Shady paths, animals, art, and hands-on science—UC Davis makes an easy family day trip. Most highlights are free, parking is simple on weekends, and you can mix a nature walk with a museum stop and a snack downtown without moving the car.
Parking tip: Campus parking is free on weekends and holidays. On weekdays, use AggiePark (AMP Park) to buy an hourly or day permit.
UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden
A 100-acre ribbon of gardens and creekside paths with ducks, turtles, bridges, and kid-friendly signage. It's flat, open 24/7, and perfect for strollers and scooters. Start at Wyatt Deck for shade or wander the Redwood Grove when it's hot.
Parent tip: Bring water and snacks; there are plenty of benches for easy breaks.
Honey Bee Haven (Pollinator Garden)
A tiny, delightful teaching garden where kids spot bees, butterflies, and the plants they love—free, dawn to dusk. It's an easy add-on to any Arboretum stroll.
Parent tip: Remind little ones to move slowly around pollinators and re-latch the gate on your way out.
California Raptor Center
Meet resident hawks, owls, and eagles along an outdoor self-guided route; there's a small indoor exhibit, too. Admission and parking are free during public visiting hours, with occasional Open House days featuring keeper talks.
Parent tip: Check hours before you promise a raptor day; mornings offer cooler temps and more bird activity.
Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
Architecturally striking and refreshingly kid-friendly, this museum offers rotating, conversation-starting exhibits—free for all. Short attention spans? Do a 20-minute "treasure hunt," then snack outside under the sculptural canopy.
Parent tip: Open Thu–Mon most weeks; build in a quick Arboretum stroll before or after.
Bohart Museum of Entomology
One of North America's largest insect collections plus live "ambassador" bugs. It's a short, punchy STEM stop that turns "eww" into "wow."
Parent tip: Walk-in public hours are limited (often weekday afternoons); check the schedule before you go.
Botanical Conservatory (Greenhouses)
Compact greenhouses packed with carnivorous plants, orchids, and seasonal surprises (yes, including the famously funky corpse flower when it blooms).
Parent tip: Weekday daytime access is typical; call ahead if you're timing a quick pop-in between stops.
Egghead Sculpture Hunt
Seven whimsical Eggheads by Robert Arneson are tucked around campus—turn your walk into a free art scavenger hunt (Bookhead, Eye on Mrak, Stargazer…).
Parent tip: Print or save a simple map and let kids lead the route from sculpture to sculpture.
Parking & Campus Tips: Free on weekends and holidays; on weekdays you'll need to buy a permit through the AggiePark app. Most family attractions are within easy walking distance of visitor parking lots.
The UC Davis campus offers an incredible variety of free, family-friendly activities all within walking distance. Whether your kids are drawn to animals, art, or hands-on science, you can easily create a memorable day trip that educates and entertains.
Looking for more family activities around Davis and Yolo County? Check out our complete directory of family-friendly places or browse our current events calendar for what's happening this week in Davis and Yolo County.