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

A family trip to Great America is an hour and a half drive. Disneyland are Universal Studios are over 6 hours. 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 own 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, a few people here in Stockton were inspired. Fueled by the Mickey Mouse creator's coming attraction, they worked to bring that same magic to the Central Valley. When they presented the idea to the City Council, they were tasked 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 local 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.

Since then...

Pixie Woods is a magical haven for children and adults alike. For the kids, there's 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. There's also an annual Monster Mash Halloween Bash for the whole family and annual wine tasting fundraiser for the grownups 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 definitely one you shouldn't pass up. Plan your visit there today and enjoy the magic that resides here in Stockton!

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