Cameron Park Lake Swimming Lagoon

I was really excited when I first heard about this place: a lifeguarded lake in our area! Sort of. Cameron Park is actually a bit of a hike--figure on about 1 hour 15 minutes up to 1 hour 30 depending on where you live and which way you go.

Now the reason I like lifeguarded swimming areas is because I have four small children, and though I am very diligent about watching them in the water I also know that human error is something that can't always be avoided. I don't like to take even small risks with my kids' lives, so I like to have those lifeguards as backups just in case human error happens to me.

Specs Type: Swimming, Distance: Short Drive Area: Cameron Park Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Address: 2989 Cambridge Road, Cameron Park Information: www.cameronpark.org

As far as I know we don't have any lifeguarded beaches up here in our area (but someone please tell me if I'm wrong!) So I thought it would be worth the drive to let the kids swim in a lake with those extra safety measures in place.

Unfortunately I wasn't impressed enough with the Cameron Park Lake Swimming Lagoon that I feel like I can recommend it to Grass Valley residents. It's a long drive, and the shortest route is on that windy part of Highway 49 (the one that goes through Cool and towards Placerville). And the lagoon was disappointingly small, murky and had some litter floating in it--not a lot, but enough to be gross. Also there were some aggressive geese stalking the picnic area, which kind of freaked my kids out.

The lifeguards were nice to have, though, and the lagoon itself is very shallow up to and a little beyond the buoy line. Past the buoy line, though, the lagoon is about 9 1/2 feet deep and you can't see the bottom--even with the lifeguards there that's a little scary, especially when you've got kids who aren't great swimmers but are lured by the temptation to cross that forbidden buoy line (which the lifeguards do allow, though I wasn't much in favor of the idea).

You'd have to be in the Cameron Park area for some other reason before I'd recommend you going here, though it was nice, pretty quiet and had lots of shade. It's mainly the distance that put me off, and just a few of the details. But personally, I think I'd rather go to Long Ravine and just keep the kids in their life jackets.

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Roseville Aquatics Complex

There are a few of these water complexes in our area, which can be categorized somewhere between a public swimming pool (like Memorial Park Pool) and an expensive water park (Sunsplash comes to mind).

All of these places are great if you're looking for something a little more interesting than a basic pool but not as pricey as a water park. The Roseville Aquatics Complex is definitely a good option, but there are a couple of reasons why I don't recommend it for Grass Valley residents over Gauche Aquatics Center, which is in Yuba City.

Specs Type: Swimming, Distance: Short Drive Area: Roseville Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Address: 3051 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd, Roseville Information: www.roseville.ca.us

First, it's a longer drive. But that may not bother you, especially if you're going to be in the Roseville area anyway. Second, the spray pool isn't very good. Now if you have older kids you may not care about the spray pool, so that's something to keep in mind. But little ones like the spray features and the smaller water slides since the large ones are generally closed to anyone less than 48 inches tall. RAC's spray pool is small, has limited spray features and only one slide--and there isn't even any water going down it.

RAC does have a couple of things going for it though: they have a big water slide (though Gauche does, too) and they have a very large, shallow pool with a beach entrance. This is really nice for sort of medium-sized kids, who may not be terrific swimmers but aren't really interested in the spray pool. RAC also has free life-vest usage when those little ones get tired or for kids who aren't strong swimmers.

Don't misunderstand me, this is a great, inexpensive aquatics complex and if you're in the Roseville area it's probably the one to pick. But if you're going to be a little further out, choose the Folsom Aquatic Center instead, which has a superior spray pool. Or if you're taking a trip from Grass Valley just to visit an aquatics center, choose Gauche, which is closer and has plenty on site to satisfy every kid in your family--and you, too.

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Turtle Bay Exploration Park

We've done Turtle Bay as a day trip, but to get the most out of your visit you might want to plan a weekend away and combine Turtle Bay with a visit to Shasta Caverns, also in the Redding area. Or make it three or four days and spend some time on Lake Shasta, too.

Turtle Bay is a pretty good sized complex that features permanent and traveling exhibitions. This was a home for the "Art of the Brick" Lego exhibit as well as "Grossology," both of which were worth the drive.

Specs Type: Museums Distance: Day trip Area: Redding Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Address: 844 Sundial Bridge Dr, Redding Information: www.turtlebay.org

Animal exhibits, intricate bonsai displays and a butterfly garden have also been on display here. Permanent exhibits include the Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, which is an educational center modeled after an old-time forest camp. There's also a botanical gardens and a small collection of resident animals, which includes a porcupine, a vulture and a desert tortoise. And of course there's the 700 foot Sundial Bridge, which crosses the Sacramento River and links Turtle Bay's north and south campuses.

You could easily spend a whole day here, depending on what exhibits are on display at the time of your visit. Make sure you check their website for the details before you go, and plan your visit accordingly.

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The East Bay Vivarium

Like the more semi-local Serpentarium, the East Bay Vivarium is a shop for reptile enthusiasts. They have a lot of really amazing animals here, and unlike the Serpentarium, there is no entrance fee. This shop bills itself for what it is: a pet store, where you can buy anything from a Colombian Giant Tarantula to an Angolan Python. They don't have the feeding "experiences" like they do at the Serpentarium, but you may be able to hold or pet a snake or other reptile even if you aren't looking to buy.

We got our ball python at EBV, even though you can buy that type of snake locally. We were originally looking for a particular species of boa but changed our minds while speaking to an EBV employee, who was very calmly holding one of the boas we thought we wanted as it repeatedly and savagely bit him all over his hand. So for entertainment value, well, points.

