# California and Reno weekend getaways with kids

Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/weekend-getaways/california/

> Sacramento, the Bay Area, Fresno, the Los Angeles area and the Inland Empire. The Bay Area is about two and a quarter hours from Sacramento, the Inland Empire is a little over an hour from Los Angeles, and Fresno sits in the middle, about three and a quarter hours from the Bay Area and four from LA. Stockton–Modesto is about an hour south of Sacramento, Ventura County is about an hour up the coast from Los Angeles, and Reno is about two hours east of Sacramento over the Sierra. Bakersfield is a little over two hours north of Los Angeles and about two hours south of Fresno on Highway 99. Here's the best weekend trip in the region for each of the next 6 weekends, and what to do once you get there.

Last checked: 2026-10-29. Every event links to its official page.

## Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 6–8

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 13–15

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 20–22

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Nov 27–29

No standout verified yet.


## Weekend of Dec 4–6

**Pick: Los Angeles.** L.A. Zoo Lights is open all three nights, and kids under 2 are free.

- **L.A. Zoo Lights**, Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6, Box office 5:45–8:45pm, Los Angeles Zoo. Adults $29–$35, kids 2–12 $19–$25; under 2 free. Opens 11/20; runs through 01/10. Santa photos cost extra on select nights, and the ice rink is ticketed separately. Dec 8 is a sensory-inclusive night. Parking is free. Closed Nov 26, Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 14–16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4–7. Official page: https://www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/

## FAQ

**Which California and Reno city is best for a weekend with little kids?**
It changes every weekend. Over the next 6 weekends our picks are Los Angeles, chosen for what's on: zoo events, holiday lights and shows with dates we checked on the official pages.

**How long are the drives?**
Sacramento, the Bay Area, Fresno, the Los Angeles area and the Inland Empire. The Bay Area is about two and a quarter hours from Sacramento, the Inland Empire is a little over an hour from Los Angeles, and Fresno sits in the middle, about three and a quarter hours from the Bay Area and four from LA. Stockton–Modesto is about an hour south of Sacramento, Ventura County is about an hour up the coast from Los Angeles, and Reno is about two hours east of Sacramento over the Sierra. Bakersfield is a little over two hours north of Los Angeles and about two hours south of Fresno on Highway 99. Drive times on this page are normal driving times without traffic.

**What if a weekend says “No standout yet”?**
It means we couldn't confirm anything worth the drive. We'd rather leave the slot empty than fill it with filler. Check back after the Thursday refresh.

**Are the prices right?**
They're what each official page showed on Oct 29, 2026. Tap the official link before you buy, since venues change hours and prices.