Sacramento Valley Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Rancho Cordova's biggest park, by the American River trail, with three playgrounds and tons of grass and picnic spots. There's a parking fee on summer weekends.

Old oaks on a bend of the American River, with trails for spotting deer and birds and shady picnic spots by the water. The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is inside the park.

Oak woodland trails down to the American River where you'll likely spot deer, plus a nature center with live animals and programs for little kids. Watch for rattlesnakes and ticks in the warm months.