Summer in Davis With Kids

A local parent’s playbook for the hot months — where to find water, shade, and a U-pick farm before it’s 104°F.

Davis summers run hot — long stretches in the 90s and regular triple-digit afternoons from June through August. The trick isn’t finding things to do, it’s timing them: mornings for parks and U-pick farms, the hottest hours for water or air conditioning, and evenings back outside once it cools. This page pulls together the spots Davis parents actually use, grouped the way you’d plan a day.

Start with the season guides below, then jump to the live list of places further down — every spot links to its own page with hours, address, and directions.

Summer Guides for Davis Families

Hot Day Activities

Beat the heat with these indoor & water activities

10 Best Playgrounds

Top-rated playgrounds in Davis for every age group

Fruit Picking Guide

Top u-pick farms for strawberries, berries & stone fruit

Davis Farmers Market Guide

Hours, what to buy, Picnic in the Park, parking, and nearby markets

UC Davis Campus

Free family-friendly spots to explore on campus

Water Play: Pools & Splash Pads

The default move on a Davis summer afternoon. Below are the pools, splash pads, and water-play spots in and around town — the in-city options are the easy weekday call.

Arroyo Pool

Public outdoor pools in Davis offering swim lessons, water slides, and shallow play areas for young kids during summer

Golfland Sunsplash

A combo waterpark and arcade with water slides, mini golf, laser tag, and family-friendly rides.

Manor Pool

Public outdoor pools in Davis offering swim lessons, water slides, and shallow play areas for young kids during summer.

Shady Parks & Destination Playgrounds

Davis is flat and bike-friendly with several destination play structures. We’ve kept the focus on parks with real shade — a sun-baked playground is a 20-minute visit, not an afternoon.

Arroyo Park

West Davis neighborhood park with modernized climbing structure and adjacent greenbelt paths. Great for mixed ages and bikes with shaded hangout spots.

Cache Creek Regional Park

Regional recreational area along Cache Creek with picnic zones, fishing, hiking trails and small boat launch—great for family outdoor recreation.

Castle Rock State Park

Redwood‑covered park in the Santa Cruz Mountains with rocky overlooks, scenic trails and woodland exploration—great for nature hikes and picnics.

Central Park Playground

Downtown playground with splash pad "Natalie's Corner" honoring Officer Natalie Corona. Features flat spray features for little ones and gentle dumpers for bigger kids.

Community Park

Sports fields, playgrounds, and recreational facilities.

Davis Central Park

Large park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and outdoor movie nights.

Delta Meadows River Park

Untouched delta wetlands along Sacramento‑San Joaquin River offers walking, fishing and wildlife viewing in a quiet, undeveloped landscape.

Hendy Woods State Park

Old‑growth redwood groves in Anderson Valley, shaded hiking paths, creek‑side picnic sites and camping—peaceful immersion in ancient forest trees.

Rainbow City at Community Park

Beloved community-built wooden playground with turrets, bridges, sand areas, and imaginative play structures. Features castles, pirate ship, ice cream stand, and working intercom system.

Redwood National and State Parks

Home to the world’s tallest trees—ancient redwood forest hiking, visitor centers, scenic drives and wildlife viewing—younger kids love towering giants.

Sandy Motley Park

Clean, spacious Wildhorse community park with two playground areas including a dedicated tot zone. Features shade sails and excellent visibility for caregivers.

Slide Hill Park

Home to Davis' iconic cement slide and refreshed playground. Features big open fields perfect for scooters and ball play. Manor Pool is adjacent (fee-based).

South Yuba River State Park

Scenic river canyon with swimming holes, historic covered bridge, easy hikes and nature education—great for family day trips.

Yosemite National Park

Iconic national park with towering waterfalls, granite domes, meadows and easy-to-moderate family hikes—majestic outdoor learning and scenery.

U-Pick Farms & Berry Picking

Early summer is peak U-pick season around Davis — cherries and berries first, stone fruit through July. Go early; it gets hot fast in the open fields.

All About a Farm

Mobile petting farm offering friendly chickens, ducks, rabbits and dwarf goats — educational and hands‑on fun for young children and families.

Impossible Acres Farm

Local u‑pick fruit farm with an animal barn where kids can pet goats, pigs, rabbits — seasonal fruit picking and educational visits.

Davis Farmers Market

Weekly market with entertainment, food, and family activities.

Knott‘s Berry Farm

Historic Southern California theme park featuring over 40 rides, live shows, themed Ghost Town and the Beagle Express train ride — perfect for families and teens.

Lake Berryessa

Swimming, boating, and water activities.

Lakes & River Spots for a Day Trip

When you want water without a pool deck, these lakes and river parks are within day-trip range of Davis. Check current conditions and bring more shade than you think you need.