Nov 27, 2007

Downtown Roseville Library

225 Taylor Street
Roseville, CA

Directions: From I-80 take the Riverside/Auburn exit. Follow the Riverside Drive signs. Go a few miles on Riverside Drive until it dead ends. Turn right onto Vernon Street. Turn right on Taylor Street. The library will be on the left side almost to the end of the street. Parking is straight ahead or to the left behind the library.

The library has story time for 2-3 year olds and 3-5 year olds. They have a separate story time room, and when its not in use they have a few toys you can have your child play with. Call the Roseville Parks and Recreation Dept or library to sign up and to verify times and hours, usually on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10:30 and 11:15am. Library phone: (916) 774-5221. This library has a very unique and cool design. It is in a the shape of a hexagon I think. Inside has tall pillers in the center and many beams going across the ceilings. It makes for a great conversation piece. Art exhibits are showcased here every 3rd Saturday, call for more info. Outside you can take a bridge across to Royer Park and enjoy the playground equipment and have your child release some energy and have fun! See Royer Park blog for information on that park. Or walk around downtown Roseville past the trains for another fun and interesting outing.

Bill Santucci Park

1831 Mornignstar Drive
Roseville, CA

Directions: From I-80 take the Riverside/Auburn Exit. Follow the Riverside Drive signs. Turn left on Cirby. Right on Foothills. Left on Baseline. Right on Junction. Left on Stonecrest and right on Morningstar Drive.

This park is next to an elementary school within a neighborhood. It has a large soccer field, basketball area, picnic areas, and bathrooms. It also has a newer playground with climbing ropes, funky slides and places to show off your balancing and climbing skills. There is a playground with slides, ladders and platforms as well. They have big and small kid swings as well. It is a tan bark park here. There is lots of room to run around at this newer park. The Roseville Parks and Recreation Dept. has many tot sport events here. Get their catalog and come out and have fun with your toddler.

James A. Hall Park

1411 Raeburn Way/ Country Club Drive
Roseville, CA

Directions: From I-80 take the Riverside/Auburn Exit. Follow the Riverside Drive signs. Turn left on Cirby. Right on Foothills. Left on Baseline. Right on Country Club Drive and Left on Raeburn. Parking is on the street around the park.

This is truly a neighborhood park, it is surrounded by homes in a quiet neighborhood. It has many picnic tables, grass area, and walking trails. It has big and small kid swings, big kid playground with a climbing wall and TALL slides that will get the dare devil kid excited! The small kid playground has slides, steering wheels and ladders to climb on. There are no bathrooms or sand area, it is tan bark here. Bring your scooters there is paved trails around the park.

James W. Wanish Park!

1351 Junction Blvd.
Roseville, CA

Directions: From I-80 take the Riverside/Auburn Exit. Follow the Riverside signs, it will take you under the bridge and onto Riverside drive. Turn left on Cirby. Right on Foothills. Left on Junction. The parking lot will be on the left past the Americana Drive traffic light.


This neighborhood/school park is great for all ages. It has a cool sand area with a playground and a pipe tube area where kids will spend hours pouring sand into and seeing it come out and pile up. There is a big kid play area with slides, bridges, and tunnels. Big and small kid swings are here. There is a baseball field, soccer field, bathrooms and a BBQ area.

Duck pond!


Duck pond in Citrus Heights, CA

There is a cute duck pond in a senior mobile home community. You need to be respectful of the people living there when you come view the ducks.

Directions: From I-80 take Greenback exit. Turn left on Auburn. Left on Van Maren and left on Oak Lakes Lane (after RiteAid). Follow the street through the mobile home kiosk gate. Follow the signs to the Office, right on Summerset. Go past the office and turn left Cove Lane. The lake will be on the left side.

This is a cute pond where you can feed the ducks. The lake is dyed a bright shade of blue which makes it feel tropical. Take a stroll on the trail around the lake and be at peace. Be respectful of the neighbors and neighborhood. It is a good outing for kids.

Oct 15, 2007

Del Campo Park


This park is in Carmichael, CA
Directions: Off I-80 take the Greenback Exit. Turn right onto Dewey Dr. Go a few miles and take the first right after Del Campo High School, it is Moraga Dr. Then take a right at Jan Dr. Then a right at Crestview Dr. and then a right at Healthcliff Dr. Go through the gate at the end of the street and the parking lot will be inside the gate. The playground is across the grass.

