Top Spring Activities in Sacramento for Kids

Spring in Sacramento is blissful. It means wildflower hikes, baseball season, and the start of u-pick farm-to-fork fruit and produce. Spring festivals and egg hunts for kids are bountiful throughout Sacramento, too. It’s the best time of the year to do outdoor activities with kids in Sacramento before it gets too hot, visit farms, and take unforgettable day trips. 

Spring bursts with exciting activities for kids of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and explore the Sacramento area under the umbrella of beautiful blooming flowers and perfect weather. Keep reading for the best things to do in Sacramento with kids in the spring. 

Springtime Farm Fun in Sacramento 

1. Strawberry Picking

April and May typically produce ripe, juicy strawberries. Strawberry picking is a fun activity for kids in the spring, where they can help pick berries from the vine while learning how this favorite fruit is grown. One of my favorite places to go strawberry picking in Sacramento is Yumm Strawberry Farm in Elk Grove.

Sacramento is the farm-to-fork capital, so there are a variety of u-pick farms in the area where families can go strawberry picking. One of the most popular places to go strawberry picking near Sacramento is Granny May’s in Granite Bay. 

2. Flower Picking Bouquets at Park Winters  

Park Winters in Yolo County has many programs at its flower farm, but one that kids can participate in is its pick-your-own bouquet. Each Spring, Park Winters opens their field of seasonal fresh flowers for picking. 

3. Spring Chicken at Fog Willow Farms

There’s something about springtime and farms that go together. Spring is also a popular time for the arrival of baby farm animals. Fog Willow Farms in Wilton has a Spring Chicken family festival in May. It has farm animal encounters, pig races, hayrides, and other interactive activities for kids on the farm. 

2026 Spring Chicken dates have not yet been announced, but I’ll update this article when they are! In the meantime, you can check out the Spring Chicken Festival in my Instagram Reel.

4. Soil Born Farms — Rancho Cordova

It’s never a bad time to go to Soil Born Farms, but spring is particularly lovely. Grab breakfast at Phoebe’s Tea & Snack Bar, then mosey through Soil Born Gardens, making your way to the nature play area for kids. Soil Born Farms is next to Hagan Community Park, so you could combine the two to make it an ultimate spring outing. Get a preview of Soil Born Farms in my Instagram Reel.

Soil Born Farms also regularly has educational programs for kids, which I tend to add to the Sactown Supermom Events Calendar.

5. Hagan Community Barn — Rancho Cordova

While you can visit Hagan Community Barn on most Saturdays throughout the year, spring is always a nice time to enjoy this affordable outing. For $5 per family on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm, kids can visit and feed farm animals at this Rancho Cordova barn. There are other fun activities in Hagan Community Park, where the barn is located, such as monthly steam train rides and access points to the American River Trail.

Want to know what to expect? Check out my Instagram Reel about feeding farm animals at Hagan Community Barn.

Family-Friendly Spring Events in Sacramento

6. Easter Egg Hunts in Sacramento

Easter egg hunts occur all over the Sacramento area at places like Fairytale Town, in parks, on farms, and in pools. Many Easter egg hunt experiences include extra activities like carnival games, arts and crafts, and Easter bunny meet and greets. Discover the best Easter egg hunts in Sacramento for kids in Fair Oaks, Curtis Park, Folsom, and more throughout the Sacramento area.

7. Baseball at Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento

Root for the home teams at Sutter Health Park when baseball season begins! The A’s now have their home turf at Sutter Health Park for the next few years. For some kids (like mine!) this might be the first time they’ll attend a Major League Baseball game. It’s a great addition to the sports scene in Sacramento and adds a fun option to see All-Star baseball players without needing to travel to a game. 

Sacramento River Cats games are popular family-friendly outings with kid-friendly themed games, from Toy Story to Harry Potter. The Sacramento River Cats opening night is Friday, March 27, 2026.

