Things to Do with Kids Around Sacramento for $10 and Under
Looking for budget friendly family fun around Sacramento? You do not have to spend a ton of money to get out of the house and make a fun memory with your kids.
From mini train rides and nature walks to museums, bowling, movies, and creative play, there are plenty of family friendly things to do in the Sacramento area for around $10 and under.
Here are some affordable ideas to save for your next low cost family outing.
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Location: Folsom
Cost: $10 tickets, ages 2 and under free
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a great budget friendly outing for animal-loving kids. It is smaller and easier to manage than a large zoo, which makes it a nice option for younger kids or families who want a simple morning activity.
Kids can see a variety of rescued animals while walking through a peaceful, shaded setting. It is also located near other family friendly stops in Folsom, so you can easily turn it into a longer outing.
Why families will like it:
Affordable admission
Great for toddlers and younger kids
Easy to walk through
Located near the library and park area
Good option for a low stress animal outing
Tip: Pair it with the Folsom Valley Railway or a library stop nearby for an easy Folsom family day.
Folsom Valley Railway
Location: Folsom, right by the zoo and library
Cost: $5 rides
The Folsom Valley Railway is one of those simple kid friendly activities that feels extra special. The miniature train ride is located right near the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and the library, making it easy to combine with another affordable activity.
This is a great option if your kids love trains or if you want a quick outing that does not require a lot of planning.
Why families will like it:
Budget friendly
Fun for train-loving kids
Easy to pair with the zoo
Great for younger kids
Simple add-on to a Folsom outing
Tip: Check operating days and hours before you go since train schedules can vary.
Fairytale Town
Location: Sacramento
Cost: $10 admission, ages 1 and under free
Fairytale Town is a classic Sacramento family outing and a great budget friendly option for younger kids. The park is filled with storybook-themed play areas, slides, animals, and imaginative spaces for kids to explore.
It is especially great for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids who still love pretend play and open-ended exploring.
Why families will like it:
Classic Sacramento kid spot
Great for younger children
Storybook-themed play areas
Animals and outdoor play
Affordable admission
Tip: Bring snacks and plan for outdoor play. It can get warm, so mornings are usually a great time to visit.
Fast Track Hobbies
Location: Rocklin
Cost: Slot car racing is $5 for 15 minutes
Fast Track Hobbies in Rocklin is a fun indoor option for kids who love cars, racing, and hands-on activities. The slot car racing is an affordable way to try something different, especially when you need an indoor activity.
This is a good option for kids who are old enough to enjoy racing and following a track, and it can be a fun parent-and-kid activity too.
Why families will like it:
Unique indoor activity
Great for kids who love cars
Budget friendly
Good option for hot or rainy days
Fun for parents to do with kids
Tip: This is a great one to keep in your back pocket for a quick indoor outing.
Crest Theatre
Location: Sacramento
Cost: $2 Tuesdays and $5 select showings
The Crest Theatre is a fun and affordable way to take kids to the movies in Sacramento. They offer $2 Tuesdays and $5 select showings, with movies that can include classics, Disney films, and kid friendly options.
This is a great idea for a hot summer day, a rainy day, or when you want a low cost indoor activity that still feels special.
Why families will like it:
Affordable movie option
Beautiful historic theater
Great indoor activity
Kid friendly movie options
Fun alternative to regular movie theaters
Tip: Check their current schedule before you go so you can find the best kid friendly showing.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Location: Carmichael
Cost: $7 parking
Effie Yeaw Nature Center is a beautiful outdoor option for families who want to explore nature without spending much. The nature center and surrounding trails make it a great place for kids to look for wildlife, walk by the river, and enjoy time outside.
This is a great low cost outing for kids who like animals, sticks, rocks, birds, and exploring.
Why families will like it:
Low cost parking
Great nature trails
Beautiful river views
Good for wildlife spotting
Perfect for a simple outdoor adventure
Tip: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and shoes that can get dusty. Mornings are a great time to visit, especially in warmer months.
ReCreate Craft Thrift Store
Location: Rocklin
Cost: $8.50 for 1 hour make time
ReCreate Craft Thrift Store is a fun and creative budget friendly activity for kids. Their make time gives kids a chance to create, build, and use their imagination without you needing to buy a bunch of craft supplies at home.
This is a great option for crafty kids, creative play, or a low cost indoor activity.
Why families will like it:
Creative hands-on activity
Affordable make time
Great indoor option
Good for kids who love art and crafting
Less mess at home
Tip: This is a great activity for a slower afternoon or a creative playdate.
Sacramento Children’s Museum
Location: Rancho Cordova
Cost: $10 admission, ages 1 and under free
The Sacramento Children’s Museum is a great budget friendly indoor activity for younger kids. It is especially good for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids who love hands-on play.
Kids can explore pretend play areas, sensory activities, and interactive exhibits in a space designed just for them.
Why families will like it:
Great for younger kids
Indoor and air conditioned
Hands-on exhibits
Affordable admission
Good option for hot or rainy days
Tip: This is a nice one to save for days when you need an easy indoor activity.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Location: Sacramento
Cost: $5 adults, $3 youth, ages 5 and under free
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a great low cost educational outing in Sacramento. Families can walk through the historic fort, explore the grounds, and learn more about California history.
This is a nice option for school-age kids or families looking for something different from the usual park or playground outing.
Why families will like it:
Affordable admission
Educational
Good for school-age kids
Historic Sacramento location
Easy outing that does not take all day
Tip: This can be a great add-on if you are already spending time in Midtown or downtown Sacramento.
The Alley
Location: Elk Grove
Cost: $5 Wednesdays from 4 to 10 PM, $4 shoe rental
The Alley in Elk Grove is a fun budget friendly bowling option for families, especially on Wednesdays. With $5 bowling and $4 shoe rental, it is a great indoor activity for kids and adults.
This is a good one to save for hot afternoons, rainy days, or a simple family night out.
Why families will like it:
Discounted Wednesday bowling
Indoor activity
Fun for a wide range of ages
Great for family night
Easy option when the weather is not ideal
Tip: Go during the discounted Wednesday time frame to keep it budget friendly.
Quick List: Budget Friendly Family Fun Around Sacramento
Here is the quick-save version:
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in Folsom, $10 tickets, ages 2 and under free
Folsom Valley Railway in Folsom, $5 rides
Fairytale Town in Sacramento, $10 admission, ages 1 and under free
Fast Track Hobbies in Rocklin, slot car racing $5 for 15 minutes
Crest Theatre in Sacramento, $2 Tuesdays and $5 select showings
Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, $7 parking
ReCreate Craft Thrift Store in Rocklin, $8.50 for 1 hour make time
Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova, $10 admission, ages 1 and under free
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento, $5 adults, $3 youth, ages 5 and under free
The Alley in Elk Grove, $5 Wednesdays from 4 to 10 PM, $4 shoe rental
Tips for Keeping Family Outings Budget Friendly
A few simple things can help keep the day affordable:
Pack snacks and water bottles
Check hours before you go
Look for weekday deals
Bring socks if you are going somewhere indoors
Pair two nearby activities together
Go in the morning when outdoor spots are cooler
Follow local spots for seasonal deals and schedule changes
Prices, hours, and deals can change, so always check directly with the business or location before heading out.
Final Thoughts
You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a fun day with kids around Sacramento. Whether your family loves animals, trains, movies, nature walks, bowling, crafts, or museums, there are plenty of budget friendly options around the area.
Save this list for the next time you need an easy family outing for around $10 and under.