Central Library (Sacramento Public Library)

A 1925 building turned boutique hotel a few blocks from the Capitol, and it says outright that kids are welcome (cribs and connecting rooms on request). No pool, so it's a better fit for a baby or toddler than a kid who wants to swim.

A 1920s market building turned hotel a couple of blocks from the Capitol. The pool is the reward at the end of a long museum day.

Right across from the Capitol and its lawns, with a saltwater pool and cabanas. Handy for a downtown weekend on foot.

Free tours of the Capitol itself, open on weekdays only. Expect a security line and no toy weapons, then let the kids run it off on the lawns outside.

At the Old Sacramento end of downtown, a few minutes' walk from the Railroad Museum, with a rooftop pool and skyline views.

Forty acres of lawn and huge old trees around the Capitol, with a rose garden and plenty of squirrels to chase. No playground, so think picnic and a run on the grass after a Capitol tour.