Specs Type: Animals Distance: Road Trip Area: Berkeley Ages: All Ages Cost: Free Address: 1827-C 5th St, Berkeley Information: www.eastbayvivarium.com

The East Bay Vivarium is one of the largest reptile shops in the US, so if you're in the Berkeley area and you have kids who are like snakes, spiders and other creepy-crawlies it is worth stopping by. Don't plan your whole day around this one shop, though, unless you are looking to purchase a pet for your family. In that case, you won't find a better selection than (or even one that is remotely equal to) the selection you'll find at EBV. Combined with another attraction in Berkeley or on the road between here and there, the East Bay Vivarium is definitely worth a stop.

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King's Beach

Do you think you can't make it to the beach on a day trip? You can! Sort of. It's not the ocean, but King's Beach at North Lake Tahoe is about as close as you'll come in a single day.

Lake Tahoe is a cold lake so wait until late in the summer to visit King's Beach if you plan to swim. Bring your floaties, sand toys and a big umbrella since the sun can be pretty fierce. This is a great place for a lakeside picnic and a day in the sun.

Specs Type: Swimming, Water Sports, Recreation Distance: Short Drive Area: Lake Tahoe Ages: All Ages Cost: Free to $$ Address: North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach Information: www.gotahoenorth.com

Your trip to King's Beach can be as cheap or as expensive as you like--besides basking in the sun for free, you can also rent watercraft. Kayaks, jet skis and water bike paddle boats are available by the hour right on the beach. Or just watch the parasaliers and save yourself some cash. There's a play structure, too, in case your kids get tired of all that sand and water.

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Old Faithful Geyser of Californa

(Unreviewed) Hey did you know you don't have to go all the way to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful? California has an Old Faithful of its very own!

Now I can't personally say anything about this place but I gather from some of the reviews I've read elsewhere that at $14 a person it's pretty expensive for what it is. The geyser itself is located in a shallow pool of water, and it erupts once every 30 minutes or so. On site there is also a picnic area and a petting zoo, which features llamas, sheep and Tennessee Fainting Goats. And of course there's a snack bar and a gift shop, too. But is that enough to justify spending almost $60 for a family of four? You'll have to decide that for yourself.

Specs Type: Natural Landmarks Distance: Day Trip Area: Calistoga Ages: All Ages Cost: $$ Address: 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga Information: www.oldfaithful geyser.com

Photo Credit: mattk1979

Old Faithful is in Calistoga, so if you enjoy wineries you can certainly combine a visit to the geyser with a trip to Castello di Amorosa, or to the Petrified Forest provided you don't want to take your poor, long-suffering children to a winery. Now it's probably not fair for me to say so since I haven't seen this geyser myself, but I don't think I'd plan a whole trip to Calistoga on this geyser alone. But I've been to Yellowstone's Old Faithful, too, and I think I'd just be afraid of being underwhelmed and overcharged.

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Top 10 places to take your grandparents in Grass Valley

Dylan's first grade teacher sent me this link, it's probably the custest thing I've seen all day! :)

The kindergarten class at Grass Valley Charter made this video of 10 places in Grass Valley to take your grandparents. It's about five minutes long, so cute and very informative, too! Hope you check it out:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=aN6ushQiM7A&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaN6ushQiM7A

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Scotts Flat Reservoir

Scotts Flat is one of the smaller of our local lakes, so although you can take your boat out there for a day you may find yourself getting bored, since you don't have to be out there for long before you've covered the whole lake.

Specs Type: Camping, Swimming Distance: Local Area: Nevada City Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Information: www.csrmf.org

Scotts Flat  is great for camping, though, with some campsites right on the water. Book well in advance (like the summer before) since the sites fill up really fast. There are RV and trailer sites as well as tent sites, and I've heard you can rent boats there, too, though I haven't done it myself. A marina store is located nearby, in case you forgot to bring something with you, so you don't have to go all the way back into town. There's also a picnic area near the beach with BBQ facilities and a playground. And hot showers, too and yes, actual toilets that flush.

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South Yuba Club

South Yuba Club is another popular birthday party venue, with a few different party types to choose from. The most basic version is the bounce house party, which is great for little kids. The party room includes huge balls that the kids can roll around on the floor, a table for food and cake and a place where you can hang a pinata. Party organizers will even make note of your child's gifts and clean up afterwards, so you need to do almost nothing except bring the cake, food and party supplies.

Specs Type: Birthday Parties, Sports Distance: Local Area: Nevada City Ages: All Ages Cost: $$ Information: www.southyubaclub.com

For older kids, you can book one of the rock-climbing parties or even the indoor pool, which is especially perfect if your child has a cold-weather birthday, or if you have concerns that an outdoor pool party might get rained out. Each kid will have to pass a swim-test before being allowed in the pool, but for those who can't there are life vests available (or bring your own).

Prices for South Yuba Club parties are quite reasonable and the staff is very friendly and always does a great job. Be sure to book a few weeks in advance.

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ASiF Studios

ASiF (which stands for "Artists' Studio in the Foothills") is an art gallery and community art center, where some 30 local artists create and display art in a variety of media. In addition to birthday parties, ASiF offers classes for kids and adults--you can sign up to learn how to draw and paint, or you can try your hand at clay and sculpture, printmaking and mosaics.

