
Caper Acres
A fairytale-themed playground in Chico, CA, featuring whimsical structures like the iconic cheese climber and pirate ship for endless imaginative play...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play

Caper Acres
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale-themed playground in Chico, CA, featuring whimsical structures like the iconic cheese climber and pirate ship for endless imaginative play.
"This is the best park for families with kids of various ages. There really is something for everyone."

Pack a Towel! 🏖️
The sandpit has a water faucet for rinsing, perfect for sandcastle creations. Bring a towel for drying off!
Gated for Safety 🔒
The playground is gated with a single entrance/exit, offering peace of mind for parents.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Cheese
Central play area
A whimsical, cheese-shaped play structure that's a nostalgic favorite and a hit with kids.

Pirate Ship Adventure
Near the sandpit
An elaborate pirate ship play structure offering climbing, sliding, and imaginative seafaring fun.

Creative Play Zones
Throughout the park
Diverse play areas cater to various ages, from toddler-friendly structures to more challenging climbing options.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Towel! 🏖️
The sandpit has a water faucet for rinsing, perfect for sandcastle creations. Bring a towel for drying off!
Gated for Safety 🔒
The playground is gated with a single entrance/exit, offering peace of mind for parents.
Picnic Ready 🧺
Plenty of seating and picnic tables available. Reserve spots for free via the CARD website!
Dog-Friendly (Outside Playground) 🐶
Dogs are welcome in the surrounding park areas, but not inside the main Caper Acres playground.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Towel! 🏖️
The sandpit has a water faucet for rinsing, perfect for sandcastle creations. Bring a towel for drying off!
Gated for Safety 🔒
The playground is gated with a single entrance/exit, offering peace of mind for parents.
Picnic Ready 🧺
Plenty of seating and picnic tables available. Reserve spots for free via the CARD website!
Dog-Friendly (Outside Playground) 🐶
Dogs are welcome in the surrounding park areas, but not inside the main Caper Acres playground.
Creative Community Art 🎨
Look out for new signage designed by local PVHS students, bringing fresh art to the park!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caper Acres is a beloved, revitalized playground offering a magical experience for children of all ages. Visitors rave about its creative structures, safe environment, and community feel, making it a cherished spot for family outings and a trip down memory lane. While restrooms are basic, the overall joy and imaginative play make it a top-tier destination.
"I used to play at Caper Acres when I was a child. Even had a birthday party there. The park had declined in later years sadly. I'd heard about new renovations and decided to take our 2 little granddaughters here yesterday. They're 3 and 5 years old. So glad we did! The park is clean, safe and has a lot of different play areas depending on age. I remember the cheese, which is still there! The Crooked House with the sliding pole is gone but more structures and slides of different sizes have replaced it. The old hill with 'underground' tunnels is gone, probably a good thing since I remember ruining a favorite pair of shorts crawling through the dirt in there. All in all we had a great day with the grandkids and a nice trip down memory lane for me. We will definitely be back weather permitting, the granddaughters said it's their new favorite park. So glad to see Caper Acres is back to being a great place for families to spend a day."
Cyndi Anderson
"One of the best parks Chico has to offer. Our kids could play there all day long and not get bored. I love that there's always a beautiful mix of cultures and walks of life and seeing all of the kids play together and enjoy each other's company feels like a beautiful break from the serious and sometimes separated world outside the fence."
Rebekah Callahan
"This is the best park for families with kids of various ages. There really is something for everyone. I feel comfortable letting my toddler roam around and explore. The shaded area is perfect to let little babies lay on blankets while toddlers play."
Julia Whitman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caper Acres is located in Chico, California, often mentioned in relation to Bidwell Park. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors mention its proximity to Woodland Ave.
While specific parking details aren't extensively detailed, its location within a park setting suggests ample parking is usually available.
Information on public transport routes directly to Caper Acres is limited. Driving is the most common method of access mentioned by visitors.
Yes, Caper Acres is situated across from Bidwell Park, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the larger park area.
Using GPS navigation to 'Caper Acres Playground, Chico, CA' is recommended. Its location is often described as being on Woodland Ave.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Caper Acres is a public playground and generally does not require admission tickets. It's a free community resource.
