1) UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden (Davis)
Yes, it's technically a "walk" not a "hike," but this is where every Davis family starts — and honestly, it's still one of the best. The 3.5-mile paved loop follows Putah Creek through 100 acres of gardens, with themed sections featuring plants from Australia, the Mediterranean, and California's Central Valley. Ducks, turtles, and herons are regulars. Crossover bridges let you shorten the loop to whatever distance works for your crew.
Why kids love it: Ducks to chase, bridges to cross, a Redwood grove that feels like a fairy tale, and wide-open lawns for running. Bring bread crumbs (or better, frozen peas) for the ducks.
Good to know: Fully paved, wide paths — perfect for strollers, balance bikes, and scooters. Free and open 24/7. Parking is free on weekends; weekdays are $3/hour in campus lots. Restrooms at the Arboretum GATEway Garden.
Distance: 3.5-mile loop (or shorter with bridge crossings)
Difficulty: Easy — flat, paved, stroller-friendly
Best for: All ages (especially stroller age through 6)
Address: UC Davis campus along Putah Creek, Davis, CA 95616
2) Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail (North Davis)
Davis's greenbelt system is 60+ miles of interconnected paths — and the Covell Greenbelt loop in North Davis is the most family-friendly stretch. The 3.4-mile paved loop winds through mature trees, past ponds, playgrounds, and quiet residential areas. You'll pass through Northstar Park (with its pond and play structure), Covell Park (with the famous metal dog sculptures), and several pocket parks along the way.
Why kids love it: It's a "trail" with built-in playground stops. Kids can bike or scooter the whole thing, and the ponds have turtles, ducks, and (if you're lucky) river otters.
Good to know: Paved, 6 feet wide, completely flat — as stroller-friendly as it gets. Multiple entry points so you can start from whichever park is closest to you. Restrooms and water fountains at the larger parks.
Distance: 3.4-mile loop (adjustable with shortcuts)
Difficulty: Easy — flat, paved, stroller-friendly
Best for: All ages (great for toddlers on balance bikes)
Address: Start at Covell Park, 300 Del Oro Ave, Davis, CA 95616 (or any greenbelt access point)
3) Putah Creek Parkway (South Davis)
This is Davis's best kept secret for a real nature walk that's still close to town. The Putah Creek Parkway runs along the creek south of I-80, through riparian habitat with cottonwoods, valley oaks, and willows. The trail has both paved and dirt sections — the paved portion runs under the I-80 overpass and through the more developed areas, while the dirt levee path offers a more "real trail" feel.
Why kids love it: Creek access for rock throwing and water splashing (in shallow sections), bird watching (herons, hawks, woodpeckers), and the feeling of being "in nature" five minutes from home.
Good to know: The paved section is stroller-friendly; the dirt levee path is better for kids who can walk independently. No restrooms on the trail — use facilities before starting. Multiple access points from Pedrick Road, Hopkins Road, or Old Davis Road.
Distance: Up to 6.1 miles (easy to do shorter out-and-back sections)
Difficulty: Easy — mostly flat, mix of paved and dirt
Best for: Ages 2+ (paved sections) / Ages 4+ (dirt levee)
Address: Access from Hopkins Road at Putah Creek, Davis, CA 95616
4) Lake Solano County Park (Winters — 20 min drive)
Lake Solano is the first "real" hike on this list — you actually leave Davis and drive into the coastal foothills west of Winters. The park sits along Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa dam, and the short creekside trail is ideal for families ready to step up from paved paths. The water is calm and shallow enough for wading, and the surrounding oak woodland provides much-needed shade in summer.
Why kids love it: Creek wading, fishing (trout and bass), and wildlife spotting. The Nature Center has exhibits about local ecology. Paddle boats and canoe rentals make it easy to turn a hike into a full day out.
Good to know: Day-use fee is $6/car. Picnic areas, playgrounds, sand volleyball, and horseshoe pits on site. Restrooms available. The trail itself is dirt and uneven in spots — not stroller-friendly, but fine for sturdy toddler walkers.
Distance: 1.6-mile out-and-back along the creek
Difficulty: Easy — slight elevation (91 ft gain), dirt path
Best for: Ages 3+ (with carrier for younger ones)
Address: 8685 Pleasants Valley Rd, Winters, CA 95694
5) Cache Creek Nature Preserve (Woodland — 15 min drive)
Just north of Woodland, this 120-acre preserve is a hidden gem for families who want gentle trails through diverse habitats. The 4.5 miles of trails wind through riparian forest, grasslands, oak savanna, and wetlands — all connected by well-maintained paths and a boardwalk over the wetland area. It's flat, quiet, and feels surprisingly wild for being minutes from Highway 5.
