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Memories of fun-filled childhood vacations are in the making in this northern California city, the state's capital of family-friendliness.

To the delight of both children and their parents, excitement awaits railroad buffs, sports enthusiasts, lovers of art and fantasy and, for the more adventurous, boundless outdoor offerings. In Sacramento, the rest is history!

The local businesses have made Sacramento a fun and very affordable weekend getaway with their innovative discount program, the Sacramento Discover Gold card. It's distributed free of charge through the tourist information offices or at dozens of participating hotels, and it guarantees visitors discounts to more than 30 attractions, restaurants, retailers, theaters, and sports venues throughout the region. Take advantage of the savings to expose your children to a month's worth of learning in just a few days.

Family Fun for Kids of all Ages

Armed with your easy to use Gold Card, step back to California’s Gold Rush era in Old Sacramento, a 28-acre town of historic buildings built in the1800s Delight in walking on cobblestone streets bordered with wooden sidewalks, or taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, guaranteed to have the kids cuddling and giggling under the blankets.

Stop in to sample some yummy treats at the old-fashioned candy shop, get to see what a one-room schoolhouse looked like, listen to historic tales narrated by a Mark Twain impressionist on coin-operated audio boxes, and get dressed in period costumes for an “old-fashioned” family photo. The area is the perfect setting for a disguised history lesson.

Old Sacramento is also home to the California State Railroad Museum (916/445-6645) the largest train museum in North America, and a big draw for families. You can easily spend the day here viewing the 21 meticulously restored locomotives and cars, and viewing over 40 one of a kind exhibits that tell the fascinating story of railroad history from 1850 to the present. Guided tours and interpretive film screens are offered daily, and there’s a special Kids Corner equipped with puzzles, coloring books and games.

The inspired exhibit "Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains," showcases approximately 1,000 vintage toy trains collected over several decades by Mr. Thomas W. Sefton of San Diego. There are 3,300 square-feet of exhibits in six specific themes, with interactive displays and a dazzling operating toy train layout.

For the same ticket admittance on spring and summer weekends, kids can ride on a steam engine from the Central Pacific Passenger and Depot Station on Front Street, to Miller Park. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. While general admission is charged for entrance, children under 5 are free.

You’ll also find a kid-friendly style at the Discovery Museum Gold Rush History Center (916/264-7057) with historic artifacts that will fascinate older generations, while hands-on eye-level activity stations will keep the little ones busy. The adjacent Discovery Museum Science Center (916/ 575-3941) features planetarium shows as well as wildlife and science exhibits. A small admission fee is charged.

The California State Capitol Museum (916/324-0333) is the name given to the grounds and buildings of the state capitol building, which features exhibits and tours, and a special "Kids’ Guide" assures an easy visit. The Capitol reflects the beauty and grandeur of the 1900s with its magnificent dome, marble and mosaic floors, and monumental staircases. There are 40 acres of gardens in the surrounding Capitol Park, including trees from around the world.

A spring or summer afternoon calls for the outdoors, and Sacramento’s variety of options will satisfy the adventure bug from toddlers to grandparents. The city focused around both the Sacramento and American Rivers, provides a natural playground for jet skis, ski boats, patio boats, and houseboats. Family houseboats are also available for rental at the nearby Sacramento Delta.

The Sacramento Zoo (916/808-5888) located in the heart of beautiful William Land Park, is home to over 400 exotic animals including one of its most popular exhibits, the adorable Penguins of Patagonia, that are native to the coast of Argentina. Its newest member, Endangered Black and White Ruffed Lemu is currently on exhibit.

Especially for the tots, a quick walk from the zoo leads to Fairytale Town (916/264-5233) a gigantic fun-filled playground where favorite Mother Goose characters come to life, along with puppet shows that will have the kids jumping up and down with delight.

Nearby Funderland (916/456-0115) is an amusement park with rides geared for the elementary school set. Raging Waters (916/924-3747) will have the whole clan joyfully cooling down on one of the attractions 25 water rides, wave pool and lazy river. The highlight is the five-story Dragon’s Den, an inner-tube slide down a 45-foot enclosed flume.