Things to Do in Fairytale Town, United States of America

Fairytale Town is a beloved children's theme park located in Sacramento, California, that has been enchanting young visitors since 1959. This whimsical 2.5-acre wonderland brings classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales to life through interactive play sets, farm animals, and magical attractions designed specifically for children ages 2-8. The park features over 25 play sets including Humpty Dumpty's Wall, the Three Little Pigs' houses, and Cinderella's Castle, creating an immersive storybook experience. Nestled within Sacramento's William Land Park, Fairytale Town offers a charming alternative to larger theme parks, focusing on imagination, creativity, and hands-on play. The park combines entertainment with education through its farm area where children can interact with friendly animals including sheep, goats, rabbits, and chickens. With its affordable admission, intimate scale, and emphasis on classic childhood stories, Fairytale Town provides a nostalgic and magical experience that has been creating cherished family memories for over six decades.

Top Things to Do in Fairytale Town

Explore Interactive Fairy Tale Play Sets

Wander through over 25 whimsical play structures that bring beloved stories to life, from climbing through the Old Woman's Shoe to crossing the Three Billy Goats Gruff bridge. Each play set is designed for hands-on exploration, allowing children to act out their favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The attractions encourage imaginative play and physical activity in a safe, age-appropriate environment.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $6-8 for children and adults, with children under 1 free. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and cooler weather. Annual memberships offer great value for local families at approximately $35-45.

Meet Farm Animals

Visit the on-site farm area to interact with gentle animals including goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Children can pet and feed many of the animals under supervision, learning about farm life and animal care. The farm experience provides an educational component that complements the fairy tale themes throughout the park.

Booking Tip: Animal feeding is included with admission, but bring hand sanitizer as washing facilities may be limited. Morning visits often provide the best animal interaction opportunities when animals are most active. Check the website for any temporary animal exhibit closures.

Ride the Jolly Trolley

Take a scenic ride around the park on the charming Jolly Trolley, a miniature train that offers a relaxing tour of Fairytale Town's attractions. The trolley ride provides a perfect break for tired little legs while offering different perspectives of the park's storybook settings. It's especially popular with toddlers and serves as a great way to see everything the park has to offer.

Booking Tip: Trolley rides typically cost an additional $2-3 per person beyond general admission. Rides operate on a schedule, so check times upon arrival to plan accordingly. The trolley may not operate during inclement weather or maintenance periods.

Attend Story Time and Special Events

Participate in regularly scheduled story time sessions where classic fairy tales are brought to life through interactive storytelling. The park also hosts seasonal events, birthday party packages, and special themed celebrations throughout the year. These programs enhance the educational value and create memorable experiences beyond the physical attractions.

Booking Tip: Story times are typically included with admission and occur on weekends and during peak seasons. Special events may require advance registration and additional fees of $5-15. Check the park's calendar online before visiting to plan around preferred activities.

Explore William Land Park

Extend your visit by exploring the surrounding William Land Park, which houses Fairytale Town along with the Sacramento Zoo, Funderland amusement park, and extensive picnic areas. The larger park offers playgrounds, walking trails, and beautiful mature trees perfect for family picnics. This allows families to make a full day of their visit with multiple attractions in one location.

Booking Tip: Park entry to William Land Park is free, though individual attractions charge separate admission. Consider combo tickets if visiting multiple attractions. Parking can fill up on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to walk from overflow areas.

Getting There

Fairytale Town is located within William Land Park in Sacramento, California, easily accessible by car via Interstate 5 or Highway 99. The park is situated at 3901 Land Park Drive, with ample free parking available on-site and in the surrounding William Land Park area. For those flying in, Sacramento International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car. Public transportation options include Sacramento Regional Transit buses, with several routes serving the Land Park area, though having a car provides the most convenient access for families with young children.

Getting Around

Once at Fairytale Town, everything is easily walkable within the compact 2.5-acre park, designed specifically for young children to navigate safely. Stroller-friendly pathways connect all attractions, and stroller rentals may be available on-site. The park's small size means you can see everything in a few hours, with plenty of benches and shaded areas for rest breaks. Within the broader William Land Park area, walking or driving short distances between attractions like the zoo and Funderland is the norm, with clear signage directing visitors to each destination.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento

Land Park Neighborhood

Airport Area Hotels

West Sacramento

Elk Grove

Food & Dining

While Fairytale Town has limited on-site food options, the surrounding William Land Park area offers picnic facilities where families can bring their own meals. The nearby Land Park neighborhood features family-friendly restaurants, cafes, and casual dining options within a short drive. Downtown Sacramento, just 10 minutes away, provides a wider variety of dining experiences from farm-to-fork restaurants to international cuisine. Many visitors opt to pack lunches and enjoy picnicking in the beautiful park setting, taking advantage of the numerous shaded tables and grassy areas throughout William Land Park.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fairytale Town is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when Sacramento's weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer visits are popular but can be quite hot, so early morning arrival is recommended to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. The park is typically less crowded on weekdays and during the school year, providing a more relaxed experience. Winter visits are possible as the park operates year-round, though some outdoor activities may be limited during rainy periods, and operating hours may be reduced.

Insider Tips

Arrive early in the day for the best parking spots and cooler temperatures, especially during summer months

Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles as much of the park is outdoors with limited shade in some areas

Consider purchasing an annual membership if you're local or planning multiple visits, as it pays for itself after just a few trips

Things to Do in Fairytale Town