Southgate Recreation & Park's District free annual Movie in the Park series returns on various Tuesday and Thursday summer evenings in 2026. Each movie will be shown at a different park. Arrive early at 6pm for kid-friendly activities from the R.E.C. Van, games, and crafts. Movies will begin playing at sunset.
The circus rolls into Roseville. See Circus Vargas from August 6- 31, 2026 at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville. This is a two-hour family-friendly show. Kids under 2 receive free admission (but must sit on an adult's lap).
Summer Family Friday at The Crocker Art Museum is a monthly program for kids of all ages in June and August 2026 on the first Friday of the month. Each month will have a different theme and include hands-on art, live performances, and creative fun. Summer Family Friday is included with regular museum admission.
The Yolo County Fair takes place for two weeks in 2026, from August 7-9 & 12-16, 2026. The "Hog August Nights" fair has free entry at the gate. Parking is $10 per car.
One Community Health will have free backpacks for kids in K-12 at their OCH Patient & Community Appreciation Day on Friday, August 7, 2026 at their midtown Sacramento campus. Children must be present to receive a backpack and supplies are limited. There will also be a health fair, community resources, snacks, fun activities, vaccinations, health screenings, and more.
Families get free pool admission at the Back to School Pool Party on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Cabrillo Pool from 3pm to 7pm. There will also be a backpack giveaway while supplies last, free food, and prizes.
The Food Literacy Center will have monthly First Fridays in Oak Park from June to August at 3428 3rd Avenue. There will be a free kids farmers market, free popcorn, and family-friendly activities from 5pm to 8pm while supplies last.
Youth ages 12-24 can attend the free NorCal Arts Sactown Youth Nights on Friday, August 7, 2026 at John D. Sloat Elementary. The night will include free food, art stations, an open mic, and more. This is a free event but pre-registration is required.
Head to North Natomas Regional Park for a free community AAPI Celebration on Friday, August 7, 2026. There will be kids activities, food trucks, lion dancers, a hula performance, vendors, and more cultural performances.
Recreation Center in West Sacramento will have two dive-in movies in 2026 where you can watch movies while in the pool! Pool access begins 30 minutes before the movie starts playing at sundown.
For $3, families can choose a backpack and fill it with school supplies as part of the Teen Back To School Store on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Sac Metro Church (6201 Winding Way) in Carmichael from 10am to 12pm. This event is hosted by the Sacramento Chapter of HOPE Worldwide. No registration required. Cash and card accepted. Supplies are first-come, first-served.
Destiny Church Sacramento will have a free Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 8, 2026. There will be backpacks, a clothing boutique, haircuts, a BBQ lunch, entertainment, characters, and more. Children must be present at the event to receive a backpack, and accompanied by adults who need a registration ticket to attend the event.
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.
Spooky season comes early in West Sacramento. Summerween at Dave's Pumpkin Patch takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The mischievous summer day will have BBQ, a jumping pillow, pony rides, live music, and family fun. Costumes are welcome but optional. Admission is free!
The Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This free festival that celebrates Japanese food and culture will take place at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. There will be games for kids at the event.
Hooked On Fishing Not On Violence will have a free backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Fruitridge Collaborative in Sacramento starting at 12pm. There will also be free school supplies, haircuts, hair accessories, live performances, community resources, and family fun.
Little Labs takes place every second Sunday at Verge Center for the Arts in Sacramento for toddlers. Little Labs will take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Kids will get to do sensory fun art projects.
The Reptilian Nation Expo comes to @the grounds at Roseville on Saturday & Sunday, August 8 & 9, 2026. There will be thousands of reptiles and educational presentations. Plus, the chance to see alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and other reptiles up close during presentations and photo ops.
River City Food Bank will have a free diaper distribution for families in need on Monday, August 10, 2026 at the RCFB Arden-Arcade site from 10:30am to 12pm. 25-50 diapers per household will be distributed. This is a diapers-only distribution. IDs are not required but helpful. Available first-come, first-serve until supplies run out.
Families can pick up a backpack filled with school supplies in a drive-thru at Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm. Kids do not need to be present and you must remain in your vehicle.
Free backpacks will be provided to the first 500 registered families with school-age children at the Meadowview Backpack Giveaway on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 by the South Sacramento Family Resource Center - Meadowview. Backpacks will be filled with school supplies at 2251 Florin Road from 4pm to 6pm. Registration is required.
The Sacramento Zoo will have a $10 Community Day on Friday, August 14, 2026. Enjoy the zoo for a discounted admission rate.
As part of Friday Night Movies in Galt, there will be a free Dive-In Movie on Friday, August 14, 2026 at the Gora Aquatic Center. The movie Moana will be shown. Families can enjoy free Friday Night Movies every second Friday of the month at Veterans Field in Galt from June to September 2026. Gates open at 6pm and movies begin at dusk.
Attention, muggles! A DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ will light up the Sacramento skies for two summer nights on August 14 & 15, 2026 at Cal Expo. Be amazed at 1,200 drones recreating characters and favorite moments from Harry Potter™ films. Arrive early for themed food and drinks. This show is family-friendly and for all ages. Kids under 3 attend for free.
Team Kaplan will be hosting a free backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at the North Natomas Regional Park Farmers Market. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Free school supplies will also be distributed.