Family Guide to Fairytale Town Children’s Park Inside William Land Park in Sacramento
Fairytale Town is the perfect affordable, and fun place to spend time with your kids or grandkids, keeping them from watching too much TV or video games during school breaks and getting them out and about in the great outdoors.
It's ideal for the little ones to run around and enjoy themselves while exercising their brains with fun literacy games and colorful play sets that challenge them to use their imagination and keep them entertained for hours.
In this blog post I'll take you through some of the best things you can do and all you need to know about the park. After this quick read you’ll be prepared and ready to maximize your day of family fun in Fairytale Town.
About Fairytale Town
Open since 1959, the park has been inspiring generations with its sprawling wonderland of rides, games, and playgrounds, with over 60 years worth of history as testament to its legacy.
Fairytale Town is located inside the William Land Park in Sacramento and spans over 3.5 acres of pure wholesomeness dedicated exclusively to young children between 1 and 10 years old. Inspiration runs wild at the Fairytale Town Children's Park in Sacramento, one of the state's largest and oldest children's parks.
Pro Tip: While Fairytale Town is tailored for younger kids, the other amusement park in William Land Park is Funderland, which has rollercoaster rides for older kids and adults.
Top Things To Do in Fairytale Town
If you're not sure how to go about your visit, here are some of the top things you can do in Fairytale Town that you shouldn't miss out on.
Play on The Numerous Play Structures and Playgrounds
With over 26 colorful fairytale-themed playsets and countless whimsical structures and playgrounds, there is no shortage of fun things to do at Fairytale Town with little kids. They can climb up King Arthur's Castle, slide down the Rabbit Hole Slide into wonderland and scurry up the Owl's Tree House to get a bird's eye view of their kingdom below.
You can check out all the attractions on the park's website if you want to plan your visits strategically. Otherwise, you can walk around and let the kids play at their own pace.
Ride Down The Many Slides
One of the best parts of Fairytale Town is the number of slides there are! Long, short, tube, and wavy slides that kids will enjoy riding over and over again. One of my kids' favorites is the Winnie the Pooh Owl Tree House slide. They just can't seem to get enough of this tall and twisty and turning slide.
Have a Picnic on the Grassy Field Underneath the Giant Trees
The park has several spots where you can spread your blanket and set up a picnic. The grassy field is a great place to take a break from the sun and relax under the giant trees that shade it. The park is spotless and well-maintained, so you don't have to worry about any garbage or litter on the ground, as long as you keep it the same as how you found it.
See the Barnyard Animals
A true marvel of Fairytale Town is the barnyard animals found around different attractions. A cow, rabbits, Southdown sheep, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and Kunekune pigs are some of the amazing creatures that live on the safe enclosures of the park grounds, that you have a chance to see during your visit. By interacting and seeing these big mammals up close, kids will learn more about them while gaining a deeper appreciation for animals.
Usually, feedings begin between 3:30 PM and 4 PM before the animals are put away for the night. The friendly animal keepers of the park also often bring them out on the lawn so children can get close and personal if they feel like it.
Story Center for Hand-On Learning Under Construction
While currently the park offers only outside activities, construction has already begun for a very large story center that will allow for more hands-on learning opportunities. This center will mean visitors can have a great time even in rainy, cold or hot weather conditions.
The Story Center will look like a country cottage and will feature a reading nook, a tech corner, a writing and illustration area, and a stage so kids can perform scenes from their original stories. This is intended to help kids exercise their creative muscles and discover the power of their imagination through problem solving, writing, drawing and acting.
Summer Special At Fairytale Town
Fairytale Town wants to ensure that you and your kids stay cool while having fun during the summer. This is why on scorching summer days, where the temperatures soar over 95 degrees, they have a pop-up splash zone called the Bonney Cool Zone. With water jets spraying mist into the sky and a water tunnel, it's sure to keep the kids cool and refreshed. Admission to the park is free during the days to encourage visitors to come and enjoy the park.
Pro Tip: Even though a free admission fee can be tempting, I recommend avoiding the summer peak heat times unless you're purposely attending the cool splash zone. Most play structures not covered by shade can get extremely hot, and kids running around in the heat can quickly get overheated or dehydrated. On hot days, we try to squeeze in a visit between 9 AM and 12 PM when the sun is not as intense.
Host Your Birthday Party at Fairytale Town
If you're looking for a new way to celebrate your little one's birthdays, you should definitely consider Fairytale Town. It's a magical place perfect for kids to bring out their friends and play with them in a safe and interactive environment.
They have five different party packages to choose from depending on the number of people you are expecting and the duration of the party. Each package includes admission for everyone at your party, so it's up to you whether you want to spend more time in our attractions or explore the park at your leisure after or before the party. There are also plenty of add-ons you can choose from, including goodie bags, birthday t-shirts, a crown, or cupcakes and juice for up to 25 people.
Make sure to check for availability at least three weeks in advance and make a reservation as early as possible to guarantee your spot.
Easter Egg Hunt
If you're in Sacramento, California, this Easter, you don't want to miss the egg hunt at Fairytale Town. The Easter egg hunt is always a hit with kids since who doesn't enjoy the thrill of the hunt? So bring your baskets and get ready for a day of spring-themed arts and crafts and a chance to win prizes! You can check their social media and website for announcements regarding the dates and times of the Easter egg hunt.
Theater and Live Performances
Apart from the outdoor playtime and endless fun that kids can enjoy at the park, Fairytale Town also hosts outstanding performers and live shows for all ages. In fact, it has been voted twice as the Best Venue for Family Entertainment in the region! From special events and music concerts to puppet shows, you can rest assured that you'll find something for all tastes. They have a lot of experience and absolutely know how to give their audience an unforgettable time!
Details You Should Know Before Visiting Fairytale Town
When is Fairytale Town Open?
The park has two different seasonal time schedules, one from November to February and the other from March to October. Opening hours and days vary according to the season, so it's essential to check the website before planning your visit. Don't rely on instinct when visiting since there are also many holidays and special days where the park may be closed or have limited visiting hours.
Does Fairytale Town Close on Rainy Days?
If you'd like to visit the park on a day when it could possibly rain, make sure to call ahead or check their Instagram account to see if the park will be closed for the day.
What is the price of admission in Fairytale Town?
Admissions are relatively cheap, running from $7.00 for adults and children 2-12 on weekdays and $8.00 on weekends, while members and children aged one or under get to enter for free.
Is the Fairytale Town Membership Worth It?
Investing in a membership pays off if you're a regular visitor. You can get unlimited general admission visits for one year and discounts on purchases made at the park and special events. Membership fees start at $50 depending on your individual or family needs and can be purchased directly from their website.
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Bring a Stroller or Wagon
There are so many things to do in Fairytale Town, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack water bottles for everyone. Even though you’ll still find plenty of water fountains spread out around the park, it’s always great to have your own supply. If you have younger kids, you might want to bring a stroller along since it can get tiring walking around the park.
We always bring our Radio Flyer Red Wagon because the kids love being pulled around in it.
Pack a Lunch and Snacks
While they have a cafe on the grounds, I think the food is slightly overpriced for the quality. Luckily, they allow outside food and drinks inside the park, so I suggest packing your picnic lunch with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks to keep the kids hydrated and satisfied.