8. Old Sacramento Spring Festival

The Sacramento History Museum celebrates the season with an annual Old Sacramento Spring Festival. The free outdoor event is family-friendly for all ages, with activities like gold panning, arts and crafts, face painting, living history demonstrations, and dancing around a 15-foot maypole with ribbons and crowns. The Old Sacramento Spring Festival takes place this year on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

9. Elk Grove Spring Palooza

The Elk Grove Spring Palooza is returning for the first time since 2019. This spring festival in Elk Grove Park will have a kids zone with pony rides, face painting, carnival games, and a reptile show. Expect a parade, entertainment, and more family fun from May 1 to 3, 2026.

10. Davis Cherry Blossom Festival

The Davis Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual free celebration of Asian American art, culture, and community. It takes place at Sudwerk Brewing Co. and features live music and performances like Taiko drumming, delicious food and drinks, and activities for all ages, like mochi pounding. The 2026 Davis Cherry Blossom Festival has not yet been announced.

11. California Honey Festival — Woodland

The bees bring spring and honey. Lots of honey! Celebrate honey in Woodland in mid-May at the annual California Honey Festival. This is a free, two-day, family-friendly festival in Yolo County where you can try honey tastings and learn about the important role of bees.

Family-Friendly Spring Nature Trails Near Sacramento

12. Effie Yeaw Nature Center — Carmichael

For a day of nature with kids, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael is a perfect outdoor outing. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Sacramento. The nature center includes a Montessori outdoor play area, nature trails that lead to the American River, and picnic tables for snacks. Educational exhibits are also inside the Visitor Center, as is a small gift shop. It’s a spectacular way to spend a beautiful spring day in Sacramento. Take a look at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in my Instagram Reel.

13. Hidden Falls Regional Park — Auburn

After wet winters in Sacramento, waterfalls rage in the spring. One of those must-do waterfall hikes near Sacramento is the Hidden Falls Trail in Hidden Falls Regional Park. This popular trail in Auburn is kid-friendly (but better for older kids versus toddlers) and leads to an impressive waterfall. It also bursts with wildflowers in the spring. Parking reservations are required in advance for weekends and high-traffic dates and holidays.

14. UC Davis Arboretum — Davis

The UC Davis Arboretum is one of my family’s favorite nature trails. It’s beautiful with different landscapes to admire, and it is all paved and flat, making it easy to take along a stroller or wagon. I love the Redwood Grove and the Oak Grove. The Oak Grove is especially kid-friendly, as kids can find all the plaques along the trail. Other kid-friendly spots along the UC Davis Arboretum trail include the Rock Garden and the Animal Science GATEway, where there are several horses to visit.

Combine the UC Davis Arboretum with the nearby California Raptor Center, which is free to visit.

15. Jensen Botanical Garden — Carmichael

The Jensen Botanical Garden is a free gem in Carmichael. With walking paths and a small redwood grove, it’s particularly stunning in the springtime when tulips bloom. Since this is a small walk, you can easily combine it with other activities in Fair Oaks, such as Phoenix Park, home to spring vernal pools and a bike park in Sacramento. Older kids may appreciate the new playground at Village Oaks in Fair Oaks.

16. Folsom Lake

In years of a wildflower superbloom, Folsom Lake is carpeted in purple lupine during April. However, even in non-superbloom years, Folsom Lake is still worth visiting in the spring. Many family-friendly hiking trails will be dotted with seasonal wildflowers and lush green grass. 

More Spring Outdoor Adventures in Sacramento with Kids

17. Land Park

Spring is the ideal time to take advantage of all the kid-friendly attractions in Land Park before the summer heat engulfs Sacramento. Land Park is a haven for children. Admire the red pandas, giraffes, and cheetahs at the Sacramento Zoo (and check out the animatronic dinosaurs right now!). Experience kiddie roller coasters and amusement rides at Funderland Amusement Park. Younger kids will also enjoy Fairytale Town for its interactive storybook settings, slides, and barnyard animals. 

