Want to know where your food comes from? Have you been to a U pick farm lately?

By Kathleen Medley for CORE Placer Families only, please contact me for others.  Here is a bountiful list of resources, activities, and places to g...
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By Kathleen Medley for CORE Placer Families only, please contact me for others.



Here is a bountiful list of resources, activities, and places to go with kids of ALL ages. Want to learn about Science? Take exciting field trips to Learn about Space, Insects, Mammals, Volcanoes, Meteorites, and even a Trash Mountain!!! Want to know where your food comes from? Have you been to a U pick farm lately? Want to know more about California History? How many Native American tribes do you know? What ways can gold be mined? Where was gold discovered? What were they mining for in the Penryn-Loomis Basin? Have you ever been to a Pow-Wow? Love the out-of- doors? Let’s take a stroll, a hike, or just meander together. Want to learn more about The Arts? Music: Find symphonies, festivals, and concerts. Dance & Theater: Find that here, too! If you think you’ve again & of a child in  

seen & done it all, go explore with the eyes Northern California.

Family Field Trip Options In the following can expect to find:  What  Where  Contact Information  Hours: if posted  Brief Description  HIGHLIGHTS of special interest to families  Special: additional information List Includes Placer County/Sacramento/Davis/Nevada County PLACER COUNTY 1. Amber Oaks Raspberries (A family farm in Auburn, CA) 2770 Shanley Rd. Auburn, CA 95603 Rhonda and Tim Boughton 530-885-3420 [email protected]

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays JUNENOVEMBER by appointment Description: U-Pick Farm Fresh fruit & vegetables-berries, corn, tomatoes, etc.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Fall tours: walk and taste, harvest & eat available roasted chestnuts /kiwi maze choose a pumpkin & possible Hay wagon ride ($6.00 per person) Farmer Tim enjoys all ages & will provide details according to age and interest. He welcomes older students with agriculture questions/projects.

 Special: MORE FARMS in California Bierwagen’s Donner Trail Farm: Pick your own pumpkin every October/enjoy fruit & pies on Hwy. 174 Nevada County: http://www.bierwagens.com/

Placer  County:  http://placergrown.org/wp/ Nevada  County:  http://www.nevadacountygrown.org/   Farms  &  ranches  in  ALL  of  California:  http://www.calagtour.org/                              Farm  &  Barn  Tour  in  October,  tickets  available  in  September:                              http://www.placerfarmandbarntour.com/    

2. Placer Nature Center 3700 Christian Valley Rd. Auburn, CA 95602 530-878-6053 http://www.placernaturecenter.org/ Description: Activities in wildlife, astronomy and stargazing, reptiles, gardening, art, insects, ecology, watershed and natural & cultural history for people of ALL ages. HIGHLIGHTS: Home School weekly classes/Green Birthday Parties/ Lectures for Teens-Adults (held at various locations) Sign up for the monthly Email newsletter /STAR GAZING Sept. 22, 2012 with Astronomer Don Machholz author & comet hunter.

http://www.placernaturecenter.org/stars/ 3. Auburn Journal (newspaper) 1030 High St. Auburn, CA 95603 Phone Karen for tours of 15 *: 530-852-0261 http://auburnjournal.com/ Hours: 8:00 or 9:00 AM Tuesdays or Wednesdays are best. NOTE/Description: Please work with another family or more to create a group of 15 people. HIGHLIGHTS: Great 45minute-1 hour tour, depending on ages AND see the presses turning!

 SPECIAL: Want to write news for Youth Press? It’s free, but student will need to commit time and meet deadlines. www.ypress.org 4. Hiking/Outdoor Activities in Placer County: o Hidden Falls Regional Park Trail

This is a great way to see spring waterfalls & it has easy/moderate hikes (child friendly). They may be completing improvements.

