East Sacramento Historic District | Sacramento

Fairytale Town is a beloved, interactive play park located in William Land Park, Sacramento, California. Since its opening in 1959, the park has provided a magical experience for children, bringing fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and stories to life through themed play structures and engaging activities.

General Overview:

Size: 3.5 acres

Location: 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822

Target Audience: Primarily young children (ages 2–12), but visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the imaginative atmosphere.

Key Attractions:

Fairytale Town is known for its extensive collection of over 25 interactive playsets based on beloved nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and stories. Each playset invites children to engage in hands-on exploration, physical activity, and creative play. Some key attractions include:

King Arthur’s Castle: A towering structure featuring a slide and drawbridge, where children can live out their knightly adventures.

Mother Goose Stage: A performance space for seasonal live theater productions, often featuring characters from classic rhymes and stories.

The Giant’s Foot: An oversized play structure modeled after the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, complete with a giant’s foot to climb and explore.

Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest: A wooded play area filled with elements like climbing structures and secret pathways, inspired by the adventures of Robin Hood.

Mr. McGregor’s Garden: A whimsical garden where children can participate in interactive gardening activities, learning about plants and nature.

The Crooked Mile: A winding, curved path, designed to be both fun and disorienting, creating a magical experience for visitors.

The Old Woman’s Shoe: A large playhouse built into the shape of an oversized shoe, which kids can climb and explore, just like in the nursery rhyme.

Owl’s Tree House: A multi-level tree house that offers slides, climbing opportunities, and a chance to explore the whimsical world of an owl.

Animal Encounters:

Fairytale Town also has a collection of farm animals, including goats, pigs, and chickens. Children can interact with the animals and learn about farm life. There are also seasonal events where the park introduces other animals, such as bunnies during Easter or other farm-related activities throughout the year.

Live Theater:

One of the highlights of Fairytale Town is its commitment to live theater performances, aimed at children. The park partners with NorCal Arts to produce children's theater shows in the Children's Theater, a cozy indoor space that seats up to 150 people. These performances feature child actors and typically run for 25 to 30 minutes, focusing on themes such as environmental awareness, conflict resolution, and friendship.

Hours and Admission:

Operating Hours:

March through October: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting).

November through February: Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting).

Note: Visitors who enter by 4:00 PM can stay until 5:00 PM.

Admission Fees:

Adults and children (ages 2–12): $10

Children under 1: Free

Members: Free (membership grants unlimited access to the park for a year).

For those wishing to join as members, the membership offers several benefits, including free admission and discounts on events.

New Welcome Center:

Fairytale Town is undergoing an exciting expansion, with the construction of a new Welcome Center that will be completed by April 2024. The new center will feature:

A gift shop

More restrooms

A clock tower to serve as an additional focal point of the park’s entrance

The Welcome Center is part of the park’s efforts to enhance visitor experience and accessibility.

Events and Seasonal Programs:

Fairytale Town hosts seasonal events, such as:

Spring and summer performances featuring live theater shows with themes inspired by fairy tales.

Seasonal festivals like Halloween celebrations, where children can enjoy themed activities and costumes.

Holiday-themed programs like Easter egg hunts, where the park hosts activities like crafts, games, and special visits from the Easter Bunny.

The park is also home to the Farm to Fork program, which helps teach children about local food systems and healthy eating.

Accessibility and Facilities:

Fairytale Town is designed to be accessible for all visitors:

Wheelchair Accessibility: The park offers wheelchair-accessible paths, including ramps and restrooms for visitors with mobility challenges.

Food and Beverage: There is a concession stand that sells snacks, drinks, and light meals for guests.

Parking: Ample free parking is available near the park, and spaces are designated for visitors with disabilities.

Fairytale Town’s charming and nostalgic atmosphere, combined with its interactive play structures, live theater performances, and animal encounters, make it a treasured destination for families with young children. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to experience the magic, there's always something new to explore in this whimsical, storybook-themed park.