Explore Freedom Park in North Highlands
Freedom Park in North Highlands has one of the coolest and most impressive playgrounds in the Sacramento area. Kids who love space-themed things will especially appreciate the towering three-story rocketship-themed playground.
Spectacular playground aside, Freedom Park also has a seasonal splash pad. If that’s not enough fun for one day, it’s directly next door to the Aerospace Museum of California.
Check out what to expect at Freedom Park in my Instagram Reel!
Where is Freedom Park?
This park is in North Highlands next to the Aerospace Museum of California. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Sacramento.
Freedom Park Playground
Kids who like to climb will love the Freedom Park playground as they can test their limits by climbing up a ladder to a third story. There are two towering tube slides for kids to rocket through. The playground has various space-themed details, from a launch pad to a shuttle entrance. The large playground structure is in the shape of a rocketship.
Smaller Playground Structure
Younger kids might find the large spaceship-themed playground too intimidating. It’s also a pretty steep playground that’s not ideal for children who could be prone to falling. There is a smaller playground at Freedom Park, as well. This playground is designed for younger children and maintains the space theme. That said, it is a pretty basic playground that doesn’t have many unique features. Bucket swings are also available at the park.
Freedom Park Splash Pad
In addition to a jaw-dropping playground that’s out of this world, Freedom Park has a seasonal splash pad in the summertime. The splash pad has small plane water sprayers and various water fountains for kids to splash in. The splash pad has a fence around it, but it’s not fully enclosed as there are a few openings within the fence.
Apart from the plane water sprayers, which could use new paint jobs as they seem pretty old, it’s a relatively unassuming splash pad. However, it’s fantastic that this splash pad is accessible to kids in North Highlands at a fun park. The splash pad is right in front of the playground, so kids can bounce back and forth between both without needing to go far.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes if you plan to visit the Aerospace Museum of California while in North Highlands.
Splash Pad Details
The Freedom Park splash pad is open seasonally on Saturday and Sunday in May and daily from June through September. The operating hours are 12pm to 7pm. One time, my son hit the activation button at 10am on a Saturday in June, and to our surprise, the water turned on and was flowing. So, if you are in the park early, try to test the waters!
Pavilion rentals are very popular in Freedom Park. However, the splash pad is not available for rentals and is always open to the public.
Other Park Amenities
There are picnic tables and pavilions all around the park, but they will likely be reserved, especially on weekends. Picnic tables are typically roped off for parties that reserve the pavilions. The park is extremely popular for parties and events.
Restrooms are at the park, and there is an awesome space mural painted on them.
Freedom Park is in full sun. There is little to no shade in the park apart from the picnic tables under the pavilions (which will most likely be reserved). Various benches line the park.
Parking Options
Freedom Park has a free parking lot. This parking lot is separate from the Aerospace Museum of California parking lot. You are not allowed to park in the museum parking lot if you don’t plan on visiting the museum that day.
Aerospace Museum of California
One of the most interesting features of Freedom Park is that it’s directly next to the Aerospace Museum of California. It’s easy to combine the playground and the museum in one visit, and even the splash pad in the summertime.
If your kids love airplanes or space things, then they’ll appreciate the Aerospace Museum as there are many aircraft to explore. While the museum does have interactive exhibits and building block stations, it’s best for older kids who will appreciate air and space history. My toddler has visited a few times, but there isn’t a whole lot at the museum to keep his attention.
One of the best ways to visit the museum is during the SMUD Summer STEM Fest, as museum admission is free for all during the day (and you get free food, too!). Speaking of events, another reason to visit the museum is for the many seasonal events for kids they host throughout the year.
For an ideal summer day, begin at the Freedom Park playground before it gets too hot. Then, visit the Aerospace Museum of California when it first opens so you can explore the outdoor aircraft before the hottest part of the day. After a museum visit, when the temperatures have risen, cool down at the splash pad before heading home.
Freedom Park Location: 5931 Recreation Way, McClellan Park, CA 95652
