Family Travel Guide to Folsom California - Historical Folsom Hotel on Sutter Street. — Historical Folsom Hotel on Sutter Street.

The small historical gold rush town of Folsom is one of those California hidden gems that make for an excellent day trip from Sacramento or a weekend trip from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Folsom is a popular travel destination because it’s filled with historical charm, lots of shopping spots and tons of outdoor water and nature recreation for weekend warriors.

Our family lives in the city of Sacramento which is a short 30 minute drive from Folsom. Over the years we’ve visited Folsom more times than I can count and each time we discover something new and fun.

This Folsom guide will cover over 25 family-friendly things to do. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or an action packed vacation, there’s something for everyone in Folsom.

Folsom Historical District

The Folsom Historical District is considered the main hub of Folsom and is most likely the first place you’ll visit when spending time in Folsom. You’ll find the charming main drag on Sutter Street between Scott Street and Sibley Street. This grid of blocks have old preserved historical buildings dating back to the 1850’s and inside you’ll find shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking to take leisurely strolls, eat some good food and do some light boutique shopping then the Folsom Historical District is the place to be. Large portion of this neighborhood are blocked off to traffic so pedestrians can easily explore the area on foot.

We like to take the kids to eat lunch or dinner on Sutter Street and then grab ice cream afterwards. Scroll through this blog post to see lots of photos from our most recent visit to the Folsom Historical District.

Boutique Shops & Restaurants on Sutter Street in the Folsom Historic District

Emily’s Antique Corner

Emily’s Antique Corner is located right at the Sutter St and Wool St intersection. This shop is filled to the brim with vintage treasures from many different eras. Any antiques fan is sure to find a new addition to their collection.

Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe

Inside Dorothea’s Christmas Shoppe they celebrate the holiday season every day of the year. They’ve got thousands of ornaments which are organized into themes. You’d be hard-pressed to not find an ornament that commemorates your hobby, favorite food or even favorite sports team.

BrainyZoo Toys

Brainyzoo Toys has two locations in Folsom. One on Sutter Street and another inside the outlet mall. They carry a high quality toy collection including wooden toys, montessori toys, hands on learning toys, imagination play and more. It’s hard to get my kids out of this store!

Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones

During our visits to Folsom we like to walk up and down the Historic District and then grab an ice cream. Sweet Dozen Ice Cream Cones makes these unique twisted funnel cones to pair with their ice cream. They are located in the heart of Sutter Street.

Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory

Another popular sweet shop in Folsom’s Historic District is Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory. They serve Sacramento’s famous Gunther’s Ice Cream and Fruit Freezes.

Sutter Smokehouse Inside the Folsom Hotel

The Folsom Hotel is a grand historical landmark located on Sutter Street. Inside you’ll find the Gastropub Sutter Smokehouse which serves handcrafted and homestyle BBQ every day of the week. In the daytime families can enjoy.a meal on the patio and at night it turns into a bar for nightlife.

Scarlet’s Saloon

When you’re walking around downtown Folsom you’re sure to notice the bright colors and lights from Scarlet’s Saloon. This is not a kid-friendly place, more like a rowdy bar scene. If parents with childcare (or non parents) want to enjoy a night out on the town this is a hotspot.

Where to Eat in Folsom

Folsom is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with a historical and charming backdrop, but still has so many modern and updates places to hangout. Here’s some additional popular places for visitors to eat.

Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten

Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten brings you the best of Northern California. They have crafted beers that go along with their made from scratch American food. The ambiance is trendy modern rustic. Out on the patio they have fire pits and twinkle lights.

The Waffle Experience

The Waffle Experience is a dedicated breakfast and lunch spot in Folsom. Their waffles come in both traditional sweet and herb infused savory waffles. They also have a build-your-own brunch with 16 options to choose from!

Rudy's Hideaway Lobsterhouse

Rudy’s Hideaway Lobsterhouse is considered a Northern California landmark because it’s been around since 1972. The decor is whimsical nautical and the food is authentic seafood. They are known for their famous for lobster, slow roasted Prime Rib and clam chowder.

