Photo: Jeslin Owens (Dave's Appliance Repair)
Photo: B L
Photo: Jeslin Owens (Dave's Appliance Repair)
Senda Nueva Greenbelt Play Area
★4.8(4 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 1-3 hours depending on activity level,quick playground visits last about an hour, while family bike adventures can extend to 2-3 hours exploring connected trails👶 Best for ages 3-12. Younger children (3-6) enjoy the playground equipment and shorter trail loops, while older kids (7-12) can tackle longer bike rides and explore the interconnected greenbelt network independently or with family.
About
Senda Nueva Greenbelt Play Area is a fantastic hub for active families in Davis, offering an extensive network of smooth bike paths and walking trails that connect to parks throughout the city. This well-maintained greenbelt system is ideal for teaching kids to ride bikes, enjoying nature walks, or exploring Davis's famously bike-friendly community together.
Highlights
- ✓Extensive network of flat, paved bike paths perfect for beginner cyclists
- ✓Playground equipment suitable for multiple age groups
- ✓Safe, car-free environment for kids to explore on bikes or scooters
- ✓Shaded sections along the greenbelt for comfortable summer riding
- ✓Connections to other Davis parks and attractions via the trail system
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the Eagle Place access point for easy entry to both the playground and trail system with minimal street crossings
- 2.Bring helmets and consider training wheels or a tag-along bike for younger riders,the flat, paved paths are perfect for building confidence
- 3.Download a Davis bike path map or use the city's greenbelt guide to plan longer adventures connecting to parks like Slide Hill or Community Park
- 4.Visit early morning on weekends to enjoy the trails before they get busy with joggers and other cyclists
- 5.Pack water and snacks in a bike basket or backpack,there are shaded rest spots along the greenbelt perfect for breaks
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings or late afternoons during spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for cycling and outdoor play. Weekday mornings are quietest if you're teaching a child to ride, while weekends offer a lively community atmosphere.
What to Know
The greenbelt and playground are completely free to use with convenient street parking available at Eagle Place. No restrooms or food vendors are directly on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for extended outdoor activities. Summer mornings are best to avoid afternoon heat, while winter visits are still enjoyable on sunny days with appropriate layers.
Nearby Eats
Head to Redrum Burger (1.5 miles away) for kid-friendly burgers and shakes, or visit Davis Food Co-op (2 miles) to grab picnic supplies and snacks to enjoy along the greenbelt trails.
More Activities Near Davis
Playground
Slide Hill Park
Free❤️13
Slide Hill Park is a Davis institution that delivers exactly what its name promises: thrilling concrete slides built right into a natural hillside that kids can ride down on cardboard. Beyond the famous slides, families will find a well-equipped playground with climbing structures, open grassy areas perfect for running around, basketball courts for older kids, and shaded picnic tables that make this an ideal spot for a neighborhood gathering or casual family afternoon.
Park
Community Park
★4.6Free❤️16
Community Park is Davis's go-to destination for families, offering an impressive variety of activities all in one location. With multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, a popular splash pad for hot California days, wide-open grassy areas perfect for running and picnicking, plus sports fields and a skate park, there's truly something to keep every member of the family entertained for hours.
Museum
Explorit Science Center
★4.5$❤️106
Explorit Science Center is a hidden gem in Davis that transforms science learning into hands-on fun for elementary-aged kids. With interactive exhibits that encourage touching, exploring, and experimenting, this community-focused science museum offers rotating workshops and programs that keep curious minds engaged without the overwhelming crowds of larger Bay Area museums.
Activity
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
★4.5$❤️21
This sprawling 100-acre living museum along the Putah Creek Waterway offers families an excellent introduction to native California plants and diverse ecosystems. With winding paths perfect for strollers, themed gardens that spark curiosity, and free guided tours that make learning fun, it's an ideal spot for nature-loving families to explore without the pressure of admission fees or time limits.