Specs Type: Birthday Parties Distance: Local Area: Sacramento Ages: 4 and up Cost: $ Information: www.asifstudios.com

Birthday parties are a function of The Mud Hut, which is sort of a division of ASiF. The Mud Hut also does ceramics classes; they have an onsite kiln, too, so your work gets glazed and fired in the studio. Parties are held in a workroom where the kids are taught step-by-step how to create a ceramic sculpture (when we had Hailey's party here the girls made unicorns). The sculptures are fired onsite and can be picked up a few days after the party.

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Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Once upon a time, you used to be able to take your kids here for a beautiful ride in an open-air 1/4 scale train. The route went through a lovely forested area and stopped for a short walk through a Chinese cemetery. It was a great day out and just around the corner.

Sadly, the railway ceased operations back in (I think) 2008 or so, when the economy did its big nose-dive. It doesn't look like they will be opening the railway again, at least not any time soon.

Specs Type: Museum, Trains Distance: Local Area: Nevada City Ages: All Ages, but older kids will benefit most Cost: $ Information: www.ncngrrmuseum.org

There is still a museum, though, which features relics from local transportation history, especially from the narrow-gauge era. Tours of the museum are docent-led and include a look at museum artifacts, the rail yard and the shop where volunteers do restoration work. The main gallery features a restored 1875 Baldwin engine that has seen service hauling lumber, then as a passenger mover and finally as a movie train in Hollywood.

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Effie Yeaw Nature Center

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a really great, inexpensive way to spend an afternoon if you are in the Carmichael area or don't mind a bit of a drive. You have to pay a small entrance fee to get into Ancil Hoffman Park, where the center is located (though I am told there is a back way). Once inside you can visit the center's collection of live animals, which includes a red-tail hawk and a great horned owl. There is a small educational center behind the gift shop, where you can view a few interesting nature exhibits. Your kids can also dress up like birds and play in a giant bird's nest.

Specs Type: Animals, Hiking, Nature Centers Distance: Short Drive Area: Carmichael Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Information: www.sacnaturecenter.net

The educational center is unfortunately pretty small so will have limited appeal for most youngsters, but there are lots of nature trails outside and you can even walk down to the American River and let your kids splash around in the water (take care, though, the river can sometimes be pretty fast). When we were at Effie Yeaw we saw lots of wildlife and interesting insects on the trail, including jackrabbits, woodpeckers, wooly caterpillars and (in the river) crayfish. If you have curious kids who love animals and nature you're going to enjoy Effie Yeaw, and the bonus of course is that you won't have to spend a lot of money.

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Pioneer Park Pool

There are two public pools in our local area: Memorial Park Pool and Pioneer Park Pool. Both are equally great places to take kids during the summer.

Pioneer pool is open from June to mid-September. There are plenty of open swim times, and you can also sign your kids up for swim lessons. For grown ups and older kids there is lap swim and water exercise classes.

Specs Type: Swimming, Birthday Parties Distance: Local Area: Nevada City Ages: All Ages Cost: $ Information: www.nevadacityca.gov

What I love about both of our public pools are the lifeguards. There are several of them on staff at all times, and safety is a big priority. Kids will have to pass swim tests to swim in the deeper parts of the pool, so you know your kids will be safe no matter what part of the pool area they are in. You can book a birthday party at Pioneer Park pool or you can rent the pool for an event. Open swim is inexpensive and fun and a great way to beat back summer boredom.

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Aerospace Museum of California

Specs
Type:	Museum
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	McClellan
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	http://www.aerospaceca.org

Even little kids will have fun at this museum, which features both military and civilian aircraft from various points in aviation history. The displays are both indoors and outdoors, so plan your visit during nice weather. Among the Aerospace Museum's collection of aircraft are a US Navy Blue Angels’ fighter, a "Top Gun" F-14 and a Pitts Special aerobatic biplane.

In addition to the aircraft, this museum also has a large collection of engines, a Norden Bomb Sight, a US Coast Guard art collection and several interactive exhibits including one called "Fun With Physics" and a couple of flight simulators. School aged kids who are interested in airplanes will certainly get the most out of the Aerospace Museum of California, but even toddlers will find something here to entertain them. The entrance fees are pretty low, too, so don't be afraid to bring your whole family.

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The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center

Specs
Type:	Museums
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	All ages, but older kids will benefit most
Cost:	$
Information:	www.thediscovery.org

The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center is a great educational museum that focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. Exhibits are mostly interactive, and kids get to do things like role-play NASA missions, go on psuedo-archaeology digs or build and program robots. There's also a planetarium, a nature discovery room and a series of rotating exhibits featuring bones, plants, rocks and space.

Though the whole family can have fun here this is really a museum that caters to school-aged kids who may already be learning about some of these topics in their classrooms.

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Sacramento State Aquatic Center

Specs
Type:	Recreation, Water Sports
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Gold River (Sacramento)
Ages:	Preschool up
Cost:	$ to $$
Information:	www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com

The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is actually a division of Sacramento State University, so much of the center's focus is on education and water safety. There are classes and youth programs in a number of different water sports and activities, but what makes this place great for families is the inexpensive boat rentals: you can get a tandem kayak or canoe for $14 an hour (a cabo kayak is the same rate, but can sit one adult and two children), or a hydro bike for $12. There are no qualifications to rent a kayak and you can spend a whole day just paddling around and enjoying the American River, which is shallow in places, filled with tiny clam shells and warm enough in the summer that you won't mind if you get a little bit wet.

