Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Walk the interpretive trails to discover native plants, ponds and wild animal tracks. Join a weekend nature program with seasonal topics ranging from butterflies to bird watching. Stop in the Discovery Shop for field guides and books to support continued learning.
Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Ancil Hoffman County Park
2850 San Lorenzo Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 489-4918
msa2.saccounty.net/parks/effieyeaw
Bicycle Trail Riding
Ride all 32 miles of the American River Bike Trail. Just remember that it's a 32-mile return trip, too. Take your time to enjoy the ducks, waysides and park-like environment. Turn back any time, but well before the kids get tired. Relax in Discovery Park at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers before heading home.
American River Parkway---Discovery Park
Garden Way
Sacramento, CA 95833
msa2.saccounty.net/parks
Paddle Lake Natoma
Join university students in sculling, canoe and kayak classes open to the general public. The Sacramento State University Aquatic Center is situated on Lake Natoma, a reservoir in the eastern Sacramento metropolitan area. Class participation requires a swimming proficiency certificate. The Aquatic Center offers spring break and summer day camps. Campers' parents are welcome to join for a free boating night each Thursday evening.
Sacramento State Aquatic Center
1901 Hazel Ave.
Gold River, CA 95670
(916) 278-2842
csusaquaticcenter.com/
Gold Discovery Day Hiking
Hike the trails through Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. See the site that launched the California Gold Rush. Walk past buildings that show the rugged lifestyle prospectors endured to strike it rich. Climb a trail up to the oversized James Marshall Monument, or take a more rambling path through the land of an African-American pioneer family.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
310 Back St.
Coloma, CA 95613
(530) 622-3470
parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=484
Article Written By Denise Schoonhoven
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
