The Best Recreation Centers in Sacramento

Folsom Lake

★★★★☆ 3.7 (23)

"4/18/2019: Can you say, "Inspirational, spur-of-the-moment, wild hair, road trip?" Yup, that was me fo' sho'~lol! Feeling joyfully accomplished, I finished attending my necessary doctor's appointment: I opened my truck's driver side door, sat down, turned on the ignition switch, and I began peering down at my truck's gas gauge frowning . . . WAAAAH~What happened?! Didn't I just fill up my truck's gas tank, eh?Well~THAT'S JUST FINE AND DANDY-GRRRRR: I immediately began debating, no~ensuing rebuttal arguments deciding whether I HAD to make a road trip to Bass Pro and Harbor Freight plus, buy gas at Costco located in Roseville CA . . . Hemming, hawing with two imaginary beings plopped onto both my shoulders debating, arguing making the necessary road trip incited my plotting, lame excuses driving to Roseville . . . ANYWAY~Eye-rolling and tap dancing ensues, again . . . Yeah BUT, driving down Highway 50 every single, fricken time is beyond egregiously BORING! Let's do something different, alright? ALRIGHT! Ok~Let's take WHITE ROCK EXIT from Highway 50 turning right, since you never drove this parkway: Drive a few miles, turning left onto Green Valley, making a quick right onto Salmon Falls Road driving a PLETHORA of miles to IDK and I don't care, road trip!OH~Rattlesnake Road and Highway 49!!???? WOT????Am I near Peninsula Campground???? Didn't I make the same countless mistakes driving this stretch of road in the dark on July 4, 2016? YAH~IGNORE GPS LEE GARMIN! Instead, follow the signs to Peninsula Campground and update your YELP REVIEW! OK~Stellar plan! Upon committing driving this stretch of road, noticeably apparent-the asphalt has been upgraded-finally . . . Pleasantly pleased.About twelve minutes later, I arrive at Peninsula Campground's Kiosk: I submit my Veteran's Park Pass and my Military ID Card to the two Rangers on duty; I received my truck's Park Pass placing it onto my truck's windshield and more importantly, I received an updated map of Folsom Lake, too.BTW: VETERANS~AVOID RESERVE AMERICA'S CAMPING RESERVATION FEES BY CALLING PENINSULA KIOSK INSTEAD . . . Call Rangers inquiring what campsites are available before leaving your house in order, avoiding paying the $7.00 chump fee! In addition, the BEST DAYS camping at Peninsula Campground are Sunday through Thursday evenings but, make sure you quickly begin checking out EARLY Friday morning. Why? Because it's crucially imperative checking out early due to Rattlesnake Road is quite treacherous with inconsiderate people driving on the asphalt AS IF, ASSUMING they're the only humans driving Rattlesnake Road, i.e., please do avoid car accidents!Incidentally, observing the map while visiting the Day Use Boat Ramp Area playing, splashing my feet into Folsom Lake, I noticed Peninsula Campground hasn't added additional showers! WHY NOT? From my July 4, 2016 disappointing camping experience here, I sadly discovered the only showers available were adjacent to Campsites 74 through 82~RATS! As a result of observing Folsom Lake's updated map today-4/18/2019, I decided photographing the campsites surrounding the bathroom/shower facilities while visiting Peninsula Campground.Please stringently study the map and ALL the photos I took of each campsite so, you'll make an informed decision for your family the campsite's location where you wish camping comfortably.FYI: Peninsula Campground has TWO boat ramps. The second boat ramp is near Campsites 55-100. Campsites 30 through 73 are not flat, i.e., STEEP hillsides! I spent four hours here . . . Now, my stomach is growling~Time to head towards Roseville!"

Lincoln Crossing Clubhouse

★★★★☆ 3.5 (22)

"This is a club house for the home owners association so they pay HOA fees every month and ect . I do not belong to this club house my home does not have HOA . This review is of me going as guest since all my mom friends invite me and my family here . This club house is massive they have 3 out side pools and one lap pool inside so 4 total pools . They also have a hot tub next to the lap pool inside . They have a gym and an indoor basketball court . On the outside area they have a outside basketball court and tennis. This club house has a lot of monthly events to choose from. I was told for my friends you could also rent out the clubhouse or the pool area for a fee. This club house is a great and very fun for families. So if you're considering moving to Lincoln and join the HOA near this area, this is what you would get and some people say it's really worth it . I personally don't like HOA I like to decide what I could do or not to my home . What I do have to say is this is a pretty sweet clubhouse they have a lot to offer."

The Dugout

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Good price for a round balls. Cool owner who always has a game on tv!!"

