Arts and crafts activities were part of the fun at the 2025 Kid’s Day event returning April 25. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A day built for sticky fingers, face paint and wide-eyed discovery returns to Rancho Cordova later this month, as a longtime community tradition invites families to celebrate both childhood and country.

The 36th annual Kids Day festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive. Hosted by the Cordova Community Council, the free event is geared toward children 12 and younger and their families, combining entertainment with access to health and community resources.

This year’s theme, “America, the Beautiful,” ties into a larger series of themed events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“We are kicking off several events of special, once-in-a-lifetime significance as our country celebrates its 250th Anniversary,” said Cordova Community Council Executive Director Shelly Blanchard. “Helping children focus on some of the beauty of our country will be educational and fun.”

Among the themed attractions is the Yankee Doodle Doodle Zone, where children can learn about national symbols, including the bison and the rose, while creating artwork that will be collected in a time capsule. The artwork will later be displayed during Rancho Cordova’s Fourth of July celebration.

“Kind Bubbles” was one of the highlight exhibitors of the 2025 Kids Day event returning April 25. Photo by Rick Sloan  

Kids Day has long blended play with purpose, and according to the Cordova Community Council, that remains central this year. In addition to games, giveaways and live entertainment, the event also serves as a health and resources fair for families.

“Our major sponsor is the Sacramento County Department of Health Services and Kids Day is where National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in Sacramento County,” Blanchard said. “They will have multiple resources available for parents while their kids have fun at the ‘Red, White and Zoo’ farm animal display.”

Families can also connect with representatives from the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, who will provide information ranging from kindergarten readiness to adult education opportunities. Youth sports leagues, local businesses, churches and service organizations are also expected to participate.

“There is a wealth of help for families and fun for kids out there, and we’re here to tell the story,” Blanchard said.

On the entertainment side, the festival will feature sing-alongs, musical activities and magic shows on the Stars and Stripes Stage, along with interactive experiences like the “Spirit of ’76” sailing ship and bubble play areas. Organizers note that each booth will include something fun and free for children.

“There is plenty of fun as we celebrate our nation’s birthday,” Blanchard said.

A fixture in Rancho Cordova for more than 30 years, Kids Day continues to bring families together year after year.

“Kids Day is part of growing up in Rancho Cordova — and the USA,” Blanchard said. “Don’t miss it.”