Chico’s Top Staycation Spots

Top Seven Spring Staycation Spots By: Emily Lee Hajec stay·ca·tion /ˌstāˈkāSHn/ noun: a vacation spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

Our quaint community of Chico is one of the most historic small towns in all of California. It is home to the iconic Bidwell Park and wellknown Chico State University. But this “City of Trees” is a true hidden gem. With a population of just under 90,000 people, Chico has a very unique and special ambiance about it—the Downtown vibe; the smalltown feel; the creative and small business community. There is so much to experience, especially for families looking for a fun, easy, and memorable staycation. Here are our Top Seven Spots for Spring Break…Chico style!

Chico Children’s Museum Opened in Spring 2019, the Chico Children’s Museum is all about learning and connecting through play! Imaginative exploration is at the core of the museum’s mission, and their educational stations and permanent exhibits are sure to delight little learners. Located in the heart of Downtown Chico, the museum features nearly 9,000 square feet of hands-on fun, including an indoor treehouse, air-propelled scarf wall, interactive career exhibits, and many more engaging sensory activities. When: Tuesday thru Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 12 PM – 5 PM; Monday closed Where: 325 Main Street, Chico, CA 95928 Cost: Daily admission is $9 per person for ages 2 and older; includes in/out privileges Contact: 530-809-1492; www.chicochildrensmuseum.org

Downtown Chico Downtown Chico is such a fun and unique experience—it is truly the perfect family outing! Plus, it always feels good to support our local, small business community. Spend the morning strolling down Main Street and Broadway while checking out the one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops. From the National Yo-Yo Museum at Bird and Hand to the old fashioned fun at Sweet Chico Confections to the handmade creativity at Made in Chico—there is something for everyone to enjoy! Afterward, grab a table at one of the dozens of delicious restaurants. Whether you love pizza, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, sushi, barbecue, or classic Mexican cuisine—Downtown Chico is THE place to go for the BEST restaurants in Northern California. Remember to stop into Schubert’s Ice Cream or Denine’s Cupcakes before the day is done for a yummy treat—their award-winning desserts are sure to delight! When: Business hours vary by store/restaurant. Where: Downtown Chico (From Salem Street to Wall Street, and 1st Street to 6th Street) Contact: www.DowntownChico.com

Terrain Park Climbing Center Whether a first-time climber or an experienced mountaineer, the Chico Terrain Park is pure indoor fun for kids of all ages! Their premier boulder gym is designed as an accessible intro for beginners, as well as a training ground for pros. Knowledgeable staff is always on-site to get you started, answer questions, and ensure safety. The center also has a challenging slackline, ping pong and foosball tables, and a Wi-Fi lounge with refreshments and snacks. When: Monday thru Sunday 9:00am-9:00 PM Where: 931 W. 5th St., Chico, CA Cost: Daily drop-in rates are $15 per adult and $12 per youth/student plus $2 shoe rentals; includes in/out privileges Contact: 530-809-0796; www.terrainparkclimbingcenter.com

Gateway Science Museum For the space enthusiast, Gateway Science Museum is the place to come in Spring 2020! One of the many gems located on the Chico State campus, Gateway, will unveil its newest exhibit Mission Aerospace: An Ah-Maze-Ing Adventure in just a few months. Join in on a learning adventure and explore the history of flight, navigation, and NASA’s vision for the future. This temporary exhibit will encourage visitors to experiment with thrust, lift, control surfaces, and gyroscopes. Be sure to call the Gateway Museum for more information about this Ah-Maze-Ing temporary exhibit, as well as details about their permanent exhibits as well. When: Regular hours are Wednesday thru Sunday 12:00–5:00 PM Where: 400 West 1st Street, Chico CA 95929 Cost: Children under 2 are free; children ages 2-17 or students $5; adults $7 Contact: 530-898-4121; www.csuchico.edu/gateway

Rare Air Trampoline Park One of California’s largest indoor trampoline parks is now in Chico! Entertainment for the entire family, Rare Air, features attractions that are fun for all ages: dodge ball arenas, a battle beam, an airbag pit, slam dunk court, and even a junior jump zone for the littlest of jumpers! There is also a large arcade area, as well as food and drinks. Park staff supervises the trampolines at all times to ensure jumpers are staying safe and following rules. Be sure to visit their website to save time and complete the safety waiver prior to your visit, and for more information regarding the facility and programs offered. When: Monday thru Friday 2 PM – 8 PM; Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM; Sunday 12 PM-8 PM Where: 1090 E. 20th Street, Chico CA 95928 Cost: For pricing visit RareAirParkChico.com Contact: 530-433-5557; www.rareairparkchico.com

Caper Acres Park At the heart of one of California’s largest municipal parks is an iconic playground: Caper Acres! Located in the One Mile Recreation Area and originally constructed in the 1950s, the popular play structures include a ground castle (perfect for hide-andseek!); connecting crooked houses (just built in Summer 2019!); a pirate ship (with climbing sea serpent to boot!); a two-story bridge and slide; and many more park features for good old-fashioned outdoor play! The best part? It’s free! Please note: Caper Acres is a gated park with specific operating days and hours; please be sure to call the City of Chico for park information and potential maintenance closures. When: Please contact 530-896-7800 Where: 500 South Park Drive, Chico, CA 95928 Cost: FREE Contact: 530-896-7800; www.chico.ca.us

FunLand Cal Skate Chico Putt. Skate. Bat. Whether you want to roller skate indoors, play a round of miniature golf, or just get outside and swing the bat--FunLand has something for kids of all ages! Voted Chico’s Best Place for Family Fun 2019, Cal Skate features a 15,000 square foot indoor roller rink! Need a rest from all that skating fun? Hangout at their large arcade and snack bar for a change of pace. Afterward, head outdoors to their on-site batting cage facility. Dubbed “The Dugout,” it features seven stations with three speeds of baseball and two speeds of softball, and equipment is provided (or you can bring your own bat!). Ready for even more fun? Play a round of miniature golf at FunLand’s 18-hole, beautifully landscaped course. A family favorite, FunLand, is one of Chico’s best places for all-day entertainment! When: Please contact 530-343-1601 for current hours of operation. Where: 2465 Carmichael Drive, Chico, CA 95928 Cost: Please visit FunLandChico.com for information regarding pricing and rentals Contact: 530-343-1601; www.FunLandChico.com