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Your guide to NorCal family friendly fun.

Helping NorCal families find fun, local, kid-approved adventures, without the overwhelm.


About Us

NorCal with Kids was created to make weekends easier, memories bigger, and planning simpler. From free local events to hidden gems and seasonal traditions, we share family-friendly things to do across Northern California — so you can spend less time searching, and more time together.

Upcoming Events

  • Scenic view of a lake surrounded by rolling hills and towering mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.

    Event Title #1

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.

  • Landscape of mountains with snow-capped peaks and a modern building on rolling green hills under a cloudy sky.

    Event Title #2

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.

  • A modern small house with wooden exterior walls and a large glass window, situated in a grassy area with wildflowers, mountains in the background, and a cloudy sky.

    Event Title #3

    10.21 7:00-8:00PM

    An interactive session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.

Free & Budget Friendly Activities

Looking for free and budget-friendly fun in the Sacramento area? These kid-approved activities are perfect year-round and won’t break the bank.

  • The Utility Exploration Center is a one-of-a-kind learning center that offers an inside look at the utility systems that keep Roseville safe, healthy and strong. Their recently remodeled museum has interactive exhibits that provide a learning experience for all ages. They also organize special events, school programs and workshops to help our community learn how to save energy and water, reduce waste, protect the watershed and live sewer smart.

    ADDRESS:
    1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747

    HOURS:
    Mon & Sun: Closed
    Tue, Weds, Sat: 10am - 4pm
    Thur & Fri: 12pm - 4pm

    CONTACT:
    Call Now
    Website
    Directions

  • The Nimbus Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release to the American River, and offers free fun and educational activities for children and adults of all ages. Enjoy the on-site nature trail along the American River to view wildlife, as well as the American River Parkway trail directly adjacent to the Nimbus Hatchery.

    The salmon run occurs in fall, with hatchery operations taking place from the beginning of November through mid-December. The steelhead trout run occurs in winter, with hatchery operations taking place from January through February.

    ADDRESS:
    2001 Nimbus Road, Suite F, Gold River, CA 95670

    Hatchery parking lot:
    2001 Nimbus Rd
    open 7am - 3pm daily

    HOURS:
    Open Labor Day — Memorial Day
    Mon - Fri: 8am - 3pm
    Sat- Sun: 9am - 3pm

    The raceways (little fish ponds) close approximately 2pm daily

    Hours are subject to change based on staff availability or inclement weather.

    CONTACT:
    Phone
    Website

  • The California Raptor Center at UC Davis is open for self-guided tours during visiting hours, where you can see real, non-releasable birds of prey up close — each with its own story displayed along the tour route.

    The small on-site museum is also open to visitors, making it an easy, educational experience that’s perfect for curious kids who love animals and nature.

    A simple, inspiring way to spend a couple of hours outdoors while teaching your kids about wildlife care and environmental stewardship. Admission and parking are free.

    ADDRESS:
    1340 Equine Lane
    Davis, CA 95616


    VISITING HOURS:
    Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm
    Sat & Sun: 9am - 12pm
    Closed on University Holidays

    OFFICE HOURS:
    Mon –Fri : 8am - 5pm
    Sat & Sun: 9am - 1pm
    Closed on University Holidays

San Fransisco Trip Itinerary

Explore San Francisco through a family-friendly lens. This curated weekend itinerary offers thoughtfully organized ideas so you can follow along or customize the experience to fit your crew.

A man and a young girl are looking and pointing at a large globe display in what appears to be a museum or science center.

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