This is a large neighborhood park. It has lots and lots of grass to run around and play on. Lots of peaceful walking trails that meander through the park and over the creek. The playground is cute with swings, a climbing wall, slides, and shade. It has bathroom facilities, benches, and places to BBQ. You will probably find many other things to do as you explore this quiet park.

Sep 22, 2007

Nut Tree



Nut Tree in Vacaville, CA
About 1/2 hour drive from Sacramento.
Directions:The park is conveniently located on I-80 in Vacaville, California between San Francisco and Sacramento.
From the west, take the Nut Tree Parkway exit. From the east, take the East Monte Vista Avenue exit.
Hours: 10am -6pm usually. Go to www. nuttreeusa.com for more information.

The Nut Tree is a place to go for all. It is has factory outlet stores, resturants, and box stores. It has the Nut Tree Family Park, Bocce park, and Nut Tree Village to name a few in the area.

The Nut Tree Family Park is a toned down fair. It has tickets to purchase and each ride is so many tickets. They have a carosel, a rollercoaster, and the great train ride that goes around the park. This is great for all ages. They have rides for all the ages. They have some free rides to, like the horse ride. It is a nice day trip to stroll around the park on a nice day and stop in some shops and dining for dinner. You can also have a kids birthday party here.

Jelly Belly Factory


Jelly Belly Factory
1 Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA
Directions:
From Sacramento & Vacaville:
1. Head West on I-80.
2. Take the Highway 12/Abernathy Rd. exit in Fairfield.
3. Turn left at stop sign onto Abernathy Rd.
4. Continue straight through one stop sign and four stoplights.
5. Turn left at the fifth stoplight onto Courage Dr.
6. Turn left onto North Watney Way.
7. Turn left onto Jelly Belly Lane.
Approximate driving time from Sacramento is one hour.
Hours:9am to 4pm. Go to www.jellybelly.com and click on free tours for more information about the factory and the tours.

The Jelly Belly Factory tour is a cute tour. They make you wear white 'sailor' type hats on the tour and walk you around while you watch the workers making jelly belly's. They show video clip of the history, the process of the beans, and the packaging. You get a free pack of jellybelly beans at the end of the tour. You can then walk around the gift shop and stop by the tasting section and try out your favorite jelly bean or be brave and try the Harry Potter beans. And don't forget to take your picture with the fun loving jelly belly bean out front or inside.

Aug 17, 2007

Tempo Park


Directions: Off I-80N take Greenback Exit. Turn left on Fair Oaks Blvd. Turn left into Tempo Park.

This 24.9 acre park has a cute playground area, a large BBQ area, tennis courts, bathrooms, and trails that wind around the tree filled open space. This is a great park for big family or friends parties. This park also connects to Tempo community pool. You walk along the trail to get to the pool. The pool is open usually from Memorial day to Labor day.

California State Railroad Museum


Directions:The California State Railroad Museum is located at the corner of Second and "I" Streets in Old Sacramento. Scroll down to "Additional Information" for directions to reach the Museum by automobile and via Amtrak.
Parking:A small number of limited term, metered parking spaces are available on the streets of Old Sacramento. However, these spaces are not suitable for guests visiting longer then 90 minutes. All-day parking is available in the large public garage at the I Street entrance to Old Sacramento, for a nominal fee.
Hours:The Museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day) from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Admission: $8 adults; $3 youths ages 6-17; children ages 5 and under are free.
See: www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org for more information.

The California State Railroad Museum is perfect for all those train enthusiasts! It has a "roundhouse" of real trains you can go inside and see the old fashioned sleeping quarters, dinning cart, and lounge areas. Many volunteers will gladly tell you about the history of each train and exhibit. Upstairs is a toy train gallery and a children's play area with toy trains kids can play with and won't want to leave. Next to the play area is a walkway with a train. It is pretty impressive the way the building holds up this huge train. You can look down and see the "roundhouse" of the trains below. Outside conductors give train rides.
Once you made it this far don't forget to walk around old town Sacramento and grab a bit to eat at one of the many cute places there.

