The El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park Libraries
Both of these fabulous libraries hold a play area for even your littlest ones to enjoy. The library is one of my absolute favorite places to take my kids because it spans all four of their ages. My older two are content picking out new chapter books and getting started reading them, while my younger ones check out the picture books before diving into the play kitchens, puzzles, and other fun games waiting. There is never a shortage of free storytimes and programs awaiting you at the library and even if one isn't going on, it's still fun to just hang out there. I am even able to sneak away for a minute and grab a new book off the shelf to check out too!
BusyKidz (Folsom)
Step into this miniature play city where your kids can let their imaginations run wild as they visit a doctor's office, school, bank, post office, grocery store, library, and much more! Toys, Legos, costumes, karaoke, and more fun await your children as they explore this unique indoor play center right here in Folsom! Check them out on Wednesdays for just $5 or visit on Thursdays to enjoy a free coffee and pastry!
Bouncetown (El Dorado Hills)
Imagine an entire room of fun bounce houses and slides and your kids flitting from one to the other at warp speed and you'd have Bouncetown! I never leave without a red-faced, sweaty kid no matter the temperature outdoors. Kids have fun climbing, jumping, sliding, and exploring this little gem in the EDH Business Park. Don't forget to check out LaZer City right next door too! Both places offer family night specials on Thursday evenings.
Java Mama Café (Folsom)
I don't know about you, but coffee is a vital part of my day! What if I told you that you could enjoy that hot cup of Joe uninterrupted while your kids have a blast playing under the supervision of the staff? Well you can find all that at Java Mama Café in the Broadstone shopping center in Folsom. Two separate play areas for babies and bigger kids are gated off from the café so parent and child can each enjoy some "me time". Indulge in that cronut and latte while you chat with a friend or read a book uninterrupted. It's a win/win for everyone!
McDonalds, Chick-Fil-a, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Starbucks (Folsom)
Sure, taking the kids to McDonalds doesn't really seem that exciting to us parents, but through a child's eyes you will be the best mom EVER. My own kids beg to go here, perhaps because it's a treat we don't indulge in often. But when we do, I know they will be entertained for awhile running and playing in the large play structures, while breaking for some fries every so often. The McDonalds on Folsom Blvd. by the outlets has an indoor play area as does the Chick-Fil-a on E Bidwell in the Broadstone shopping center, making it an ideal lunch spot when it's cold and rainy. Chick-Fil-a also hosts Family Night every Tuesday from 5-8 where they feature two amazing artists painting faces and making balloon animals. Burger King on Folsom Blvd. by the outlets, and Carl's Jr. on Iron Point Rd. across from Palladio also boast indoor play structures. And lastly, I wanted to mention the Starbucks on the corner of Highway 50 and E Bidwell (by the In-N-Out) - they have a very small section for kids filled with a few small toys and a chalkboard/chalk to color with. You won't be able to make a long day of it, but it certainly allows you to sip your coffee in peace for a few minutes!
Palladio 16 Cinemas (Folsom) and Regal Theatres (El Dorado Hills)
Every Tuesday both of these movie theaters offer all showings at just $5! With a family of six, Tuesdays are the only days we see movies. As a bonus at the Regal Theatre, if you have a Regal card popcorn on Tuesdays is half price ($2 small, $3 medium, $4 large). Who can pass up a GREAT deal like that?! It's worth mentioning that the Sunrise Regal Theaters in the Sunrise Mall offer movies for just $4 all day, every day. The features are a little older, but there is always at least one kid-friendly flick playing.
Sacramento Children's Museum (Rancho Cordova)
Although it's a bit outside the Folsom/El Dorado Hills vicinity, we are lucky to have the only children's museum in the Sacramento region on this side of the metro area! There is so much to do packed into one building that your kids won't know where to start. They can buy groceries, explore water features, race solar cars, create works of art, and much, much more! There is even a special section for the littlest ones to play without being trampled. And it seems there is always a fun event going on, whether it's Science Sundays, Storytime with Leo, a Music and Movement class, or an Art Class. Your kids will learn and have fun at the same time - and they won't want to leave!