http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/parks/hidde nfalls.aspx

o American River Confluence Parkway/Auburn State Recreation Area Map http://www.parc-auburn.org/parc_map.htm o *PARC “Protect American River Canyons”-Maps & Guide Books/Outings & Events/Rafting etc.: http://www.parc-auburn.org/ o Codfish Creek Falls: Easy trail with free printable guidebook (created by high school student & local artist, Eric Peach). http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/CodfishCreek_6922.asp Free booklet on PARC website, see above * o Hiking & Nature Trails & more: http://www.visitplacer.com/nature-trails-placer-county.aspx o “Top Ten Trails”: http://act.netwiz.net/TRAILS.HTML 5. The Roseville Utility Exploration Center 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Roseville CA 95747 916-746-1550 http://www.roseville.ca.us/explore/ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00 PM Admission: Free (Home School Days $4.25)* NOTE: Best for 1st-8th grade or a high school project Description: FREE drop-in for self-guided exploration of the 3,200 s.f. exhibit gallery & regularly scheduled viewings of environmental films & family activities in the technology lab. Learn about our world, resources, volcanoes, our changing climate, etc. HIGHLIGHTS: Climb & crawl through a tunnel in “mountain of trash” to learn about recycling, landfills, etc. Play interactive games. Explore & Learn.  Special *HOMESCHOOL DAYS-*Call for schedule & to sign up with Roseville Utility Exploration Ctr. 10-30-1:00 various Fridays.

MUSEUMS in Placer County

 Special: for the 1st 6 museum listings-find all by name, with Maps: http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums /LocalMuseums.aspx The following 6 museums ALL have Docents to answer questions & are closed on Holidays: 1. Placer County Museum (in courthouse) 101 Maple St. Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-6500 http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/Lo calMuseums/courthouse.aspx Hours: Open everyday from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, closed holidays Admission: Free Description: Placer County Museum is located in Auburn’s Historic Courthouse. You will have an overview of Placer County’s history. HIGHLIGHTS: Diorama depicting a Nisenan family; the stagecoach that ran from Auburn to Michigan Bluff & a video presentation of the transcontinental highway system that runs through the county. Featured exhibit in the foyer is the Pate Native American Art Collection with artifacts from all over California ,the SW, NW, Alaska and Eastern U.S; the restored sheriff’s office (restored to the 1890s). They also have rotating exhibits. Currently the exhibit is “American Hats”.

 Special December 8, 2012 Old Town Country Christmas: Crafts, Hot Cider & Cookies at Historic Courthouse 5:008:00 PM 2. Bernard Museum Complex 291 Auburn-Folsom Rd. Auburn, CA 95603 530-889-6000

www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/LocalMu seums/bernhard.aspx Hours: Tuesday thru Sundays 11:00AM-4:00 PM Admission: Free Description: The main structure was built in 1851 as the Traveler’s Rest Hotel & is one of Auburn’s oldest surviving buildings. During the Gold Rush both teamsters and miners stayed here. Now it has been turned into a Victorian era house museum. I found the clothing and furnishings fascinating & the docent very knowledgeable. Set on 2.3 acres of beautifully landscaped ground, you may view not only the residence, but also the wine storage building, wine processing building and barn. On display in the barn , you will see a hearse, sleigh, buggies, wagons and blacksmithing equipment. Grounds are gorgeous during each season.  Special Event: November 3, 2012 “Contemporary Views of the First Continental Railroad” presented by Professor Richard Koenig at Bernhard Museum Winery 1:00 PM

3. Gold Country Museum 1273 High St., Gold Country Fairgrounds Auburn, CA 95603 www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/LocalMu seums/goldcountry.aspx Hours: Tuesdays thru Sundays 11:00-4:00, closed holidays Admission: Free/ Gold Panning $3.00 Description: Museum is housed in a historic WPA (Works Progress Administration) building & gives great information on Placer County’s Gold Rush history. Tour a replicated hard rock mine, a stamp mill, and an assayer’s office. Glimpse into the lives of miners by viewing miner’s cabin. In a mining camp saloon the card game of Faro is underway. Docents will help provide information on procuring gold & the lifestyle of the early miners & their families. You may watch a video on Gold Rush History HIGHLIGHTS: Gold panning $3.00

4. Griffith Quarry Museum Corner of Taylor Rd. & Rock Springs Rd. Penryn, CA 916-663-1837 Admission: Free http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/Local Museums/quarry.aspx Hours: Saturdays & Sundays: Noon-4:00 PM Admission: Free Mining was also king in Penryn, 10 miles west of Auburn. Not gold, but granite! Description: Museum was office of Penryn Granite Works, established in 1864 by Welsh immigrant, Griffith Griffith. View original office furniture, learn about the Griffith family, granite industry, & history of Penryn-Loomis Basin. 23 acre park. HIGHLIGHTS: After visit, tour community of Penryn and find granite Masonic Hall built by Griffith Griffith , etc.

