William Land Regional Park
About
William Land Regional Park is Sacramento's ultimate family destination, packing four major attractions into one sprawling green space. With the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland amusement park, and multiple playgrounds all in one location, families can easily spend an entire day exploring without ever leaving the park grounds.
Highlights
- ✓Sacramento Zoo with over 500 animals including giraffes, lions, and red pandas
- ✓Fairytale Town's 25 playsets based on classic children's stories and nursery rhymes
- ✓Funderland's vintage amusement park rides perfect for younger children
- ✓Multiple modern playgrounds scattered throughout the park
- ✓Beautiful shaded walking paths and pond areas perfect for feeding ducks
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase combo tickets online for the zoo and Fairytale Town to save money if you're planning to visit both attractions in one day
- 2.Arrive early (right at opening) to enjoy attractions before they get crowded, especially on weekends and during summer
- 3.Park near the Funderland/Fairytale Town entrance if visiting with younger kids, or near the zoo entrance for animal-focused visits
- 4.Bring a wagon or stroller even for older kids,the park is massive and little legs tire quickly when walking between attractions
- 5.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shaded picnic areas between activities, saving both time and money
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from September through May offer the best experience with smaller crowds and pleasant weather. Summer weekends are the busiest times, so aim for early morning visits (6:30-9:00 AM) to beat the heat and crowds.
What to Know
Each attraction within the park charges separate admission (zoo, Fairytale Town, and Funderland all have individual fees), though park access itself is free. Ample free parking is available throughout the park, and multiple shaded picnic areas with tables make it easy to bring your own food.
Seasonal Notes
The park is open year-round, though summer offers the longest hours for all attractions. Spring brings beautiful blooming trees and comfortable temperatures. Zoo animals are typically most active during cooler morning hours. Check individual attraction websites for holiday closures and special seasonal events like Zoo Lights in winter.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Gunther's Ice Cream (just minutes away on Franklin Boulevard) is a Sacramento institution perfect for post-park treats, or grab family-friendly meals at Dad's Kitchen on Freeport Boulevard offering casual American comfort food.
More Activities Near East Sacramento
McKinley Park
McKinley Park is East Sacramento's beloved 32-acre family playground where kids can splash, play, and explore all day long. With its combination of modern playground equipment, cooling splash pad, fragrant rose garden, and wide open spaces for running, this well-maintained park offers something for every family member across multiple visits.
McKinley Rose Garden
The McKinley Rose Garden is a delightful sensory experience for children, featuring hundreds of fragrant rose varieties in every color imaginable. This peaceful garden within McKinley Park offers wide pathways perfect for strollers, benches for breaks, and an excellent opportunity to teach little ones about nature, colors, and the importance of pollinators like butterflies and bees that frequent the blooms.
Clunie Community Center
Located in the beloved McKinley Park, Clunie Community Center is East Sacramento's go-to hub for family recreation. With an onsite swimming pool, diverse classes, youth sports programs, and popular summer camps, this welcoming facility keeps kids active year-round in a safe, well-maintained environment.
McKinley Library
McKinley Library is a beloved East Sacramento neighborhood gem that goes beyond just books, offering an impressive lineup of children's programs and activities. With regular story times, engaging summer reading programs, and creative family events, this welcoming library branch makes learning fun and accessible for families throughout the year.