Community Corner
Grab and Go Kids Planner: April 1 – 7
From a Dr. Seuss musical, to an Earth Fest party and steam-powered train ride, we've got you covered on fun, family activities to enjoy.
Spring weather is finally here and there are plenty of outdoor, family-friendly activities and wonders to explore. Get on board with a steam-powered train ride along the Sacramento River, experience a Dr. Seuss-inspired musical, celebrate the 20th annual Festival de la Familia and much more. Below is a sampling of some fun, inexpensive activities for you and the kids.
Where/When: Hiram Johnson High School Auditorium, 6879 14th Ave. / 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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Why Go: Dr. Seuss' fantastical, magical, colorful and delightful imagination is brought to life in this musical treat for everyone. Tony Award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are the brains behind the musical, and have brought together some of Dr. Seuss' best-known characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo.
Pricing: $17 general admission, $12 for children and seniors.
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Where/When: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Ave. / 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday (mass at 9 a.m. in the Tent Top Stage)
Why Go: Celebrating its 20th year, Festival de la Familia offers family-friendly events from more than 20 Latino cultures. During the all-day event, you can feat on man Latin flavors and dishes, view colorful arts and crafts or even create your own, show at the open-air Mercado, enjoy the extensive art exhibits, listen and dance to the rhythms of Latin music, study educational exhibits and get involved in community outreach opportunities.
Pricing: $10 adults, $7 seniors, free for children 12 and under.
Steam-Powered Excursion Train Ride
Where/When: Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (on Front Street between J and K Streets) / Saturday and Sunday, every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Take a history trip and hop aboard as the Sacramento Southern Railroad officially returns to operation this weekend. Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic, working steam locomotive as it rolls along the Sacramento River levees. Guests will travel a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion in a train featuring a combination of vintage closes coaches with comfortable seats and open air “gondolas” with bench-style seating. Or if you're feeling extra rich, upgrade to first-class and be a VIP aboard the El Dorado, an elegant 1920s Southern Pacific observation-lounge car. In air-conditioned comfort, enjoy the ride along the river as lemonade, water and cookies are served.
Pricing: Regular coach is $10 for adults, $5 for youths ages 6 to 17, free to ride for those 5 and younger. First-class El Dorado car is $15 per passenger, all ages.
Where/When: Sacramento Zoo, Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road / 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday
Why Go: Celebrate Earth Day by visiting some of the creatures we share the planet with. The zoo party will include crafts and activities and participants will include environmental and conservation organizations, nature clubs, recycling businesses and more. There will also be a Recycle Rummage Sale inside the Kampala Center; it's also the Sumatran tiger cub Jingga's first birthday, some share some birthday wishes on a card and watch as she's given special treats.
Pricing: $11 general, $9.75 for seniors, $7 for children 2 to 11, free for those 0 to 2.
Where/When: Rancho Cordova Library, 9845 Folsom Blvd. / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Monday
Why Go: Quite possibly the cutest, most furry literacy-based library program, kids are welcome to read aloud to a quiet, friendly dog. The dogs are specially trained, therapy dogs on loan from the Lend a Heart Association. This fun, friendly event occurs the first Monday of every month.
Pricing: Free