Wiggle Worms is a free monthly play group for ages 1-9, hosted by The Wonder Grove in West Sacramento for kids to play outside in nature. Each month has a different theme. The next Wiggle Worms is Whimsical Woodland Adventures and will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Elkhorn Park in West Sacramento from 9:30am to 11:30am. No registration required.
The Flower Farm Gift Shop in Loomis will have a free Fall Festival on Sunday, October 4, 2026. There will be a pumpkin patch, flower field, live music, vendors, and more.
Celebrate World Animal Day on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. There will be interactive activities for kids, informational tables, and more. Regular zoo admission rates apply.
CalCenter will have a Backyard Party on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the California State Capitol West Steps. This is a free, family-friendly event that will mobilize young leaders and advocates. There will be games, resources, activities, vendors, and more. This is a free event, but RSVP is required.
The Annual Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival returns the first weekend in October on October 3 & 4, 2026. This fall festival is a yearly staple at Elk Grove Park. A highlight is the Pumpkin Regatta where pumpkin growers race in canoes made out of giant pumpkins they grew. The pumpkins are then dropped from a crane and make a big splash into the lake. It's a fun and exciting way to celebrate fall.
World of Wonder Science Museum (WOW) in Lodi will have free all-day admission for all on select Sundays in 2026.
Families can head to Viña Castellano in Auburn for their Fall Festival on Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 2026. Kids will be able to enjoy a Kids Zone, a farm animal experience, and fall fun while parents relax with a glass of wine. There will be wood-fired pizza and live music.
Barnflix is a free outdoor movies series at Drake's: The Barn in West Sacramento taking place the first Wednesday of the month in 2026 from May to October. While all ages are welcome, this movie series is particularly good for teens.
Kids of all ages can join All Access Arts for Spooky Slime & Pizza on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center in Sacramento. There will be a DIY Halloween pizza making and a spooky slime bar at this free event. All ages are welcome. Spots are first-come, first-served.
STEAM for Kids: Spooky Glow in the Dark Slime will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Fair Oaks Library. While all kids can attend this free event, it's designed for ages 6-12.
Welcome spooky season with free Halloween Bingo on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Coloma Community Center in Sacramento. This event is open to all ages. There will be BINGO, prizes, a raffle, and snacks. This is a free event, but advance registration is required.
OVParks Family Fright Night takes place on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Orangevale Community Center Park (6826 Hazel Ave). A free community trunk-or-treat will take place from 6pm to 8pm. There will also be games, crafts, food trucks, and more.
The UC Davis California Raptor Center will have its free annual Fall Open House on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9am to 3pm. This family-friendly event will include hands-on educational experiences while getting to see some of the raptors up close, on the gloves of ambassadors.
A free Halloween Extravaganza & Costume Parade takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Kay F. Dahill Community Center in North Highlands. There will be a pumpkin patch, hands-on activities and crafts, a costume contest, and more.
Families can enjoy a spooky fun morning at Bubbleween on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Citrus Town Center. From 10am to 12pm, there will be giant bubbles, a candy lane, balloon twisting, and surprises. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Don't forget to bring a candy bucket.
Founder's Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Carmichael Park. This free fall festival will have a Kids Zone with games, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, live entertainment, food trucks, and more.
Pumpkin Fest will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Big Oak Nursery in Elk Grove. This family-friendly event will have pumpkin picking, fall crafts, photo ops, vendors, and more.
Nature Explorers is a monthly, open play, drop-in program at the Sacramento Zoo that includes sensory play, interactive activities, nature observation, and more on the first Saturday of every month, all year. The theme changes each month. Nature Explorers takes place from 10am to 2pm behind the restroom near The Okapi Trail, and is included with regular zoo admission.
The free Folsom Family Expo at Palladio will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026. There will be a petting zoo, kids' games, live performances, vendors, and more.
Acorn Day will take place at the State Indian Museum on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This free, family-friendly festival will celebrate the significance of acorns in California Native culture. There will be interactive activities such as acorn preparation and basket weaving.
Celebrate the Elk Grove Library Grand Opening at a free community celebration on Saturday, October 10, 2026. There will be family-friendly entertainment, activities, and refreshments. The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 10:30am and the library will officially open at 11am.
Bring the whole family to celebrate Arts in the Heart on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the Community Center in West Sacramento. This free multicultural community event will have music, dance, performances, activities, and a Día De Los Muertos community altar.
Moms of Elk Grove and South Slope Wines will be having a free Spooktacular Fall Fest on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at South Slope Wines in Elk Grove. Families can enjoy this free event which will include trunk or treating (so wear a costume and bring a candy bucket!), pumpkin painting, face painting, a giant bubble show, balloon twisting, and princesses.
Kids can jump into a pool and select a pumpkin during the Floating Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Rusch Park Pool in Citrus Heights. Pre-register for this event.
The Annual Delta Shores Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This free, family-friendly festival will have a petting zoo, face painting, interactive activities for kids, and more.