Sacramento Summer Fun Guide

* The Sacramento River Train: Launched in July 2005, the Sacramento RiverTrain is one of the nation’s newest dinner trains. Trips aboard our train feature food and entertainment while you roll through the countryside. While the RiverTrain is new, the equipment and railroad have a long history. The Skunk Train provided three open-air cars with a curved roof, bench seating and patio bar. All six cars were painted with a sparkling gold exterior, reflecting the area’s rich Gold Rush heritage, and 1,000-feet of distinctive blue waves, a colorful tribute to the mighty Sacramento River that closely follows the train’s route. The RiverTrain features a variety of new daytime and evening trips with food and entertainment, including the popular Great Train Robbery which is now offered almost every Saturday. Call 800-866-1690 or visit sacramentorivertrain.com.

* Sacramento Children’s Museum: Their mission is to spark a passion for life-long learning by providing a place where children are encouraged to think for themselves, expand their problem-solving abilities through creative exploration, and exercise both their bodies and their minds. Imaginative, hands-on environments provide children with a gateway for opening up their minds to developing new abilities, building confidence, and making connections between their dreams and real world experiences. Visit them at 2701 Prospect Park, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Phone: (916) 638-7225. Website: info@sackids.org.

* Vic’s Ice Cream Parlor: Take a stroll back to a simpler time. The war was over (WWII), and America was ready to celebrate a hard fought victory. The year was 1947 when Vic’s first opened their doors, and they have maintained the same atmosphere through three generations. Savor the amazing cool flavors and the wholesome atmosphere, including the black and white checkered floor tiles and time accurate furnishings. Visit them at: 3199 Riverside Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone: (916) 448-0892. Website: www.vicsicecream.com.

* Old Fair Oaks Village: Discover a beautiful, tranquil and nostalgic place to shop this summer: It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Mayberry since I last watched the Andy Griffith Show on TV Land. From the moment you arrive, you will be struck by the peacefulness of this hidden treasure. In the center of the town, there’s a small park that’s filled with large majestic trees that help cool the warm air and stay clean and fresh. Visit the Old Fair Oaks Village on Fair Oaks Bl., near Sunrise Bl.in Fair Oaks, CA.

* The Crest Theatre: Originally built as the Empress, the Crest Theatre began with Sullivan and Considine, who operated a vaudeville circuit in 1912. The building opened its doors in 1913 and was a gorgeous 2,000 seat vaudeville house with a balcony and full stage. The years took their toll on this historic landmark; however, in 1995, the Crest received a one million dollar restoration. Today, the theater is host to concerts, comedians, speakers, films and more. Visit them at 1013 K St. in Sacramento. Phone: (916) 442-7378; Website: thecrest.com.

* Sky High Sports: Sky High Sports is a unique trampoline fun center. This facility has been designed and created for one purpose: To have FUN! Come and improvise! Whether you flip forward or flip backward, you will definitely flip out for Sky High Sports! You can free-bounce and do tricks all day, or you can join them for some organized activities, like trampoline dodgeball. As long as you like to bounce, Sky High Sports is for you. Everyone is welcome. Come by for an hour or two and have some fun. Visit them at 11327 Folsom Blvd. #160, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. Phone: (916) 853-5867 (JUMP). Website: SACinfo@JumpSkyHigh.com.

* The State Capitol: Our state capitol is rich in history and is an architectural masterpiece. Home of the California Legislature since 1869, the State Capitol underwent a major renovation that restored much of the building's original look. Visitors can tour the restored historic offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Governor of the State of California. The building features exhibits, tours and possibly an opportunity to watch the legislators debate a bill or cast a vote. The gardens in the surrounding Capitol Park are absolutely beautiful and they include trees from around the world. Call (916) 324-0333 or visit parks.ca.gov for more information.

* Sacramento River Cats: Our minor league baseball team plays at the intimate and beautiful Raley Field in West Sacramento. The Sacramento River Cats play in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics. If you like watching baseball and enjoy the beauty of the Sacramento River and skyline, this is the place to be for affordable summer fun. Call (916) 376-4700 or visit raleyfield.com.

* Tommy T’s Comedy & Dinner Theatre: Tommy T’s is serving up laughs and delicious cuisine, including a wide variety of appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, fish, steak, desserts, drinks and much more. They are located where Garbeaus Dinner Theatre once was in the Nimbus Winery at 12401 Folsom Bl. in Rancho Cordova. Phone: (916) 357-5233 (LAFF). Website: tommyts2@tommyts.com.

* Fair Oaks Theatre Festival: If you enjoy sitting under the stars while enjoying a live play, then you’ll need to pack a picnic and visit the quaint amphitheater in Fair Oaks Village. Call (916) 966-3683. Website: fairoakstheatrefestival.com.