5. Forest Hill Divide Museum 24601 Harrison St. Foresthill, CA 95631 530-367-3988 http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/Local Museums/ForesthillMuseum.aspx Hours: May thru October, Saturdays & Sundays 12:00-4:00 PM Admission: Free Description: Museum Recreation What is a Boneshaker? What is drift mining? Livery/Blacksmith shop & original Foresthill Jail. HIGHLIGHTS: Wonderful family drive over Foresthill Bridge/American River & walk on historic Main St.

6. Golden Drift Museum 32820 Main St. Dutch Flat, CA 95714 530-389-2126 http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Museums/Local Museums/golddrift.aspx/ Hours: Memorial Day thru Labor Day Wed., Sat., Sun. Noon-4:00 Admission: Free Description: The museum chronicles the glory days of hydraulic mining, the laying of the RR lines and other threads in the tapestry of the history of the region. HIGHLIGHTS: Charming tiny town celebrating Gold Rush era and Victorian buildings. Visit Dutch Flat Cemetery at the end of Cemetery Rd. & try to find older and newer headstones .We took paper and crayons and did tombstone rubbings on one field trip. Map to cemetery: http://www.findagrave.com/cgibin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2150445

7. Maidu Museum & Historic Site 1970 Johnson Ranch Dr. Roseville, CA 95661 916-774-5934 http://www.roseville.ca.us/parks/parks_n_facilities/facilities/m aidu_indian_museum/museum_information.asp Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Saturdays 9:00-1:00 PM Third Saturday evening: 6:30-8:30 * Saturday Guided Tour of Historic Site 10:00 AM Admission: $4.50 Adults/$4.00 Child or Senior $16 Family of four WEEKDAY Afternoon Discount $2.00/ Person, 2:00-4:00 PM only Description: Experience the life ways and culture of the Nisenan Maidu who have called this location home for thousands of years. Interactive

exhibits in museum & outside trail takes you to hundreds of grinding (mortar) holes, deeply carved petroglyphs, etc. HIGHLIGHTS: The Saturday morning tours, information on the Maidu & other tribes on website, see Special Events on website. Campfire for ALL ages is a peaceful gathering for songs & native stories & roasting marshmallows, occasional Pow Wows.

 Special Sierra Native Alliance has Pow-Wows, etc. AUBURN BIG TIME POW WOW (held in October) http://www.sierranativealliance.org/events 8. Natural History Museum (Sierra College) Located in Sewell Hall on Sierra College Rocklin Campus 5000 Rocklin Rd. Rocklin, CA 95677 Main # 916-624-3333 Hours: Year-round 8:00-8:00PM, 5 days/week while college is in session Admission: Free/Parking $3.00 Description: Natural History Museum/Nature Preserve Trail/Cactus Garden/Earth History Rock Walk are free. Planetarium shows are by appointment only. Inside find a complete 38 ft. long California Gray Whale skeleton, a Narwhale skull replica, Manatee skeleton, life-size models of some dinosaurs, North & South American Mammals, African Mammals and European Mammals, fossils, nests, meteorites, insects, weather station and more! HIGHLIGHTS: Add your name to mailing list. Free Lectures *available to download from Itunes http://www.sierracollege.edu/about-us/beyond-theclassroom/nat-hist-museum/lectures/index.php

 Special: *One lecture is on Hawver Cave. Want to visit? http://hawvercave.org

9.Colfax Depot Museum 99 Railroad Avenue (inside refurbished depot) Colfax, CA 530-346-8599 http://www.colfaxhistory.org/index.html Hours: Open Daily 9:30-3:00 PM Admission: Free Description: Wonderful journey into the past. History of the Gold Rush, the railroad and Colfax.

 Special: Colfax District Cemetery 180 North Canyon Way Colfax, CA 95713 http://www.colfaxhistory.org/site/cemeteries.html NOTE: above site gives Funerary Symbolism Links to Historic buildings - Original name/use & photo of buildings Colfax & Placer County: http://www.foothill.net/colfax/history/site/photos.html Activities/Classes/Events / The Arts in Placer County Placer County Calendar of Events: http://www.visitplacer.com/placer-county-calendar-ofevents.aspx Visit Auburn Journal’s Calendar: http://auburnjournal.com/calendar.html Visit Placer Arts 360: http://www.placerarts.org/ Family Resource Guide-great calendar of things to do: http://placerparent.com/ 102 Things to Do and See in Placer County: http://www.placer.ca.gov/Visitors/Activities.aspx Auburn Symphony: http://www.auburnsymphony.com/  