If you take a class you can rent a river kayak, rowing wherry, stand-up paddle board or windsurfer, among other things. The center also offers classes in wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing and sailing, which is particularly great if your kids are older and interested in learning a sport. But even little kids will love getting out in a canoe or kayak and seeing the river from water level, and the price is really not expensive if you only plan to be out there for an hour or two.

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Sacramento Children's Museum

Specs
Type:	Museum
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	Infant to Grade School
Cost:	$
Information:	www.sacramentochildrensmuseum.org

The Sacramento Children's Museum is small but it's a fun place to play for a few hours, and has enough to entertain kids from toddler to grade school, though older kids will probably get bored fairly quickly. Attractions include a room where kids can play with water, create whirlpools and race boats. A similar room lets them experiment with air currents.

There is also a pretend farmer's market and some dress up stuff for role playing, a special area just for kids under 3 and an art studio, though I have to admit to being underwhelmed by what the studio had to offer (I get the concept of trash-to-treasure, but it seemed like all the art supplies they had either came directly out of a recycle bin or were just little scraps left over from someone else's art project). Although the glass wall that kids can paint on (with their hands, even) is pretty cool.

This museum is pretty small so don't plan an entire trip to Sacramento just to go here. If you're going to break it up with another activity, though, it's a nice little distraction with some educational appeal, too.

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Sky High

Specs
Type:	Amusement, Sports, Birthday Parties
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	School age and up
Cost:	$$
Information:	sacramento.jumpskyhigh.com

My son broke his leg at Sky High--now I know that's not much of a recommendation and it is a pretty cool place, but not without its dangers. Sky High is an activity center that is basically just a whole bunch of trampolines. The floors are trampoline. The walls are trampoline. The kids just go there and jump, jump, jump. There are separate trampoline areas for little kids, medium sized kids and teenagers and there are organized games (like trampoline dodge-ball). Or you can just free bounce, flip and do tricks.

You can't fall off these trampolines because the whole room is a trampoline, and the center advertises that its frames and springs are all covered by 2 inch thick safety pads. Of course, despite being in one of the "little jumpers" areas my son still managed to break his leg, so I don't recommend this place for kids younger than school age. Sky High does birthday parties, too, but it's a little bit of a drive from our area so probably best for older kids who just want to invite a few friends.

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Long Ravine, Lake Rollins

Specs
Type:	Swimming, Recreation
Distance:	Local
Area:	Colfax
Ages:	Grade School Up
Cost:	$
Information:	www.longravineresorts.com

One thing Grass Valley is definitely short on is beaches. We're landlocked so if you want the experience of playing in the sand and water, you need to go to a lake. Tahoe is the obvious choice for most of us, but you may not realize that there's also a really nice beach much closer than that.

Long Ravine is at the end of Lake Rollins, off I-80. If you're coming from Grass Valley you go a very long way down 174, past all the other signs for Lake Rollins.

This is a campground or a day use area--I've never camped there but I've taken the kids down to the beach a few times. It's not a huge beach but it also doesn't get very crowded. There's lots of sand, plenty of room to set up your umbrella and the water is warm. If your kids are good swimmers (or wearing life jackets) there's a slide on a floating platform a little ways out in the water. Sure, it's not San Diego but the day use fees are very low and there's a lot of fun to be had.

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Golfland Sunsplash

Specs
Type:	Museum, Animals
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Roseville
Ages:	All ages, but not really worth the money for kids smaller than 48".
Cost:	$$
Information:	www.golfland.com

Yeah, Golfland Sunsplash is really fun. Really fun, but dang, it costs a lot of money. For an adult, you'll pay $28. But if your kid is more than four feet tall (my eight year old is) you'll also pay $28. And you don't save a whole lot if your kid isn't that tall, either: the admission price for smaller children is $22. So for a family of four a trip to Golfland Sunsplash is going to be $100+. Compared to a place like Gauche Aquatic Center in Yuba City, that's pricey.

In their defense, though, there is a lot to do there. The wavepool is really cool (it simulates the surf at the ocean) and there's also a canal you can float down in an inner tube. For smaller kids, there's a shallow pool with a few easy water slides. There's also a water bucket that fills and tips at regular intervals, which will soak you if you happen to be standing under it. And there are a ton of huge, fast, scary water slides, which is the reason for those expensive tickets. Lines are long, though, so don't get in one with a kid who has to use the bathroom, because you're going to be annoyed about having to get out of the line you just stood in for 20 minutes.

The Golfland part of Golfland Sunsplash is fun, too. There's a huge arcade, mini golf, laser tag and a go-cart track.

But here's the warning: if you buy those discounted tickets for your shorter-than-48-inches kids, you might as well not buy any tickets at all. Most of the water slides are not for kids smaller than four feet, and you'll find yourself spending most of your time in that shallow pool--which you could do at Gauche or Folsom Aquatic Center for a lot less money.

So yes, Golfland Sunsplash is really fun, but I will not go there again until all of my kids reach that 48 inch mark and are old enough to actually want to go on the big slides. Otherwise, it's not worth the price of those expensive tickets.

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Folsom Aquatic Center

Specs
Type:	Swimming
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Folsom
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.folsom.ca.us

I think the Folsom Aquatic Center is just that little bit better than Gauche, but I will always plug Guache to Grass Valley residents because it's closer and less crowded. The Folsom Center has a few extra things going for it, though, including a 165 foot long water slide, four diving boards, inner tubes and an obstacle course that you pay a little extra for, but is great fun for older kids (it was too difficult for my then 6- and 7-year-olds).