18. Folsom City Lions Park

Before it gets too hot in Sacramento to enjoy parks and playgrounds, head to the ultimate kid-friendly locale of Folsom City Lions Park. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, a western-themed play area and playground, a train ride on a mini steam train through the park, and the Folsom Public Library are all housed within this park. Another bonus? There is also an easy access point near the park to the popular Johnny Cash Trail, one of the best family-friendly bike trails in Sacramento.

19. Spring Bike Rides

If the kids got new bikes for the holidays but the weather hasn’t been the best to test their new wheels, spring is an excellent time to take those bikes for a spin. From bike parks to pump tracks and family-friendly bike trails, check out the best places for kids to ride bikes in Sacramento.

20. Valley Oak Park — North Natomas

Did you know there’s a free bankshot basketball in Sacramento? I came across Valley Oak Park when researching if toddler basketball hoops existed anywhere. Lo and behold, I came across this gem. Some of the hoops are missing nets and could use some love, but this is a really fun hidden gem that many people don’t know about. It would be perfect to shoot some hoops on a beautiful spring day. Make sure to bring your own basketball with you!

The playgrounds at Valley Oak Park are pretty fun, as well. It’s a really nice park, and even has a giant horse that’s a seasonal water mister. There are two Valley Oak Parks in Sacramento, and this is the one in North Natomas on Mabry Drive. Check out bankshot basketball at Valley Oak Park in my Instagram reel.

21. McKinley Park — East Sacramento

McKinley Park is home to one of the best playgrounds in Sacramento. Just prepare for it to be busy, especially on weekends. In addition to the large and beloved playground, you’ll also find the McKinley Library and rose garden (the rose garden famously featured in the movie Lady Bird). My kids always love watching the ducks in the large pond in the park.

My tip is to grab some sandwiches from Corti Brothers and picnic in McKinley Park. As the name suggests, Tiferet by the Park is across the street from McKinley Park if you need a caffeine fix.

Spring Train Rides Near Sacramento

22. California State Railroad Excursion Train Rides — Old Sacramento

Each spring, the California Railroad Museum runs 45-minute excursion train rides that start at the Old Sacramento Waterfront and chug along the Sacramento River. Excursion train rides start in April and run through mid-October, but spring is an ideal time to board one this unique Sacramento experience.

23. Springliner Train — West Sacramento

The Sacramento River Fox Train will have a Springliner train in 2026 on select Saturdays and Sundays in April. This family-friendly spring train will have face painters walking the train aisles. Passengers will then exit the train upon arriving at a riverside park, where activities such as a mini golf course and lawn games await. Each passenger also receives a soft-serve ice cream included with their train ticket.

Introduce Kids to Springtime Gardening 

24. Sacramento Library Seed Library

If you’re interested in getting kids into gardening at an early age, you can take up to three seed packets for free at select Sacramento Library locations. Seed libraries have various seeds available to anyone for free, even without a library card. These are non-genetically modified heirlooms and wild seeds suited for Sacramento’s climate. There are many varieties of seeds to choose from to begin growing a garden. 

25. Green Acres Nursery & Supply

For gardening novices who want kids involved in the planting process in the spring, Green Acres is a local Sacramento gardening center with multiple locations in the area. If you’re well beyond seeds or want a more expansive selection than the Sacramento Library Seed Library, head to Green Acres for supplies.  

26. The Secret Garden Free Scavenger Hunt — Elk Grove

Another garden store in the Sacramento area is The Secret Garden in Elk Grove. What stands out about this one is that they have free scavenger hunts for kids! I have to say, the scavenger hunt was much more challenging than I thought! You will scour every corner of this place, which includes many interesting topiary, fountains, a greenhouse, and even dinosaur sculptures.

Kids receive a sticker when turning in the scavenger hunt sheet. The scavenger hunt changes each season, but spring seems like a given for this fun and free activity for kids in Sacramento. Check out my Instsagram reel of this free scavenger hunt at The Secret Garden in Elk Grove.

