With valleys, marshes, and river deltas, Sacramento’s surrounding ecosystem is home to hundreds of birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and mammals. A venture into the less populated outskirts of the city affords a superb chance of seeing these animals in their natural habitat. However, city slickers have plenty of wildlife viewing options right in the heart of the city. No matter what animals you want to see, you’ll find a place that’s perfect for the entire family.
Sacramento Zoo
Covering 14 acres in the middle of William Land Park, the Sacramento Zoo is one of the city’s top attractions. Founded in 1927, it’s also one of the oldest zoos in the state, and one of just 200 zoos that have earned full accreditation. The zoo is split into several sections that showcase species from around the world, indulging your child’s sense of adventure. With separate areas for flamingos, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, there are more than 400 species in total.
The Sacramento Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are $14.95 for general admission, $13.95 for seniors, and $9.95 for children ages two to 11. Children under two are free.
Cosumnes River Preserve
Located 20 miles south of Sacramento, Cosumnes River Preserve offers 50,000 acres and 11 miles of hiking trails to soak up the scenery and catch a glimpse of wildlife. The Cosumnes River is the last free-flowing river in the Central Valley, preserving a diverse ecosystem that’s home to 40 types of fish, butterflies, foxes, otters, squirrels, and more. If you’re an amateur ornithologist, grab a pair of binoculars for the kids. The preserve is home to 250 types of birds including Swainson’s hawks, Sandhill Cranes, and Black-Necked Stilts. With the fresh air and serene setting, Cosumnes is a solid choice for wildlife viewings.
Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Just east of downtown Sacramento, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery raises over 400,000 steelhead and 4 million Chinook salmon for release into the American River. Once a river thriving with fish, the American River lost most of its native fish species due to damming and pollution. To create a natural habitat and restore the fish population to its original level, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery was established in 1958.
At the hatchery’s visitors center, guests can learn the basics behind fish breeding, while kids can see the process as it happens. Holding ponds offer close-up views of the fish just before they’re released back into the wild. The River Discovery Trail also provides an opportunity to see some of the other wildlife in the area such as deer, otters, birds, and coyotes.
The Nimbus Fish Hatchery is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends. Parking and admission are free.
From the pristine outdoors of the Sacramento Valley to the urban jungle of the Sacramento Zoo, the city offers no shortage of places for your children to see some of their favorite animals in person. It’s an experience they won’t soon forget.
Image via Flickr by LWYang licensed via CC BY 2.0
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