1. Granite Arch Climbing Center
Granite Arch Climbing Center is the perfect place for the adventurous child. Offering a wide variety of indoor climbing experiences for all ages and experience levels, the climbing center features 20,000 square feet of wall area. You can boulder, top rope climb or lead climb. Whether you and the kiddos go for the day or become annual members, you’ll be sure to make memories.
2. Sac Town Family Fun Mini Golf and Arcade
Neon-lit mini golf and an arcade, oh my! Golf 18 holes or beat your high score at the Sac Town Family Fun Mini Golf and Arcade, a venue perfect for intimate family gatherings as well as party and group events. Race your friends in the arcade to win awesome prizes or challenge your mini golf skills and see if you can get past the aquatic- and pirate-themed obstacles.
3. Explore the Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Hop over the river to Carmichael and explore the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, an award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within a 100-acre nature preserve on the beautiful American River Parkway. Children can explore a variety of fun activities, including guided nature walks or hikes along the trails where sightings of deer, coyotes, hawks, turkeys, rabbits, owls, woodpeckers, snakes, songbirds, and others along this Watchable Wildlife site. Plus, tour the replica Maidu Indian summer village, see rescued animals inside the visitor center, explore interactive exhibits in the museum and browse the discovery shop for books, toys, and unique gifts.
4. Play in the Park
Explore the many local parks in and around Rancho Cordova for more outdoor fun. The White Rock Splash Park is one of the largest splash parks in Northern California, and Village Green Park includes a splash pad plaza. Hagan Community Park is the largest park at 80 acres boasting dozens of family-friendly amenities, and Cobblestone Park and White Rock Community Park offer neighborhood parks to play in.
5. Make a Splash at the California Mermaid Convention
Rancho Cordova is home to the California Mermaid Convention, a swim-ply amazing event that happens every year in May. Most convention events take place at Cordova Community Pool in Hagan Community Park. The convention features underwater mixers, exciting vendors, photo shoot opportunities, and interesting lectures for mermaid enthusiasts of all ages. It’s always a flipping good time! You can see the full schedule of events and purchase your tickets here.