William Land Park, Sacramento
An unexpectedly large park surrounded by residential and retail areas, William Land Park is kid central in a way that doesn’t seem overly crowded. It is located on either side of Land Park. A map of the entire park can be downloaded here: Parking is free and right off of Land Park Drive. It is a large parking lot so depending on the age of your kids you may need a stroller / wagon. These activities require a fair amount of walking.
First I suggest hitting the Sacramento Zoo just as they open at 9:00am, since the animals are most wakeful in the morning. There is more detailed information about the zoo on the mini trips blog here.
After that just walk across the street to Fairytale Town. If you are going to do both activities, make sure you get a pass that gives you entrance into both parks for a lower price. More detailed information on Fairytale Town is on the mini trips blog here.
After some playtime at Fairytale Town, you may need to head to your car for snacks, diapers, etc. As you go to the parking lot, just a bit further is a large pond where you can feed ducks. This may be an ideal spot for a lunch or a place to hang out and regroup before moving forward.
Heading back, pass Fairytale Town and on the same side of Land Park cross one smaller street (17th Ave) to reach Funderland. This is a small kids amusement park. More detailed information about this park is on my mini trips blog here.
Near the Funderland entrance during summer you may have noticed pony/horse rides. One person must guide the pony or horse so if you have two kids and only one adult, it may be more difficult. (Over 80 lbs. requires a horse, which is one dollar more.)
One of Sacramento’s landmark restaurants is nearby, Vic’s Ice-Cream. (3199 Riverside Blvd.) This store looks very similar to how it did when in opened in 1947. You can order simple sandwiches for dinner (even hot dog sandwiches for the kids!) and of course a scoop of any of 29 flavors to choose from. Be Forewarned: One milkshake is enough for two adults. To get there turn left onto Land Park Drive from the parking lot next-door to Fairytale Town. Make a right at the next light, Sutterville Road. This takes you toward the freeway, and a ramp that looks like a freeway entrance will take you to Riverside Blvd. Take the ramp and turn right on Riverside Blvd. Continue about a half mile (immediately past Teneighth Way) and you’ll find it on the right side, corner, with the black and white awning.