Fairs & Festivals in Placer County LIST of Fairs & Festivals with websites & contact info: http://www.visitplacer.com/placer-county-festivals.aspx

Old Town Auburn Events/ Art Walks/Celebrations: http://oldtownauburnca.com/list.php?cat=5&sub=6 Placer County Fair in June: http://www.placercountyfair.org/ I have enjoyed the Gold Country Fair (September)-Fair dates & other events: http://www.goldcountryfair.com/Fairground_Events/index.htm l I usually attend the yearly Mountain Mandarin Fest: http://www.mandarinfestival.com/ (November) 7TH grade & 10th graders study World History & Medieval Times, but all ages may enjoy this - in Auburn: CAIN’S CROSSING RENNAISSANCE FAIRE (May) Learn about FREE pass for middle school/Homeschool: http://www.cainscrossing.org/ American River Confluence Festival (June): http://www.parc-auburn.org/ COLFAX Fairs/Festivals/Arts & Crafts Colfax Railroad Days/Green Festival and more: http://www.colfaxarea.com/ http://www.colfaxhistory.org/index.html

BEYOND Placer County-Sacramento & Davis: SACRAMENTO 1. The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center 3615 Auburn Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95821 916-808-3942 http://www.thediscovery.org/ Hours AND Programs vary during the year Hours beginning in September 12:00-4:30 Admission: Weekdays Adults $6.00/Children $4.00 Weekends: Adults $8.00/Children $6.00

Description: Every day come in and explore and touch everything that is not under glass. Every exhibit is hands-on. September begins Bone Zone. Learn about the human body, healthy eating, etc. in a fun way. HIGHLIGHTS: Planetarium/Discovery Weekends-see Calendar. Weekends: Family Craft time, Star Shows (ages 4 years & up), & Wildlife Shows. Pick up a guide sheet and explore the 14 acres of woodlands.

2. California State Capitol Museum 10th & L Streets Sacramento, CA 95814 916-324-0333 http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/ Hours: Weekdays 8:00-5:00 PM/Weekends 9:00-5:00 PM Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day I highly recommend the Basement Theater – Free films about the making of the capitol and others from 9:00-5:00. Admission: FREE Description: Free tours available hourly from 9:00-4:00 PM for groups of 10-35. Tours are by reservation only. You may tour the building on your own. If the Senate or Assembly is in session, you may silently view. Quietly take a seat and remain silent and seated (do not lean over rail). Please read over rules about what you may bring in. See *Visitor Security under heading General Info. & Tours. No photography allowed in museum rooms, allowed in some areas* HIGHLIGHTS: Excellent for all grade levels studying how laws are made: 4th-12th. For 6th graders & older students studying art & architecture the museum is designed in the neoclassical style, reflecting Greek & Roman influences of our democracy. See site for more info such as virtual tour and events. In December, the rotunda is decorated with huge wreathes & they offer free concerts (great sound & view of musicians-my favorite is The Camellia Flute Choir) State Capitol Holiday Music Program http://www.parks.ca.gov/Events/EventDetail.aspx?id=1703

3. Sutter’s Fort 2701 L St. Sacramento, CA 95816 916-445-4422 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=485 VIDEO link: Huell Howser visits on Interpretive Day:

http://www.parks.ca.gov/video_parks/?media=media2.xml&id=6

Hours: 10:00-5:00 Tuesday-Sunday Admission: Adults $5.00/Youth(ages 6 to 17) $3.00 Children 5 and under free (Note: On Interpretive Program Days Adults $7/Youth $5) *See website to buy pass for 3 parks, listed below

Description: Built on the highest ground with 2.5 feet thick walls, selfguided tour with push button info, home to both Native Americans & travelers, built by John Sutter. HIGHLIGHTS: Cannons, jail, Sutter’s office, Patty Reed’s doll (she carried her with the Donner party). Many special events days - contact park.

4. State Indian Museum Next to Sutter’s Fort 26th & K Streets 916-324-0971 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=486 Hours: Wednesday thru Sunday 10:00-5:00 PM Admission: Adults $3.00/Youth (ages 6-17) $2 Children Free (5 and under) Description: View exhibits including traditional dance regalia and basketry. Museum opened in 1940 and depicts 3 major themes of California Indian Life - Nature, Spirit, and Family. HIGHLIGHTS: View hunting & fishing tools more than 2,400 years old, a redwood dugout canoe, beadwork, carvings. Enjoy a hands-on area including using a mortar & pestle to grind acorns, use the pump drill, etc.