Flock Pizza

Flock takes our favorite comfort food up a notch with artisan inspired pizzas. Unique pizza toppings include parmesan cream, broccolini, pecorino, taleggio, scallions, hot honey and goat cheese. The modern interiors are warm and comforting. Great food and a welcoming atmosphere!

Plank Craft Kitchen & Bar

Plank takes American classic foods and adds a modern and elevated spin on them. Although they are a bit on the fancier side, they do have a kid’s menu so little ones are welcome. But they do have adult alcoholic cocktails for happy parents!

Umami Ramen

There was quite a buzz when Umami Ramen opened up in March 2022. Previously there hadn’t been a ton of food diversity in Folsom and many had to drive to Sacramento to get their ramen fix. Umami serves traditional large ramen bowls in a bright and modern space.

Where to Go Shopping in Folsom

Although Folsom is not a big city, many consider it to be a shopping destination because of their big shopping malls with well known brands. They also have excellent mom and pop boutiques and small business shopping in Historical Old Town Folsom.

Folsom Premium Outlet Mall

There are die-hard outlet mall shoppers who love all the big name designer brands that can be found and discount prices. I have been to the Folsom outlet mall several times and I have a few tips for first time visitors. Parking can be tricky at this mall so I suggest going early when it first opens. Secondly, they don’t have good food options at this mall. So eat before you go or plan to eat afterwards.

Finally, I have to be honest and say that you shouldn’t expect any major discounts at these stores. In many cases the popular products are still full price. Our favorite stores at the Folsom Outlet Mall are BrainyZoo Toy Store, Vans, LOFT, Coach, Banana Republic and Carter’s.

The Palladio Shopping Mall

The Palladio is a very big premium outdoor mall in Folsom. It has everything you can come to expect from fancy shopping centers including restaurants and popular fashion and home brands. On a day with nice weather it’s really a lovely stroll through The Palladio.

The perfect family afternoon for us at The Palladio includes stroller walks and then grabbing a healthy lunch at the Whole Foods buffet followed by gelato. With a full belly I like to hit up some of my favorite stores including H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Victoria’s Secret and MAC Cosmetics.

I also really enjoy shopping the local trendy boho fashion boutiques Apricot Lane and Button Up which are located inside The Palladio too.

Family Travel Guide to Folsom California - Folsom Police Mounted Patrol Officers. — Folsom Police Mounted Patrol Officers.

Best Outdoor Recreation Areas in Folsom

Folsom is also known for their very well maintained and vast nature parks for outdoor recreation. Because the city sits adjacent to Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake, there’s plenty of lakeside shores, water sports and hiking trails for weekend warriors to enjoy.

Johnny Cash Trail

The historic Johnny Cash Trail is a very scenic pedestrian and biking path that loops around Folsom State Prison. It runs for 2.5 miles and connects the Folsom Historic District to the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail. Walking along this trail you’ll see rolling hills with wildflowers and views of the American River and Folsom Lake.

Black Miners Bar, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

My husband and I have been to the lakeside park known as Black Miners Bar twice. The first time we went kayaking in the summer and the second time we took the kids for a picnic. This area is very easily accessible with a staircase and paved trails. There’s picnic tables and a restroom.

*An update on the name - the city of Folsom changed the name from Negro Bar to Black Miners Bar in 2022.

American River and Folsom Trail Loop

While the American River and Folsom Loop Trail is considered to be an easy level for hiking, it does runs for over 10 miles and takes about 4 hours to complete via walking. You’ll follow along the American River and even head into historic downtown Folsom for a bit. This trail is dog-friendly, pedestrian and bike friendly.

John Kemp Community Park

We were recently invited to a 7-year-old’s birthday party at John Kemp Park in Folsom. Our kids had a blast so I decided to add it to this guide. In the park there’s a large play structure, water sprayers during the hot summer months, a big turf soccer field and lot of trees for shade. There’s also a big shaded picnic table area and public restrooms.