Orangevale Community Center

★★★★☆ 4 (8)

"On Thursday nights from 3 to 8:30 there is a farmers market and awesome music. They have every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 lots of great music homegrown produce, honey and arts and crafts. Great place to go if you just want to chill and relax they also serve wine and beer, food trucks and try the tacos bring the kids and enjoy an evening out."

Barge Canal Recreational Access

★★★★☆ 4.4 (8)

"This is a great trail! I've been here twice already, and the first time I saw a fox and a bobcat, which I hadn't seen before! The parking is easy and you can also have a picnic by the canal and go fishing and kayaking. The trail is great for dogs too, but if it's too hot and sunny might not be the best as there's no shade."

Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12)

"I came here to visit May's daughter's soap booth. It was the Fall Craft & Food Fair. She started a business making soap and selling it. They are really cute. The event was held here and I think they do like 3 or 4 of these pop ups a year. The next one will be a Christmas one I believe. We got here later and found a parking spot right up front. They had several food trucks in the lot. We had to stop and get Hawaiian shaved ice. Yum. The gym had several vendors selling their products. We met May inside at her daughter's soap stand. It was nice and they had a lot of people supporting the event."

Auburn State Recreation Area

★★★★★ 4.5 (76)

"Came here in a Sunday morning to walk the Quarry Trail. Pretty busy in the area but we were lucky enough to find a parking spot in the parking lot even though the sign said full. Fee is $10. Great walking paths, fairly easy, not too steep and follows the river which is beautiful! Gravel paved and mostly shade. About 1.5 miles in you can check out the Hawver Mine which is pretty cool! There's also a great rock climbing area where you can simply watch and gave lunch or climb yourself about another .5 mile. Round trip was about 3.5 miles and is a great place to visit with kids and leashed dogs. Restrooms are available along the way, doggie bags and life jackets. Amazing place and worth a visit!"

Mission Oaks Community Center

★★★★☆ 4 (3)

"Great Zumba instructor and affordable monthly rates, but they DON'T offer drop-in class rates? Why say no to $$$?I don't get it. I can't make every class, so I don't want to pay the monthly rate. Every other place around offers drop-in rates. I called the community center office today and they stated that they will not change this rule. They couldn't give me reason though. It doesn't make any sense.What???"

Woodlake Swim Club

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Great, historic private swim club. It's got probably the largest private outdoor pool of any private swim/rec club in Sacramento (larger than the pool at the Sutter Lawn & Tennis Club or the Capitol Athletic Club). it was originally built in the 1920s, but has been kept up well. One of the biggest draws is its water source, relying on a natural water source that turns over frequently, the pool uses far fewer chemicals than most outdoor pools. Membership dues are reasonable and neighbors take pride in keeping it in great shape."

Sacramento Valley Conservancy - Camp Pollock

★★★★☆ 3.8 (4)

"Came by for a little day trip with the kids.Located down at the end of northgate blvd meets 16th street in a way...You know you found it by the big welcome to camp pollack sign. It does travel down the dirt road, drive slow no dust signs around too. Becareful has its loaded with walkers/homeless around there.They have a big conservation/office. But do to covid not sure when open or what it offers. Was gonna go to he front door but it had a few peacocks around and Dilantin to bother them. They will walk Farley close to you if you let them.They also have a few native gardens around and some seating. They did have a sign up to help take care of the gardens. If you follow the trail it will land you on a small beach like setting around the American River. Around the office they have a big yard and its well kept up too. Park ranger were around and employees keeping up the place. Over all pretty good spot for a quick trip to let the kids run around or a spot to fish. Ans you can see some local WILD LIFE.There was a spot to leave a requested donation for $5 parking/visiting, not sure if someone took it or of it was removed. But not fully required too."

ACAI Gallery

★★★★★ 4.7 (13) • $

"Clay therapy. If you've never tried it before, you've never had a chance to just let your unconscious express itself through the medium of clay. And don't give me that, "I'm not an artist" bull crap. Everyone is an artist! We just express ourselves differently. ACAI Gallery is a little off the beaten tracks in the suburbs of Fair Oaks. Located on Winding Way, it's ACROSS the street from the corner strip mall (where Takieng Thai is) in a converted house. Tons of parking!As an actual 501c3 you can take parent/child pottery classes, adult wheel classes or sculpting classes, anything related to pottery. There are tons of glazes, four working kilns and one for raku firing. You can also rent out artist studio space or pay a monthly fee to use the studio. There is also a gallery onsite that showcases local artists. Instructors show you the basics you need to make your own creations and masterpieces. Also for that person who "has everything" this is the perfect spot to make a one-of-a-kind birthday or Christmas gift. Taking pottery has taught me the lesson of impermanence and non-attachment. At my solo attempts on the wheel I've made a lot of "tornados" -- objects that start out as beautiful bowls and vases but invariably get twisted into abstractions of weirdness."