Folsom Lake


Directions: Off I-80N Take Douglas Blvd east. Follow Douglas Blvd until it dead ends to the park ranger station. Pay $7.00 daily fee and go straight until you see the signs for Granite Beach. This is a good beach spot. If you want to load your boat, hike or walk around ask the ranger for a map and they will direct you.
See this website for hours, hikes and information:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500

Granite Beach is a fun spot for kids and families. It has plenty of sandy area to sit and relax. The sand isn't as sandy as beaches so it is nice to sit and not get too muddy going in and out of the water. The water is shallow in the beginning, and hardly no wakes from the boats. Lots of birds come by and say hi. It is a great way to cool down during the hot summer months. It has bathrooms near, along with a snack bar that opens during certain months of the summer.

California State Capitol


10th and L Streets Sacramento, CA 95814
Directions: Off I-80 Capital City Freeway exit J Street. Turn on 29th Street and then L St. Park anywhere you see parking in garages or street vending. From I-80 N exit N Street. Turn on 30th Street and park near L Street.

You can walk through the building for free during bulding hours: Weekdays: 8 - 5 Weekends: 9 - 5
Admission: Free
Tours daily from:9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call for more info: (916) 324-0333
See this website for more info:http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov/

The State Capitol building is hard to miss. It is a wonderful sight and an awe inspiring piece of architecture. Once you go through security you can walk around and see the different shadow boxes of each county in California, find your favorite Senator's office door, or walk by the enormous door of the Governor himself, Arnold! It is a huge door. If you are lucky you might see him in the building. You can walk in the rotunda and hear your echo. The museums throughout the first floor and basement are neat to look and see the history of Sacramento and California.
Outside on the large lawns are beautiful trees in the spring and lots of great shade for a picnic lunch.

Folsom Park



Directiosn: Next to the Folsom City Zoo. See that entry for directions.

This park has two great playgrounds for older kids and younger ones. Lots of slides, swings, shade, and open space. There is horseshoes, picnic and BBQ benches, baseball and soccer fields. Lots of parking too. I am a little weary of the signs that say to watch out for snakes but other than that it seems like a nice family friendly park.

Folsom Zoo & Folsom Valley Train Ride


Folsom City Zoo
Directions: 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, Calif. From Hwy 50: Exit at Folsom Blvd. Turn left at the off ramp intersection. Follow for 3 miles and take Right turn on Natoma Street traffic light. Follow for about 1 mile, turn left at the traffic light onto Stafford Street and turn right into the entrance past the library which leads into the parking lot.
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is open from Tuesday through Sundays 10am - 4pm. Closed on Mondays, unless it is a major holiday. Hours are subject to change. Please call (916) 351-3527 to verify hours.
Children 4 and under Free. Children 5-12 $3.00. Youths 13-17 $4.00. Adults 18-54 $4.00. Seniors 55 and over $3.00.

The first Tuesday of every month, admission to the Zoo is half price!


Operating since 1963, the zoo has been the home to hundreds of animals from squirrels and chickens to tigers and bears. Each year the zoo welcomes thousands of visitors in a simple and unassuming park like environment. With close to 100 animals your family is sure to enjoy it. You will find an animal your little child will surely enjoy. The monkeys are funny, the owl is cool, and the peacocks and roosters and chickens run wild so that is a delight. Most of the animals are behind wire fences, so you can't see them as well as other zoos. It is a small zoo so its easy to walk around and see everything within an hour or two. Lots of shady spots and benches to rest.

Outside the zoo is a Railway Train Ride you definitely need to ride. It is $1.00 for kids over one. $2.00 for anyone over three I think. It goes along the track next to the library and the zoo. It is great fun for the train enthusiast.

Jun 14, 2007

Tupelo Park


Tupelo Park in Antelope/Citrus Heights area.
Take the Greenback/Elkhorn Exit. Go on Elkhorn Blvd. Then turn on Roseville Road. Then turn on Tupelo Dr. The park will be up the road on the left.

This 8.9 acre park is a neighborhood park indeed. It is very quiet and lots of room to run around. It has two playgrounds with swings, slides and bridges galore. It has many benches, picnic tables and a huge grass field perfect for soccer. There are no bathroom facilities. It also doesn't have much shade yet, the trees are young. This is good on a colder day.

