Birds and bugs, creeks and streams, what will your family discover on their next nature adventure? Here is a list of great places, organizations, and websites to help you discover that next adventure.
Outside Adventures
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.
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.
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.
Sacramento Splash while primarily working with local elementary schools, Sacramento Splash offers several public vernal pool tours every spring in addition to providing self-guided tours and loads of information on their website.
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 hosts bat tours in the summer, public tours at the Davis Wetlands and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the CA Duck Days in February and other fun activities.
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.
Inside Adventures
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.
Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis has the seventh largest insect collection in North America, with many California insects on view.
At Home Adventures
Project Wild and Flying Wild are online resources designed primarily for educators, with on-line and printable resources for kids and their parents.
ColorBird.org The world of birds is diverse and colorful. At ColorBird.org you can download bird illustrations to color, crosswords to do, and more! These activities were created by Michael Erb, an Arizona birder who wanted to combine the wonder of birds with his love of science and learning. Just click on a page that you like, print it, and get coloring.
At ColorBird.org you can download bird illustrations to color, crosswords to do, and more.
Forrest is a Great Horned Owl, one of the animal ambassadors at the California Raptor Center.
Bohart Museum of Entomology has the seventh largest insect collection in North America, Varigated Mothhawk, Image by Daniel Lee Brown
Wild Turkey are often seen strutting around the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Image be Daniel Lee Brown