Indoor Malls (Citrus Heights, Roseville, Sacramento)
Now that we have so much shopping in town with the growth at Palladio and EDH Town Center as well as the old standby outlets and other shopping centers throughout Folsom/EDH, it's hard to justify driving out of town to hit the mall. But sometimes you are just craving that mall experience and there are certain shops you can't find local (yet) so what better to do than make a day of it with the kids?! A little shopping for mom, a little play time for the kids and everyone is happy! Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, Galleria Mall in Roseville, and Arden Mall in Sacramento all offer play areas for young children. So grab a beverage and maybe a cookie for the kids and let them run wild for a bit!
Color Me Mine (Folsom)
Color Me Mine at the Palladio Mall in Folsom is a great place to bring your budding young artist to create a masterpiece! Their paints are nontoxic, lead free, and washable so you can let them get creative without worry for their safety (or your favorite shirt!). If you have a very little one, there is no keepsake more precious than one boasting their hand or foot print. There are many different ceramics to choose from (starting at $14) and studio fees for kids under 12 are just $8. Check their website or Facebook for special promotions they may be running each month as well.
Folsom Lake Bowl (Folsom)
Lace up your bowling shoes, grab that heavy ball, and head down to the bowling lanes at Folsom Lake Bowl for some good, old fashioned family fun. Put the bumpers up for the little ones or check out the Glow Bowl on Friday and Saturday evening for some added excitement.
Monster Mini Golf (Rancho Cordova)
Another attraction located just outside our Folsom/EDH bubble, but worth the short commute. Play 18 rounds of glow in the dark, monster-themed holes with surprises at every turn. Play arcade games and earn prizes! Please be aware that this facility may not be suitable for the very young children and plan accordingly.
Folsom Sport Complex (Folsom)
This expansive building is designed to provide active fun and development for all ages. Housing a basketball court, indoor soccer field, volleyball court, batting cages, arcade, and café, it's the perfect spot to let your kids run loose and test their sporting skills. The complex also offers many different sports leagues throughout the year as well as drop in opportunities to engage in your favorite past time. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon is Little Friends Open Gym where bounce houses, hula-hoops, tricycles, and other fun equipment is offered for children 5 and under to play with. Where else in Folsom/EDH can you kick a soccer ball and stay dry?!
Tell MK: where is YOUR favorite spot to visit when it's cold and wet?
Both of these fabulous libraries hold a play area for even your littlest ones to enjoy. The library is one of my absolute favorite places to take my kids because it spans all four of their ages. My older two are content picking out new chapter books and getting started reading them, while my younger ones check out the picture books before diving into the play kitchens, puzzles, and other fun games waiting. There is never a shortage of free storytimes and programs awaiting you at the library and even if one isn't going on, it's still fun to just hang out there. I am even able to sneak away for a minute and grab a new book off the shelf to check out too!
BusyKidz (Folsom)
Step into this miniature play city where your kids can let their imaginations run wild as they visit a doctor's office, school, bank, post office, grocery store, library, and much more! Toys, Legos, costumes, karaoke, and more fun await your children as they explore this unique indoor play center right here in Folsom! Check them out on Wednesdays for just $5 or visit on Thursdays to enjoy a free coffee and pastry!
Bouncetown (El Dorado Hills)
Imagine an entire room of fun bounce houses and slides and your kids flitting from one to the other at warp speed and you'd have Bouncetown! I never leave without a red-faced, sweaty kid no matter the temperature outdoors. Kids have fun climbing, jumping, sliding, and exploring this little gem in the EDH Business Park. Don't forget to check out LaZer City right next door too! Both places offer family night specials on Thursday evenings.
Java Mama Café (Folsom)
I don't know about you, but coffee is a vital part of my day! What if I told you that you could enjoy that hot cup of Joe uninterrupted while your kids have a blast playing under the supervision of the staff? Well you can find all that at Java Mama Café in the Broadstone shopping center in Folsom. Two separate play areas for babies and bigger kids are gated off from the café so parent and child can each enjoy some "me time". Indulge in that cronut and latte while you chat with a friend or read a book uninterrupted. It's a win/win for everyone!
