Looking for budget-friendly ways to entertain the kids? You’re in luck! Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and Carmichael are packed with fantastic places where families can have fun without spending a dime. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor play, or educational experiences, we’ve got you covered!
Best Free Outdoor Family Fun
1. Rusch Park (Citrus Heights)
Location: 7801 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA
Why We Love It: This expansive park offers everything from shaded picnic areas to a fun playground and even a skate park. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run around, making it a perfect place for an afternoon of free fun.
2. Phoenix Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 9050 Sunset Ave, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: Phoenix Park is a great spot for biking, hiking, and picnicking. Plus, it has a large playground and an off-leash dog park for furry family members!
3. Jensen Botanical Garden (Carmichael)
Location: 8520 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA
Why We Love It: This peaceful garden is a hidden gem with paved walking paths, beautiful flowers, and benches to relax while the kids explore nature.
4. American River Parkway (Fair Oaks & Carmichael)
Why We Love It: The American River Parkway offers scenic trails for walking and biking. Kids can spot wildlife, throw rocks in the river, or just enjoy the fresh air along this beautiful stretch of nature.
5. Hagen Community Park (Rancho Cordova – Near Fair Oaks)
Location: 2197 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA
Why We Love It: Kids can fish for free in California, and this park has a great fishing pond! It also features walking trails and a fun playground.
6. Bannister Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 3820 Bannister Rd, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A great spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking with beautiful views and open green spaces.
7. Fair Oaks Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: This park offers large grassy fields, a fun playground, and plenty of space for outdoor games and family picnics.
8. Gum Ranch Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 9215 Hazel Ave, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A hidden gem with a fantastic playground, walking trails, and scenic open areas.
9. Jim Streng Park (Carmichael)
Location: 8855 Swallow Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Why We Love It: Features a shaded playground, picnic areas, and a basketball court for active fun.
10. Little Phoenix Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 9041 Phoenix Ave, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A small but charming park with a great play structure and lots of shade.
11. Madison Place Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 6250 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A lovely neighborhood park with open grassy areas, a playground, and picnic tables.
12. Miller Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 8480 Sunset Ave, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A quiet park with lots of nature, great for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
13. Montview Park (Fair Oaks)
Location: 5500 Dewey Dr, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: A spacious park with a playground, trails, and lots of shade for relaxing outdoor fun.
Best Free Indoor Family Fun
14. Sunrise Mall Play Area (Citrus Heights)
Location: 6041 Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights, CA
Why We Love It: Need a break while running errands? The mall’s indoor play area is perfect for little ones to burn off some energy while parents take a breather. It also makes a great indoor walking track when the weather isn't the best!
15. Sylvan Oaks Library (Citrus Heights)
Location: 6700 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA
Why We Love It: Libraries aren’t just for books! Sylvan Oaks Library offers free storytimes, craft activities, and educational programs for kids of all ages.
16. Fair Oaks Library (Fair Oaks)
Location: 11601 Fair Oaks Blvd, Fair Oaks, CA
Why We Love It: This library hosts fun and interactive events, from LEGO club to family reading programs, all completely free!
17. Effie Yeaw Nature Center (Carmichael)
Location: 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael, CA
Why We Love It: Kids will love seeing rescued wildlife like owls, hawks, and deer up close. The nature trails are a great way to explore the outdoors while learning about local ecosystems.
18. Lowe’s DIY-U Workshops (Citrus Heights)
Why We Love It: Lowe’s offers free kids' workshops where children can build and take home their own projects. These are great hands-on activities for little builders!
With so many amazing free family fun spots in Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and Carmichael, there’s always an adventure waiting around the corner!
Let us know if we missed anything, and we’ll add it to the list!
