Splash pads and water play for kids in Sacramento

A solar-system playground built so kids of every ability can use it, with ramps, spinners and separate areas for babies, preschoolers and big kids. There's a pond with fishing piers too.

Sacramento's big old park, with duck ponds, a rock garden, an adventure playground and a wading pool in summer. The zoo, Fairytale Town and Funderland are all on its edges.

Natomas's big park, with a lake, a baseball-themed spray park and a playground that's shaded all the way over (a big deal in July).

East Sacramento's favorite park (everyone just says McKinley), with an adventure playground, a separate tot lot and a rose garden next door. Summer brings a wading pool.

A Natomas neighborhood park with a little duck-and-frog spray pad that's just right for toddlers, and ranch-themed playgrounds under big shade covers.