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A frequent destination for Sacramento area school field trips is the Nimbus Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery, located off of Hwy 50 and Hazel Ave. The Visitor Center is open every day from 10-3 and visitors can view the young fish in ponds prior to being transplanted to various parts of the Sacramento River-San Joaquin Estuary. Because the water temperatures can get too cold for egg survival, a weir is placed in front of the Nimbus Dam so Salmon cannot swim further upstream. A holding pond is reached by a 20 step fish ladder. Some years as many as 10,000 fish will climb the ladder.

Nimbus Fish Hatchery Official Site

Learn more about the history of California’s Gold Rush and its connection to Sacramento at the Gold Rush History Center, part of the Discovery Museum. Located at 101 I St. in Old Sacramento, the Gold Rush History Center is free for children and members and is open most days between 10am and 5pm.

Gold Rush History Center Official Site

Located on the first floor of the CSUS library, the Library Gallery is part of the concept to make Sac State a “campus of the arts.” The Gallery was originally created in 2001-2002 and is not only intended for art exhibits, but also hosts performances such as music recitals, poetry readings and other arts-related events. Admission is free and the gallery is open between 10am and 5pm Tues through Sat.

CSU Sacramento Library Gallery Official Site

Indended to preserve, present and create California History, The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts brings history alive through the use of California State Archives and other collections. It’s also a great place to bring your children for inspiration. The Board of Trustees includes First Lady Maria Shriver, who helped to revitalize the museum. The Advisory Board includes notable historians, scholars, writers, teachers, artists and others. Visit The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in the State Archives Building in Sacramento, CA, one block from the Capitol and enjoy 20,000 square feet of exhibits, facilities for lectures, performances, receptions and events. The museum is also home to the California Hall of Fame and Constitution Wall as well as many other current exhibits.

The California Museum Official Site

The Folsom Historical Society operates the Folsom History Museum, located in historic downtown Folsom, CA. Visitors will experience educational exhibits and a wonderful collection of artifacts and treasures from the settlement and development of the Folsom area. Exhibits focus on Folsom’s native people, gold discovery, mining camps, and various ethnic groups who contributed to the area. You can also learn more about the railroad, Folsom Prison and powerhouse. The museum is located at 823 Sutter St. and hours are 11-4 Tues through Sun.

Folsom History Museum Official Site

Over 170 classic cars are housed at the Towe Auto Museum, located at 2200 Front Street, next to the the Sacramento River and Downtown Sacramento. There are also exhibits displaying the history of the automobile and how our lives have been influenced by it. Types of cars include race cars, muscle cars, hot rods and early models. The museum has a gift shop and a 1950s style ice cream vignette where you can ejoy a soda between taking pictures with your favorite cars.

Towe Auto Museum Official Site

Located in McClellan Park, formerly McClellan Air Force Base, the Aerospace Museum of California saw over 100,000 visitors last year. On display is a unique collection of military and civilian aircraft, engine exhibit and educational programs. Visitors can also learn more about the history of the Air Force Base as well as aerospace companies, flying clubs and commercial aviation in the Sacramento area.

Aerospace Museum Official Site

Oficially named as the state’s official military museum by legislation signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2004, the California State Military Museum is located on Second St. in Old Sacramento. The museum was originally opened in 1991 and, today, houses over 30,000 artifacts. The museum also has a substantial library and archives.

State Military Museum Official Site

The Sacramento Zoo is a great place to take the kids and is located next to other family-friendly attractions in Land Park, such as Fairytale Town and Funderland. Visitors are sure to enjoy the 14 acres housing many different types of animals, the Wildlife Stage Shows, Reptile House and more! If you want to avoid the crowds, their web site suggests aiming for non-holiday Mondays, Saturday or Sunday mornings, or most weekdays after 1pm. Other times are prime for school field trips. The zoo also offers self-guided tours via cell phone. There isn’t much of a specified parking lot for the zoo, but parking is free throughout Land Park.

Sacramento Zoo Official Site

Made possible by a donation by Margaret E. Crocker to the City of Sacramento, the Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and is the longest continuously operating art museum in the West. The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento and the Victorian mansion and annexes cover an entire city block. The museum attracts 160,000 visitors each year and boasts one of the state’s premier art collections. Exhibits change every year, so be sure to visit and view new displays showcasing various time periods and cultures.

Crocker Art Museum Official Site