’ll get to interact and learn about the work of Roseville utility vehicles.
Big Trucks Summer occurs every Thursday in June, and each week highlights a different theme specific to utility service department trucks. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know, from weekly themes, event activities, parking tips, and more fun things to do in Roseville with kids.
Looking for more summer fun in the Sacramento area? Check out the ultimate summer activities in Sacramento for kids. Plus, the Sactown Supermom Events Calendar has the best events in Sacramento with kids.
Big Trucks Summer Details
- 📍 Location: Mahany Park (Roseville, CA)
- 📅 Dates: Thursdays in June (June 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026)
- ⏰ Time: 9am–11am
- 💲 Cost: Free
What is Big Trucks Summer?
Big Trucks Summer begins with a parade of machines, where families will wave and cheer on the big trucks that roll by. This event provides a unique glimpse into the work of Roseville utility service departments, where kids can get up close to these powerful machines.
There are a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages, including a kid-sized truck wash, a bean bag toss game, truck-themed inflatables (for various age groups), and lots more hands-on activities.
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Big Trucks Summer, which only continues to grow in popularity and has become a free summer staple for kids in the Sacramento area.
Giveaways at Big Trucks Summer
Big Trucks Summer is also known for giveaways. In the past, they have been trucker hats and hard hats. The giveaways run out very quickly! Arrive early to ensure kids get the limited edition giveaways.
2026 Weekly Themes
- Electric (June 4)
- Water (June 11)
- Waste Services (June 18)
- Wastewater (June 25)
Arriving Early to Big Trucks Summer
Expect big crowds for Big Trucks Summer. It’s a very popular summer event for families in the Sacramento area!
Arriving early means you have the best chance at getting the giveaways. Additionally, parking can be tricky. Allow yourself plenty of time to get situated with young kids, find parking, secure a spot for the parade, and get the giveaways.
The event also begins at 9am, so it’s best to arrive even earlier if you plan to see the big-truck parade.
Who Big Trucks Summer is Best For
While this event is for kids of all ages, it’s ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids.
Helpful Tips for Attending
- Arrive early due to the popularity of this event
- Expect crowds
- Bring water and sunscreen, as there is no shade
- Restrooms are inside the Martha Riley Community Library
- Parking may take time
- Plan for noise (big trucks!)
If your kids are sensitive to noise, bring noise-canceling headphones, especially for the parade. The trucks will typically have their sirens on and make loud honking noises, so kids who need sensory support or get overwhelmed by loud noises should bring headphones.
Our family has these noise-cancelling headphones that we use for Monster Jam or other loud events. They are affordable and work well!
Where to Park
While it might seem obvious to park in the main parking lot (shared by Mahany Park, the Martha Riley Library, and the Roseville Utility Exploration Center), this lot fills up fast! It’s usually full 30 minutes before the event begins. To keep from circling a full parking lot, park in these alternative lots instead.
Best Alternative Parking for Big Trucks Summer: Roseville Aquatics Complex Parking Lot
There is a ton of parking at the nearby Roseville Aquatics Complex. Park here if you want to avoid frustration trying to find parking in time for the event. The Roseville Aquatics Complex connects to Mahany Park via a trail.
From the Roseville Aquatics Complex parking lot, a small trail connects directly to Mahany Park. Follow the trail, cross the bridge, and you’ll be right at the back entrance of Mahany Park. You might even see some of the utility vehicles that will be in the machines parade while on your way.
Alternative Parking for Big Trucks Summer: Bear Dog Park
Park at Bear Dog Park or the baseball diamonds, both off of Pleasant Grove Blvd. The two lot options are practically next to each other. From either parking lot, follow the trail toward the main entrance of the Mahany Park complex.
Both of these alternative parking options are less than a 10-minute walk and will save a ton of time trying to find parking. Another bonus is that these options are stroller-friendly.
Food Options at Big Trucks Summer
Families will have a variety of food options at Big Trucks Summer, ranging from food trucks, snacks, smoothies, and ice cream, which will be a great treat for kids on a hot summer day in June. Parents will be able to enjoy coffee options.
Explore More at Mahany Park
While Big Trucks Summer might not be the best day to explore all that Mahany Park has to offer, since there will be lots of people, there are several fun, free activities for kids.
Roseville Utility Exploration Center
The Roseville Utility Exploration Center is easily one of the best free things to do in Sacramento with kids. It’s a small, hands-on museum that has modern exhibits. There are some things toddlers will enjoy, but older toddlers and elementary-aged kids will appreciate this activity more.
Kids can play an electronic game to see how much trash can be recycled on a conveyor belt and climb into the driver’s seat of a Roseville utility vehicle. The small space packs in a lot of interactive exhibits, making it one of the best museums in the Sacramento area for kids.
Martha Riley Community Library
The Martha Riley Community Library is directly next to the Roseville Utility Exploration Center. The two occupy the same building, which is also where the restrooms are for Big Trucks Summer. There’s a large tree inside this library near the children’s area that provides a relaxing space for kids to post up and read books.
If you need a break from the heat during Big Trucks Summer, the Roseville Utility Exploration Center or Martha Riley Community Library would be great spots to rest, as both are indoors with a/c.
Mahany Park Playground
The Mahany Park playgrounds are pretty impressive. The playground for older children has a nature theme. Kids can climb and slide on tree play structures.
The toddler playground is a universally accessible playground. Another bonus? It’s completely gated, making it easy for little ones to roam around in a safe, enclosed space. The Mahany Park toddler playground is one of the best toddler playgrounds in the Sacramento area.
Make a Day of It in Roseville
While there are many additional activities for kids at Mahany Park, expect these spots to remain busy from the Big Trucks Summer crowd. There are plenty of fun things to do in Roseville with kids that are nearby. Go to Big Trucks Summer in the morning, then make a day of it in Roseville with these nearby kid-friendly activities.
Roseville Golfland Sunsplash
Got a toddler ages 3 and under? They can play mini golf for free at Roseville Golfland Sunsplash with a paid adult. This deal is only available on the Roseville Golfland Sunsplash app. Redeem it by presenting it at the counter.
➡️ Discover the best mini golf in Sacramento for families.
Fountains at Roseville
The free splash pad at the Fountains at Roseville is another fun activity for kids. Combine it with both Big Trucks Summer and mini golf at Roseville Golfland Sunsplash. The Fountains of Roseville opens on June 1, 2026, and is one of the best splash pads in Sacramento.
In addition to a seasonal splash pad, the Fountains at Roseville has a playground and lots of family-friendly food options, some of which you can find in my kid-friendly restaurants article. One of our favorite spots to eat is Boudin Bakery. We love going here since it’s a casual, counter-service restaurant with outdoor seating and has lots of great options on the kids’ menu.
There’s also the Fountains at Roseville train ride, which families can ride for $3, another affordable activity in Roseville for kids.
Tip: Kids can receive a free train ride and train whistle during their birthday month when signing up for the Kids Club email. It’s a great free perk many families don’t know about!
Between Big Trucks Summer, Mahany Park, mini golf, and a Roseville splash pad, you can easily plan a full and budget-friendly day in Roseville with kids.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Trucks Summer
What is Big Trucks Summer in Roseville?
An annual free summer event in Roseville where kids can explore real trucks and utility vehicles with different themes each week in June.
Is Big Trucks Summer free?
Yes, it’s completely free to attend!
What time should we arrive?
Arrive early, as it’s a popular event that begins right at 9am. Parking can be tough, and limited-edition giveaways run out quickly.
Is it good for toddlers?
Yes! Toddlers and preschoolers will especially love this free event in the Sacramento area.
Top photo courtesy of Roseville Parks and Recreation
