RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Thousands of children and their families gathered Saturday, April 25, for the 36th annual Kids Day in the Park at Hagan Community Park, a longtime community tradition offering free activities, entertainment and access to local resources.

“It was a little chilly, but that didn’t seem to matter much to Rancho Cordova kids. We estimate our attendance at 5,000, which is a lot of giggles!” said Cordova Community Council Executive Director Shelly Blanchard.

The four-hour event, hosted by the Cordova Community Council, featured a wide range of attractions designed for children of all ages, with a focus on families with kids 12 and younger. Attendees enjoyed hands-on activities, interactive booths and giveaways from dozens of participating organizations.

Kids get to go from booth to booth playing games, creating artwork, spinning wheels and collecting prizes. Photo by Rick Sloan

“Kids Day is a place where kids can be kids and adults can also be kids, while learning about all the wonderful opportunities available in Rancho Cordova and beyond,” said Cordova Recreation and Park District Director Rick Sloan, who also photographed the event. “The spirit of Kids Day will always be filled with passion. Kids get to go from booth to booth playing games, creating artwork, spinning wheels and collecting prizes. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

In addition to entertainment, the event served as a health and resources fair, connecting families with local service providers offering information on wellness, education and community programs.

This year’s theme, “America, the Beautiful,” highlighted the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and encouraged participants to reflect on the country’s natural beauty and shared heritage. The celebration included themed activities such as the Yankee Doodle Doodle Zone, where children created artwork inspired by national symbols. The pieces will be preserved in a time capsule and later displayed during Rancho Cordova’s Fourth of July celebration.

In addition to entertainment, the event served as a health and resources fair, connecting families with local service providers. Photo by Rick Sloan

Food trucks were on site throughout the day, offering a variety of dining options for attendees.

One of the most popular attractions was the return of the “Kind Bubble Experience,” which drew large crowds and enthusiastic participation from children and adults alike.

Kids Day in the Park has been a staple in Rancho Cordova for more than three decades, continuing to bring the community together through free, family-friendly programming.

“Big hits were riding the All-American Express Train, jumping around in a blizzard of bubbles and hanging out with our National Animal, Buddy the Bison,” said Blanchard. “Our 100 exhibitors kept kids and parents busy as they piled up giveaways and information, and even George Washington and Betsy Ross made the rounds as we celebrated “America, the Beautiful” in honor of our 250th birthday.”

Children had the chance to navigate a bicycle obstacle at the PAL Bike Rodeo during the annual Kid’s Day at Hagan Community Park. The Rancho Cordova Police Activities League donated helmets and over 100 bicycles at the event. Photo by Rick Sloan

Organizers credited the event’s success to the support of the Cordova Recreation and Park District, Sacramento County, numerous volunteers and community partners known as the “Magic Makers.”

“I can’t say enough about our great sponsors for Kids Day 2026, including the Sacramento County Department of Health Services, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, City of Rancho Cordova and many others,” said Blanchard. “Special thanks to Cordova Recreation and Park District which made sure the grass was soft and green and a great place to spend the day no matter how young, or old, you may be!”

Children of all ages had the opportunity to participate in free hands-on activities. Photo by Rick Sloan