This parkway lies on the banks of the American River, and its 23-mile chain of parks provides activities for all manner of interests. Miles of trails provide opportunity for cycling, horseback riding, and hiking. Adventurers can also take part in water sports like rafting, fishing, and boating. Picnic shelters and restrooms are available.

DOWNTOWN. Located where the Sacramento and American Rivers meet, this 302-acre park provides many opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Covered shelters invite leisurely picnic lunches, and visitors may boat, bike, fish, ride horses, or participate in archery activities. Concerts and sports events are also presented from time to time.

An ideal destination to learn about local wildlife, the Effie Yeaw Nature Center features indoor interactive exhibits and a gift shop, three trails meandering through 77 acres, a replica of a Native American summer village, and several live animals, mostly birds and reptiles. Bring your binoculars, because this is a great place to catch glimpses of everything from white tailed deer to woodpeckers. The center offers family nature programs every weekend, too.

Fairytale Town is an old-fashioned themed park designed to encourage imaginative play. There are no rides, only "sets" of loved nursery rhymes and fairy tales where kids can pretend to be their favorite characters or make up their own stories. Resident animals (rabbits, pigs, duck, goats, a cow, and a donkey named Eeyore) up the appeal for pint-size visitors; lovely landscaping, low prices and the laughter of happy children are the clinchers for grownups.

FOLSOM. This 18,000-acre state park, located at the base of the Sierra foothills, presents many opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. Visitors can ride horses, picnic, fish, and hike. There's even a 32-mile bike path for cyclists. Lake Natoma also invites folks to boat, sail, and swim. Advance camping reservations are recommended (800-444-7275).