Family events in Sacramento County, CA

Hosted at Cal Expo, home of the California State Fair, this multi-day collectibles event spotlights sports memorabilia, Pokémon, trading card games, toys, comics, and more. Promoted as one of the largest shows of its kind in the nation, it brings a wide range of categories together for collectors and fans to explore.

Game Kastle hosts a casual Lorcana league built around Attack of the Vine. The league runs for three months and follows a repeating four-week rhythm. The first week is set aside for casual games where you simply bring a deck and play. The second week encourages card trading among participants. The third week focuses on deck construction and tuning with input from others. The fourth week offers open gaming before the sequence starts again. In all, the program covers 12 weeks of organized play. Entry is $20.

Kids Inc Palladio is hosting a Parents Night Out for all families with children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Costumes or cozy pajamas are encouraged, and children can look forward to movies, pizza, and fun activities. An RSVP is required and space is limited. The fee is $30 per child, payable in cash. For more information, call (916) 353-0300.

A Cub Scout sign up night at Pleasant Grove Elementary shares how youth can get involved with Scouting America through camping, hiking, and other hands-on activities that build confidence and leadership. Children do not need to attend this school to participate in the sign up. Information will cover Cub Scouts for ages 5 to 10 and Scouts BSA for ages 11 to 18.

Black Hikers Explore Sacramento brings the community together at William B Pond Recreation Area for the second annual walk dedicated to suicide awareness and mental health. More than a simple outing, it aims to remember those who have been lost, support people who are facing challenges, and affirm that no one is alone. The plan includes a calm, purposeful walk to shine a light on the cause and offer hope, messages of encouragement and healing from community speakers, and space for reflection, unity, and compassion.

Enjoy a free, neighborhood nature-themed play session for young children. Kids can dive into open-ended activities that may include creative art, simple science exploration, songs, time in nature, and stories. Wear play clothes suitable for active, sometimes messy fun. The program is geared to ages 0 to 5, and siblings are welcome. Registration is not required, just drop in. This is a caregiver-accompanied experience, so an adult needs to stay for the entire session. Bringing a coffee and a camp chair is welcome.

Marking its twentieth year, the Folsom Family Expo offers a family-focused experience at Palladio in Folsom. It is presented by Style Readers Media, publishers of @stylemagfedhs and @stylemags.

Explore a first-time pop-up at Five Star Bricks centered on American Girl, with a selection of dolls, outfits, accessories, sought-after collectibles, and more to discover.

Gravity powered racing returns with the All-American Soap Box Derby Rally, where young drivers pilot gravity cars down a dedicated course in a family friendly showcase. The program spans two days with one double elimination race each day, and includes divisions for Stock ages 7 to 13, Super Stock ages 9 to 18, and Masters ages 10 to 20. Crowd energy builds as wheels whisk past and drivers rely only on gravity and skill. Spectators are welcome, and aspiring racers may compete using a loaner car or a car they have built. Presented by Northern California Soap Box Derby.

Enjoy an evening of Southern Gospel music with the Herb Henry Family. Admission is free, and there will be an opportunity to give a love offering. Expect classic, spirit-lifting gospel harmonies that encourage and energize, reflecting the traditional sound many grew up with. Listeners who enjoy Liberty Quartet may appreciate a similar feel in this program.

Prospective adopters can meet a variety of rescue dogs at Petco - Sacramento and find a great match for their households. Friendly pups will be on site and ready to become part of new families. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments can be scheduled to meet a specific dog so the rescue can reserve that pup for the event. Every dog is adopted with health records and has received comprehensive care, including vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, a microchip, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and start at $250, and they are considered a partially tax-deductible donation that supports the charity’s care for more than 500 dogs. For details or to arrange an appointment, call or text 888-508-8943.

Fans of the MY LITTLE PONY Card Game can connect at a friendly Cutie Mark Card Club meetup that welcomes all ages. Expect a relaxed space to learn the newest version of the game, play matches, trade cards, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Bringing a favorite deck and trade binder is encouraged, but it is not required, since starter decks are available for teaching on a first come basis. The schedule features a learn-to-play session, a Swiss-style tournament with three rounds decided in a single game, and time set aside for casual play and trading, with prize distribution while supplies last. Every participant receives a Pony Day Promo Pack. A raffle at the end of the tournament awards one Pony Day Promo Prize, and the winner may choose card sleeves, a card album, or a playmat. Tournament awards include first place with $10 in store credit plus a Discord!!! Promo Pack, second place with a Discord!!! Promo Pack and a Pony Day Promo Pack, and third place with a Pony Day Promo Pack. Attendees of all ages are welcome, and players younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Game Night at The Fat Rabbit in Old Folsom is free to attend and features a curated selection from The Game Getaway’s library of more than 1,500 board games. Requests for specific titles can be made ahead of time, since a smaller number of games will be on site. Expect a mix of strategy favorites, lively party picks, and options suited for families. Parking is available in the nearby garage, and the venue is close to light rail.

Mighty Acorns helps toddlers and preschoolers discover the natural world through play, creativity, and outdoor exploration. Designed for children ages 2 to 5, this Effie Yeaw Nature Center program features a variety of hands-on experiences such as crafts, snacks, storytime, and interactive stations made for young learners. Activities may also include meeting an animal ambassador or taking a gentle self-guided walk to the river. The program takes place inside Ancil Hoffman County Park. When booking, include the number of children attending so materials can be prepared. A guardian must supervise and participate. Parking passes are provided at check-in. General admission is $20, and members pay $15.

This family information night at John D. Sloat Elementary introduces the Girl Scouts experience for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. Families can meet new friends, sample engaging activities, and find out what the program is all about.

Wiggle Worms Nature Play offers free neighborhood nature play at Colonial Heights Library. Children can explore through unstructured activities that include art, simple science, songs, nature exploration, and story time. The program is designed for ages 0 to 5, and siblings are welcome. Dress for active, sometimes a little messy, play. No registration is required. This is not a drop off program, and a caregiver must stay for the entire session. Bringing a blanket and a picnic dinner is welcome.

This eight-week program welcomes young actors into a playful, imagination-led environment where they build confidence, spark creativity, and develop teamwork through theater games, character exploration, and hands-on practice. Each week blends movement, storytelling, and ensemble work, giving every child the chance to grow as a performer while having fun. The experience concludes with a free, full-length performance for family and friends that celebrates everything the cast has created together.