Like Gauche, the Folsom Center has a spray pool with water cannons and other squirting/splashing equipment that kids can operate themselves, smaller water slides and some of those buckets that fill/tip at regular intervals (like the one they have at Golfland Sunsplash, only smaller).

It's worth the drive maybe once or twice a season, because it is a very fun place and is similar in price to Gauche--very inexpensive for a family of four and much, much less than neighboring Golfland Sunsplash.

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Fairy Tale Town

Specs
Type:	Parks, Birthday Parties
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.fairytaletown.org

Located in the same complex as the Sacramento Zoo and Funderland, Fairy Tale Town is really just an enormous kids' park. There are 25 play structures there, each one based on a fairy tale or nursery rhyme. Admission fees are pretty low and your kids can literally spend hours bouncing from one play structure to another. There are several large slides, a pirate ship complete with helm and treasure chest, a stage where kids can put on a show, lots of things to ride and climb on and my kids' personal favorite: the crooked mile, which is a raised, narrow concrete trail that winds through a little mini forest.

Fairy Tale Town also has a small collection of farm animals, including sheep, goats, bunnies and pigs. And they host a number of events throughout the year (we always go there for their Easter egg hunt). You can book a birthday party there, too, although it's a little bit of a drive from our area.

Fairy Tale Town doesn't cost a lot: on the weekends, a family of four can get in for 20 bucks.  It's a great choice for a day out if you just want your kids to have some free play without having to wait in a lot of lines or battle crowds, or get nickeled and dimed for all those extras.

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49er Fun Park

Specs
Type:	Amusement, Birthday Parties, Arcades
Distance:	Local
Area:	Grass Valley
Ages:	Ages 3 and up
Cost:	$ to $$
Information:	49erfunpark.com

If you've lived in Grass Valley for more than 10 minutes, you've either been to 49er Fun Park or at least heard about it. It's a great little local amusement center that is something like a cross between Chuck-E-Cheese and Scandia Family Fun Park. Inside there is an arcade with a smattering of video game consoles and some skill games like hoops and skeeball. Kids can play the games or try to earn tickets, which they can then trade for prizes that are way out of proportion in size to the amount of money you spent on tokens. But for some reason, kids love this. It's like Vegas for children.

Outside there is more fun: a mini-golf course (complete with misters for those hot Grass Valley summers)  and a go-cart track. Some of the carts are single-seat while others can seat two, so even little ones can have fun on the track.

49er Fun Park is also a great place for birthday parties. You can either just rent the facilities or you can pay extra for a hosted party, which is well worth the money because the staff will take care of all the entertainment, party games, present time and clean up. 

Really, this place is under-appreciated. We tend to forget about it when trying to come up with ideas for something to do with the kids, when it's really a great way to have fun without making the drive to Sacramento.

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Gauche Aquatic Park

Specs
Type:	Swimming
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Yuba City
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	gap.yubacity.net

If you're tired of Memorial Pool but you don't want to spend the bucks to go to Golfland Sunsplash, you really need to try this place. One trip to Gauche (pronounced "Go-shay") and I swore off expensive water parks. Now, those places do have their appeal (mostly for older kids and teenagers) but when your kids are still pretty little you don't need to spend all that extra cash just to have them look up at the giant waterslide and go "I don't wanna!"

Gauche is really fun for little kids. In addition to the standard swimming pool like the one you'll find at Memorial Park, there is a nice, easy 25-foot water slide (big enough to be fun, small enough to be unintimidating, though there is a height requirement of 48 inches to go on it). There is also a spray pool which only gets to about a three foot depth and is full of fun activities--dials and hoses kids can use to squirt each other, falling water and smaller water slides. And the entrance fees are really low. You can spend all afternoon having fun here, and if you still have energy afterwards there's a kids park (a dry one) nearby.

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The Serpentarium

Specs
Type:	Museum, Animals
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Lodi
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.snakemuseum.com

The Serpentarium describes itself as a "living reptile museum," but it is also a shop where you can buy reptiles, amphibians, and even insects and spiders (Have you ever seen a bird eating spider? They've got one.)

Besides the creepy-crawlies, the Serpentarium has a large display of reptiles that includes anacondas, huge monitor lizards, chameleons, pythons and boas.

You have to pay an admission price of $2 per person to get into the shop, which seems a bit strange at first, but there's plenty to see there so you're not likely to feel like you've been unfairly parted from your money.

Once inside, you can pay an additional fee for an "experience," which can be quite gross depending on what you choose (don't get one of the feeding experiences for very small children, which involves giving live prey to a monitor lizard). Experiences also include holding an albino python or a chameleon--or for the very bold, a tarantula, scorpion or (ew) a hissing cockroach. If you don't want to pay extra you can hold a bearded dragon or a corn snake, or pet the Serpentarium's giant tortoise.

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Chuck E Cheese

Specs
Type:	Amusement
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Roseville
Ages:	2 and up
Cost:	$
Information:	www.chuckecheese.com

I know, but it's Chuck E Cheese. That dirty, crowded place with bad pizza you remember from your childhood. Ah, but Chuck E Cheese has a few things going for it that you might not have considered. The first is those black lights. You don't know about those black lights?

When you first walk into Chuck E Cheese, you and your children get stamped with identical numbers, which can only be seen beneath a black light. With only one entrance/exit (and that guarded by a black-light-wielding attendant), your kids can't get out of the building unless you are with them. So inside, you can relax and maybe even let them out of your sight for a few minutes, because child abduction and wandering cannot happen here.

