NOT FOUND: summeractivities.jpg.jpgSummer is here! If you have kids, then it is time to figure out what you are going to do with them for the summer so they don’t complain about being bored!
A fun outing for the entire family, that happens every year, is Regal Cinemas Free Summer Movie Program. This year they have added a third day, so every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10am they will be showing a G or PG movie for free. The closest theaters are Regal Natomas at 3561 Truxel Rd., and UA Olympus Pointe at 520 N. Sunrise in Roseville. If you have the time, you can pack a lunch and go to a nearby park and have a picnic afterwards! If you want to see a new release movie and don’t want to pay the $10.25 a ticket, head to the Sacramento 6 Drive-In Theater. It only costs $6.75 per adult, and $1 per child 5-11. You get to watch 2 movies if you can stay up for it, and you can bring your own snacks from home!
If you want to go swimming, but don’t know anyone with a pool, there is the Antelope Aquatic Complex at 7990 Palmerson Dr., and Rusch pool at 7801 Auburn Blvd. Antelope Aquatic Complex prices are $5 for adults and $3 for youth, Rusch pool is $3 for adults and $2 for youth, with an additional $1 each for the weekend. Go online and check sunriseparks.com for varying session times.
If you have a little more in your budget, the Rivercats are offering a great summer package again this year. For $56 you get four Rivercats tickets, four hot dogs, four chips, four desserts, four tickets to Fairytale Town, and four tickets to the Sacramento Zoo. This will actually give you something to do for more than one outing! If you only want to do the Rivercats game, get the outside wrapper for a package of KRAFT cheese and you can buy a ticket and get a ticket free on any Tuesday home game.
There is always the Jelly Belly Factory Tour in Fairfield which is free. You get a free bag of Jelly Bellys at the end of the tour. There are tables there if you want to bring your own lunch, as well as an indoor restaurant area. The Vacaville Outlets are on the way if you want to do some shopping as well.
The Department of Fish and Game have declared that July 4th and Labor Day September 7th are Free Fishing Days. The fishing license requirements will be waived for citizens 16 and older. So borrow some fishing poles and buy some worms and head to a local lake or river and catch some fish.
If you don’t want to drive around, hop on the Light Rail and head downtown. You can browse through the Downtown Plaza and let the kids play on the playground, or stroll through Old Sacramento and visit the Sacramento History Museum, or the California State Railroad Museum. On June 19-21 the Disney Train will be near the Railroad Museum and they will be promoting the new Disney movie “A Christmas Carol” with free giveaways, Christmas carolers and decorations, which is free to the public.
Before you go anywhere make sure you look for coupons or special offers online. Ask your friends if they have an Entertainment book because there are many two for one coupons in there for local activities and attractions.
Be creative if your budget is a little tighter. Not everyone has to go on every outing. Have your older kids help you take the younger kids to the park which is free and then go somewhere with just your older kids like get ice cream or something inexpensive. Plan a trip with just the boys or just the girls. Invite friends over and have the kids run in the sprinklers and everyone can bring their own lunches and spend the day with each other. Participate in the Sacramento Library’s Summer Reading Program. It’s free and then your kids have something to do on the days when you are at home. The goal is to enjoy your summer, and if your kids enjoy it, then you will enjoy it as well.