Why Kids Will Love Heron Landing Park in Rancho Cordova 

Heron Landing Community Park in Rancho Cordova is a fantastic park for kids that flies under the radar. The play structures are full of interesting features that younger kids will especially appreciate. The seasonal splash pad at Heron Landing Park might be one of the best splash pads near Sacramento. 

Check out what you can expect at Heron Landing Community Park in my Instagram Reel, and keep reading below on what makes this park a worthy destination for kids. This park is a hidden gem that may quickly become one of your favorite parks in the area. 

Where is Heron Landing Park? 

Heron Landing Park is in the Anatolia neighborhood of Rancho Cordova. It’s also relatively close to Elk Grove. It’s easy to pair with other kid-friendly attractions in Rancho Cordova, such as the Sacramento Children’s Museum or Sac Town Family Fun, one of the few indoor mini golf courses in the Sacramento area. 

An Ideal Park for Younger Kids 

Toddler playgrounds tend to be small structures that are mini versions of larger playgrounds. Sometimes, you luck out with some more intriguing ones, but kids typically tire of those smaller structures pretty quickly. Heron Landing Community Park stands out for the variety of play equipment for younger children. 

While there is a smaller play structure for toddlers, it includes unique features, making it different than most. Explore the many interactive nooks and crannies (and secret swing) underneath the toddler play structure. There is also a small climbing structure and a mini version of a spinning web climber. Bucket swings are at the park, too. 

One of my son’s favorite features of this park is the built-in trampoline. I wish more playgrounds had this! It’s a very entertaining element that helps kids release all that energy.

Another fun feature for younger kids is an area in the middle of the park with turtle and frog animal statues, as well as a toadstool picnic table. The picnic table is adorable and makes a great spot for toddlers to take a rest and enjoy a snack on a whimsical seat. 

What’s at the park for older children? 

Heron Landing Community Park does not have a traditional large playground for older children. 

For older kids, the playground is a little lacking, but if they enjoy climbing, there are some very cool climbing structures. They are large and unique climbing structures that will challenge older children. There are several swings and a web swing.

Sand Play

Heron Landing Community Park has a massive sand play area. It might be one of the largest sand play areas I’ve ever seen at a park.  

Heron Landing Community Park Splash Pad 

One of the best things about Heron Landing is the spacious and vibrant splash pad. This has become one of our family’s favorite splash pads in the Sacramento area. It’s massive! The interactive water features will keep kids entertained as they change while running through and engaging with them. There’s also a fun frog mister. 

The splash pad flooring is very colorful, and towering flowers sprout above it, providing a little shade coverage. This splash pad should be on your Sacramento summer bucket list, and the splash pad alone is worth the outing.

Splash Pad Details

The splash pad is open seasonally from Friday to Sunday in May and September, and weekly from June through August. The operating hours are 10am to 7pm.  

Other Park Amenities

Restrooms are directly next to the splash pad and playgrounds. There are several picnic tables next to the splash pad, but they are all in full sun. 

While this is a spacious park with tons to do for kids, all the amenities are in close proximity.

Things to Know

When planning an outing to Heron Landing Community Park, it’s best to know that it’s in full sun and there is little to no shade. I recommend doing the splash pad first and then taking time to dry off by playing on the park structures in the sun. 

Location: 11750 Justinian Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 9574