The Roseville Chuck E Cheese is also cleaner than that Chuck E Cheese of your memory, though the pizza is still pretty bad. Visit the Chuck E Cheese website before you go to get a coupon--that will usually get you a discount on enough tokens to keep your kids busy for a couple of hours. Then sit back and relax, enjoy a slice of bad pizza and let them play!

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The Sacramento Zoo

Specs
Type:	Animals, Zoos
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$ to $$
Information:	www.saczoo.org

Chances are if you've lived in this area for very long you've already been to the Sacramento Zoo. Though it's not as fancy or state-of-the-art as, say, the San Diego Zoo, it's still a nice little zoo where (if you take your time) you can probably spend a whole day.

The Sacramento Zoo is not expensive (as far as entrance fees go) but expect to pay extra for add-ons like the carousel, the train ride and the "Giraffe Experience," which at last count was three bucks a person to feed two leaves to one of the zoo's giraffes. Worth it for the looks on the kid's faces.

This zoo doesn't have those big, open enclosures guarded by moats--most of the animals are still behind wire fences or glass, which makes good photos difficult to obtain. There's a decent selection of animals, though--lions, tigers, (even snow leopards) as well as the aforementioned giraffes. There are also zebras, chimpanzees, kangaroos, lemurs and bongos--and a huge flock of flamingos. The reptile house is pretty good too--it features poison dart frogs, a green tree boa, rattlesnakes, vipers and boas.

Notably missing are the elephants--where the heck are the elephants? and canids of any kid, though if you're really missing them you can go down to the Folsom Zoo to see a great collection of wolves and foxes. Not elephants, though.

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Funderland

Specs
Type:	Amusement
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	All ages, but smaller kids will enjoy more
Cost:	$ to $$
Information:	www.funderlandpark.com

Think you have to wait until August for amusement park rides to come to town? Think again! Funderland is open year-round. Sure, they don't have The Nitro or the Scrambler, but there's plenty to keep kids from preschool age to tween occupied for a whole afternoon.

There's no fee to get into Funderland, but of course you do have to pay for ride tickets. They are sold individually or in packs--unless you're just stopping in it's definitely worth it to get the pack. The lines aren't usually too long (an exception is the log flume line, which is slow loading), and most of the rides will accommodate kids from about age four and up (though you may have to ride with your child on some of them).

For horse crazy kids, there's usually a pony ride next door to Funderland, though I don't know if it's year-round or seasonal. Funderland is in the same complex as the Sacramento Zoo and Fairy Tale Town, so if you don't want to spend your whole day on the kiddie rides there's plenty of other activities in the neighborhood.

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Memorial Park Pool

Specs
Type:	Swimming
Distance:	Local
Area:	Grass Valley
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.cityofgrassvalley.com

My kids love to swim, and besides a 10x10 foot inflatable pool we got on sale at Rite-Aide one year, we have nowhere to do it. That's why we love Memorial Park Pool--it's inexpensive, it's local, there's a snack bar and there's lifeguards. Did I mention the lifeguards?

Three of my four kids are old enough to go to the pool, and although all of them are good swimmers I wouldn't feel comfortable taking them if there weren't lifeguards. As active and enthusiastic as they are, it just isn't possible to keep all three of them in sight at the same time. Memorial Park Pool has at least three lifeguards poolside at all times. There's a diving board, but swimmers have to pass a swimming test before they're allowed to use it. They are very serious about safety there, which means that I don't have to be terrified to take my kids swimming.

The pool is open all summer and costs just a couple of bucks a person. Flotation devices are not allowed, though, which means if you have a weak swimmer or a little one you can't put him/her in a life vest. One of the lifeguards told me that particular rule is to discourage parents from just putting a vest on their kid and leaving them in the pool for the afternoon. Which, really? I can't believe anyone would do that. But, if you say so.

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Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Specs
Type:	Museum
Distance:	Weekend Trip
Area:	San Jose
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.cdm.org

My kids call this "The Clifford Place," because of its most memorable exhibit: an entire room devoted to that beloved book and TV show about a freakishly large, primary-colored dog. The Clifford exhibit is laid out like a little village, complete with a restaurant where kids can serve up fish and chips, a post office and a theater that plays non-stop episodes of Clifford the Big Red Dog.

There is a ton of stuff at the Discovery Museum besides just a room full of Clifford memorabilia--there's also a miniature city with an ambulance and fire truck that your kids can explore, a room where they can make giant bubbles, the partial skeleton of a mammoth on display and a big room called WaterWays, where kids can send colorful plastic balls along a system channels, pulleys and tunnels, over waterfalls and up water spouts.

For the artistically-inclined, there's a room where kids can paint on the walls, an "Art Loft" where kids will get hands-on instruction in arts and crafts as well as a craft station where they can make corn husk dolls.

It will cost just under $50 for a family of four to visit the museum, but there's plenty there to keep you all occupied for most of a day.  I took all four of my kids to this museum solo when the littlest was only two, and somehow managed to keep track of all of them. The museum has so many activities and fun things to do that even over-excitable little ones aren't going to be inclined to wander off.

