Family Friendly Programs

Family Friendly Field Trips & Events

These family friendly field trips and events are planned with younger participants in mind. The field trips are shorter in length and on easier trails. While geared towards families, the trips and events listed below are open to all—young and old. Be sure to check the details of each event and don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader or event host if you have questions.

Family Friendly Resources

Here is a list of great organizations and events to help you discover your family’s next adventure. Learn about and experience the amazing natural world around us!

• Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis has the seventh largest insect collection in North America, with many California insects on view.

• California Raptor Center is an educational and research center affiliate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and authorized by The Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the US Fish and Wildlife Services to rehabilitate injured and orphaned birds of prey (raptors). Its museum, open to the public weekdays and Saturdays, houses a permanent collection of living, non-releasable raptors.

• Cosumnes River Preserve is located just south of Elk Grove and a great place for family walks along accessible trails and boardwalks. Once a month “Nature Walks,” seasonal “Ducks in Scopes,” fall and winter Sandhill Crane viewing trips, and a very informative Visitor Center provide great nature-related experiences for all ages. 

• Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an award-winning environmental education center located in the American River Parkway in Carmichael, CA. Situated in 100 acres of riparian woodlands the nature center offers weekend programs and events for children and their families.

• Flying Wild is an online resource primarily for educators. However, on its Flying Wild Resources page you’ll find an array of printable bird-related activities for kids.

• Nimbus Fish Hatchery is located in eastern Sacramento County, the hatchery raises Chinook Salmon and Steelhead for release to the American River. Visitor Center offers fun and educational activities for children and adults. On-site nature trail along the American River to view wildlife. Check website for hours, tour reservations.

• Project Wild is an online resource designed primarily for educators, with on-line and printable resources for kids and their parents.

• Project Feeder Watch (PFW), conducted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, is a fun program for all. Participants count the different birds visiting their backyard feeders from November to early April, then forward the results to Cornell. Your bird counts help scientists track birds during the winter. The data is part of a citizen science project identifying long-term trends in native and non-native bird distribution. You’ll also find many wonderful education materials about birds suitable for adults and children on Cornell’s website.

• ABA Young Birder Camps are sponsored annually by the American Birding Association. Young birders get to interact with their peers and learn about bird ecology and identification.

• The Children and Nature Network is loaded with information on a variety of topics and ideas on how to connect children with nature.

• Koobs Nature Area is a nearly 4.7 acre parcel of native trees and plants from a diverse ecosystem, with a creek, three ponds, a bird sanctuary, butterfly gardens and walking trails. Located at 5325 Engle Road in Carmichael, it is open to the public one Saturday each month, March through October, with activities for kids.

• The Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) opened in late 2021 and has interactive hands-on exhibits and programming that explores the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math.

• Sacramento Splash is “a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local children understand and value their natural world through scientific investigation and outdoor exploration.” Believing that all children “deserve the opportunity to learn and play in nature”, Splash offers a variety of environmental science programs in local habitats. This is an excellent resource for those looking for outdoor activities for children and families.

• Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located between Elk Grove and Cosumnes River Preserve. With wide, level cement trails, this area is suitable for families with children as well as those with disabilities. In the large marshy area and surrounding fields a variety of bird species can be spotted, including Sand Hill Cranes in the winter. A native plant garden and interpretive kiosks along the trailways add to any visit.

• Yolo Basin Foundation is a community-based organization that serves as a communication link between the many people and organizations involved with the Yolo Bypass area between Sacramento and Davis. The Discover the Flyway, a hands-on learning program, has served thousands of school children. In addition, bat tours in the summer, public tours at the Davis Wetlands and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the CA Duck Days in February are just a few of the activities this organization can help you enjoy.

• Maidu Regional Park is located east of Roseville on Maidu Drive. This is 152-acre park off Rocky Ridge Drive. The park complex includes a museum, rose garden, walking trails, picnic area, historic site, and sports fields.