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Rancho Cordova Independent

‘Summer of Shenanigans’

May 27, 2026 08:51AM ● By Kristen Achziger, Director of Marketing & Communications, Visit Rancho Cordova
paddle boarding lake

If you’re a resident or regional neighbor, this summer is the perfect time to explore Rancho Cordova’s backyard, see what’s new, and dive in headfirst. Photo courtesy of Visit Rancho Cordova


RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - “There’s nothing to do in Rancho Cordova,” the commenter says on a glowing screen. “Why would I ever spend time there?”

This kind of note appears on Visit Rancho Cordova’s social media feeds almost daily, like clockwork. But the nonprofit team just smiles and taps back a helpful response about local attractions and upcoming events. Fielding comments like this is simply part of the job.


This Rancho Cordova bucket list with a retro flair encourages participants to enjoy a meaningful summer season. Photo courtesy of Visit Rancho Cordova


You might be surprised to find out that these comments aren’t always written by travelers who haven’t heard of our community. In fact, a lot of them come from residents who currently live here. Nonetheless, the misconceptions and stereotypes about a “small town” that’s actually rapidly evolving demonstrate a need for deeper understanding of the abundance of leisure opportunities that surround visitors and locals alike.

This summer, Visit Rancho Cordova has decided to face those stereotypes head on through the power of play.

From June 1 to Aug. 31, travelers and residents are invited to participate in Visit Rancho Cordova’s “Summer of Shenanigans” Bucket List Photo Challenge.


The “Summer of Shenanigans” bucket list includes dozens of Rancho Cordova activities, events, attractions, craft breweries and delicious restaurants for participants to try out at their own pace. Photo courtesy of Visit Rancho Cordova


This Rancho Cordova bucket list with a retro flair encourages participants to enjoy a meaningful summer season akin to the slower-paced “summer breaks” of the 90s and early 2000s where families would spend time outside, take road trips and explore their communities together.

The “Summer of Shenanigans” bucket list includes dozens of Rancho Cordova activities, events, attractions, craft breweries and delicious restaurants for participants to try out at their own pace.

From leisurely “color walks” around community parks and attending local events to tasting boba drinks around the city and renting paddleboards on Lake Natoma, there is a wealth of activity ideas for every type of adventurer. Participants will get rewarded for supporting small businesses and trying as many activities as they wish.

By submitting photos taken during the bucket list challenge, travelers and locals can unlock fun digital badges and earn points towards raffle entries for gift cards and swag, including a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.



Best of all, the challenge is completely free to join.

Rancho Cordova is a special destination with a lot to offer. Our small business community, restaurants, and attractions are growing and thriving, with even more on the way.

If you’re a resident or regional neighbor, this summer is the perfect time to explore Rancho Cordova’s backyard, see what’s new, and dive in headfirst. You might be surprised by what you find!

To join in on all the fun and sign up for the “Summer of Shenanigans” Bucket List Photo Challenge, head to VisitRanchoCordova.com/Photo-Challenge.