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Gold Country Gym

Specs
Type:	Birthday Parties, Sports
Distance:	Local
Area:	Grass Valley
Ages:	Toddler up
Cost:	$ (activities) $$ (parties)
Information:	www.goldcountrygymnastics.com

If you're raising kids in the Grass Valley area, you already know about Gold Country Gym. It's probably the area's single most popular birthday party venue, and for good reason. The gym is full of fun things for kids to climb, bounce on or jump in. There's a floor-level trampoline, a climbing rope, a pit full of foam blocks that kids can swing into from a rope, a ton of big, soft blocks that can be used for building a temporary castle, one or two pommel horses and a rope swing. They have a big area where kids can just run in circles if they need to burn off steam, which is especially great for toddlers or kids who may not be bold enough to take full advantage of all the gym equipment.

You really don't need to plan games when you have a party at Gold Country Gym, but if you request it they'll organize some really fun parachute games or other active party games. Upstairs there's a party room where you can set out food and serve cake. You do need to bring all your own party supplies, but the clean up is done for you.

Gold Country Gym also has open gym days, in case your kids need to burn off  some steam during the week, but unfortunately they're usually scheduled during school hours so are best for preschool aged children or for the summer holidays. And of course they offer gymnastics classes, camps and team competition, too.

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Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

Specs
Type:	Parks, camping
Distance:	Local
Area:	Nevada City
Ages:	All Ages, but older children will benefit most
Cost:	$
Information:	www.parks.ca.gov

Malakoff Diggins is one of the parks that was on the list of state closures, but so far it has eluded budget-insipred execution. It's a pretty neat place for a picnic and a look-around, with a number of different attractions that should appeal to older children in particular.

Malakoff Diggins' most prominent feature is the huge canyon-style cliffs that were carved by hydraulic mining techniques. In hydraulic mining, enormous streams of water were used to literally wash away entire mountains.

Hiller Tunnel at Malakoff Diggins

Besides these amazing looking cliffs, there is also a bedrock tunnel that is over a mile long (it was once used as a drain and is still pretty wet in places, so if you plan to go into it make sure to bring waterproof shoes as well as a flashlight).

In the old mining town of North Bloomfield, there are buildings featuring artifacts from the Gold Rush Area and a picnic area. A little further up the road there is an old cemetery.

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Scandia Family Fun Center

Specs
Type:	Museum, Trains
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Fairfield
Ages:	4 and up
Cost:	$$
Information:	www.scandiafamilycenter.com

You know that giant spinny thing that you see from Highway 80? That's The Screamer, at Scandia Family Fun Center. Of course, the website makes no mention of this attraction and I know it's been closed off and on, so if anyone knows its status please let me know and I'll post an update.

Besides The Screamer, Scandia has mini golf, a go-cart track and bumper boats complete with water spouts that you can squirt at other bumper boats or at your parents as they stand on the sidewalk watching you. There's also an arcade, laser tag and batting cages. Admission is free: you pay for rides on a per-ride basis.

This place is OK if you are in the area and can't think of anything to do, but the appeal is really limited (at least that's what we thought). Because of height limitations, small children will be excluded from most of the rides, which is sure to inspire tears so don't bring children under the age of four or so, and expect to ride with kids that are only just that age or a little older.  It can get a bit pricey, too, and since there isn't a lot of variety you may find yourself riding the same rides over and over again just to make it worth the drive.

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Bridgeport

Specs
Type:	Parks, Landmarks, Hiking
Distance:	Local
Area:	Bridgeport
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	Free
Information:	www.southyubariverstatepark.org

The longest single-span wooden covered bridge in America is just down the road from us in Bridgeport. This part of the South Yuba River State Park is one of the best local places to take your kids for an inexpensive summer afternoon.

The bridge itself is of course a fun attraction, but there is also a trail on the opposite side (not good for early walkers, strollers or kids who might need to be carried) that goes all the way down to Lake Englebright. If you aren't up for a long hike, you can just go down below the bridge; there's a swimming hole and a small beach there where you can cool down on a hot summer day (but beware, at certain times of the year the river moves fast and even in the summer you should put your little ones in life jackets).

Bridgeport features several annual events, including gold panning demonstrations on from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which also includes a history station staffed by docents who are well-educated in the bridge's history as well as the histories of the local buildings, wagons, and the pioneers who once lived in the area.

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Purpose Ranch

Specs
Type:	Birthday Parties
Distance:	Local
Area:	Grass Valley
Ages:	Ages 3 and up
Cost:	$$$
Information:	www.purposeranch.com

If you have a horse-loving little boy or girl, a birthday party at Purpose Ranch is pricey but oh-so worth it. This isn't an ordinary pony party, but a whole-horse experience that begins with the kids gathering in the barn to groom the horses, a short lesson in horsemanship and safety followed by lead-line riding in the arena. There are horse-drawn cart rides available, too, and a place to do a barbecue and the usual drill of cake and presents.

We had a party at Purpose Ranch when my daughter turned four, and I still think it was one of the best parties we've ever had (and I have four kids, so we've done a LOT of birthday parties). Every single kid there was thrilled to be a part of the experience and had a great time.

Now, I can't actually find any information about birthday parties on Purpose Ranch's website, so if someone out there knows something I don't (are they still doing birthday parties?) let me know.

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Independence Trail

Specs
Type:	Hiking
Distance:	Local
Area:	Nevada City
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	Free
Information:	www.southyubariverstatepark.org

Independence Trail is America's first wheelchair-accessible hiking trail, which means something for those of us with small children and babies, too: it's stroller accessible! Independence Trail is a nice, shady walk that goes fairly high above the Yuba River and travels 1 1/2 miles either east or west from the trailhead. The views are beautiful and the trail is actually quite level, so it's a good hike for little ones and/or for grown ups who don't want an intense workout.

