Stockton, California's Fairyland: Pixie Woods Children's Amusement Park

July 15, 2025

Bring that magical theme park experience to everyone in your family by visiting Stockton's legendary enchanted land.

A family trip to Great America is an hour and a half drive. Disneyland and Universal Studios are over 6 hours away. Those are long drives with your family when you want to plan a theme park adventure, especially if it's their first time. Before you make that big trek, why not take them to an amusement park right here in our backyard? We're not talking just any amusement park, either. We're talking about Stockton's legendary amusement park, Pixie Woods Children's Park.

Inspired by the Mouse

In 1955, as Walt Disney opened the doors to his magical kingdom in Anaheim, his epic idea inspired a few people here in Stockton. Fueled by the Mickey Mouse creator's coming attraction, they worked to bring that same magic to the Central Valley. After presenting their outline for a park here, the City Council tasked them with raising at least $3,500 to make the project a possibility. They did just that, leading to the City granting them 3.5 acres of land on Louis Park. Having won a contest placed in the newspaper by the committee in charge, Stocktonian Jonathan Bragdone was gifted a lifetime membership and the honor of naming Stockton's first theme park: Pixie Woods.

A Magical Land in the Central Valley

Taking some inspiration from Sacramento's Fairy Tale Town, Pixie Woods opened up with a massive outpouring of visitors. Over 16,000 guests walked the park in its first week, at a time when ticket prices were 15 cents for adults and 10 cents for children. Not only did residents come out to support the new attraction, but also some well-known celebrity names. Sonny and Cher held a 6th birthday party for their child. Margret Kerry, the model/actress that Disney based Tinkerbell on, enjoyed a private tour of Pixie Woods.

Pixie Woods is a magical haven for children and adults alike. For the kids, there are fantastic rides and attractions like a ride on the Pixie Express or a spin on the carousel. They can also enjoy a fun cruise down the Pirate Lagoon aboard the Pixie Queen. There is also the Dragon Water play area and many other play areas for them to run around in. Plus, they have their annual Christmas in July and Monster Mash Halloween Bash events for the whole family, as well as their annual wine tasting fundraiser for the grown-ups to enjoy.

Pixie Woods has become such a staple in the area that even American TV Personality Huell Howser brought his human interest series California Gold to the park to witness the beauty of it. Check out the segment below!

Whether it's your family's first theme park visit or looking to visit a local staple, Pixie Woods Children's Park is one you shouldn't pass up. Plan your visit there today and enjoy the magic that resides here in Stockton!

Make it a weekend visit for Pixie Woods and check in somewhere. Stockton is home to numerous fantastic hotels located in key parts of the city, making it easy to visit Pixie Woods, enjoy shopping sprees, and savor delicious cuisine. Discover the outstanding hotels in our city by clicking here!

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