The best parks in Chico, CA, start with Bidwell Park, a 3,670-acre park that is one of the largest city-run parks in the country, with swimming holes, trails and paved paths. Chico also has neighborhood parks with playgrounds, including DeGarmo Park, Hooker Oak Park, Oak Way Park, Wildwood Park and Chapman Park, plus City Plaza downtown and a skate park on Humboldt Avenue.
Bidwell Park
Bidwell Park is 3,670 acres and runs about 11 miles from downtown Chico into the foothills along Big Chico Creek. It has Lower, Middle and Upper sections, natural swimming holes, paved paths, mountain bike trails and disc golf. Read the full Bidwell Park guide.
Neighborhood parks and playgrounds
- DeGarmo Park, 3428 Esplanade, northwest Chico. About 36 acres, with play structures, swings and restrooms.
- Hooker Oak Park, 1928 Manzanita Avenue, at the southeast corner of Upper Bidwell Park. About 35 acres, with two playgrounds and picnic tables.
- Chapman Park, 775 E 16th Street, next to the Dorothy F. Johnson Center. A playground, splash pad and covered picnic areas that opened in December 2023.
- Oak Way Park, 1510 W 8th Avenue. A shaded park with a main playground and a separate fenced toddler playground.
- Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Avenue. A large xylophone, a pump track and play structures.
- Community Park. About 40 acres.
- Veterans Memorial Park and Sycamore Field (open field and softball).
Downtown
- City Plaza. A downtown gathering place since 1872, reservable through the City of Chico.
- Humboldt Avenue Skate Park, 371 Humboldt Avenue. A concrete skate bowl.
More ways to use Chico's parks
- Swimming: Sycamore Pool, Five Mile and the Upper Park swimming holes. Check current advisories first.
- Disc golf: Sherwood Forest in Middle Park and Peregrine Point near Upper Park.
- Golf: Bidwell Park Golf Course at the base of Upper Park.
- Dogs: Bidwell Park has off-leash hours and areas. See the dog rules.
How do parks help you choose a Chico neighborhood?
Distance to a park changes your daily routine. Homes near Downtown Chico and The Avenues sit close to Lower Bidwell Park. Other areas have a neighborhood park within a short drive. Walk the park near a home before you make an offer, ideally at the time of day you'd use it. Browse all Chico communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest park in Chico?
Bidwell Park, at 3,670 acres according to the City of Chico. It runs about 11 miles from downtown into the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Does Chico have a splash pad?
Yes. Chapman Park at 775 E 16th Street has a splash pad, playground and covered picnic areas, which opened in December 2023.
Where is the skate park in Chico?
The Humboldt Avenue Skate Park is at 371 Humboldt Avenue and has a concrete skate bowl.
Which Chico parks have playgrounds?
DeGarmo Park, Hooker Oak Park, Chapman Park, Oak Way Park and Wildwood Park all have play structures.
Hours, advisories and amenities change, so check the City of Chico or Chico Area Recreation and Park District before you go. Want a neighborhood near your favorite park? Call or text me at 707-672-6549. Happy to help.
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