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Fairytale Town, United States of America - Things to Do in Fairytale Town

Things to Do in Fairytale Town

Fairytale Town, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Fairytale Town is a charming children's theme park located in Sacramento, California, that has been enchanting families since 1959. This whimsical 2.5-acre wonderland brings beloved nursery rhymes and fairy tales to life through interactive playsets, friendly farm animals, and magical themed attractions designed specifically for children ages 2-8. Unlike large commercial theme parks, Fairytale Town offers an intimate, nostalgic experience where little ones can climb through Humpty Dumpty's wall, slide down Jack and Jill's hill, or visit the Three Little Pigs in their brick house. Nestled within Sacramento's William Land Park, Fairytale Town serves as both a local treasure and a unique destination that captures the imagination of young visitors. The park's handcrafted sets, vintage charm, and focus on classic stories create an authentic storybook atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern entertainment. With its affordable admission, educational puppet shows, and seasonal events, Fairytale Town provides families with a magical escape that celebrates the timeless power of storytelling and imaginative play.

Top Things to Do in Fairytale Town

Explore Interactive Storybook Sets

Wander through over 25 whimsical playsets that bring classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life, including Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach, the Crooked House, and Mother Goose's shoe. Children can climb, slide, and explore these carefully crafted miniature worlds designed at child scale. Each playset encourages imaginative play and storytelling while providing safe, engaging physical activities.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $6 per person with children under 1 free. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors and provide excellent value for local families.

Meet Farm Animals at the Petting Zoo

Visit friendly goats, sheep, rabbits, and chickens in the park's charming petting zoo area. Children can interact with gentle farm animals while learning about animal care and agriculture. The experience includes opportunities to feed some animals and observe others in their specially designed habitats.

Booking Tip: Animal feeding is included with admission and typically available during operating hours. Visit earlier in the day when animals are most active and social. Bring hand sanitizer and supervise young children during interactions.

Enjoy Live Puppet Shows

Watch delightful puppet performances in the park's intimate theater, featuring classic fairy tales and original stories designed for young audiences. These educational and entertaining shows often incorporate audience participation and teach valuable lessons through beloved characters. Performances are typically 15-20 minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Booking Tip: Puppet shows are included with admission and run on weekends and during peak seasons. Check the schedule upon arrival as showtimes can vary. Arrive early to secure good seats in the small theater space.

Ride the Jolly Trolley Train

Take a scenic ride around the park on the charming Jolly Trolley, a miniature train that provides a relaxing tour of Fairytale Town's attractions. The gentle ride is perfect for tired little legs and offers a different perspective of the park's magical landscape. The trolley operates on a track that winds through various themed areas.

Booking Tip: Trolley rides cost an additional small fee beyond admission (usually $2-3). The trolley operates weather permitting and may have limited hours during off-peak seasons. Consider saving this activity for when children need a rest from walking.

Participate in Seasonal Events and Activities

Experience special themed events throughout the year, including Halloween celebrations, holiday festivities, and summer programs. These events often feature additional activities, crafts, special performances, and unique photo opportunities. Seasonal decorations and activities transform the park's atmosphere and provide fresh experiences for repeat visitors.

Booking Tip: Special events may require separate tickets or have higher admission prices. Book popular events like Halloween celebrations in advance as they often sell out. Check the park's calendar when planning your visit to coincide with special programming.

Getting There

Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive in Sacramento, California, within William Land Park. From Sacramento International Airport, the park is approximately 20 minutes by car via I-5 South. Visitors driving from the San Francisco Bay Area should take I-80 East to Sacramento, while those from Los Angeles can take I-5 North. The park offers free on-site parking, though spaces can fill up during peak times and special events. Public transportation options include Sacramento Regional Transit buses, though having a car provides the most convenient access.

Getting Around

Fairytale Town is a compact, walkable park that can be easily explored on foot in 2-4 hours. The park's pathways are stroller-friendly and accessible, with most attractions at ground level or featuring ramps. Within the broader William Land Park area, visitors can also walk to the adjacent Sacramento Zoo, Funderland Amusement Park, and various picnic areas. The park provides wagon rentals for tired children, and there are plenty of benches and shaded areas for rest. Most visitors find that comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential for enjoying the outdoor attractions.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
Land Park Neighborhood
Airport Area Hotels
West Sacramento
Elk Grove

Food & Dining

Fairytale Town has limited food options on-site, with vending machines and occasional food vendors during special events, so many families pack picnic lunches to enjoy in the designated picnic areas within William Land Park. The nearby Land Park neighborhood offers family-friendly restaurants within a short drive, including casual dining spots and ice cream shops perfect for post-visit treats. Downtown Sacramento, about 10 minutes away, provides a wider variety of dining options from farm-to-fork restaurants to international cuisine. Many visitors combine their Fairytale Town visit with a picnic in the beautiful William Land Park, which offers barbecue areas and scenic spots under large shade trees.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sacramento

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Tower Café

4.6 /5
(4284 reviews) 2

Bacon & Butter

4.6 /5
(3730 reviews) 2

Urban Plates

4.8 /5
(1711 reviews)

The Waterboy

4.7 /5
(824 reviews) 3
bar

The Kitchen Restaurant

4.7 /5
(777 reviews) 4

Hawks Public House

4.6 /5
(590 reviews) 3
bar

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fairytale Town is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor play and crowds are moderate. Summer can be quite hot in Sacramento, so early morning visits are recommended during June through August. The park is typically open Thursday through Sunday, with extended hours during summer and holiday periods. Winter visits can be pleasant on sunny days, though some outdoor activities may be limited. Special events and seasonal decorations make holiday periods particularly magical, though these times also tend to be the busiest.

Insider Tips

Bring quarters for the vintage fairy tale-themed rides and attractions that require additional small fees beyond admission
Pack sunscreen and hats as much of the park is outdoors with limited shade, especially during Sacramento's hot summers
Consider combining your visit with the adjacent Sacramento Zoo or Funderland Amusement Park for a full day of family entertainment in William Land Park

Explore Activities in Fairytale Town