Apr 24, 2007

Bertha Henschel Park!


Located on 45th Street between A and B streets in Sacramento. Take the I-80 Capital City Fwy. Take the E Street exit. Follow E Street (it will change to Mckinley Blvd) and turn right on Meister Wy and then turn right on Aiken Way. It will dead into the park. Parking is on the street.

This is a wonderful and popular neighborhood park. It is a little out of the way and hard to find, if you weren’t looking for it but it is well worth your trip. The playground is very cute with lots of slides and a great roller slide (with 43 rolling dowels) that gives you a massage if you want it or not. There are big and small kid swings, along with a chair swing (very comfy), and a tire swing. There is a sand area as well. The best and most popular feature (during the summer of course) is the wading pool with a mushroom fountain! The wading pool is 12 inches, and has a gate around it. There are bathroom facilities, basketball courts, benches, and lots of grassy open space.

Orangevale Park



Orangevale, CA
This huge park takes up the whole block of Hazel Ave and Oak Ave and Filbert Ave and around. Off Greenback turn left onto Hazel Ave. Turn right on Oak Ave. and the parking lot for the playground will be on the right. For other hikes and Frisbee golf the parking lot will be on Hazel Ave. before Oak Ave, as well as one past the playground on Filbert Ave.

Orangevale Park is a huge park that includes many hidden amenities and open space. It has a cute playground with a small kid playground as well as a BIG kid playground. The big kid playground has really tall slides, the most daring will enjoy this. There is a covered BBQ area next to the playground. The bathroom facilities are across the grassy open field. Lots of shade trees for sure. This park is also known for its 18-hole Frisbee golf course, the only one around. While you try to find the markers have a peaceful and relaxing time as you meander through the woods along the trails.

Old Salmon Falls Loop Hiking Trail


El Dorado Hills/Folsom, CA
Drive east on Green Valley Rd for 2.9 miles. Turn left (north) on Salmon Falls Rd, and drive 2.9 miles to turnout on left marked at Falcon Crest. The parking lot is there Then walk down the paved road to another parking lot, or park there but it is a $2 fee. The trailhead starts at the end of the parking lot.

At the end of the parking lot is the trailhead to many hikes with different mileage. This Old Salmon Falls Loop is the shortest one. This is an excellent easy hike. The views are gorgeous! Along the way you will pass through a new pine forest, planted in 1972. At the 1.4 mile mark, you will reach a trail junction, and the site of an extinct waterfall, Salmon Falls, which was destroyed when the Folsom Dam was built in the 1950’s. This is a great spot to stop and picnic. Follow the signs to the Monte Vista Trailhead to return the loop to the parking lot. The last 0.8 miles climbs up to a tremendous vista where there is a drinking fountain, with drinkable water, and picnic tables.
After the hike, take time to explore the Old Salmon Falls town site, at the lower parking lot. This was an old Mormon gold mining town, which is now underwater because of the Folsom Dam. This hike is very peaceful, relaxing, and has a few up and downs to give you a slight workout while enjoying nature.

Mar 7, 2007

Cresthaven Park

Roseville, CA
On I-80 take the Riverside Ave/Auburn Blvd Exit. Turn northwest on to Riverside Ave. Turn left on Cirby Way and then turn left on Vernon Street. Once on Vernon turn Community Dr. The park will be on the right side.

This is a wonderful neighborhood park with many amenities. It has great tennis courts, large open space for soccer, baseball fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and even bathroom facilities! There is a great covered BBQ area with benches. The playground is very cute. It has slides, ramps, and both types of swings. Lots of shade for those hot summer mornings make this a wonderful park.

Westwood Park



Citrus Heights, CA
On I-80 take the Antelope Rd exit. Go west and make the first right on Lichen Dr. Follow the street around and it changes to Butternut. Don’t turn left on Lichen. The park will be on the right side. Park along the street for the playground, or there is a parking lot next to the baseball area.

This cute 11-acre neighborhood fish themed park is great for all ages. It has basketball courts, a baseball area, two tennis courts, and a great BBQ area. It also has bathroom facilities. There are two playground areas. The smaller one has fish stairs that are really cute. There are two types of swings, a great sand area, great open spaces, and nice paved walking areas.