Memorial Union - University of California

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (26)

"Located almost in the middle of the UCD campus, Its busy almost to busy, Students, Teachers and more all come here to hang out and have fun. Theres a coffee shop that serves decent coffee and sweets, There is also a Pizza Cafe, You can get 2 pieces of pizza and a soda for $6. Not a bad deal if you ask me. There is also a food cafeteria style area where you can get Sushi, Tex-Mex and Sandwiches. Seating is hard to get inside but out side it much easier to find seats. I would say this spot is one of the best places to people watch."

Sunrise Recreation & Park District

★★★★★ 5 (9)

"They have improved greatly over the last few years. It is now a much better run facility."

Gora Aquatic Center

★★★★☆ 4.4 (7)

"We always enjoy being here!! The facility is clean and well maintained. In addition, the staff are professional and pleasant. They have a snack store but are ok with people bringing in their own food items."

Brubbees - Play with Purpose

★★★☆☆ 3 (2)

"At first I thought this place was great. It's a great concept. However I am not impressed with the way it's run. Went to a holiday event and have been trying to get the pictures..... 9 days later, a phone call and an email and still nothing. Then today we tried to go during the hours they were suppose to be open and it was locked. Called and no answer again. Sign on the door said they were at lunch until 1:15. Waited until 1:30 and no one came. I know they have changed their hours to just be Monday, Wednesday and Friday and when I called today (monday) the voicemail says they are open Monday thru Friday 9-5:30 and also doesn't even mention being closed from 12-1. Its hard to drive a child from Folsom with special needs just to get there and have the door be locked. We won't be going back as it's too confusing to figure out what's going on."

Howe Community Park

★★★★☆ 3.5 (27)

"I can't say it's one of the most beautiful park with an abundance of offerings, but I can say it's still a great community resource and a park I have visited on many occasions! Just having this resource in the neighborhood is great, especially for those who live close by who can take advantage of it frequently. There are numerous amenities within the property, including a good sized dog park, another dog park for even smaller dogs, a baseball diamond that is in ok shape, a playground and basketball courts. There are also a number of walking paths and a pond which is a spot where I have spent the most time enjoying the outdoors and a spot where I also take my son. You could drive around and compare other parks based on its merits, but what's the point? If you live near Howe Community Park you can rest assured you have a pretty nice park in your neighborhood."

Hogback Island Access

★★★★☆ 3.9 (10)

"Looking for some Delta fun? Go here! Grab your beach chairs and your cooler, its a beautiful Sacramento County park that's fun for whole family! Lots of fun in the sun on a hot summer day! Boat launch, spaced out picnic areas with plenty of tables and each having their own grills! Bring your volleyball net and ball, bring your Frisbee, bad-mitten, soccer ball or a football and surly don't forget your water toys! Big grassy area to play an outdoor game of choice. I'd advise to also grab your easy-up too! The beach areas are fairly small are mostly located right in front of the picnic table areas, kinda like for use of that family to use and not necessarily big enough for sharing with other groups. So that's why in a picture I posted, I mentioned that the beach areas are intimate. 365 days a year its a self-payment kiosk. Grab a permit payment envelope and put your $5 (car), or $10 (boat) fee in and you'll be on your way. Weather you want to BBQ with family & friends and do some fishing or relax under the mature trees and read a novel whilst the kids are swimming, Hogback is the perfect spot. During the summer the place can get quite busy. Hogbacks waterways are along the levee of the Steamboat Slough. The current can at times be swift and be aware of boats, jet skis and kids at all times. Get there early, as its first come, first served. Trash cans are throughout, please pick up after yourself. There are no services here. Porta potties for restrooms. I did not see a water spicket anywhere either.To get their from Antioch (west) follow HWY 160 signs, cross over the Isleton Bridge (half yellow and half cement color), follow 160 (take a right), down the road a bit and take your 1st left turn onto Poverty Rd, then a left again onto Walker Landing Rd. Once you reach Grand Island Rd take your last left. Follow along the levee about 3-4 minutes and then you'll see Hogback on your right.Oh and bring your kite! Parking lot is perfect on a windy Delta afternoon! Pets allowed as long as they are leashed at all times."