5. California State Railroad Museum Corner of I and 2nd St. in OLD town Sacramento (not downtown) 125 I St. Sacramento, CA 95814 http://www.csrmf.org/ Hours: Open Daily: 10:00-5:00 PM Admission: $9.00 Adults/$4.00 Youths (ages 6-17) & Free ages 5 & under (*see 3 Park Pass-discount)

Description: One of America’s most popular museums. See lavishly restored trains, engaging exhibits, & model trains (upstairs). HIGHLIGHTS: Board a Pullman-style sleeping car, mail car, & a dining car filled with railroad china & original menu. TRAIN RIDES: Saturdays & Sundays at various times of year http://www.csrmf.org/train-rides/all-aboard-excursion-train-rides

*Special: 3 Park Pass (discount pass) RR/Sutter’s Fort, etc. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27145 6. Crocker Art Museum 216 O St. Sacramento, CA 95814 916-808-7000 http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/ Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-5:00 PM Thursdays 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Admission: Adults $10.00/ Seniors (65+) $8.00/College Students $8.00 Youth (7-17) $5.00/Children 6 & under Free EVERY 3rd Sunday is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” Description: Recently expanded and filled with a great variety of permanent & upcoming exhibits - start with “Digital Crocker”: http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/visit/director-welcome HIGHLIGHTS: Homeschool Days for ages 4+ on various Tuesdays (only $2.00 in advance/$4.00 at door for students) http://www.crockerartmuseum.org/visit-the-museum/homeschool-days FIRST & THIRD SUNDAYS-11:30 AM Kids & Company Gallery Adventure: Wildly amusing & surprisingly educational ages 5+ with their parents. Introduces art in a fun & playful manner.

Other Art Galleries/Museums:

http://local.yahoo.com/CA/Sacramento/Entertainment+Arts/Museums+Ga lleries/Art+Museums+Galleries Free Art Galleries, Museums and Collections at CSUS:

http://www.csus.edu/galleries/list.html Sierra College Fine Arts Gallery: http://www.sierranevada.edu/art/gallery.php?id=1559

7. Old City Cemetery 1000 Broadway Sacramento, CA 95818 916-448-0811 http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/ Hours: Summer Hours: Mon, Tues., Fri. Sat. & Sun. 7:00-7:00PM Winter Hours: Mon., Tues., Friday: 8:00-5:00 PM/7-5 Sat. & Sun. Visitor Center Hours: Sat. & Sunday 10:00-3:00 PM Admission: Free/Free Saturday Tours 10:00 AM Main Gate Description: In 1849, John Sutter donated 10 acres & its design follows the Victorian Garden Style. Today the cemetery covers 44 acres. It has over 25,000 graves of pioneers, immigrants & their families & descendants. Many famous graves: Captain John A. Sutter, Jr., E.B. Crocker (Crocker Art Museum). Railroad mogul, Mark Hopkins, one of the “Big Four” who paid for the transcontinental RR. Who were the other “Big Four”? HIGHLIGHTS: Great for 4th graders studying California History/ Great Special Events-see Calendar: Rose pruning classes/Pioneer Women Tour/Fall & Spring roses/OCTOBER: LANTERN TOURS. Add your name to their mailing list. For Funerary Symbolism: http://www.colfaxhistory.org/site/cemeteries.html

Other Sacramento Museums/Events/Music/Zoo: The Sacramento Zoo http://www.saczoo.org/ Fairy Tale Town http://www.fairytaletown.org/ Amusement Park: http://funderlandpark.com/ Find Events in Sacramento: http://sacramento365.com/ Teas at the capitol/free events/Music/Theatre/Dance/Museums Other museums in and around Sacramento & websites : http://www.oldcitycemetery.com/links.htm

Music: Camellia Symphony: www.camelliasymphony.org/ Sac Philharmonic Orchestra: http://sacphil.org/ State Fair (July) http://www.bigfun.org/ Second Saturday Art Walk (free) http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20 608 DAVIS 1. Explorit Science Center, a hands-on science museum 3141 5th St. Davis, CA 95618 530-756-0191 http://www.explorit.org/ Hours: Open the first full weekend of the month. October-August from 1:00-5:00 PM & for some special events & some holidays. Admission: $5.00/person Children ages 2 and under free

Description: Rotating Science Themes; recently Spider Spectacular. handson activities for all ages. Exhibits meet K-6th grade State Science standards. Educational for any age. HIGHLIGHTS: Ride the stationary bike with interactive computer. What happens to speed with wind resistance? Try probe microscope and view on TV screen! Lessons & activities to do at home. On website, choose Science to see online & at-home lessons .

