Woodward Regional Park offers a nature escape amid the hustle and bustle of Fresno. A dog park, authentic Japanese garden, children's playgrounds, a lake, ponds, several picnic areas, equestrian trails and hiking trails can all be found amid the 300 acres of this picturesque park and bird sanctuary, offering an ideal setting for every member of the family.
Parking and public transportation at Woodward Regional Park
There is no public transportation available directly to Woodward Regional Park but plenty of parking is offered on site. Driving there makes it easier to bring the family dog along for the trip too, and Woodward Regional Park is extremely pet friendly. Aside from having its own dog park, there are also miles of trails to walk Fido.
Best and worst time to go to Woodward Regional Park
Nothing beats a sunny day at the park but be warned that some visitors find the dry heat in Fresno tough to handle between late May and early August. The best time of year to be outside and active is between October and January. Weekends can be very busy too, with Woodward hosting numerous sporting events and community gatherings. Plan a weekday trip to best enjoy the natural peacefulness of the region.
Admission to Woodward Regional Park
If walking or biking to the park, admission is absolutely free. Vehicles are charged a $5 daily park entry fee (with discounts offered for seniors and disabled) which is used to maintain the park grounds. The parking lot is paved, very clean and has clearly marked parking spaces.
Must see/do at Woodward Regional Park
Don't miss the gorgeous Shizen Japanese Garden in Woodward Regional Park. The unique bridge, water features, Japanese maples and landscaping are accentuated by the plumage of several beautiful peacocks that freely roam the grounds. This traditional Japanese friendship garden is also home to several annual events like the Spring Blossom Festival, the Floating Lantern Ceremony and the Shizen Cultural Faire.
Other places to visit near Woodward Regional Park
While in Fresno, check out the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This unique 20 acre zoo offers visitors interactive experiences daily, including opportunities to hand feed giraffes and pet stingrays. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including Ice Cream Zoofari, Zoo Lights and Zoo Boo. It's definitely worth the detour.
Insider tip for visitors to Woodward Regional Park
Woodward Regional Park is extremely family friendly. Three playgrounds and numerous picnic areas make it a fun spot for family gatherings and children love the huge population of ducks and geese. Watch your step though: A large population of birds means a lot of bird droppings, especially near the lake and ponds where the waterfowl like to gather.
Author's bio: Ann Milligan is a wife, mom, author, artist and California native. She can often be found photographing golden poppies, dancing with her kids, watching internet cat videos and nom-nom-noming.
