LGBTQ Family Fun in Sacramento
There’s nothing better than quality family time, especially when the activities you enjoy together are welcoming and inclusive of the many different forms a family can take. In Sacramento, not only are there endless options for fun and togetherness, but some businesses and venues offer special programming for LGBTQ people – kids and allies alike. Here are some of our favorite ways to get the whole family up and out for entertainment that celebrates the diversity of our community. Some options are LGBTQ-specific and some are more general in nature, but all of them will welcome you and your family with open arms.
Sacramento Children's Museum
Step into a world of play and discovery at The Sacramento Children's Museum, where all are welcome to enjoy a selection of hands-on and multi-sensory activities. In June, look out for Pride with Leo and Friends, an event specifically designed to engage kids in Pride-themed activities. Families are welcomed to enjoy a child-led day of love and acceptance, with activities and attractions including art, museum play, Pride Princesses, performers, vendors, music, food and more. Best of all, the outdoor event is free and open to the public, and families who arrive with a book donation can also enter the indoor museum free of charge.
Out at the Fair® - CA State Fair
Inclusion, education and family fun are the key ingredients of Out at the Fair, the official LGBTQ festival of the Fair industry. OATF partners with state fairs nationwide to increase representation and togetherness for LGBTQ people and allies and has been a staple at the California State Fair since 2017. Live entertainment including music, magic shows and drag performances are just some of the things you and your family can look forward to every year.
Sacramento Zoo
A classic attraction for animal-loving families, the Sacramento Zoo is located in picturesque Land Park just south of the city center. Highlights at the zoo include feeding the giraffes, watching the primates swing and cause mischief, hearing the roar of a lion, learning about the various animals and their habitats, and discovering what you can do to help protect animals all over the world. The Sacramento Zoo proudly puts animal welfare first, and you can learn more about the zoo and purchase tickets from the official website.
Fairytale Town
This whimsical wonderland is perfect for kids who never want to grow up and adults who want to reconnect with that feeling of childhood wonder. Journey through magical, fairytale-themed playsets for children to explore and discover, where they’ll meet characters including Humpty Dumpty, Mother Goose, Peter Pan, Cinderella and more. A timeless classic just like the fairy tales depicted, this park has entertained generations of Sacramentans and visitors alike. Be sure to pick up a Magic Key to unlock exclusive, enchanting features throughout Fairytale Town.
California State Railroad Museum
The largest railroad museum west of the Mississippi is in Sacramento and houses numerous locomotives, a model train and exhibit rail cars – including dining and mail cars. The interactive experience tells the story of the building of the transcontinental railroad, as well as the role the railroad played in the history of California and the western states.
A top Sacramento sight, the California State Railroad Museum is also your connection to train rides like the Polar Express during the holidays and other rail excursions that depart from the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Book your ticket today.
Chalk It Up! (Annual Event)
Chalk It Up! empowers the next generation of Sacramento artists through targeted grants for young artists and the programs that inspire them. Their Labor Day Weekend Chalk It Up! Festival at Fremont Park is their biggest event of the year, bringing people from all over the region to downtown Sacramento in celebration of chalk art, music and community. In recent years, crowds of up to 60,000 people have shown up to support the local artist community, making this a perfect opportunity for people of all identities to show up and display their brightest colors for everyone to admire. The festival is free and open to the public, and anyone who wants to attend as an artist can sign up on the official Chalk It Up! website.
OARS Family Adventure Vacations
OARS is best known for its American River whitewater rafting trips, which launch at their outpost less than an hour from Sacramento, but they don’t just cater to experienced adventurers. OARS offers several family-friendly excursions that include camping, rafting, exploring and hiking and are led by Fun Directors who ensure that kids are not only safe but entertained the whole way through.
Atrium 916
The Atrium is a Creative Innovation Center for Sustainability, with art studios, a cafe that serves art instead of food, a zero-waste gift shop with one-of-a-kind Sacramento-made products and installations focused on sustainability. This is a unique experience where you can sit at patio tables in historic Sacramento and be served art supplies to paint your own canvas or make your own clay creation. Kids of all ages are always welcome to discover their inner artist, but the Little Eco-Art Market, which runs on Saturdays from June through October, offers additional kid-themed events like train rides, clay magnet painting and more.
