The Earl J. Koobs Nature Area in Carmichael will have its monthly Public Open Day on Saturday, September 5, 2026. September's theme is Wiggly Worm & Caterpillar Day and will include kid-friendly themed art and science activities.
SacAnime Summer will be in Sacramento for three days from September 4-6, 2026 at SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages including gaming and cosplay.
Circus Vargas comes to town in Folsom at Lakeside Church from September 4-21, 2026. The two-hour family-friendly will include aerialists and mesmerizing performances. Kids under 2 receive free admission.
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 Acorn Adventures and will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Whitey Boisclair Park from 9:30am to 11:30am. No registration required.
Kids Fest will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Enchanted Natomas. The free event will support childhood cancer during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There will be many free activities for families at the festival like sensory art activities, character visits, and more.
Watch Sacramento artists create vibrant art on the sidewalks of Midtown with chalk art at Chalk It Up over Labor Day Weekend in Fremont Park. This free, three-day festival returns over Labor Day Weekend from September 5-7, 2026. This family-friendly festival will have live music, vendors, and food.
Little bookworms can celebrate National Read a Book Day on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Space To Play in Elk Grove. There will be books and crafts.
California Admission Day Celebration marks the anniversary of California Statehood on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 on the west steps of the State Capitol Building with cake and ice cream while supplies last. There will also be live music from the 1850s performed by the Capitol's ukulele group at this free, family-friendly event.
Catch a free drive-in movie at the West Wind Drive-In in Sacramento on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Gates open at 6pm and movies begin at 8pm. $2 nachos will be available, along with activities such as bounce houses, face painters, a balloon artist, and an obstacle course.
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.
The family-friendly Butterfly Fest at The Secret Garden returns to Elk Grove on September 12-13 and September 19-20, 2026. Lifecycle Tours will take place each day at 11am. There will be face painting for kids and a coloring table. The Secret Garden also has scavenger hunts for kids. This is a free event and an RSVP is not required.
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.
Have a magical time at the free Fountains Fairytale Day on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Fountains at Roseville meeting wandering fairytale icons. Kids will get to meet Cinderella, Moana, Rapunzel, and Flynn. Pick up a complimentary treat from the Fountains booth and get a sprinkle of fairy dust when ordering a treat from Salt & Straw.
The Sacramento Children's Museum celebrates the role grandparents play at their annual Butterfly Release on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Butterflies are limited and purchasing in advance is required. This will be an outdoor event that will include art projects, activities, vendors, and more. Butterflies are locally sourced and released back into the wild at the event.
The Annual Lodi Grape Festival returns for four days from September 17-20, 2026. There will be carnival rides, entertainment, food, and so much more. Carnival rides are an additional cost from admission fees.
The most famous circus comes to town! Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus put on the greatest show on earth from September 17-20, 2026 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
All aboard for one of the most popular holiday events in Sacramento for kids! Tickets for the California Railroad Museum's annual and beloved 2026 The Polar Express train ride go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 18, 2026. You'll want to act fast on these tickets as they sell out quickly!
Oktoberfest 2026 at Urban Roots Brewing will take place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, October 4, 2026. Urban Roots Brewing is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sacramento, and this event is family-friendly.
Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon opens for the season on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Take on one of the world's largest corn mazes near Sacramento.
Meet the Machines drives into Rancho Cordova on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Hagan Community Park. This free touch-a-truck event will have over 20 machines and vehicles for families to check out. There will be additional activities such as games, giant slides, and more.
Little Field Farms pumpkin patch in Loomis returns on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Dave's Pumpkin Patch in West Sacramento opens for the season on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Enjoy the Cornival, pony rides, jumping pillow, and apple cider cinnamon donuts.
Space To Play in Elk Grove will have a special Dino Day on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Little dino lovers will get to dig for fossils, get face painting, and have a meet and greet with a baby dinosaur.
The Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival returns on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The family-friendly festival will have a kids' zone, live music, chicken decorating contest, food trucks, and more!
Families can enjoy a free Mid Autumn Moon Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library in Davis. There will be crafts for kids, calligraphy, traditional music, and mooncake tastings will be available while supplies last.