Fairytale Town in Sacramento, California a Child's Delight

Fairytale Town is located in William Land Park in the city of Sacramento, the capital of California. The attraction first opened in 1959 and has been a hit with children for more than 50 years. Geared towards children from pre-school to early elementary age, it was dedicated as "a gift to the children of the Central Valley'' by the City of Sacramento, the Junior League of Sacramento and other community organizations and local businesses. Fairytale Town was one of many storybook lands that sprung up in California in the 1950s, inspired by the success of the recently opened Disneyland in the southern part of the state. Fairytale Town is one of the few that remains open.

The attraction estimates that it attracts some quarter-of-a-million visitors each year from all over California and beyond. The 2.5 acres on which it sits is home to more than 20 colorful, three-dimensional playsets based on nursery rhymes and well-known fairy tales. The park strives to achieve a low-tech environment where children need only use their imagination to have fun. Gentle play in a safe environment is stressed. Live animals are also included in some of the settings, adding another dimension to the experience.

Playsets at Sacramento's Fairytale Town include the following: Jack and Jill Hill, Mother Goose Stage, King Arthur's Castle, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, Crooked Mile, The Alphabet Garden, Cheese Stands Alone, Cinderella's Coach, Sherwood Forest, Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, Alice's Rabbit Hole, Mr. McGregor's Garden, The Pirate Ship, The Little Engine That Could, An American Indian Teepee, and Owl's House. Sets that feature the use of live animals include Farmer Brown's Barn and the Little Red Hen House, Mary's Lambs, Three Little Pigs, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and the Tale of Peter Rabbit.

In addition, guests can visit the Children's Theater, originally an open-aired amphitheater type structure but now enclosed for year round productions. Families may also head to the Japanese Garden, the most tranquil spot in Fairytale Town, erected in the traditional Japanese style with elements deemed essential, including water, plants, and stone structures.

Hungry visitors can visit the Dish and Spoon Caf,, serving favorite selections of child-oriented food, including peanut butter and jelly, hot dogs, ice cream, popcorn, and more.

Special events are commonplace at Fairytale Town, especially during expanded spring and summer hours. Events include art activities, storytelling, gardening, puppet shows, animal demonstrations, and more, designed to promote a celebration of literature, music, theater, science, nature, and different cultures. Many are free of charge and included with admission while others are offered at a nominal cost.

Birthday celebrations are welcome at Fairytale Town in Sacramento, located in King Arthur's Castle, Sherwood Forest, or Mr. McGregor's Garden. Parties are themed and include unlimited playtime before and after the party. Fairytale Town also hosts "Enchanted Evenings'', an opportunity to rent the facility for other special events such as fundraisers, picnics, and family reunions. The attraction has also been the site of many "fairytale'' weddings.