Land Park takes its name from former Sacramento mayor and businessman William Land, whose bequest helped the city acquire the property in 1918 for public recreation.
With more than 200 developed acres, Land Park has plenty of room for walking, picnicking, play and recreation. The park includes ponds, large grassy areas, picnic facilities, a jogging path, playground areas and sports facilities, with mature trees providing shade throughout much of the park.
There’s no particular route to follow, making this an easy outing to adapt to the ages and interests of your family.
WPA Rock Garden
Tucked into the park near 15th Avenue, you’ll find the WPA Rock Garden. Created in 1940 as part of the Works Progress Administration, the free public garden has winding paths, stonework and informal plantings. It’s small enough to explore as part of a walk through the park and offers a quiet contrast to the family attractions nearby.
Family attractions
Three longtime Sacramento attractions are located together in Land Park, making it easy to choose one as the main activity of your visit.
The Sacramento Zoo has been part of Land Park since 1927 and is home to animals from around the world, with exhibits, educational programs and conservation activities.
Fairytale Town is designed for younger children, with play areas inspired by nursery rhymes and traditional stories, along with gardens, animals and family programs. Adults must be accompanied by children, and children must be accompanied by adults.
Funderland Amusement Park is a small amusement park designed primarily for younger children, with rides and attractions in a compact setting.
Admission is required for each of these attractions. Hours and operating schedules vary, so check individual websites before you go.
William Land Golf Course
William Land Golf Course is a public nine-hole course within the park. Opened in 1924, it is Sacramento’s oldest golf course and offers another way to spend time in Land Park for both beginning and experienced golfers. Tee times and fees vary, so check the course website before visiting.
Finish with ice cream
Vic’s Ice Cream has been a Land Park neighborhood institution since 1947. Located nearby on Riverside Boulevard, the old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain makes an easy final stop after time in the park.
What connects these experiences
Land Park makes it easy to put together an outing around the interests and ages of your family. Walk through the park, explore the Rock Garden, picnic or play outdoors, or choose the zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland or golf as your main activity.
It’s also a chance to discover one of Sacramento’s longstanding recreational areas and a greener, more residential side of the city.
How to use this
There’s no need to do everything in one visit. Choose one of the attractions, or simply spend a few hours enjoying the park.
William Land Regional Park and the WPA Rock Garden are free to explore. The Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town and Funderland require admission, and the golf course charges greens fees. Check individual attractions for current hours, admission prices, operating schedules and reservations before you go. Much of the outing is outdoors. Bring water and sun protection, particularly during Sacramento’s hotter months.
How much time to allow
Allow 1–2 hours for a simple park visit, including the Rock Garden, ponds and time to walk, play or picnic. Allow half a day if you add the zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland or a round of golf. You could easily spend longer if you combine activities or stop for a meal.
Parking
William Land Regional Park has free parking areas within the park, with additional street parking around parts of the perimeter. Check individual attractions for the most convenient place to park.
Learn more
The City of Sacramento’s William Land Regional Park page has information about park amenities and facilities. Visit Sacramento’s Land Park guide offers additional information about the surrounding neighborhood, restaurants and things to do.