Capital Edge Paintball

★★★★☆ 4.4 (166)

"Been here a couple times now, two separate birthday parties for my boys. One paintball party we had here in August and the other we had her there following April.Admission and rental is $20/person and our groups varied each time between 8-12 players. Each participant with their admission fee gets a paintball helmet that they get to keep, a paintball gun w/muzzle protector. And a large box of paintball to divide up within the players. For an extra fee you can also purchase additional protection gear for the chest, forearms and or shins. But if you wear long sleeved shirts and pants, you can mitigate issues out on the courses.The paintball course vary in terrain and natural & man made cover which is nice. I love playing out in the fields and hiding behind berms in the, or you have the ability to hide behind and in vehicles. Or you get to start or opposition point. Then there's also the area for more experiences players, where you run and duck behind the inflatable cover laid out over an AstroTurf covered course.Capital Edge also has shaded outdoor seating for group events which is nice. That's where we put all of our personal and paintball stuff, not being actively used while in game.Overall: Great outdoor location. Bring clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, because that's what going to happen. And most importantly...expect to have some good old fashioned fun!"

West Sacramento Community Center

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (5)

"I went here to watch Avenue Q. IT was a surprise for me that it was directly across from the library. It is a new facility that was pretty nice. I am glad they had an elevator because I injured my leg the day before. The place seemed huge and I would definitely want to try out other stuff here. I like how there was free wifi =)"

Sutter's Landing River Access

★★★★☆ 4.4 (21)

"Would come back in the daytime when it's open gates are closed at 6:30pm. Has a big skate ramp place."

Yolo County

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"I don't know much about Yolo county except for Ca he Creek Casino. I now know that Yolo county covers much more than farming, UC Davis, Costco at Woodland..... they have hidden gems such as wineries. The roads may be at times at the rough side. Oh btw they have great eats at Davis , West Sacramento as well. Yolo county is and has been part of the great Central Valley feeling maybe the world as part of the agricultural market. Now they have young wineries that maybe someday, like other wineries here in the state of California, will be competitive abs successful."

Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

★★★★☆ 4 (77)

"Absolute beautiful park in Rancho Cordova. We attended a baby shower yesterday and really enjoyed our time there. The pavilion is tucked at the very back of the park with plenty of parking for large parties. There were probably about 150 people at our event and it was an extremely comfortable space to accommodate such size group. I'm not sure what our friends paid to rent out the space but it included parking for all their guests.I saw plenty of other birthday parties nearby so I'm assuming it's a local favorites to throw family events. Restrooms are mostly the portable type spread out all over the park. Plenty of shaded trails and very well kept community park.Would definitely recommend bringing your family or kids for a stroll."

West Sacramento Recreation Center

★★★★☆ 4.3 (51)

"Such a cool facility with something for the entire family - from basketball to tennis to weights to spin class to swimming...and even a couple of water slides and a lazy river. No a west sacramento native, no worries. Non-residents are allowed for a few $ more. Wry reasonably priced so that anyone can enjoy. Day passes, monthly pass, quarterly passes, etc etc."

ARC Fitness & Wellness Center

★★★★☆ 4 (6)

"This is by far the best gym I've ever been to. I go pretty often because it's part of my student fees, but I would actually pay for this place if I had a choice. The machines are top notch and as long as you go during an off hour it's not too crowded. The locker rooms are great, clean, plenty of lockers and personal showers. Also you can check out anything you want for free! I like to go in there and act like I know how to play basketball between classes."

Boys & Girls Clubs

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"This is a great place for kids after school and out of the streets. Lots of neighborhood children come here; even my younger brother at one point. Its nice that lots of children are here and lots of volunteers helping the local community.Pros:Lots of activitiesNice play areasLots of volunteersTracks visitors Great facilityFenced around the lot.Cons:ParkingNotes:Anyone (almost) can volunteer. Just sign up.4.75 Stars for the rowdiness =)"

24th Street Bingo

★★★★☆ 3.6 (17)

"Love this place great deals random bonus payouts has came along way from when it started the owners daughter Crystal is super amazing everybody super friendly love it"

Heron Landing Community Park

★★★★★ 4.9 (12)

"This place is so COOL! Just opened a few days ago! Lots of stuff for kids. Splash area, swings, baseball field, picnic tables, bathrooms and tons of stuff to climb. In case your worried about kiddos getting hurt , its inevitable but they do have padding under the play structures that kids climb to ease the fall. There are some areas that have covered picnic areas but I am sure its RSVP through Cordova Rec. Very CooL!"

College Greens Swim and Racquet Club

★★★★★ 4.8 (5)

"Very nice facility. A clean, large, open space. Went here for an event so not sure how busy it is during regular hours."

Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District Office

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"What a wonderful park! It has a small creek running through it which is always fun for the kids to explore. The playground is great! Swings, slides, and tall climbing stairs. Fantastic view from up top. Great spot for blowing bubbles into the wind. Such a sweet atmosphere.I don't enjoy coming down Marconi. The neighborhood surrounding the park is decent. You just have to be willing to travel past some of the more questionable areas of Marconi and Mission to get here. I'd advise to drive, but don't bike to this park. It's the safest method to getting to this little gem."