FREE PLACES TO VISIT ON UC DAVIS CAMPUS (parking is $7.00 cash or ATM) next 7 listings: 2. Bohart Museum of Entomology-7th LARGEST INSECT COLLECTION in North America 7,000,000 specimens U C Davis Campus Room 1124 Bldg.: Academic Surge-see map* MAP: http://bohart.ucdavis.edu/html/visit.html

Hours: Monday-Thursdays 9:00-12:00 PM and 1:00-5:00 PM & special weekend hours (generally closed weekends ) closed on all major holidays NOTE: Parking $7.00 Parking by cash or ATM Admission: Free Description: 7,000,000 specimens-including live Walking Sticks, Tarantulas and full displays of mounted insects. HIGHLIGHTS: Insect lovers dream! Before you go, print & do activities on website. Fun Gift shop or shop online.

3. UC Davis California Raptor Center CRC is located next to goat barn on campus 530-752-9994 Map & Directions: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/calraptor/contact/index.cfm Hours Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00-12:00 PM Admission: Free Description: See & learn about live birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, owls, etc. 4. Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven Located a few miles off of central campus Directions and MAP: http://campusmap.ucdavis.edu/?l=772%22 http://beebiology.ucdavis.edu/HAVEN/index.html Hours: Every day sunrise to sunset Admission: Free Description: This is a garden with art and information about honey bees, native bees & plants that you can add to your garden to help these pollinators survive. HIGHLIGHTS: Website includes many resources and a variety of videos & other sites on bees/events/Kids zone.

5. UC Davis Arboretum http://www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu/ Map:  http://www.arboretum.ucdavis.edu/visitor_map.aspx Hours: Open all the time. Description: Stroll through several miles of gardens with plants from all over the world.

6. UC Davis Eggheads Walking Tour (Art) Map & Description: http://eggheads.ucdavis.edu/tour/tour.html Description: Robert Arneson’s Egghead sculptures-large art - each egghead conveys a message & I found them great fun!

7. THREE ART Museums: http://ucdavis.edu/arts-andculture/art-museums.html 8. UC Davis Tours-for Prospective Student/Family Tour http://visit.ucdavis.edu/tourreg/ 9. ROCKNASIUM The Climbing Gym 720 Olive Dr., Suite S Davis, CA 95616 530-757-7630 http://www.rocknasium.com/gym/about/about_rocknasium/ Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-4:00 PM for Homeschool students Cost: $10.00 per child Description: Homeschool Climbing Sessions includes 1st timers lesson & harness for parent. Facility is celebrating its 20th anniversary as one of the earliest climbing gyms, recently rebuilt for ALL ages and abilities. Other possibilities in Davis: Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts-music/dance/holiday http://www.mondaviarts.org/ Trip Advisors List of things to do-visit a Moon garden:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g32283-ActivitiesDavis_California.html Free things to do in Davis: http://blog.uloop.com/2012/ucdavis/fun-free-things-to-do-indavis-ca/17660/ Nevada County

Truckee 1. Donner Memorial Park Emigrant Trail Museum 12593 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161 530-582-7892 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503 Hours: 7 Days/week 10:00 AM-5:00 PM From Sept.-May closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays Admission: $8.00 cash/car-pay inside museum or kiosk Description: Museum depicts the history of the area and the people who came into this part of the Sierra, including local Native Americans, the Donner Party and builders of the transcontinental railroad. HIGHLIGHTS: Park has 2.5 miles of hiking trails (map for sale in museum)/Pioneer Monument/Self-guiding nature trail starting at museum/Staff-led hikes (I had a great guide.)/special feature shows/campfires-start in late June/camping/fishing/boating

Other places to visit in/near Truckee: http://attractions.uptake.com/california/truckee/family/85736 8193.html (179 Things to Do) KidZone Museum ages 6 and under: http://www.kidzonemuseum.org/index.html Truckee River Rafting (leisurely float) http://www.truckeeriverrafting.com/index.php