McDonalds, Chick-Fil-a, Burger King, Carl's Jr., Starbucks (Folsom)
Sure, taking the kids to McDonalds doesn't really seem that exciting to us parents, but through a child's eyes you will be the best mom EVER. My own kids beg to go here, perhaps because it's a treat we don't indulge in often. But when we do, I know they will be entertained for awhile running and playing in the large play structures, while breaking for some fries every so often. The McDonalds on Folsom Blvd. by the outlets has an indoor play area as does the Chick-Fil-a on E Bidwell in the Broadstone shopping center, making it an ideal lunch spot when it's cold and rainy. Chick-Fil-a also hosts Family Night every Tuesday from 5-8 where they feature two amazing artists painting faces and making balloon animals. Burger King on Folsom Blvd. by the outlets, and Carl's Jr. on Iron Point Rd. across from Palladio also boast indoor play structures. And lastly, I wanted to mention the Starbucks on the corner of Highway 50 and E Bidwell (by the In-N-Out) - they have a very small section for kids filled with a few small toys and a chalkboard/chalk to color with. You won't be able to make a long day of it, but it certainly allows you to sip your coffee in peace for a few minutes!
Palladio 16 Cinemas (Folsom) and Regal Theatres (El Dorado Hills)
Every Tuesday both of these movie theaters offer all showings at just $5! With a family of six, Tuesdays are the only days we see movies. As a bonus at the Regal Theatre, if you have a Regal card popcorn on Tuesdays is half price ($2 small, $3 medium, $4 large). Who can pass up a GREAT deal like that?! It's worth mentioning that the Sunrise Regal Theaters in the Sunrise Mall offer movies for just $4 all day, every day. The features are a little older, but there is always at least one kid-friendly flick playing.
Sacramento Children's Museum (Rancho Cordova)
Although it's a bit outside the Folsom/El Dorado Hills vicinity, we are lucky to have the only children's museum in the Sacramento region on this side of the metro area! There is so much to do packed into one building that your kids won't know where to start. They can buy groceries, explore water features, race solar cars, create works of art, and much, much more! There is even a special section for the littlest ones to play without being trampled. And it seems there is always a fun event going on, whether it's Science Sundays, Storytime with Leo, a Music and Movement class, or an Art Class. Your kids will learn and have fun at the same time - and they won't want to leave!
Indoor Malls (Citrus Heights, Roseville, Sacramento)
Now that we have so much shopping in town with the growth at Palladio and EDH Town Center as well as the old standby outlets and other shopping centers throughout Folsom/EDH, it's hard to justify driving out of town to hit the mall. But sometimes you are just craving that mall experience and there are certain shops you can't find local (yet) so what better to do than make a day of it with the kids?! A little shopping for mom, a little play time for the kids and everyone is happy! Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, Galleria Mall in Roseville, and Arden Mall in Sacramento all offer play areas for young children. So grab a beverage and maybe a cookie for the kids and let them run wild for a bit!
Color Me Mine (Folsom)
Color Me Mine at the Palladio Mall in Folsom is a great place to bring your budding young artist to create a masterpiece! Their paints are nontoxic, lead free, and washable so you can let them get creative without worry for their safety (or your favorite shirt!). If you have a very little one, there is no keepsake more precious than one boasting their hand or foot print. There are many different ceramics to choose from (starting at $14) and studio fees for kids under 12 are just $8. Check their website or Facebook for special promotions they may be running each month as well.
Folsom Lake Bowl (Folsom)
Lace up your bowling shoes, grab that heavy ball, and head down to the bowling lanes at Folsom Lake Bowl for some good, old fashioned family fun. Put the bumpers up for the little ones or check out the Glow Bowl on Friday and Saturday evening for some added excitement.
Monster Mini Golf (Rancho Cordova)
Another attraction located just outside our Folsom/EDH bubble, but worth the short commute. Play 18 rounds of glow in the dark, monster-themed holes with surprises at every turn. Play arcade games and earn prizes! Please be aware that this facility may not be suitable for the very young children and plan accordingly.
Folsom Sport Complex (Folsom)
This expansive building is designed to provide active fun and development for all ages. Housing a basketball court, indoor soccer field, volleyball court, batting cages, arcade, and café, it's the perfect spot to let your kids run loose and test their sporting skills. The complex also offers many different sports leagues throughout the year as well as drop in opportunities to engage in your favorite past time. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon is Little Friends Open Gym where bounce houses, hula-hoops, tricycles, and other fun equipment is offered for children 5 and under to play with. Where else in Folsom/EDH can you kick a soccer ball and stay dry?!
Tell MK: where is YOUR favorite spot to visit when it's cold and wet?