Crestmont Park



Roseville, CA
On I-80 take the Douglas Blvd exit. Turn east onto Douglas Blvd. Go a few miles and turn right on Rocky Ridge drive. At the end of the street there will be a T, and a signal, turn left on S. Cirby Way. Go a mile or so and turn right on Champion Oaks Dr. The park will be on the right side a little ways down the street.

This is a great park for all ages. It has two playgrounds, but they are far apart from each other. The smaller kid playround has a ramp to go up and wood stairs to go down. It is a pirate theme. A cute pirate map is on the ground and you can follow the lines to lead to the X. An elementary school is in sight and a paved path leads to the basketball courts and baseball fields there. There is a nice covered BBQ area with bathroom facilities nearby. The bigger kid playground is on the other side of the BBQ area. This playground has swings for bigger kids only. It has a cute solar system theme. It has bumpy slides and cute ramps and places to spin the planets. It has great shade for the summer.

Twin Oaks Park

Rocklin, CA
Take I-80 to Hwy 65. On Hwy 65 take the Pleasant Grove/Park Dr exit. Turn right, north, on Pleasant Grove, it turns into Park Dr. On Park Dr go a few miles and Twin Oaks Park will be on the left side. There is a parking lot.

This is a nice park for soccer games. It has a great playground to have kids play on while the other child is playing soccer. There are two playgrounds with great slides and ramps. Lots of swings and areas to play in the dirt as well. A nice walking trail meanders around. There is a school next to this park.

Sonara Park

Rocklin, CA
Take I-80 to Hwy 65 toward Roseville. On Hwy 65 take the Blue Oaks exit. Turn north, right if you came from I-80. Go a mile or less and turn right at Sonara Pass and it will wind around. Park anywhere along the street.

This is a cute neighborhood park. It has plenty of soccer fields that are busy during the soccer season. An elementary school is nearby. This is in a newer neighborhood so the playground is in good shape. There are two playground areas with slides, ramps and things to play on. They have both types of swings as well as sand areas to roam through. A great shaded BBQ area with plenty of benches is nearby. A nice paved walking trail meanders around the park as well and leads to open space that isn’t developed yet. You can see for miles and miles when you walk around.

Countryside Park

Rancho Cordova, CA
Take the Mather Field exit off I-80 in Rancho Cordova. Go east and turn right on Rockingham Dr. Keep on the street and the park will be at the end of the street. Parking is on the street.

This is a cute neighborhood park. The playground is really high so the slides are really cool to slide down. It has swings as well. It has some open space to play soccer or Frisbee. There is an elementary school next to the park. There are no bathroom facilities here.

Garbolino Park!


1015 Camelia Ave
Roseville, CA
Take the Douglas Exit off I-80. Go west toward the railroad. Turn left at Keehner Ave. Turn left at Camelia Ave. It will lead you to the park. Park anywhere along the street.

This is a cute neighborhood park. It has a cute playground to climb around and slide down. It has both kinds of swings. A wonderful sand area is nearby with a truck to play on. There is a basketball court, BBQ area with tables, and a wonderful flat open space for all kinds of sports. There is also a paved walking trail that goes around the perimeter of the park. This is a neat park because it is small enough and flat enough that you can see everything that is going on, so you can keep track of all your kids, but it is big enough to enough the space. No bathroom facilities.

Quarry Park/Memorial Park!


Rocklin, CA
Take the Rocklin Rd exit off I-80. Go west toward the railroad. Before the railroad you will see the fire station and city hall to the left, turn in the parking lot to the left and the memorial park will be there. Park at the end of the park, there will be assigned parking spaces.

Quarry park has water features! This is a very cute playground. It is probably crowded during those hot days, but it has plenty of benches with covered canopies of different colors, and lot of grass space to spread out your towels. There is a snake that sprays up water, an umbrella water spray, and lots of water sprays from the ground. The playground itself is very cute. It has slides, tunnels, and swings of both kinds. And don’t forget to try out the red seat next to the swings, it spins! There is also a sand area so bring your shovels and pails. This is a great park for all ages.