Truckee Railroad Museum: http://www.truckeedonnerrailroadsociety.com/museum/museu m.htm Truckee Chamber of Commerce: http://www.truckee.com/ Old Jail Museum http://truckeehistory.org/jailmuseum.htm Grass Valley 1. Empire Mine State Historic Park Located on Empire Street between Rt. 49 & Hwy. 174 10791 E. Empire St. Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-8522 http://www.empiremine.org/ Hours: 10:00-5:00 Daily Admission: $7.00 Adults over 16/$3.00 Children 6-16 and Free for ages 5 and under Description: Admission includes tours of Cottage, Mineyard and Grounds & Gardens. The mine was the richest hard-rock mine in the state producing 5.8 million ounces of gold & operating for 106 years (1850-1956). The museum contains rock and mineral specimens from all over the world and a detailed model of the mine. The grounds are beautiful during each season. HIGHLIGHTS: Great events throughout the year-see calendar for “Living History Days”/Mother’s Day/Holiday Open House with Santa, etc.

2. Northstar Mine Powerhouse & Pelton Wheel Museum 10933 Allison Ranch Rd. Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-273-4255 Hours: Year round Thursdays-Saturdays 11:00-5:00 PM Sundays 1:00-5:00 PM Admission: Donations

Description: What is a Pelton Wheel? See the largest one constructed. View hundreds of Sierra Nevada gold mining artifacts, a working Stamp Mill, and Cornish Pump. Enjoy the displays of articles used by the miners and their families in their homes. Great models and displays. Rock and mineral display from all over the world. HIGHLIGHTS: So much to see, you will want to come back again. Bring quarters to put in outside pump and see Pelton Wheel turn!

3. Grass Valley Walking Tour http://www.nevadacountygold.com/historic-walkingtours/grass-valley-walking-tour Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce has maps: http://www.grassvalleychamber.com/ (Chamber has other Grass Valley museums/Events/History) Beyond Grass Valley: South Yuba River State Park a 20-mile portion of the South Yuba River stretches from Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to Bridgeport covered bridge. 1. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park 23579 North Bloomfield Rd. Nevada City, CA 95959 Office 530-265-2740 Park is 26 miles, about 1 hour from Nevada City:   http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=494 Hours: Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Museum: hours vary , usually Friday-Sunday 10:00-4:00 PM Admission: $8.00 per vehicle Description: Site of the largest “hydraulic” mine. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty streams of water, results of the gold mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find gold. The visitor center has exhibits on the life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield aka Humbug.

HIGHLIGHTS: Annual Humbug Festival (June). During festival enjoy music/see hydraulic canon shoot water/tour town/old schoolhouse/cemetery. 18 miles of hiking trails from easy to moderate.

2. Bridgeport Covered Bridge 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd. Penn Valley, CA 95946 530-432-2546 http://www.southyubariverstatepark.org/ Description: View the longest-span covered bridge in the world. Hike The Buttermilk Trail* in spring for great river views down below and wildflowers. Pan for gold, demonstrations every Saturday-Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day 11-2:00 PM. HIGHLIGHTS: Visit nature center/swim/hike. Contact park for docent led tours/Events-Bridgeport Fall Festival/Bird Walks/ Living History Days http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25636

Hiking in Nevada County 1. Do you want to hike with a stroller or wheelchair? Try the Independence Trail:   http://www.nevadacounty.com/2009/05/south-yuba-riverindependence-trail-in-nevada-county/ 2. *Buttermilk Bend Trail http://yubariver.org/wildflowers/map.html 3. Spenceville Wildlife Refuge & Shingle Falls & More: http://www.nevadacountythingstodo.com/hiking/spenceville 4. More Hikes/Trails and links to Forest Service info: http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/play/area_hike.cfm 5. Newest .4 mile trail, one mile from Nevada City: http://www.bylt.org/index.php/trails/trails-page1/hirschman-trail/ Very easy/historic Nevada City 1. Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum NCNGRR: Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Company 5 Kidder Court (located where Bost Ave. becomes Gold Flat Rd.) Nevada City, CA 95959 530-470-0902

http://www.ncngrrmuseum.org/ Hours: May 1-October 31 Friday-Tuesday 10:00-4:00 PM November 1-April 30 Saturday and Sunday 10:00-4:00 PM Admission: Free (donations appreciated) Description: Take a docent-led historical tour of the museum AND rail yard and restoration shop. You will see Engine 5, an 1875 Baldwin. The rail yard houses a collection of wooden rail cars, some restored, some awaiting their turn. Our docent let us ride and pump a hand car. The museum offers many artifacts on transportation. HIGHLIGHTS: See the train that ran from Colfax to Nevada City. Large map shows route. Board some of the trains. What is a narrow gauge train? Why was it called “The Never Come, Never Go?”