Specific operating hours are not consistently listed, but it's typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local park schedules or community event listings.
Yes, Caper Acres has been temporarily closed due to flooding from Big Chico Creek, which caused damage. Check local news for reopening updates.
Yes, CARD offers free event scheduling for two picnic table spots. Visit the CARD website to reserve your spot in advance.
Absolutely! The park has a good mix of play structures, including easier options for toddlers, and a shaded area for babies.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Caper Acres features a variety of creative play structures, including a beloved cheese-shaped climber, a pirate ship, and numerous slides and climbing options for different ages.
The playground is gated with a single entry/exit point, which enhances safety. There are also distinct play zones for various age groups.
Restrooms are available, but they are described as older with limited stalls and sometimes out of order. There are no diaper changing stations.
Dogs are welcome in the surrounding park areas but are not permitted inside the main Caper Acres playground itself.
The sandpit is a popular feature and now includes a nearby water faucet for creative sandcastle building and rinsing off.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no on-site food vendors, Caper Acres has many picnic tables and seating areas, making it ideal for bringing your own food.
Yes, Caper Acres is a popular spot for birthday parties. You can reserve picnic areas for free through the CARD website.
It's recommended to bring your own snacks, drinks, and picnic meals to enjoy at the designated seating areas.
Yes, there are shaded areas within the park, which are perfect for resting and enjoying a meal, especially during warmer months.
A water faucet is available near the sandpit for rinsing hands and feet, but it's advisable to bring your own water bottles.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic cheese structure, the pirate ship, and the vibrant energy of children playing. The surrounding park offers natural backdrops too.
Yes, the colorful and whimsical nature of the playground makes it a fun and memorable location for family photos.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the City of Chico regarding regulations before flying a drone.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, while mornings provide softer light and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
The 'Crooked House' (though now gone) and the 'underground' tunnels were memorable. The current structures, like the pirate ship and cheese, offer plenty of unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring a towel for the sandpit's water faucet and be prepared for the park's older restroom facilities. The shaded areas are perfect for younger babies, making it a comfortable spot for the whole family to enjoy a day of play and imagination.
🐶 Dog Owners
🎉 Party Planners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Trip Down Memory Lane: Caper Acres' Evolution
Recent updates, including new signage designed by local high school students, highlight the community's ongoing investment in the park. This collaborative spirit adds another layer of charm to the playground. The park's ability to blend nostalgic elements with modern play features is a key part of its enduring appeal, making it a place where parents can relive their own childhood memories while their children forge new ones.
Despite its charm, it's worth noting that some facilities, like the restrooms, are older and may require some patience. However, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the park's cleanliness, safety, and the sheer joy it brings to children of all ages.
Playtime for All Ages: Caper Acres' Inclusivity
The park's design fosters a sense of community, with visitors often remarking on the beautiful mix of cultures and people enjoying the space together. It's a place where children can play side-by-side, learning to interact and share in a positive environment. The presence of shaded areas also makes it comfortable for parents with very young babies to relax while older siblings play.
Furthermore, the addition of features like the sandpit with a nearby water faucet adds an extra layer of sensory play and convenience. This attention to detail, from the gated entry for security to the diverse play options, makes Caper Acres a standout destination for family fun.
Navigating Caper Acres: Practicalities and Tips
While the park is dog-friendly in the surrounding areas, remember that pets are not allowed inside the main playground. This rule helps maintain a clean and safe play space for children. For those planning to spend a good amount of time, bringing your own water and snacks is advisable, as there are no on-site food vendors. The sandpit's water faucet is a great amenity, but don't forget a towel for drying off.
Be aware that the restrooms are older facilities with limited stalls and may occasionally be out of order. There are also no diaper-changing stations, so parents should come prepared with a blanket for changing needs. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that Caper Acres is a well-loved and highly recommended destination for family fun.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit