Experience · Sacramento

Family Science and Donuts in Sacramento

Begin the morning with hands-on learning and exploration at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, a perfect place for kids to engage and discover. Afterward, head to Marie's Donuts for a casual and kid-friendly breakfast, picking out your favorite sweet treats. Finish the outing with a playful stroll at Southside Park.

A 3.5-hour Sacramento morning plan for families — SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, Marie's Donuts, Echo & Rig.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$25–$50
Stops
3 stops
Area
Southwestern Sacramento + 1 more
Walking
Light walking · Total 5.2-mile driving route
Best time
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ideal for
Families · Kids · Friends
Start Plan
Customize
Family Science and Donuts in Sacramento

The plan

The plan

  1. 1SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity(1 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Marie's Donuts(45 min)→
  3. 3Echo & Rig(30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 5.2 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Sacramento instead of crossing town between them. SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Echo & Rig — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and friends who want a planned Sacramento outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Begin the morning with hands-on learning and exploration at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, a perfect place for kids to engage and discover. Afterward, head to Marie's Donuts for a casual and kid-friendly breakfast, picking out your favorite sweet treats. Finish the outing with a playful stroll at Southside Park.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity1
    1h 30m
    SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

    Arts & Culture

    Interactive, kid-friendly science center featuring exhibits, after school & summer programs.

    What to do — Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy the exhibits before crowds. Allow ample time for hands-on exploration and discovery.

    Scout Side Quest

    Spot the gadget or display feature that looks most like a spare part from a time machine.

    3 mi · 10 min drive

    Then A short 10-minute drive will take you to Marie's Donuts for breakfast.

  2. Marie's Donuts
    2
    45 min
    Marie's Donuts

    Food & Drink · Southwestern Sacramento

    What to do — Enjoy a classic Sacramento breakfast with a wide selection of fresh, delicious donuts and coffee or milk.

    Scout Side Quest

    Pick the most chaotic-looking pastry in the case and give it an epic superhero name.

    2.2 mi · 8 min drive

    Then Short hop over to Echo & Rig.

Scout Stories

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The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Sacramento itinerary for families?
Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Sacramento itinerary cost?
Roughly $25–$50 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 5.2 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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