Why kids love it: The wetlands boardwalk is a hit — kids can spot frogs, dragonflies, and birds from above the water. The grassland sections have ground squirrels everywhere. Great for budding naturalists.
Good to know: Free admission. No dogs allowed. The boardwalk section is stroller-accessible, but most trails are dirt/gravel. Bring binoculars for birdwatching — the preserve is popular with birders. No water or restrooms on-site, so come prepared.
Distance: 4.5 miles of trails total (pick your distance)
Difficulty: Easy — flat, dirt/gravel paths
Best for: Ages 3+ (boardwalk section fine for younger kids in carriers)
Address: 34199 County Road 20, Woodland, CA 95695
6) Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve — Creek Trail (Winters — 25 min drive)
This is where it gets real. Stebbins Cold Canyon is the closest thing to "mountain hiking" near Davis, and it's genuinely beautiful — a canyon with seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers in spring, and sweeping views of Lake Berryessa. The reserve has two main options: a shorter creek trail that stays in the canyon bottom, and the full Homestead-Blue Ridge loop that climbs to the ridgeline. For families, the creek trail (lower canyon) is the sweet spot.
Why kids love it: The creek has water in spring — perfect for splashing and rock hopping. Wildflowers cover the hillsides February through April. Lizards sunning on rocks. It feels like a real adventure, not a suburban path.
Good to know: Poison oak grows thickly along the trail — long pants and closed-toe shoes are a must. No water, no restrooms, no shade on the exposed sections. Bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Mountain lions are present — keep children close and in sight. The creek trail is rocky and uneven, not suitable for strollers.
Distance: ~2 miles out-and-back (creek trail only)
Difficulty: Moderate — rocky terrain, some scrambling, ~400 ft elevation gain
Best for: Ages 6+ (confident walkers who can handle uneven terrain)
Address: Highway 128, 5 miles west of Winters (look for the small parking lot on the left side)
7) Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park (Rumsey — 40 min drive)
Cache Creek Canyon is the best option for families who want a full day outdoors with real hiking. The 600-acre park sits along Highway 16 north of Rumsey, with oak woodlands, grassland meadows, and creek access. The Frog Pond Trail is the best choice for families — a gradual climb with a few steeper sections that rewards you with views of the canyon and creek below. Come in spring when the wildflowers are out and the creek is running.
Why kids love it: Creek access for wading and rock skipping. The Frog Pond at the top of the trail sometimes actually has frogs (and always has tadpoles in spring). Hawks and vultures circle the canyon — great for bird-spotting.
Good to know: No potable water and no cell service in the canyon — come fully prepared. Day-use fee applies. The drive itself is scenic (Highway 16 through Capay Valley is beautiful), making it part of the adventure. Combine with a stop at Cache Creek Nature Preserve on the way home.
Distance: 5-mile loop (Frog Pond Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate — gradual climb with steep sections, dirt trail
Best for: Ages 7+ (or younger kids in carriers for shorter sections)
Address: 17659 State Hwy 16, Rumsey, CA 95679
8) Blue Ridge–Homestead Loop at Stebbins Cold Canyon (Winters — 25 min drive)
The full loop at Stebbins Cold Canyon is the crown jewel of hiking near Davis — and it earns its reputation. The trail climbs from the canyon floor up to the Blue Ridge, where panoramic views of Lake Berryessa and the Vaca Mountains stretch in every direction. It then descends via the Homestead Trail through grasslands back to the parking area. This is a real workout and only appropriate for older, athletic kids — but for families who are ready for it, it's unforgettable.
Why kids love it: The summit views are genuinely dramatic — Lake Berryessa stretches below and you can see all the way to the Napa Valley. Wildflower season (February–April) makes the ridge feel like a painting. It's a real accomplishment to finish.
Good to know: This trail has steep drop-offs and cliffs — never let children run ahead. Full sun exposure for long stretches. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person. Allow 3-5 hours. Do NOT attempt in summer heat (temperatures regularly exceed 100°F). Best months: November through April.
Distance: 4.9 miles loop
Difficulty: Strenuous — 1,414 ft elevation gain, steep and rocky
Best for: Ages 10+ (athletic kids who hike regularly)
Address: Highway 128, 5 miles west of Winters (same trailhead as #6)