Best Things to Do with Kids in Sacramento This July (2026 Guide)
July starts with a bang—fireworks! From Elk Grove to Rancho Cordova to the Folsom Pro Rodeo, there are tons of places to see 4th of July fireworks in Sacramento this holiday.
The month heats up with the annual summer tradition of the California State Fair. If you’re planning on going to the fair, don’t miss out on these money-saving tips for the California State Fair!
Expect a merry time with free ice skating at Fridays in the Grove: Christmas in July. Kids will love conquering the interactive and zany obstacles in the Fair Oaks Summer Fun Run. Plus, kids can climb into vehicles at North Highlands Touch-A-Truck, and after the event, they can skyrocket over to the Aerospace Museum of California for a Moon Day: Space Party!
For even more fun in July, check off all the things in my Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids in Sacramento—your go-to guide for a summer packed with adventure. If you’re looking to save money this summer, bookmark these free summer things to do in Sacramento with kids.
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The annual Historic Folsom Hometown Parade & Cattle Drive will march through Historic Folsom on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026. This free, family-friendly tradition will march down four blocks of Sutter Street with floats, vehicles, horses, Wild West re-enactors, marching bands, color guards, and more.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo takes place for three days from July 2-4, 2026. In addition to a thrilling rodeo tradition of bull riding, there is also plenty of family fun, and each night concludes with a fireworks finale. There will be live music, activities for kids of all ages, and food for purchase.
With a carnival, circus, and fireworks, Rancho Cordova will have the ultimate two-day family-friendly 4th of July celebration on July 3 & 4, 2026. The carnival will take place each day from 4-11pm and feature various amusement rides for kids of all ages. There will be a Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, and midway games. Note[…]
The Sacramento Yacht Club will have a boat parade on July 4, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm. The boat parade will float along the Sacramento River and begin at the Sacramento Marina. It will travel upriver through Old Sacramento to the Virgin Sturgeon and then return via the same route. The boat parade will be[…]
Celebrate 4th of July in Elk Grove at the Salute to the Red, White and Blue at Elk Grove Park. A drone show and fireworks show will take place at 9:40pm. There will be food trucks and a concert before the fireworks. This is a free event. Parking is $15 per vehicle.
The Wonder Grove will have its monthly free Wiggle Worms on Sunday, July 5, 2026 with the theme of Campout Adventures at Whitey Boisclair Park in West Sacramento. There will be camping-themed activities including building tents, pretend campfires, “fishing” for fun, and more outdoor adventures. This is a free program for kids ages 1-9.
A free community Watch Party will take place on Monday, July 6, 2026 to cheer on Team USA take on Belgium in the World Cup at District 56. The event kicks off at 5pm and is in a family-friendly atmosphere.
To celebrate the opening of the new Westacre Park in West Sacramento, there will be a free Party in the Park on Saturday, July 11, 2026 from 10am to 1pm. There will be family-friendly activities, treats, stickers, water bottle giveaways, and more.
Splash into an outdoor movie at Dive-In Movie at the Elk Grove Aquatics Center. In 2026, family-friendly movies in the pool will be shown once a month from June to August. The pool opens at 4pm, and the movies begin showing at sunset.
The 2026 California State Fair returns to Cal Expo from July 17 – August 2, 2026. Enjoy pavilions full of exhibits, fair food, rides, entertainment, and so much more.
Go ice skating for free at Fridays in the Grove: Christmas in July on Friday, July 17, 2026 at District 56 in Elk Grove. Get in the holiday spirit with a free pop-up ice skating rink and jolly atmosphere. Bring socks to the event. All ice skates are provided for free!
Race over to a free Touch-A-Truck event at Freedom Park in North Highlands on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Kids will be able to get up close to machines and a helicopter will even land at the park.
Launch into fun at Moon Day: Space Day! on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Aerospace Museum. The day will include space-themed activities, space jeopardy, and more family-friendly galactic adventures. Space-themed treats will be available in the museum cafe and dressing up as your favorite astronaut, alien, and space explorer is encouraged for a costume[…]
Celebrate all things watermelon at the Watermelon Festival on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at Dave’s Pumpkin Patch in West Sacramento. This event has free admission and will include the jumping pillow, a watermelon eating contest, watermelon lemonade, live music, BBQ, games, and more.
Conquer fun obstacles like an inflatable water slide and navigate through a foam frenzy during the 1.2-mile Fair Oaks Summer Fun on Saturday, July 25, 2026. This 1.2-mile course for kids will take place in Phoenix Park.
Fly over to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in Davis for Bats and Crafts on Saturday, July 25, 2026. There will be bat meet and greets, arts and crafts, games, and other bat-themed things. This event is for young kids who have early bedtimes.
Don’t be late for a very important date with the Elk Grove Kiwanis Club and Cosumnes CSD. A Mad Hatter Tea Party takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Don a party hat and enjoy brunch with small sandwiches, desserts, and soft beverages like iced tea and lemonade. There will also be activities and games[…]
The annual Pear Fair will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026 in the Sacramento River Delta town of Courtland. Entry to the fair is free. There will be a kids’ area with a wide range of fun activities, a Youth Duck Calling, a Fun Run, and more. While there is no admission fee to[…]
