The long, warm days of summer are finally here, and between the temperatures rising into the 90s, and the chance to take some time off work, things are looking pretty good for the people of Sacramento.

It’s time to take the tarp off the BBQ, inflate the tires of your favorite bicycle, grab your swimming trunks, and get ready to have fun. But why struggle on deciding where to go on vacation when you have everything you could possibly need right here at home?

We decided to save you the headache of doing the research yourself, coming up with nine of the best things you can do in Sacramento this summer:

#1 Drive-In Movies

Do you have fond memories of warm summer evenings under the stars, enjoying the latest blockbuster movie with your family or friends? If there’s a part of you craving a night out like the ones you remember as a kid you need to treat yourself to a visit to West Wind Digital Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in movie sites anywhere in the country. And what better to accompany your choice of movie than a full range of tasty snacks, like Orville Redenbacher gourmet popcorn, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and a tasty beverage to wash it all down? Kid’s tickets are just $1.25, and adults can join in the fun for $7.95

#2 The Spraygrounds

Overheated kids with too much energy to spare are every parent’s worst nightmare. So, if you’re exhausted from entertaining them in the tiny inflatable pool in your garden, then why not take them to visit one of the twelve different splashgrounds dotted around Sacramento? Your kids get to splash around having fun, while cooling off at the same time. A few hours of fun like this is enough to have them dozing off on the drive home. It’s a win-win, folks.

#3 Water Rides & More

Okay, so Six Flags is a bit of a cliché when it comes to summertime fun, but there’s a good reason why these places are so popular. For the kids they can enjoy time in the Air Penguins, the Congo Queen, Pepe Le Pew’s Rafts of Romance, or the Road Runner Express, plus dozens more.

Or why not take the whole family on a water-based adventure off the edge of Monsoon Falls, settle some sibling rivalries in the Boardwalk Bumper Buggies, or even let your loved ones loose on the 45-foot tall Rock Wall Climbing Challenge. Then you have Seal Cove, the Dolphin Encounter, and the Butterfly Habitat to enjoy, too. Are there lots of delicious snacks for when you’re hungry? Of course!

#4 River Cruises

Taking a river cruise might not sound all that exciting, but you’ll get to see a completely different side of Sacramento. Plus, you get a history lesson while you’re at it. The cruise lasts about an hour, and takes you back in time to the days of the Gold Rush. There’s even a Father’s Day River Cruise coming up on June 19th, so if you want some bonding time with your son, now is the perfect time to book your tickets. Google “Hornblower Cruises” for more information.

#5 Going Vertical

Even if you have a very deep, and very profound, fear of heights you have to admit that rock climbing looks like great fun. Pipeworks in Sacramento is a great place for you and your kids to learn the art of rock climbing in a safe and fun environment. Hey, what better place to get rid of your fear of heights – you can start off with bouldering and literally work your way up from there.

#6 Hiking and Biking

Living in Sacramento means you’re surrounded by nature at almost every turn. So why not strap on your favorite walking shoes, and spend the day at some of the great parks and hiking trails in the area? Cyclists can pedal their way along the 32-miles of the American River Bike Trail, while those of you who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground can check out McKinley Park, William Land Park, Effie Yeaw Nature Trail, Lake Natoma Trail or Darrington Trail. Just make sure you stay hydrated and wear sun block – that Sacramento sun can be unforgiving during our hottest days.

#7 Get Your Feet Wet

If you love the feeling of being out on the open water, then the Sacramento State Aquatic Centre should be at the top of your list of places to visit. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard or paddleboat here, but you can get jet skiing, sailing and windsurfing lessons here, too. The center also runs ‘Youth’ programs, so your kids won’t feel even close to being left out.

#8 Our Zoos

Why have one zoo when you can have two? That’s exactly how we roll in Sacramento. Sacramento Zoo is the older of the two, first opening for public visits during the late 1920s. Wouldn’t your kids love the idea of an overnight “safari” visit at Sacramento Zoo, close enough to hear the lions roaring? Let’s be honest – the parents are going to enjoy the experience just as much. Folsom Zoo isn’t like your average zoo, focusing on the rearing of orphaned and rescued wildlife, so you know they really do care about the animals you get to visit with.

#9 Lake Tahoe

There’s no place in America quite like Lake Tahoe for when you want to unplug, unwind, and chill out. The “Best Lake in America” spans two states, has over twenty different beaches, more hiking and biking trails than you could hope to cover in several weeks, and you can even go skiing while you’re here. Located just two hours from downtown Sac, this is the perfect place for you to spend any number of your summer vacation days. Oh, and your kids will love it too. Words don’t do it justice.