Sacramento County residents are invited to lace up their sneakers, head outside, and celebrate wellness this weekend as Family Health and Fitness Day returns with a wide variety of free community events throughout the region. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 14, with programs hosted between 9 a.m. and noon, unless otherwise noted.
Presented annually on the second Saturday in June by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Family Health and Fitness Day highlights the vital role that parks, open space, and recreation play in improving public health. Whether it’s walking, gardening, rafting, or dancing, Saturday’s events are designed to promote physical activity, mental wellness, and a strong connection to nature.
According to NRPA studies, 93 percent of U.S. adults say their mental health is improved by services offered by park and recreation professionals. Even just 20 minutes outdoors can reduce stress, while access to public trails and nature increases activity levels and emotional well-being for all ages.
Sacramento County Regional Parks has partnered with local agencies and organizations to host more than a dozen engaging and family-friendly experiences on June 14. Events are organized by region and are open to the public, with most offering free admission and parking.
American River Parkway Events
The Sacramento Valley Conservancy will host a Volunteer Work Day at Camp Pollock, 1501 Northgate Blvd, from 8 a.m. to noon. Tasks may include planting, weeding, painting, digging, fence building, raking, and native plant propagation. This event is free and includes parking.
American River Raft Rentals in Rancho Cordova (11257 S. Bridge Street) will offer special promotions during the day. All participants will receive a coupon for 25% off a future rental. Rentals stop at 1 p.m., and standard rental and parking rates apply.
At the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, the Nature of Reading Program will run from 10 to 11 a.m., featuring a story and hands-on craft activity for children ages 5 to 8 with adult supervision. Fees apply and pre-registration is required.
At William B Pond Park, the American River Bike Patrol will host Safe Cycling and Hiking Presentations on the hour from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering education and safety tips for trail users.
At Discovery Park’s Alder Picnic Area, McIlwain Mobility Solutions will offer a Trail Accessibility Demonstration from 9 a.m. to noon, showcasing adaptive equipment for outdoor trails. Both events are free with no parking fee.
Over in Rancho Cordova, Yoga on the Farm will be offered at 2140 Chase Drive from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The class is open to all skill levels, with a fee and pre-registration required. Participants should bring a water bottle and yoga mat.
Also at the same location, Soil Born Farms will open its Farm Stand from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., where visitors can purchase fresh produce and learn more about American River Ranch and its community programs.
Dry Creek Parkway Events
At Gibson Ranch, families can meet furry friends at the Goat Petting Zoo from 9 a.m. to noon, hosted by CAPRA. CrossFit Natomas will lead a Group Exercise Session from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a high-energy Zumba Class presented by Sacramento County Public Health from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. A Gardening Q&A Session led by Green Acres Nursery & Supply will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. All events at Gibson Ranch are free, with no parking fees, though several require pre-registration.
Down the road at Cherry Island Golf Course, guests will enjoy bounce houses, face painting, a golf introduction, and more from 9 a.m. to noon, thanks to CourseCo and Cherry Island staff. At the nearby Cherry Island Sports Complex, a community Dodgeball event will take place during the same timeframe, hosted by Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District.
The day continues with the Night of the Revving Dead Car Show, hosted by the Alley Cats Car Club at the Dry Creek Ranch House. This event runs from noon to 8 p.m. Spectator admission is free, with a $5 parking fee per vehicle.
Southern Sacramento County and Virtual Events
In Mather, Sacramento SPLASH will host a BioBlitz starting at 9 a.m. at Mather Lake, 4103 Zinfandel Road. This guided walking tour will engage participants in identifying native plants, birds, and wildlife using the iNaturalist app.
In Galt, the Trek the Trails 5K Fun Run and Walk will begin at 13501 Franklin Blvd. The timed race starts at 9 a.m., but participants can begin any time between 9 and 10 a.m. This is a free event with free parking; pre-registration is required.
For full event listings, pre-registration links, and details, visit Sacramento County Regional Parks.
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