When it comes to a fun family outing, you probably want to get the most bang for your buck. But it’s not always only about money. Sometimes it’s about deriving the most pleasure out of a destination as possible. This is certainly the case at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

Located about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Sacramento, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a fun family outing.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Sacramento/Flickr
Here, visitors can watch and learn about the lifecycles of fish as they make their way to their annual spawning grounds.
Nimbus Fish Hatchery primarily raises beautiful Chinook salmon that will find new “homes” along the American River.
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
Although most people might think of Alaska for salmon spawning, the Hatchery is reportedly one of the most important fish breeding locations in the country.
I bet you didn’t know that fish can climb a ladder!
California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Sacramento/Flickr
This, when combined with what is called a Fish Weir Super Structure, is what helps guide the fish as they move toward the river.

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You can come here anytime to take in the sights, feed the fish, and explore the exhibits inside the Visitor Center...
Ray Bouknight/Flickr
...however one of the most popular times is during the annual fish run. This event draws folks from all over the Sacramento area and further afield.
A visit here is actually a “two-fer” in that families can also engage in a range of recreational activities.
Vince/Flickr
There is a playground, raceway ponds, the Nimbus dam (pictured here) and a picnic area. But one of the most popular activities is biking, walking, or hiking along the American River Parkway Trail which follows along the approximately 30-mile-long river.
The views in and around the Nimbus Fish Hatchery are spectacular.
Kevin Schultz/Flickr
Bring your camera and plan to stay awhile to take in all of this scenic beauty.

We think you’ll agree that a visit to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery is a fun family outing for all ages!

Have you been to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about the hatchery and any special events on their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for other places for great family fun, be sure to check out Frog Park in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Featured Addresses
Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 2001 Nimbus Rd, Gold River, CA 95670, USA