As an Orthodontist in El Dorado Hills, Dr. Jeff gets the scoop from his patients about all the cool stuff to do. While our winters are pretty mild compared to some other areas of the country, we know even the California kiddos can get a little stir crazy when its rainy or chilly out. Being the helpful and fun practice we are, JK Orthodontics has decided to use some of our inside information to share our favorite Sacramento and El Dorado Hills activities for kids (some are even free!).
The California State Railroad Museum ”“ Sacramento
Kids love trains. They just do. Even grownups will have fun at the Railroad Museum. From authentic locomotives to model trains, there’s something for everyone. In addition to engaging exhibits, you can also take an excursion train ride on select Tuesdays starting again in February. For kids aged two to five, Story Time is held every Monday at 11 a.m. and features train-related tales.
Catch a Tuesday Flick at Regal Theatre ”“ El Dorado Hills
Tuesdays are Value Days at Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14. Movie tickets are reduced to $6.25 all day. Considering how expensive tickets have gotten in recent years, this is a pretty good deal and there are plenty of family-friendly films playing. Want an added bit of luxury? The Palladio Luxe Cinema has some amazing food and cushy reclining seats that you’ll definitely enjoy, if you’re one to fall asleep in the theater, why not do it in the most comfortable seats possible.
3D Print Lab at the Library ”“ El Dorado Hills
The El Dorado Hills Library has a 3D print lab, which is super cool on its own. Even cooler? You can print projects for free! While we’re probably the only ones who print teeth, let your child or teen’s imagination run wild and then take their idea to a 3D print lab volunteer who will help them bring it to life. See the details here.
ArtBeast Studio ”“ Sacramento
If you’re looking for activities for kids in Sacramento that will bring out your little one’s creative side, look no further. ArtBeast Studio offers an open studio with tables, easels, a clay, crayons, paint, nature items, paper, recycled finds, glue and more that kids can turn into art. In addition, there are play spaces where children can put on puppet shows, build things out of LEGOs, make music, dance and engage in all sorts of creative pursuits. There’s even an area for babies. Admission is $8, which also allows you to drop in on classes like yoga, storytelling, visual arts or dramatic arts. For an even more affordable experience, consider a membership.
El Dorado Hills Musical Theater ”“ El Dorado Hills
Take in a show at El Dorado Hills Musical Theater, our region’s premier youth theater company. Your children will love seeing kids their own age performing on stage. Shrek: The Musical is up next and starts on February 24. Check out the schedule and buy tickets here. Want your little one to get in on the action? EDMT Performing Arts Institute offers performing arts classes too.
Urban Adventure Quest ”“ Sacramento
If it’s warm out and the family is in need of some fresh air, make the city your playground with a three-hour scavenger hunt from Urban Adventure Quest. You simply download an interactive program from the site onto your smart phone and it gives you clues that will lead you on a walking tour of Sacramento. Complete challenges and work together as a family to uncover the city’s secrets. All the while, you’ll learn fun facts and see the sights including some hidden gems.
Storytime at the Library ”“ El Dorado Hills
Storytime is one of our favorite free kids’ activities in El Dorado Hills because it helps to encourage a love of learning and reading. Little ones from birth through five-years-old and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs, socialization and fun.
Wee Wednesday at the Crocker Art Museum ”“ Sacramento
On Wednesdays, meet at the Crocker Art Museum’s Tot Land for a gallery-based art experience for children ages three to five. Groups leave at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. There is a new theme every week and the events typically involve learning a little art lesson, doing a craft and exploring.
Kids Camp Party and Family Fun Center ”“ El Dorado Hills
This indoor play space features bounce houses, a tot play area, a multi-level, black-lit laser tag arena, a super slide auditorium and party rooms. What more could you ask for? Oh yea, they also have flexible drop-in child care.
Safetyville USA ”“ Sacramento
This miniature city sits on three acres of land and is a unique, interactive safety education program for kids. Children will have a blast exploring the town, which is built on a child-sized scale complete with sidewalks, streetlights and police and fire stations. They’ll also learn life-saving lessons like what to do if there is a fire, how to handle strangers, the rules of the road and more.
Early Engineers ”“ El Dorado Hills
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District is offering Early Engineers, a program for kids in grades kindergarten through 5th that relies on building materials like LEGOs, Kapla blocks and K’nex to inspire innovation. Kids will learn teamwork and build confidence working on projects designed by professional artists, architects and engineers. Register for the next session held at one of the elementary schools. Or, check out the Community Service District’s full winter and spring activity guide for children, teens and adults.
Sacramento Pipeworks ”“ Sacramento
This awesome climbing gym offers weekend kids belay for climbers ages four through 17. The staff will show your child the ins and outs of rock climbing while they take turns heading up the wall. Walk-ins are welcome and spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lake Tahoe
With all the rain we’ve been getting in El Dorado Hill, Lake Tahoe has amassed an abundance of snow. As an avid skier, Dr. Jeff always wonders whether the next season will be as good. Don’t wait to find out, get out there and make the best of the all the snow we have now. For snow play, be sure to check out Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe. If you want to hit the slopes, you can’t go wrong with any of Lake Tahoe’s resorts. Sugarbowl (www.sugarbowl.com) is one of Dr. Jeff’s faves because of the sheer amount of snow they get and the shortest line’s in the area. If you’re in need of lessons for your young ones (and you just happen to want to ski yourself), Dr. Jeff’s boys have really enjoyed their experience at Sierra at Tahoe (www.sierraattahoe.com). It’s going to be an amazing year for spring (and maybe summer) skiing.
