What Is it?: El Dorado Park is a park with both trails and a nature center (there are actually several other activities to do there, as the park is huge, but I am focusing on this portion of the park and nature center in this article.) . There is a quarter mile trail, a one mile trail, and a 2 mile trail. All trails are stroller friendly (even double stroller) and easy enough terrain for the little ones to walk some of it too.
Fun Tips:
- – There is a scavenger hunt for kids on the trails (pictured). You can pick up your card at the nature center and if you bring it back completed at the end, you get a sticker or prize.
- – Dress the kids in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- – Bring some crayons and paper to do leaf rubbings
- – Bring a magnifying glass for an up-close look at leaves and bugs
- – Most of the trails are shaded but it never hurts to bring sunscreen
Cost: Free
Hours: Fall/Winter 7:00am-5:00pm Nov 1- Feb 28
Spring/Summer 7:00am-8:00pm Mar 1 – Oct 31
Closed Mondays
Stroller Friendly: Yes, it was easy to navigate with the stroller or wagon, even double stroller, and not too crowded to navigate with a stroller.
Inside/Outside: Outside
Alcohol: No
Parking: Yes. $5/car Mon-Thurs, $6/car Fri, $7/car Sat/Sun, $8/car on holidays.
You can also get an annual pass for $60/year for the general public or $35/year for seniors/disabled
*Bike, walk, or use public transportation to avoid Parking fee!*
Active family: YES!
Food: You are allowed outside food and drinks and there are picnic tables by the parking lot to eat at. They prefer you don’t eat on the trails.
Read More: There is a ton of wildlife in these trails. The lakes always have turtles in them and in the summer, the turtles are usually basking on logs. We have also seen lizards, Ospreys, hawks, ducks, egrets, and plenty of bugs.
There is a nature center at the beginning/end of the trails that has some live animals in terrariums as well. There are some sensory bins full of pinecones and antlers from various animals that you are able to touch (this was great for our toddler who loves touching!!)
This was a great place to spend a free afternoon. My kid loved that she could run around on the trails and burn some energy and then finish up the visit looking at animals and playing with nature things.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official El Dorado Park. The information I provided is based upon my own experience at El Dorado Park and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years. Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.