January Events in Sacramento for Kids (2026 Guide)

SacAnime will be in Sacramento for three days from January 2-4, 2026. This is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages including gaming and cosplay. 

Kids who love dinosaurs will want to head to Cal Expo for a dino-mite time at Jurassic Quest on Saturday & Sunday, January 3 & 4, 2026. There will be fossil digs, a walk-through dinosaur experience, rideable dinos, and more. A sensory & mobility-friendly session will occur on Sunday from 8am to 9am. 

Enjoy free ice skating at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, presented by the A’s. Free skate Days take place on December 27, 2025, and January 3 & 10, 2026 from 10am to 12pm. There will also be an appearance from the A’s mascot, Stomper. 

Arts & Aircrafts is a two-day program taking place on Saturdays, January  3 & 10, 2026 at the Recreation Center in North Highlands. Children ages 3-6 will read a book, observe a science demonstration, and more during this program. Parents are required to participate. The $17 fee includes both days. Registration is due by January[…]

The Lion King comes to Broadway Sacramento for select dates on January 7-25, 2026. The beloved musical is appropriate for all ages but younger children may not have the attention span for a 2.5 hour show. Catch a performance at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. 

Ice skate with princesses at a Princess Party on Ice on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Historic Folsom ice rink. Little ones can dress up as princesses, make their own tiara and magic mirror, and will get to meet and take photo ops with princess characters. Princess Party on Ice takes place at the[…]

May the force be with you on Star Wars Day at the Folsom ice rink on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and ice skate to a Star Wars music all day. 

Thanks to First Five Sacramento, families with children 5 years old and under receive free admission to the Sacramento Children’s Museum on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Museum hours will be extended from 10am to 6pm. 

Kids can participate in hands-on historical activities at Sutter’s Fort monthly Demonstration Days on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10am to 4pm. This event is for kids of all ages. $5 admission includes complimentary admission to the State Indian Museum. 

Kids of all ages can join the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Interpretation Team for a winter scavenger hunt on Saturday, January 17, 2026. While this event is free, pre-registration is encouraged and these events fill up quickly.

The March for the Dream honors Martin Luther King, Jr. The March kicks off at Sacramento City College on Monday, January 19, 2026, starting at Sacramento City College and ending at SAFE Convention Center.

The Harlem Globetrotters bring their tricks and flips to Sacramento on Monday, January 19, 2026. Catch them in action on MLK Day for two games at the Golden 1 Center at 1pm and 6pm. 

Monster Jam revs and rolls into Sacramento for three days from January 23-25, 2026. The action takes place at the Golden 1 Center. Pit parties will also occur at select shows. 

A Galaxy Slime Party on Saturday, January 24, 2026 will be out of this world. Head to Space To Play in Elk Grove for a slimey good time. Slime kits are an additional $5. 

Hear ye, hear ye for a free Royal Storytime on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library. Princes and Princesses are encouraged to dress up for storytime and crafts with the UC Davis Princess Pals. 

Girls Own the Field will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Placer Valley Soccer Complex in Roseville. Athletes will get to participate in an all-girls lacrosse or field hockey clinic. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and other free gifts at the event. Event registration closes on[…]

The California Automobile Museum premieres their newest exhibit about Route 66 on Saturday, January 31, 2026. To celebrate the newest exhibit, there will be kids’ activities, music, and food from a local vendor from 11am to 3pm. Event is included with regular museum admission. 

SF Giants fans can get free tickets for the FanFest stop in Sacramento on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Sutter Health Park from 12pm to 3pm. The Sacramento stop will feature José Butto, Heliot Ramos and Robbie Ray with teammates, coaches and Lou Seal. While this is a free event, tickets are required to attend.