Sunrise Mall Playground

Citrus Heights, CA
Take the Greenback Exit off I-80 and go east for 4 miles or more. The mall will be on the northeast corner of Sunrise and Greenback. The kids play place is in the center of the mall.

The Sunrise Mall play place is a very popular place for kids to come during the rain! This is a very cute play place. It has a outdoor nature theme. The slide has a raccoon on the top with wood like steps. There are hollowed out trees for tunnels with worms over the top. Lots of mushrooms to jump or sit on as well as a cute ladybug structure to climb on. The mall also has a Kids Club every first Saturday of the month. Ask about it at customer service.

Galleria Mall Playground

Roseville, CA
Going on I-80 take Hwy 65 exit. On Hwy 65 take the first exit, Galleria Pkwy exit. Follow the signs to the mall, it will be on the right side. The kids play place is outside the mall, it covered with a canopy.

The Galleria Mall kids play place is a great place for kids. It has slides, tunnels, and pieces of equipment to climb. It was outside, but they remodeled and got a new place and new equipment inside. It is really cute. The equipment (slide, climbing stuff) is made to look like tools, hard hats and other work like things. It is sponsored by Comcast I'm thinking since all the equipment has their logo on it. It has seating all around, with one entrance, so it is very safe. They clean the equipment everyday so they might kick you out for 15 minutes while they do that, but hey it is clean, a good time to go back. It is a good place to have the kids run around if the weather is rainy, cold or really hot outside.

Feb 21, 2007

Eugene H Ahner Park!


Foothill Farms/Citrus Heights area

From I-80 going east toward Reno, take the Greenback Exit. From Greenback going east a mile or less, turn right on Auburn Blvd. Go a few miles, and turn left on Manzanita Ave. Go less than 1 mile, and the park will be on the right. There is a parking lot in front.

Eugene H Amnov park is a great park for all ages. Two playgrounds are great for all ages. They are a perfect size for small kids. There is a cute teeter-totter that kids will love. The basketball courts and tennis courts are perfect for those who want to exercise a bit while their kids play. The open green space is wonderful for soccer events or Frisbee. There are bathrooms close to the playgrounds, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, walking trails, BBQ areas, and a large parking lot.

Foothill Park




Foothill Farms area.
From I-80 North toward Reno. Take the Greenback/Elkhorn Exit off I-80. Turn left over the freeway, the street changes to Elkhorn. Make the first right turn onto Diablo Dr. The park will be on the right. There is a parking lot on the right.

Foothill Park is a large open space and park. It has 27 acres to explore. It has three playgrounds that are all different. One even has a "piano" kids will like to play. Two playgrounds are by the parking lot, and another playground is by the street before the parking lot. There are swings at all three playgrounds. There is a huge covered BBQ area with lots and lots of benches. The walking trails are nice and peaceful. The recreation offices are located here, as well as at Rusch Park. You can go and get more information on all the parks, amenities, and recreation happenings. There are bathrooms here as well. The trees are sparse around the playgrounds so in the summer you might want to come when it is cooler in the day. This park has two tennis courts, soccer fields, and bathrooms that are close to the BBQ areas.

Park Oaks Park


Citrus Heights, CA
Take the Greenback Exit. Go east on Greenback 2 miles, and turn right at Parkoaks Dr. Go about ½ mile or so, and the park is on the left hand side. Parking is on the street.

Park Oaks Park is a cute neighborhood park. It has small and big swings, a cute sand area. It has three playgrounds that have tunnels, slides and ramps. The three playgrounds are very close together so it makes it nice to have an adventurous child, but still be able to socialize. This park also has some grassy area perfect for Frisbee or a small soccer game. The creek runs along side the right hand side of the park, it is tempting to those kids who love to explore. It doesn’t have bathroom facilities. It also has two basketball courts, picnic tables, and a volleyball court.

Madera Park


Citrus Heights, CA
Off I-80 North take the Antelope Rd exit. Stay on Antelope Road and go through the signal of Sunrise Ave. Then make the first left on Wonder Street. The park will be up the street on the right side.