Best Day Trips from Sacramento with Kids in the Spring 

27. Jelly Belly Factory

At just about an hour’s drive away from Sacramento, the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield makes for an ideal spring day trip with kids. Jelly beans are an Easter staple, after all!

For an affordable fee of $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-17, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Jelly Belly factory. Just know that the facility does not run production on weekends. Therefore, the tour could be of a non-operating facility. There are interactive exhibits and games along the Jelly Belly tour route. Visitors can also dine at the Jelly Belly cafe and shop in the candy store. 

What’s extra special about visiting the Jelly Belly Factory in the spring is that there are photos with the Easter Bunny at the Fairfield Visitor Center on select days. Additionally, they tend to have an annual brunch with the Easter bunny leading up to the holiday. Note that the Jelly Belly Factory is closed for the actual Easter holiday.  

While in Fairfield, include a visit to the u-pick tulip farm at HVH Specialty Growers. This is a popular farm to visit in the spring for its vibrant bulbs, and is a short drive from the Jelly Belly Factory.

28. San Francisco

San Francisco is a worthy day trip from Sacramento at any time of year. I especially love taking day trips there in the summer when it’s blazing hot in Sacramento. The bay breeze offers a cool summer respite. It’s still worth a day trip in the spring, though.

San Francisco is lovely in the spring, and Golden Gate Park is particularly picturesque. The Gardens of Golden Gate Park include the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and SF Botanical Garden. In mid-March through April, cherry blossom trees burst throughout the Japanese Tea Garden. 

The Queen Wilhelmina Garden is on the opposite side of Golden Gate Park (the west end) and is another must-visit spot in the spring in San Francisco. It might feel like you’ve stepped out of San Francisco and into The Netherlands. A Dutch windmill is the centerpiece of the garden, surrounded by colorful tulips. It’s typically in full bloom in March. 

Hakone Gardens in Saratoga (near San Jose) is another worthy stop in the Bay Area for peak cherry blossoms in the springtime.

29. Ananda Village Tulips at Crystal Hermitage Gardens 

Take a day trip to Nevada City to see thousands of tulips at Crystal Hermitage Gardens. In April, 20,000 vibrant tulips sprout throughout this multi-tiered garden in the Sierra Foothills. Only parts of the garden are accessible to strollers, so you might want to leave the stroller in the car for this adventure. 

Speaking of Nevada City, I’d recommend hiking the Buttermilk Bend Trail in the spring. However, it’s not ideal for wobbly toddlers as it has steep drop-offs.

30. Lake Tahoe

We frequently take day trips to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento with our very young children versus staying the night. It tends to be easier than trekking tons of overnight gear with us. Since Sacramento is so close to Lake Tahoe, we don’t feel we have to pack everything into one day and can spread out numerous day trips throughout the year. 

Spring in Lake Tahoe is unpredictable, as there could still be snow. March is notably one of the most snow-heavy months in Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking for a snowy adventure in the spring, then Lake Tahoe should be on your list. It could snow as late as May! 

Wildflowers in Lake Tahoe tend to begin blooming toward the end of May at the lake level. However, it can be unpredictable depending on how much snow Lake Tahoe receives that year. Wildflowers in Lake Tahoe can be at their peak in the summer months. Either way, spring is an ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe before the summer crowds emerge. We love going in the spring and fall to avoid the summer months in Lake Tahoe due to the crowds. 

31. Yosemite National Park

While Yosemite National Park is pretty close to Sacramento, and you could technically do it in a day trip, it’s probably best to make this one an overnight trip. 

Waterfalls at Yosemite National Park are usually fullest in the spring, especially by May. Spring is the best season to see the water flowing in Yosemite Valley. Like Lake Tahoe, there will also be fewer crowds in the spring, and the weather will be milder.

Note that Yosemite Valley will be the main part of the park that will be accessible in the springtime. Mariposa Grove usually opens in April. Glacier Point Road typically opens in May or June. Likely, Tioga Road will probably not be open by the spring. However, it varies each year depending on the amount of snowfall.