Cosumnes River Preserve
51000-acre nature preserve south of Sacramento for bird-watching, paddling, guided walks and wetlands education—excellent for wildlife learning.
Visiting Cosumnes River Preserve With Kids
Cosumnes River Preserve is a wetland nature preserve south of Davis with a boardwalk and trails, best known for seasonal bird watching. It’s free, and the boardwalk makes it accessible for families — a calm, real-nature outing rather than a playground, strongest in the cooler bird-migration months.
What parents say: Experienced visitors consistently give the same advice: stop at the Visitor Center first to find out which birds are being seen where and to grab a trail map. It’s a quiet, observation-paced trip — set that expectation with kids.
Tips From Local Families
- •Go to the Visitor Center first (weekends 9am–5pm, weekday hours vary) for current bird sightings and a map.
- •Gate hours: boardwalk/lower lot ~9am–5pm. It’s free.
- •Best in cooler migration months; bring binoculars and patience — it rewards quiet observation, not running around.
- •The boardwalk is the most kid-manageable route.
Quick Facts for Parents
- Location
- 13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632
Pair It With Other Davis Spots
Making a day of it? Families often combine Cosumnes River Preserve with these nearby picks:
Information
Address
13501 Franklin Blvd, Galt, CA 95632
Website
Visit Official Website →Community Reviews
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