Madera Park is a wonderful, quiet, and large community park. This 16 acre park has many walking trails that curve around the park and connect to residential areas. Many people bring their dogs on leashes and go for walks throughout the day. It is also great for the child who is beginning to learn to ride a bicycle. The tennis courts(2), baseball fields(3), and basketball courts(2) and open space are great for the sports lover. The playground is a great one. It has two playgrounds, one for older and one your younger. It has small and big swings. It has a fence that goes around the playground area, so there are only two ways in and out of the area. It is easy to keep track of your little ones. A large covered BBQ area is nice. There is lots of shade at this park, which is great in the summer. Bathroom facilities are across the parking lot next to the tennis and ball fields.

Brooktree Park

Citrus Heights, CA
Exit Greenback off I-80. Go East and turn right onto Dewey Ave. (it is Van Maren on the other side of Greenback). On Dewey turn left at Dunmore. Go up the hill a little ways and the park is on the right. Park on the streeet.

Brooktree Park is larger than you can tell. It is 14 acres! The playground is right next to the street. It has a fence around it so the kids can’t run into the street. Two playgrounds are great for all ages. Two types of swings are available. There are four ball fields down the hill from the playgrounds. The bathroom facilities are located there, but are usually locked unless there is a game playing. It also has 2 tennis courts, and picnic tables a little ways down from the playground area. There is lots more open space there as well for the Frisbee lover.

San Juan Park

Citrus Heights, CA

From the Madison exit off I-80 to Reno, go 5 miles or so. Turn left on Mariposa Avenue. The park will be on the left side along with the parking lot.

San Juan Park is a great neighborhood park. For those who enjoy walking dogs, or strolling along a quiet open space, this is the place for you, it has 15 acres to roam. There are two nice tennis courts in front next to the parking lot, lots of open fields perfect for soccer games, BBQ areas and bathrooms in site. The playground is not right next to the parking lot, but there is a nice path leading to it. It small and big kid swings, slides, and ramps they can play on. Lots of great open space.

Almond Park



Orangevale, CA

From Greenback going North turn right on Almond Ave. Go 1 mile and the park and parking lot will be on the right side.

This is a huge neighborhood park that is very peaceful. There are lots of beautiful trees that drop leaves in the fall that are perfect for the strolling person who wants to rustle up some noise. There is a great playground for older kids with swings and slides. The smaller playground needs to be updated; it is a little dirty and old. It is good in the summer time since has lots of shade. The trails meander around the beautiful trees and open fields. There are sand volleyball courts, and BBQ areas perfect in the summer.

Kaseberg Park

Roseville, CA

From I-80 take the Auburn/Riverside Exit. Turn left on Riverside Ave. Turn left on Cirby Way. Turn right on Foothills Blvd. Go 2-3 miles and turn right on Rand Way. The park will be on the right along with the parking lot.

This is a great neighborhood park. It is a very cute park. The open space is wonderfully located next to an elementary school. They put in new playground equipment. It has a tall slide and many ropes and mushroom type things to stand on and climb around. They have big and small kid swings. They have two little seats your not sure what they are, but you put your kid in them and spin them around. Some might not like it, it gets them dizzy, and some kids will laugh non stop. The rock waterfall is turned on in the summer, a great water feature for the hot days. The BBQ area is perfect for large parties. There is a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit and large grass fields. There are restrooms here as well. Plenty of space to ride bikes around or run around to get out energy!

Hannaford Family Park/Eggloff Family Park

Folsom, CA

From Douglas Blvd off I-80 go north. Keep on Douglas for many miles and turn right on Folsom-Auburn Blvd. Continue for a few miles and turn right on Folsom Dam Rd. Then turn left on Lakeside Way. The park will be on the right. Park on the street. The Eggloff park will be up Lakeside Dr a ½ mile or less on Hollyann Dr.

Hannaford Family Park is a small park. It has a good full size basketball court, picnic tables, swings, and a cute playground for kids of all ages. A nice walking trail for walking pets. Eggloff Park is nearby and is a cute meandering trail park. It has cute bridges to go over and a peaceful setting you can enjoy while mediating or reading.

Olympus Park


Roseville, CA
Directions: From I-80 east, Take the Douglas Blvd exit. Go east about 3 miles. Turn left on Roseville Pkwy. Go a ½ mile. Turn right on Olympus Dr. Make the second right on La Croix Dr. and the park will be on the left. Parking is on the street.