If you travel west on the Independence Trail, you'll reach Rush Creek waterfall, and if you're feeling a little more energetic (and didn't bring a stroller and/or small children with you), there's a steep spur that's just under a half mile that will give you access to the river at Jones Bar.

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Empire Mine State Historic Park

Specs
Type:	Museum, Park
Distance:	Local
Area:	Grass Valley
Ages:	All Ages, but older kids will benefit more
Cost:	$
Information:	www.empiremine.org

Empire Mine is one of those places that you've always known about but hardly ever take advantage of. If you're a local you already know that this area played a big role in California's Gold Rush, but if you want to learn more about that role you really need to visit Empire Mine.

Empire Mine was once the largest and richest gold min in the state of California, producing 5.8 million ounces of gold over its 100+ year history. According to the park's website, this is probably only about 20% of the gold that is actual underground at the site.

Empire Mine is a large complex featuring many of the original mine buildings, beautiful gardens (Do you want to have some family pictures done? This is the place.) and the original "owner's cottage," which let's face it is a mansion. One of the best attractions at the park is the entrance to a 367 mile complex of abandoned mine shafts and tunnels. There is a little museum on site complete with a scale model of the underground mine complex, a room full of ore samples and a large collection of minerals. There are also 12 miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails.

On Mother's Day weekend the park hosts a "living history" weekend with actors in period costume, food service and entertainment. There are also other events throughout the year--check the website for information.

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Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

Specs
Type:	Trains, Amusement
Distance:	Day Trip
Area:	Sonoma
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$ to $$
Information:	http://www.traintown.com

There's not a whole lot at Sonoma TrainTown, so it's a good idea to combine your trip there with something else in the Sonoma area. The primary attraction at TrainTown is the 1/4-scale railroad that travels four miles through a wooded area. The route includes tunnels, bridges and a short stop in a miniature town and petting zoo.

TrainTown is in a pretty setting with a beautiful pond, a fountain and plenty of greenery. There are six additional amusement rides, including a ferris wheel, a carousel and a small roller coaster.

Ride coupons are $2.75 each or $12 for a pack of six. If you have very small kids, though, expect to ride with them on most of the rides; the minimum height for all but two of the rides is 44 inches or above.

Train tickets cost $5.75 each, but admission and parking are free.

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Folsom Zoo

Specs
Type:	Animals, Zoos
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Folsom
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.folsom.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation/zoo/

The Folsom Zoo is one of those hidden gems that you don't find out about until you've lived here a couple of years. It's a little bit overshadowed by its more popular cousin, The Sacramento Zoo, but it has a few extra things going for it.

The Sacramento Zoo has a lot of exotic animals--the sort of thing you would expect to find in any metropolitan area zoo. The Folsom Zoo, on the other hand, focuses on North American wildlife. There is a very large black bear exhibit featuring a half-dozen or so different animals, and there are also foxes, mountain lions, bobcats and wolves as well many different North American birds such as hawks, owls and crows.

Photo Credit: alison.toon

The Folsom Zoo also has a few exotics, including a pair of tigers, some tropical parrots and several monkeys. Most of the exotics at the Folsom Zoo are rescues, former pets or the descendents of laboratory animals.

The Folsom Zoo is small but worth the drive, especially if you want your kids to learn about local wildlife (the mountain lions were a great lesson in safety and awareness for my kids, since we have them in our neighborhood). There's also a little train ride just around the corner, in case you feel like you need to do a little something extra while you're in the Folsom area.

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Skatetown, Roseville

Specs
Type:	Sports, Amusement
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Roseville
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.skatetown-roseville.com

This family-friendly ice skating rink has a lot to offer for not a whole lot of money. And when I say "all ages" I mean it ... if your child is too small for skates you can rent a sled and pull him around the rink.

Skatetown offers group skates if you just want to get out there and go, or you can take a skating lesson. They also offer hockey lessons and leagues, figure skating practice and competition and birthday parties.

If you're just learning to skate, you'll find an unintimidating environment at Skatetown: "bucket helpers" (which are really just stacks of buckets) are available to help you gain balance and confidence before heading out there on your own. There's a snack bar, too.

Beware, the skating rink is cold so make sure to bring a hat and mittens, even if your trip to Skatetown is in August. 

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California State Railroad Museum

Specs
Type:	Museum, Trains
Distance:	Short Drive
Area:	Sacramento
Ages:	All Ages
Cost:	$
Information:	www.csrmf.org

The California State Railroad Museum is not huge, but it has enough to keep a family occupied for a couple of hours, especially if you take your time and then finish your trip with a train ride along the Sacramento River.

This museum is pretty inexpensive and has a lot of walk-on exhibits, which is great for train-loving kids. There are 21 restored locomotives and cars, and exhibits are designed to teach visitors about the railroad's place in California and western-states history. Regular exhibits include a dining car complete with railroad china, a refrigerator car and a railway post office, as well as a Pullman-style sleeping car and a caboose.

When you're finished looking at the stationary exhibits, you can go outside to the train station and board a closed coach or open-air gondola pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Or if you're feeling rich, you can get on board the first-class observation car.

Photo Credit: Jack Snell "Snappy Jack"

Train ride tickets aren't included in the cost of the museum; in fact you can expect to spend about as much for the tickets as you do to get into the museum--unless you're going to ride the first class car, in which case the price is about $5 more for adults and an extra $10 for kids.

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