2. Nevada County Museums: Firehouse #1 Museum houses Chinese temple altar/relics from Donner Party/Victorian toys, dolls & dollhouse, and clothing. Built in 1861 & used until 1938. Grass Valley Museum & more http://www.nevadacountygold.com/do/museums 3. Nevada City Tours Walking Tour (historical): http://www.nevadacountygold.com/do/historic-walkingtours/nevada-city-walking-tour A Walking Tour of Nevada City Trees self guiding tour of 42 native & non-native trees, free brochure at Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, follow the painted sidewalk leaves: http://www.nevadacitychamber.com/info/tree-tour.cfm Haunted Grass Valley and Nevada City Tours with Mark Lyon (master storyteller and actor, who gives tours in Ireland, etc.) http://www.theunion.com/article/20100624/PROSPECTOR/100 629861 and www.hauntedisles.com 530-265-6877 4. Music/Dance/Theater Music from around the country and the world/Dance/Theater: The Center for the Arts in Grass Valley:

http://thecenterforthearts.org/ Upcoming puppet theater from Scotland for families “The Man Who Planted Trees” October 17, 2012 2:00 and 7:00 $8.00 Children/$12.00 Adults Historic Miner’s Foundry Cultural Center (1856): Concerts (new sound system from concert by Red Hot Chili Peppers) http://minersfoundry.org/ Nevada Theater has plays, concerts and movies and a balcony! http://www.nevadatheatre.com/ Music in the Mountains offers concerts for families/great classical concerts held on Sunday afternoons/holiday concerts http://musicinthemountains.org/ and especially for families: http://musicinthemountains.org/education/ More Art/Events: http://www.downtowngrassvalley.com/grassvalley/events.html and more Art/art studios/art studio tour: http://nevadacountyarts.org/arts-organizations/visual-artsorganizations/ Beyond Nevada County: Music/Plays/Kentucky Mine Historical Park and Museum (Sierra County): http://www.sierracountyhistory.org/ Nevada County Festivals-first 3 take place in July: 1. The Children’s Festival This is a pure delight held in two sessions (July) in the wooded area of Pioneer Park, Nevada City. http://www.nevadacountytv.org/children/node/3 2.California Worldfest Filled with four days of music from around the world. Includes kids’ crafts, play areas for kids and musicians on many stages day and night. http://worldfest.net/ 3.Sierra Storytelling Festival Talented storytellers come from all over the world to delight you at this mountain amphitheater: http://sierrastorytellingfestival.org/ (above Nevada City)

4.Celtic Festival Last weekend in September: Irish/Scottish/Welsh music played by musicians from all over the United States and the world a Nevada County Fairgrounds: http://www.kvmr.org/celticfestival/ 5.Nevada County Fairgrounds hosts the annual fair in August and The Draft Horse Classic & Harvest Fair in September http://www.nevadacountyfair.com/index.html El Dorado County 1. Marshall Gold Discovery Park The park is located in Coloma on Hwy. 49 between Auburn and Placerville. 310 Back St. Coloma, CA 95613 530-622-3470 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484 Description: Where was gold discovered? John Sutter sent James Marshall to build a sawmill for lumber for his fort in 1848. Wonderful Native American grinding rocks and shelters. Gold Mining/Museum has great movies & displays. The Chinese store and kitchen are fascinating. Hike along river and on trails above the town. HIGHLIGHTS: Large, working replica of Sutter’s Mill/beautiful valley along The American River/ “Live History Days”

Coloma Music/River & Historic Events:  Special Events: http://www.coloma.com/calendar/ El Dorado Historical Society (museums): http://www.eldoradocountyhistoricalsociety.org/ Stage Coach rides in “Hangtown” aka Placerville: http://www.placerville-downtown.org/DaveyWiser.html

This List was compiled by Kathleen Medley, Teacher, for C.O.R.E. Placer Charter School Families during August 2012. Please feel free to send me updates, recommend Field Trips for Kathleen to lead and go out & explore.  Kathleen Medley [email protected] Cell 530-559-0189 Home 530-559-0189

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