This playground park is excellent for younger children. It has two small playgrounds that have slides and ramps that are the right size for smaller kids. There are big and small swings. A great sand area is enjoyable for those little ones who love to get dirty. The bathrooms are near with a drinking fountain. The large grass field is perfect for soccer, as well as the nice ball field. It is located next to a junior high school. There is a great BBQ area as well.

Feb 13, 2007

Fairytale Town



901 Land Park Drive Sacramento. It’s directly across from the Sacramento Zoo.
www.fairytaletown.org
Hours: Nov-Feb. Tues-Saturday 10am-4pm.
March-Oct. Open everyday 9am-4pm.
Fees: Adults and Children 3-12 years: $4.25 weekends. $3.75 weekdays.
Kids 2 and under: Free.
Directions: Take I-80 west. Get on I-5 towards LA. Take I-5 to Sutterville Road. Turn left onto Land Park Drive. Fairytale Town is on your right. The Sacramento Zoo is on the left. Parking is all around both places.

Fairytale Town is a 2.5 acre children’s park that brings fairytales and nursery rhymes to life. It has over 25 colorful sets to give children the opportunity to learn about their favorite stories and to interact with them. There is “The woman who lived in a shoe” slide, “Mother Goose” slide, “Jack and the Beanstalk” slide and tunnels, and “Peter Rabbit” rabbits and garden where you can water the plants with real water. This is a nonprofit organization that helps the children explore and have fun. The cute “Humpty Dumpty” entrance is just the beginning to a delightful afternoon with your children.

Jan 12, 2007

Sacramento Zoo


Sacramento Zoo
3930 West Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95822 Phone: (916) 808-5888
www.saczoo.com
Hours: Winter Hours (Nov-Jan):10am-4pm daily. Feb-Oct. 9am-4pm daily.
Fees: Adults $7.50/$8 weekends. Seniors: $6.75/$7.25 weekends. Child 3-12 $5.00/$5.50 weekends. Kids 0-2: Free.
Free days: Feb. 3, 2007, Nov. 23, 2007, Dec. 24, 2007.
Take I-5. Exit Sutterville Road. Go to Land Park Drive. Follow signs to Zoo parking.

The Sacramento Zoo is a great community zoo. It has lots of animals and you can see them all without walking acres and acres. They have chimpanzees, lions, tigers, lemurs, zebras, giraffes, anteaters, kangaroos, and more! Plenty to see. There is a great playground for the kids to play on as well. Great places to eat and a gift stop to buy something for you to remember your trip to the Sacramento zoo!

Maidu Interpretive Center Museum


Maidu Interpretive Center and Historic Site Museum
1960 Johnson Ranch Drive 
Roseville, CA 95661
Phone: (916) 774-5934
website: http://www.roseville.ca.us/parks/parks_n_facilities/facilities/maidu_indian_museum/
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9am - 4pm.
Daily Tours: Tuesday-Friday: 10am & Saturdays: 10am & 1:00pm
Fees: $4/Adult, $3.75/Child,$14/Family of Four.
Free Admission on the fourth Saturday of the month (except July & August).
Weekday Afternoon Discount:Tues-Fri $2/person 2pm - 4pm.

Take I 80 to Douglas East. East on Douglas to Rocky Ridge. Turn right (south) on Rocky Ridge. Watch for Johnson Ranch Drive sign. Turn left onto Johnson Ranch Drive (no light or stop sign there). If you get to the Maidu Community Center signal you went one street to far, make a turn around in the community center parking lot and go back one street. The Maidu Interpretive Center is the next building past the Maidu Elementary School.

The Maidu Interpretive Center and Historic Site has a great nature area that offers a loop trail that takes you past ancient petroglyphs (rock art) and hundreds of bedrock mortars (acorn grinding holes). It shows evidence of the Nisenan (southern Maidu) living there for thousands of years. Inside the museum you'll see exhibits portraying the Maidu way of life, rocks, food, and clothing from that time. Taking the tours brings a new light into the way the Maidu lived and what they ate (very healthy). There is also a great biking/walking trail that goes outside of the Maidu Center around by the elementary school.