* Sacramento Vintage Ford: Sacramento Vintage Ford specializes in 1909-1948 Ford passenger cars and 1928-1979 Ford trucks, as well as a complete and expansive line of Street Rod and Hot Rods. The displays are interesting and entertaining.   Enjoy a chocolate malt and burger at the 1950’s style diner in the middle of the store while you take a break from the tour of the extensive collection of vintage vehicles on display.  Be sure to check out all the throwback fashions and memorabilia for sale.   Even if you don't own an old Ford, you still need to visit Sacramento Vintage Ford and enjoy a day of free fun for the whole family. Visit them at 2484 Mercantile Dr.,  Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.
Phone: (916) 853-224. Website: www.vintageford.com.

* Monster Mini Golf: Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn. Feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf among a scary but cool monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn. Monster Mini Golf is fun for the all ages! If you are looking for a unique and fun experience, then Monster Mini Golf will bring out the beast in you! Visit them at: 12401 Folsom Blvd (in the Nimbus Winery, next to The Old Spaghetti Factory) Rancho Cordova, CA. Phone: (916) 294-0000. Website: rancho@monsterminigolf.com.

* Concerts in the Park: Building on the success of last year’s season, this summer’s Concerts the Park will continue to feature hometown favorites like Middle Class Rut and ZuhG. The series is also adding to the line up dozens of new acts including a special appearance by !!! and Mother Hips. This year’s season will also see the return of Sactown’s hottest DJs, who will be spinning between sets on the Assembly DJ Stage. Concerts in the Park launches in Cesar Chavez Plaza and continues every Friday night from 5 pm to 9 pm through July 26. Visit them at: http://downtownsac.org/events/concerts-in-the-park/#sthash.zKVo0foB.dpuf.

* Granite Arch Climbing Center: Granite Arch is one of California's largest indoor rock climbing gyms, features climbing surfaces that are as close to real rock as you can get inside a gym! Right down to the "pin scars" in the cracks, Granite Arch looks and feels like the real thing. Whether you're a hard-core climber, a weekend warrior or someone looking for a new and exciting experience, come check them out at Granite Arch--you won't be disappointed. Visit them at: 11335-G Folsom Bl. Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. Phone: 916-852-7625 (ROCK) Website: www.granitearch.com.

* The Effie Yeaw Nature Center: This is an award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within the beautiful American River Parkway in Carmichael, California. This 77 acre nature preserve features interpretive trails that meander through the riparian woodlands along the American River. See deer, coyotes, migratory songbirds, raptors and wild turkeys as you explore the preserve's lush oak woodlands. They offer a variety of fun activities for children and adults, including popular educational programs and tours for schools and other groups.  Phone: (916) 489-4918. Website: sacnaturecenter.net.

* Fairytale Town in William Land Park: For over 50 years, Fairytale Town continues to offer children and families a safe place to imagine, play and learn. With 25 playsets based on nursery rhymes and fairytales, a friendly flock of farm animals, two performing arts stages and several gardens, learning has never been more fun! Visit them at: 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822. Phone: (916) 808-5233. Website: fairytaletown.org.

* Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park: The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California.  On your tour of the 19,000-square-foot Mansion you will see: 17-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings, beautifully restored woodwork, elegant 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures, historic paintings and much more. Leland Stanford was the eighth governor of California and founder of Stanford University. Visit them at the Corner of Eighth and N streets, Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: (916) 324-9266. Website:www.parks.ca.gov.

* B Street Theatre: Since opening in 1991, they’ve become known for quality performances that keep audiences talking. They have innovative new plays, emerging playwrights and all in an intimate theatre experience unlike any other. Visit them at: 2711 B Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. Phone: (916) 443-5300. Website: bstreettheatre.org.

* The American River Parkway: The American River Parkway is a true treasure in the landscape of Sacramento. The parkway is a 23 mile, 4,600 acre expanse of land, water and nature. Our forefathers were smart in wanting to protect this wonderful resource, hence creating a regional park. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Bicycle Trail is perfect for cycling, skating, running and walking. Their contact information is 5700 Arden Way, Carmichael, CA 95608. Phone: (916) 486-2773. Website: www.arpf.org.

* The Delta King: The Delta King Hotel in Old Sacramento is a unique Sacramento treasure. The authentic riverboat plied the Sacramento River between San Francisco and Sacramento from 1927 to 1940 and during World War II, it served as a troop transport on San Francisco Bay. It sank at Richmond in San Francisco Bay in 1982 for a period of 18 months but was brought to Sacramento where it underwent an extraordinary renovation at a cost of $9 million. Today it is a beautiful floating hotel with modern lodging amenities, 2 acclaimed restaurants offering casual and fine dining, 2 professional theatres, a wine school and exceptional facilities for weddings and meetings. Visit them at: 1000 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: (916) 444-5464. Website: www.deltaking.com.