Best Places to Take Babies, Toddlers and Children in Folsom

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is much smaller than a typical zoo and is more of a sanctuary for wild animals. Children can see tigers, bears, cougars, wolves, monkeys, birds, foxes, reptiles and insects. For more family fun there’s also the Folsom Valley Railway miniature scale live steam train that children can ride.

Steve Miklos Folsom Aquatic Center

One of the top summer kids activities in Folsom is the Aquatic Center. This state of the art water facility has outdoor water play structures and pools. There’s also swim classes and birthday parties available.

Harris Center

Music and theater lovers can see musical concerts, broadway shows, choir and classical music performances at the Harris Center in Folsom. They have shows geared for children and also more sophisticated plays and concerts for adults.

Historical Folsom Sites Worth Visiting

Folsom State Prison Museum

Johnny Cash is a larger than life figure in Folsom due to his song Folsom Prison Blues and performances at the Folsom Prison in the 1960’s. At the Folsom Prison Museum fans can find artifacts and Johnny Cash memorabilia. The museum is actually located next to the real prison in Represa which is a 10 minute drive from the Folsom Historical District.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

The Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park dates back to 1895 and was one of the first alternating current hydroelectric power station in the United States. History and science buffs will appreciate how meticulously this power house has been preserved. There’s also great views of the American River from this park.

Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Folsom

If you’re planning an extended stay in Folsom and want to take the family on some scenic day trips and road trips, here’s some fun Northern California suggestions.

Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights and Orangevale

Just outside of Folsom to the west are the cities of Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights and Orangevale. Some of our favorite places to frequent in these neighborhoods are Badfish Coffee, Sunrise Shopping Mall, Arcade Creek Park Preserve and Sunrise Rollerland Roller Skate Rink.

Sacramento

Sacramento is a very short drive from Folsom and it’s by far the biggest city in close proximity. We have many Sacramento guides on the blog including where to eat in Sacramento, outdoor places to explore in Sacramento and family-friendly beer gardens.

Roseville

Roseville is a 30 minute drive from Folsom and they have some major big attractions for families with kids. Golfland Sunsplash is an enormous water and amusement park. There’s also the Westfield Galleria shopping center with big name brand stores. And finally there’s 152 acre Maidu Regional Park for outdoor activities.

Apple Hill

Apple Hill is a large collection of family farms throughout El Dorado County. In the fall and holiday season they have wholesome family events such as pumpkin patches, apple picking, cutting down Christmas trees and more. They also have kid-friendly wineries which are open to the public. The Apple Hill visiting center is a 35 minute drive from Folsom.

Auburn

Auburn is a very similar town to Folsom in that they are both historical gold rush relics and they both have vibrant Old Towns. Auburn is one of the jewels of Placer County with beautiful natural outdoor recreation and excellent food options. My favorite summertime thing to do in Auburn is go swimming at the Yankee Jim Swimming Hole. Auburn is a 30 minute drive from Folsom.

Chico

I graduated from Chico State University and I love to go back and visit this bustling college town. Much like Folsom, Chico has great eats, a thriving downtown and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Bidwell Park is one of the largest parks in the nation with 3,670 acres. You can find water holes for swimming, hiking and rock climbing. Chico is 2 hours north of Folsom.

San Francisco

It may surprise you to know that San Francisco is only 2 hours from Folsom. That means you could day trip to the big city, the beach and even see the Golden Gate Bridge all in one day. On the blog we have guides to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina District and even a budget-friendly guide to San Francisco.

California Wine Country - Napa and Sonoma

You only have to drive 1.5 hours from Folsom to arrive at the world famous Napa Valley. There’s endless places to explore in both Napa and Sonoma, and believe it or not, there’s kid-friendly places in wine country too. See my guide to picnic spots in Napa and Instagrammable places in Napa Valley.